The Oaken Throne is an odd-sized zine dedicated to Black Metal. First and foremost, the Throne is a print publication, not a webzine. This site is meant to supplement the print version of the Oaken Throne. Use this webpage to get to know us, then order the Oaken Throne from one of our distributors.

The Oaken Throne is staffed by editor John Mincemoyer and designer/art director Ben West. We are also fortunate to have contributors who are loyal fans and talented musicians.

Together, we hope to offer something of quality to the Black Metal genre. It is our desire to write intelligently about a much-maligned and misunderstood form of music, and to combine a love of graphic arts with a love of BLACK METAL.

We wish to steer clear of trends, futile discussions of what is "elite," and shock-value political posturing. To that end, we are not interested in reviewing releases of or profiling bands that promote White Power/National Socialist agendas.

Our 5th issue is now available. This is our first issue to be accompanied by a compilation cd. Those interested in advertising in issue 6, direct your attention to our Advertising section. Those interested in submitting material for review, see our Contact section. Our 1st & 2nd Issues are sold out entirely, our 3rd and 4th Issues are still available through select distros. Issue 4 and 5 are available for distro orders.

Here are kind words from a few of our supporters:

Well written, and nicely laid out. With some serious financial backing these guys could easily topple the Terrorizer / Metal Maniacs / SOD / PIT / BWBK metal mag monopoly in one fell swoop.
--Aquarius Records

[Editor John Mincemoyer's] criticism is consistently thoughtful... and his interview approach elicits interesting answers.
--Clamor Magazine

This is the best designed zine I maybe have ever seen.... Trust me, you don't need to know shit about this genre to love Oaken Throne. It breaks things down in the most general way, and then descends into inner-scene particulars.
--Vice Magazine

...a 'zine that shines not just a new light, but a glaring 10,000-watt halogen bulb on what the underground publishing scene is capable of....
--Metal Maniacs

Thank You. We welcome your feedback, submissions, demos, criticisms, and hatred.
All Hail Black Metal.