What is Doom metal music? Slow, Heavy, and Emotive 2023

Imagine a sonic journey through the depths of darkness, where slow, heavy riffs evoke a sense of impending doom. It’s a genre that thrives on raw emotional intensity and a unique blend of melancholy. What is Doom metal music? Prepare to be enveloped in a sonic landscape that captures the essence of despair and catharsis, where every note resonates with a haunting beauty.

Doom metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that is characterized by its slow, downtempo, and often sludgy or melancholic sound. Emerging in the late 1970s and reaching its peak popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, doom metal is known for its heavy emphasis on creating a dark and atmospheric mood.

The genre draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including traditional heavy metal, blues, and even elements of classical music. One of the defining features of doom metal is its use of slow, crushing riffs and a deliberate pacing that creates a sense of impending doom or desolation. Vocals in doom metal can range from mournful and melodic singing to guttural growls.

Doom metal has evolved over the years, giving rise to various substyles such as traditional doom, funeral doom, stoner doom, and more experimental forms. Bands like Black Sabbath, Candlemass, and Saint Vitus played crucial roles in shaping the early sound of doom metal, while contemporary acts such as Electric Wizard, Pallbearer, and Yob continue to push the boundaries of the genre.

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Best doom metal albums

Here are some highly regarded and influential doom metal albums spanning various subgenres and eras:

Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath” (1970) Often considered the birth of doom metal, this album by Black Sabbath laid the foundation for the genre with its dark and heavy sound.
Candlemass – “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” (1986) A landmark album in epic doom metal, featuring powerful vocals and slow, crushing riffs.
My Dying Bride – “Turn Loose the Swans” (1993) This album is known for its blend of death-doom and gothic elements, creating a melancholic and atmospheric experience.
Electric Wizard – “Dopethrone” (2000) A defining release in stoner doom, characterized by its distorted and hypnotic sound.
Pallbearer – “Sorrow and Extinction” (2012) Combining elements of traditional doom with a modern approach, this album garnered attention for its emotional depth.
Sleep – “Dopesmoker” (2003) A single-track album with an hour-long opus, it’s often regarded as a masterpiece in stoner and psychedelic doom.
Paradise Lost – “Gothic” (1991) This album, while having elements of death-doom, contributed significantly to shaping the gothic and atmospheric side of doom metal.
Yob – “Clearing the Path to Ascend” (2014) Known for its progressive and introspective approach to doom metal, this album is highly regarded for its spiritual themes.
Warning – “Watching from a Distance” (2006) A poignant and emotionally charged album that captures the essence of traditional and funeral doom.
Solitude Aeturnus – “Into the Depths of Sorrow” (1991) A classic example of epic doom metal, characterized by soaring vocals and dramatic compositions.

Remember, the doom metal genre has evolved over the years and encompasses various styles and subgenres, from traditional and epic doom to funeral and drone doom, as well as combinations with other genres like sludge and post-metal.

Funeral doom bands

Funeral doom is a subgenre of doom metal known for its incredibly slow tempos, crushing heaviness, and a focus on creating a dark, mournful atmosphere. Here are some notable funeral doom bands that have made significant contributions to the genre:

Esoteric: Known for their extreme and experimental approach to funeral doom, Esoteric’s music is often characterized by lengthy compositions and a sense of despair.
Evoken: Renowned for their funeral doom sound, Evoken crafts music that’s both haunting and oppressive, often drawing from death-doom influences as well.
Ahab: Inspired by Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick,” Ahab’s funeral doom is often nautical in theme, with massive, oceanic atmospheres.
Shape of Despair: This Finnish band blends funeral doom with melancholic and atmospheric elements, creating a uniquely depressive sound.
Mournful Congregation: Hailing from Australia, Mournful Congregation creates funeral doom with a strong sense of melody, making their music simultaneously mournful and beautiful.
Skepticism: One of the pioneers of the funeral doom genre, Skepticism hails from Finland and is known for their use of funeral march-like melodies and funeral organ.
Thergothon: Often credited as one of the earliest funeral doom bands, this Finnish group’s album “Stream from the Heavens” is a landmark in the genre.
Colosseum: Another Finnish band, Colosseum combines funeral doom with a touch of post-metal and atmospheric elements.
Bell Witch: A two-piece band from Seattle, Bell Witch creates funeral doom with minimalist and atmospheric qualities, often focusing on the interplay between bass and drums.
Mournful Gust: Hailing from Ukraine, this band mixes funeral doom with gothic and atmospheric elements, creating a somber and atmospheric sound.

