Aura Noir is a Norwegian thrash metal band that has been active since 1993. The spelling of the band's name can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as [ˈɔːrə nwaːr], where the first syllable "aura" is pronounced with an open o sound as in "saw", and the second word "noir" is pronounced with a nasalized "wa" sound followed by "r". The combination of the French word "noir" meaning "black" and the English word "aura" creates a unique and intriguing band name.
Aura Noir is a term that refers to a specific type of Icelandic black metal band. It is also the name of a prominent Norwegian black/thrash metal band formed in 1993. Known for its aggressive and raw musical style, Aura Noir incorporates elements of both black metal and thrash metal genres to create a distinctive sound.
In terms of the Icelandic black metal band, Aura Noir embodies the intense and atmospheric qualities typically associated with black metal. Their music often features fast-paced, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast-beat drumming, and harsh, raspy vocals that resonate with darkness and aggression. The lyrics frequently delve into themes revolving around occultism, misanthropy, and anti-religious sentiment, further enhancing the band's ominous aura.
As for the Norwegian black/thrash metal band, Aura Noir showcases a more ferocious and uncompromising approach. They blend the aggressive, rapid-fire guitar riffs and pummeling drum beats of thrash metal with the sinister atmosphere and harsh vocals of black metal. The result is a relentless sonic assault that displays a distinctive blend of fury and darkness.
Both iterations of Aura Noir are widely regarded as influential within the black metal scene, having contributed to the evolution and development of the genre. The term "Aura Noir" has become synonymous with a certain level of intensity, rawness, and sonic darkness in both Icelandic and Norwegian black metal circles.
The word "Aura Noir" is a combination of two different words with distinct origins.
1. "Aura" is derived from Latin and has its roots in ancient Greek. In Greek mythology, an aura referred to the gentle breeze that surrounded gods and goddesses, and it was often associated with divine radiance or a heavenly glow. The Latin word "aura" also had a similar meaning, referring to a glow or light surrounding a person or object. Over time, "aura" came to be associated with a distinctive atmosphere or quality that surrounded someone or something.
2. "Noir" comes from the French language and translates to "black" in English. It originated from the Latin word "niger", sharing its meaning of blackness. In the literary and film genres, "noir" has often been associated with dark, mysterious, and often pessimistic themes, especially in crime fiction and film noir.