Same here. There is someting with the almost complete saturation of the mid- and upper frequencies of BM that focuses me like nothing else.

Can definitely confirm that. It's one of the few genres (with general Metal, some Crust/Sludge/Old-school Rock being among the main alternatives) that's able to touch me on an emotional level while managing to keep my attention without me zoning out.

If anyone has a good starting point for a BM newbie (preferably a playlist or album), please suggest.

Lots of different styles that can fall under BM but here is some:

https://open.spotify.com/album/3LHSxySCaooKrQxuLtuYSV?si=OVS...

Wolves in the Throneroom, kind of dreamy artsy style. I'd like to think of these guys as the Pink Floyd of BM.

https://open.spotify.com/album/5t5tP8dVwdyI8yTShWcIzX?si=zzL...

Satyricon, started out oldschool and raw, evolved to a more polished more produced (clean vocals even!). This album is right at the start of the more polished style but still quite a lot of energy.

https://open.spotify.com/album/4a4g7PAi7KRsCQykBFqE5E?si=4LG...

Darkthrone, about as raw as it gets while still good. 2 guys and a porta studio, never played live.

https://open.spotify.com/album/63NhXXsb7BNEtLCTnYzub2?si=8qL...

Feminazgul, deep in the nerdery now. Queer themed with Tolkien inspired/ripped lyrics.