I love both genres,honestly,and think it's wonderful when you get bands that combine both;God Dethroned,Stillborn,Necrophobic..etc.. just to name a few. If I had to select either Black Metal or Death Metal,I think I would choose Black,because of the wide variety the genre has. I am heavily into Black/Viking/Folk bands. Both are solid genres with a vast,wide variety,so one can not go wrong with either. As far as technical abilities go for each genre,I'd say it's about equal in terms of musicianship. With lyrical themes,I think Black Metal has the edge. There are just way too many awesome,well written songs for Death Metal to compete. Now,If I want to go to a show and get crazy in the pit,I'm sure taking Death Metal. Black Metal shows are hit or miss,depending on the bands and lineup. I usually go to a majority of Black Metal shows and watch,Death Metal shows,I'm going in the pit 90%of the time. I think it also has to do with the overall show aesthetic,too. You have a ton of Black Metal bands that add different elements to the live show,and it's amazing to watch. With Death Metal,you are getting the same thing 90% of the time. This isn't a knock against Death Metal(I have a Death sleeve on my right arm,favorite band),it's just that most of Death Metal bands are predictable,as where Black Metal,a solid portion,is unpredictable,and I think that unpredictability draws me in,at times. I've been going to shows for over 25 years,and it seems that my biggest 'wow' factor shows have been Black Metal(Nifelheim,Destroyer 666,Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult,Dragged Into Sunlight,Aura Noir,Inquisition,Satyricon,) just to name a few.