What is TRVE KVLT?

TRVE KVLT is a term often used in the context of the black metal music scene. It’s a stylized spelling of “true cult” and is typically used to describe bands or fans that adhere strictly to the traditional or ‘pure’ aspects of black metal, both in sound and ideology.

Black metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in the 1980s and gained notoriety in the 1990s, particularly with the Norwegian black metal scene. It’s known for its fast tempos, shrieking vocals, heavily distorted guitars, and atmospheric elements, often conveying themes of paganism, nature, mythology, and opposition to organized religion, particularly Christianity.

The term “TRVE KVLT” can be used somewhat ironically or humorously within the metal community, as it sometimes denotes an overly elitist or purist attitude, where fans or musicians claim that only certain bands or styles are the ‘true’ form of black metal. The spelling with “V” instead of “U” is a nod to the use of archaic or non-standard English that is common in band names, album titles, and song lyrics within the genre.