Formed in Chicago in '00, Nachtmystium began as a black metal band heavily influenced by second-wave Norwegian acts Darkthrone and Burzum. Beginning with their third LP, '06's Instinct: Decay, Nachtmystium consistently broadened their stylistic approach, lacing in elements of psychedelic, traditional riff-based metal and occasional surprise bursts of melody. The band's sonic ambitions helped earn the U.S. black metal scene some international cred, but they disbanded in '13 when frontman Blake Judd was imprisoned on theft charges.