VOLUPTAS are among the most distinctive representatives of the Czech avant-garde black metal scene. Formed in Prague in 2006, the band has developed a unique musical identity rooted in the Norwegian experimental black metal tradition of the 1990s (Ved Buens Ende, Dødheimsgard, old Ulver, Enslaved) while continuously expanding its boundaries through elements of psychedelia, free jazz, noise and unconventional songwriting.
A defining feature of VOLUPTAS is the prominent use of saxophone, which has become an integral part of both their studio recordings and live performances. Their more recent work also incorporates string arrangements, including cello, adding further depth and cinematic atmosphere to their already adventurous sound. The result is a striking blend of ferocious black metal, psychedelic textures, dissonant experimentation and unexpected melodic turns.
Their latest album, Where Celestial Bodies Guide Not (2025), showcases the band at its most mature and ambitious. Balancing aggression with experimentation, VOLUPTAS create immersive compositions where avant-garde black metal intertwines with jazz-inspired passages, haunting atmospheres and visionary arrangements, offering a challenging yet deeply rewarding listening experience.