Dark
Ominous, heavy progressions that evoke evil, danger, and the sinister. The harmonic foundation of horror, black metal, and villain themes.
Musical Characteristics
Progression: Descending
Scale — E
The Why
The Phrygian mode (flat 2nd: F natural in E) is inherently dark — the half-step between root and flat 2nd creates a "falling" sensation. The stepwise descending bass (E→D→C→B→A→G→F→E) reinforces the feeling of inescapable descent. No major chords until the very end means no "hope" enters the harmony. This is the foundation of black metal and dark cinematic scoring.
Theory of Dark Music
Darkness comes from the Phrygian mode's flat 2nd (the half step between root and b2). This interval is inherently "falling" and creates a sense of dread. Avoiding major chords entirely means no "light" enters the harmony. Stepwise descending bass (E→D→C→B...) creates an inescapable downward pull — like being dragged into the abyss.