These bands represent a range of funeral doom styles, and exploring their discographies will give you a deeper understanding of the genre’s unique and mournful atmosphere.

What are doom metal artists?

Doom metal is a diverse genre with various substyles, and it has produced many influential artists over the years. Here are some notable doom metal artists across different subgenres:

Traditional Doom:
- Black Sabbath: Widely regarded as the pioneers of heavy metal and doom, their early work laid the foundation for the genre.
- Candlemass: Often credited with solidifying epic doom metal with their grandiose compositions and powerful vocals.
- Saint Vitus: Known for their raw and authentic approach to traditional doom, influencing many bands in the genre.
Epic Doom:
- Solitude Aeturnus: Renowned for their emotive and epic sound, combining powerful vocals with epic storytelling.
- While Heaven Wept: Blending epic doom with progressive and orchestral elements to create a unique atmosphere.
Death-Doom:
- Paradise Lost: Considered one of the pioneers of death-doom, they helped shape the gothic side of doom metal.
- My Dying Bride: Known for their combination of death metal and doom, creating a melancholic and atmospheric sound.
Funeral Doom:
- Esoteric: Renowned for their experimental and extreme take on funeral doom, incorporating diverse musical elements.
- Evoken: Crafting deeply atmospheric and mournful funeral doom, often with an underlying sense of despair.
Stoner Doom:
- Electric Wizard: Iconic for their heavy and distorted stoner doom sound, drawing from influences like Black Sabbath.
- Sleep: Known for their influential album “Dopesmoker,” combining stoner and psychedelic elements.
Drone Doom:
- Sunn O))): Pioneers of drone doom, creating minimalist and resonant compositions that emphasize texture and atmosphere.
- Earth: Known for their slow and expansive drone doom sound, evolving over the years.
Sludge Doom:
- Eyehategod: A key figure in sludge doom, characterized by their raw aggression and intense lyrics.
- Crowbar: Blending elements of sludge, doom, and southern rock to create a heavy and groovy sound.

These artists represent a fraction of the diverse range within the doom metal genre. Each one brings a unique flavor to doom, whether it’s through slow tempos, heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, or emotional storytelling.

What is stoner doom metal?

Stoner doom metal, often simply referred to as “stoner doom,” is a subgenre of doom metal that incorporates elements of psychedelic rock, stoner rock, and traditional doom metal. It’s known for its slow and heavy riffs, groovy rhythms, and often, a strong emphasis on creating a hypnotic and “trippy” atmosphere.

The genre draws its name from the association with the use of marijuana (“stoner”) and the heavy, sludgy sound characteristic of doom metal.

Key characteristics of stoner doom metal include:

Heavy Riffs: Stoner doom is defined by its massive and crushing guitar riffs, often played at a slower tempo. These riffs can be both downtuned and fuzzed-out, giving the music a weighty and dense quality.
Groove and Rhythm: Groove and rhythm play a significant role in stoner doom. The music has a deliberate and plodding feel, which encourages listeners to become immersed in the hypnotic rhythm.
Psychadelic and Trippy Elements: Stoner doom often incorporates psychedelic and trippy elements, which can be expressed through effects-laden guitar work, spaced-out solos, and atmospheric passages that create an otherworldly experience.
Lyrical Themes: The lyrics in stoner doom can cover a wide range of topics, including cosmic themes, introspection, altered states of consciousness, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek references to the stoner culture.
Influence from Classic Rock: Stoner doom frequently draws inspiration from classic rock and early heavy metal, integrating elements of blues and 1970s rock into its sound.
Pacing and Repetition: Like other doom metal subgenres, stoner doom often emphasizes repetition and extended song structures, allowing listeners to sink into the music’s groove.

