Botanist

Botanist is the primary creative vehicle for the San Francisco-based musician Otrebor, who launched the project in 2009. The project is defined by its radical departure from black metal orthodoxy: it completely eschews guitars in favor of the hammered dulcimer.

This choice creates a 'shimmering' sonic identity where the percussive strike of mallets on metal strings provides both the melodic lead and the rhythmic texture. Conceptually, the music is tied to 'The Botanist,' a fictional misanthrope who views humanity as a parasite and awaits a world where plants reclaim the planet. This 'Green Metal' aesthetic extends to every facet of the work, from the botanical nomenclature of the albums to the eco-centric lyrics. Over time, the project evolved from a solitary studio endeavor into a 'Collective' capable of live performance, incorporating bass and additional dulcimers. Critically, Botanist is hailed for expanding the boundaries of avant-garde metal, proving that the 'spirit' of black metal - its coldness, intensity, and outsider perspective - can be achieved through entirely non-traditional instrumentation. It sits in a lineage of experimental acts like Oranssi Pazuzu and Jute Gyte that prioritize textural innovation over genre tropes.