Xasthur is an American black metal project led by San Francisco-based musician Scott Conner, known for pioneering the depressive suicidal black metal (DSBM) subgenre since the late 1990s. His atmospheric and introspective approach to extreme metal has earned him a devoted following, with albums like "Subliminal Genocide" and "Defective Pathology" showcasing haunting melodies layered over raw, distorted instrumentation. Despite periods of inactivity, Xasthur remains an influential figure in underground metal for his unique blend of nihilistic themes and experimental soundscapes.