Notable stoner doom bands include Electric Wizard, Sleep, Kyuss, Orange Goblin, Windhand, Bongzilla, and many others. These bands have contributed to the development and popularity of stoner doom, blending the heaviness of doom metal with the laid-back and hazy vibes of stoner and psychedelic rock.

What defines doom metal’s sound?

Doom metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that is characterized by its slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and heavy, oppressive sound. The genre is strongly influenced by the early work of Black Sabbath, who are often credited with creating the genre.

Here are some of the defining characteristics of doom metal:

Slow tempos: Doom metal songs typically have tempos of around 60 beats per minute or slower. This slow pace creates a sense of heaviness and dread.
Low-tuned guitars: Doom metal guitarists often tune their guitars down to Eb or even D, which gives the music a deeper, heavier sound.
Heavy, oppressive sound: Doom metal is characterized by its heavy, oppressive sound. This is created by the use of low-tuned guitars, distorted amps, and heavy drums.
Clean vocals: Traditional doom metal bands often use clean vocals, which contrast with the heavy sound of the music. This creates a sense of contrast and tension.
Lyrics about despair, dread, and impending doom: Doom metal lyrics often deal with themes of despair, dread, and impending doom. This reflects the dark and oppressive atmosphere of the music.

How did doom metal originate?

Doom metal originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and is often credited to the early work of Black Sabbath.

Black Sabbath’s music was characterized by its slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and heavy, oppressive sound. These elements were inspired by the band’s interest in horror movies and the occult, and they helped to create a new genre of music that was darker and more intense than anything that had come before it.

Other early doom metal bands included Pentagram, Witchfinder General, and Candlemass. These bands helped to refine the doom metal sound and to establish the genre as a distinct subgenre of heavy metal.

In the 1980s, doom metal experienced a period of decline, as more popular genres such as thrash metal and speed metal gained prominence.

However, the genre experienced a revival in the 1990s, with the release of albums such as Sleep’s “Sleep’s Holy Mountain” and Electric Wizard’s “Come My Fanatics….” This revival led to a new wave of doom metal bands, and the genre continues to be popular today.

What emotions does doom metal convey?

Doom metal is a genre of music that is often associated with dark and negative emotions. The slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and heavy, oppressive sound of doom metal can create a sense of dread, despair, and hopelessness.

Some of the emotions that doom metal can convey include:

Despair: The slow tempos and heavy sound of doom metal can create a sense of overwhelming despair. This is often reflected in the lyrics of doom metal songs, which often deal with themes of loss, death, and the futility of life.
Dread: The slow, oppressive sound of doom metal can create a sense of dread and foreboding. This is often used to create a sense of suspense or tension in the music.
Hopelessness: The dark and negative lyrics of doom metal can often convey a sense of hopelessness. This is often used to express the feeling of being trapped or overwhelmed by the world.
Anger: Some doom metal bands use their music to express anger and rage. This is often done in a cathartic way, as a way to release negative emotions.
Melancholy: Doom metal can also convey a sense of melancholy and sadness. This is often done through the use of slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and clean vocals.

Of course, not all doom metal is negative. Some bands use their music to explore more positive emotions, such as love, acceptance, and peace. However, the genre is generally associated with dark and negative emotions, and this is what makes it so appealing to many fans.

Doom metal can be a powerful and cathartic experience for listeners. It can be a way to express negative emotions in a safe and controlled environment.

What are the vocal styles in doom metal?

Doom metal vocals can vary widely, from clean and melodic to harsh and guttural. However, there are a few common vocal styles that are often associated with the genre.

