French black metal is a subgenre of black metal that originated in France in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its aggressive, raw sound, featuring fast, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beats, and harsh vocals. French black metal often incorporates elements of folk and medieval music, and its lyrics often explore themes of paganism, nature, and anti-Christianity. It is known for its dark, atmospheric soundscapes and its use of non-traditional instruments such as flutes and bagpipes.