Blackwave mixes the aesthetics and sound of Black Metal with other musical genres, mainly Post-Punk, Shoegaze and Post-Rock. Vocals styles range from the shrieked vocals of Black Metal to clean female and male vocals similar to Shoegaze and Post-Punk.

Even though there are bands that released EPs and albums that can be considered Blackwave for most of the 00s decade (especially the second half), it was only in 2009 that the style rose to popularity when French band Amesoeurs released their self-titled debut album.

Popular Blackwave artists include: Amesoeurs, Les Discrets, Alcest, Lifelover and Aves.