Clean vocals: Clean vocals are the most common vocal style in doom metal. They are often performed with a sense of despair, desperation, or pain. This style of vocals is often used to create a sense of contrast and tension with the heavy sound of the music. Some examples of bands with clean vocals in doom metal are Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, and Solstice.
Operatic vocals: Operatic vocals are a more stylized form of clean vocals that is often used in epic doom metal. This style of vocals is characterized by its soaring melodies and dramatic delivery. Some examples of bands with operatic vocals in doom metal are My Dying Bride, Draconian, and Amorphis.
Grind vocals: Grind vocals are a harsh and guttural form of vocals that is often used in death/doom metal. This style of vocals is characterized by its raspy, low-pitched sound. Some examples of bands with grind vocals in doom metal are Asphyx, Mortician, and Kataklysm.
Screamed vocals: Screamed vocals are a more aggressive form of vocals that is often used in sludge metal. This style of vocals is characterized by its high-pitched, shrieking sound. Some examples of bands with screamed vocals in doom metal are Eyehategod, Grief, and Acid Bath.

Of course, these are just a few of the many vocal styles that can be found in doom metal. The genre is known for its diversity, and there is no one right way to sing doom metal vocals. The most important thing is to find a style that you feel comfortable with and that allows you to express yourself creatively.

How do guitars shape doom metal’s atmosphere?

Guitars are one of the most important instruments in doom metal, and they play a key role in shaping the genre’s atmosphere. Doom metal guitarists use a variety of techniques to create a heavy, oppressive sound, including:

Low tuning: Doom metal guitarists often tune their guitars down to Eb or even D, which gives the music a deeper, heavier sound.
Distorted amps: Doom metal guitarists use heavily distorted amps to create a thick, muddy sound.
Heavy use of open strings: Doom metal guitarists often use open strings to create a droning, hypnotic sound.
Slow tempos: Doom metal songs typically have slow tempos, which helps to create a sense of heaviness and dread.
Simple riffs: Doom metal riffs are often simple and repetitive, which helps to create a sense of groove and atmosphere.
Emotional playing: Doom metal guitarists often play with a sense of emotion, which helps to connect with the listener on a deeper level.

The combination of these techniques creates a sound that is both heavy and atmospheric, and it is one of the things that makes doom metal so unique. The guitars are the foundation of the music, and they help to create a sense of dread, despair, and hopelessness that is essential to the genre.

What themes are explored in doom metal lyrics?

Doom metal lyrics often explore themes of darkness, despair, and hopelessness. This is reflected in the genre’s slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and heavy, oppressive sound.

Some of the most common themes explored in doom metal lyrics include:

Death: Doom metal lyrics often deal with themes of death, mortality, and the afterlife. This is often done in a graphic and realistic way, as a way to confront the listener with the reality of death.
Destruction: Doom metal lyrics often deal with themes of destruction, both personal and global. This can be seen as a way to express anger and frustration with the world, or as a way to explore the darker side of human nature.
Isolation: Doom metal lyrics often deal with themes of isolation, loneliness, and alienation. This can be seen as a way to express the feeling of being trapped or alone in the world, or as a way to explore the darker side of the human psyche.
Fear: Doom metal lyrics often deal with themes of fear, dread, and paranoia. This can be seen as a way to confront the listener with their own fears, or as a way to explore the darker side of the human mind.
Nature: Doom metal lyrics often deal with themes of nature, both beautiful and terrifying. This can be seen as a way to connect with the natural world, or as a way to explore the darker side of nature.

Of course, not all doom metal lyrics are dark and depressing. Some bands use their music to explore more positive themes, such as love, acceptance, and peace. However, the genre is generally associated with dark and negative themes, and this is what makes it so appealing to many fans.

Doom metal lyrics can be a powerful and cathartic experience for listeners. They can be a way to express negative emotions in a safe and controlled environment. They can also be a way to connect with other people who share similar experiences.

What are the various subgenres of doom metal?

There are many different subgenres of doom metal, each with its own unique sound and style. Here are some of the most popular subgenres:

Traditional doom metal: This is the original form of doom metal, and it is characterized by its slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and clean vocals. Some examples of traditional doom metal bands include Candlemass, Pentagram, and Witchfinder General.
Stoner doom metal: This subgenre of doom metal incorporates elements of stoner rock and psychedelic rock. It is characterized by its heavy, distorted guitars, slow tempos, and psychedelic atmosphere. Some examples of stoner doom metal bands include Sleep, Electric Wizard, and Kyuss.
Sludge metal: This subgenre of doom metal is characterized by its even slower tempos, heavier guitars, and more aggressive vocals. Some examples of sludge metal bands include Eyehategod, Crowbar, and Acid Bath.
Death/doom metal: This subgenre of doom metal combines the slow tempos and heavy sound of doom metal with the aggressive vocals and blast beats of death metal. Some examples of death/doom metal bands include Morbid Angel, Kataklysm, and Asphyx.
Epic doom metal: This subgenre of doom metal is characterized by its epic, sweeping sound. It often features clean vocals and soaring melodies. Some examples of epic doom metal bands include My Dying Bride, Draconian, and Amorphis.
Gothic doom metal: This subgenre of doom metal is characterized by its dark, gothic atmosphere. It often features clean vocals and female lead singers. Some examples of gothic doom metal bands include Paradise Lost, Type O Negative, and Tiamat.
Progressive doom metal: This subgenre of doom metal is characterized by its experimental and progressive sound. It often features complex song structures and unusual time signatures. Some examples of progressive doom metal bands include Solstice, Esoteric, and The Ocean.

These are just a few of the many subgenres of doom metal. The genre is constantly evolving, and there are always new subgenres emerging.

Who were the influential pioneers of doom metal?

There are many influential pioneers of doom metal, but some of the most important include:

Black Sabbath: Black Sabbath are often credited with inventing doom metal with their debut album, “Black Sabbath” in 1970. The album’s slow tempos, heavy sound, and dark lyrics helped to define the genre.
Pentagram: Pentagram were formed in Washington, D.C. in 1971, and they are often considered to be the first doom metal band. Their early work was characterized by its slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and clean vocals.
Witchfinder General: Witchfinder General were formed in England in 1979, and they are credited with helping to popularize doom metal in the United Kingdom. Their debut album, “Death Penalty” (1982), is considered a classic of the genre.
Candlemass: Candlemass were formed in Sweden in 1984, and they are one of the most popular doom metal bands of all time. Their debut album, “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” (1986), is considered a classic of the genre.
Saint Vitus: Saint Vitus were formed in Los Angeles in 1978, and they are another influential doom metal band. Their early work was characterized by its slow tempos, heavy sound, and bluesy influences.
Trouble: Trouble were formed in Chicago in 1979, and they are one of the most respected doom metal bands of all time. Their debut album, “Psalm 9” (1984), is considered a classic of the genre.

These are just a few of the many influential pioneers of doom metal. The genre is constantly evolving, and there are always new bands emerging.

If you’re interested in exploring doom metal, I recommend starting with some of the classic bands from the 1970s and 1980s. Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you can start exploring the newer bands.

How has doom metal evolved over time?

Doom metal has evolved over time in a number of ways, including:

The development of subgenres: Doom metal has spawned a number of subgenres, each with its own unique sound and style. Some of the most popular subgenres include stoner doom metal, sludge metal, death/doom metal, epic doom metal, gothic doom metal, and progressive doom metal.
The use of more experimental and progressive elements: Some doom metal bands have begun to incorporate more experimental and progressive elements into their music. This has led to the development of subgenres such as avant-garde doom metal and post-metal.
The use of clean vocals: While traditional doom metal bands often use clean vocals, some newer bands have begun to use harsh vocals or even clean and harsh vocals together. This has led to the development of subgenres such as blackened doom metal and death doom metal.
The use of electronic elements: Some doom metal bands have begun to incorporate electronic elements into their music. This has led to the development of subgenres such as drone doom metal and ambient doom metal.

Doom metal is a constantly evolving genre, and there is no telling what the future holds for the genre. However, one thing is for sure: doom metal is here to stay.

Here are some specific examples of how doom metal has evolved over time:

Stoner doom metal: Stoner doom metal emerged in the early 1990s as a fusion of doom metal and stoner rock. It is characterized by its slow tempos, heavy sound, and psychedelic atmosphere. Some examples of stoner doom metal bands include Sleep, Electric Wizard, and Kyuss.
Sludge metal: Sludge metal emerged in the early 1990s as a fusion of doom metal and hardcore punk. It is characterized by its even slower tempos, heavier sound, and more aggressive vocals. Some examples of sludge metal bands include Eyehategod, Crowbar, and Acid Bath.
Death/doom metal: Death/doom metal emerged in the early 1990s as a fusion of doom metal and death metal. It is characterized by its slow tempos, heavy sound, and aggressive vocals. Some examples of death/doom metal bands include Morbid Angel, Kataklysm, and Asphyx.
Epic doom metal: Epic doom metal emerged in the early 1990s as a subgenre of doom metal that is characterized by its epic, sweeping sound. It often features clean vocals and soaring melodies. Some examples of epic doom metal bands include My Dying Bride, Draconian, and Amorphis.
Gothic doom metal: Gothic doom metal emerged in the early 1990s as a subgenre of doom metal that is characterized by its dark, gothic atmosphere. It often features clean vocals and female lead singers. Some examples of gothic doom metal bands include Paradise Lost, Type O Negative, and Tiamat.
Progressive doom metal: Progressive doom metal emerged in the early 1990s as a subgenre of doom metal that is characterized by its experimental and progressive sound. It often features complex song structures and unusual time signatures. Some examples of progressive doom metal bands include Solstice, Esoteric, and The Ocean.

What is the global impact of doom metal?

Doom metal has had a significant global impact, with fans and bands in all parts of the world. Here are some examples of the global impact of doom metal:

Doom metal festivals: There are doom metal festivals held all over the world, including the Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Netherlands, the Desertfest Festival in London, England, and the Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. These festivals bring together fans and bands from all over the world to celebrate the genre.
Doom metal record labels: There are doom metal record labels all over the world, releasing music by both established and up-and-coming bands. These labels help to promote the genre and make it accessible to fans around the world.
Doom metal magazines: There are doom metal magazines published all over the world, providing news, reviews, and interviews about the genre. These magazines help to spread the word about doom metal and connect fans with each other.
Doom metal online communities: There are doom metal online communities all over the world, where fans can discuss the genre, share music, and connect with each other. These communities help to create a sense of community for doom metal fans around the world.

Doom metal is a global genre with a dedicated fan base all over the world. The genre has had a significant impact on the global music scene, and it continues to grow in popularity.

Conclusion

What is Doom metal music? Doom metal, a subterranean realm within the vast landscape of heavy music, weaves a tapestry of melancholic beauty and haunting power. Embracing a deliberate tempo that hangs in the air like a shadowy shroud, doom metal’s sonic landscapes evoke a visceral sense of weight and introspection.

The genre’s seismic riffs cascade like mournful dirges, while vocals echo with a sense of despair or ascend in defiant anguish. Whether casting the listener into the depths of funeral doom’s abyss, riding the groovy waves of stoner doom’s haze, or navigating the labyrinthine alleys of traditional doom, this genre unfurls a spectrum of emotions against a backdrop of crushing soundscapes.

Doom metal‘s resonance lies not only in its bone-rattling heaviness but in its ability to conjure profound introspection, a sonic mirror reflecting the darkness and depth within the human experience.