{{Short description|Subgenre of heavy metal music}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}} {{Infobox music genre | name = Doom metal | stylistic_origins = {{hlist|Heavy metal|blues<ref name="Bandcamp">{{cite web |url=https://daily.bandcamp.com/2017/02/02/doom-metal-a-brief-timeline/ |title=Doom Metal: A Brief Timeline |work=Bandcamp daily |first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|date=2 February 2017|access-date=30 June 2018}}</ref>}}<!-- don't add any origins without providing a source --> | cultural_origins = Early to mid 1970s, United Kingdom and United States<ref name="Allmusic" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.masterclass.com/articles/doom-metal-music-guide | title=Doom Metal Music Guide: 11 Doom Metal Bands |quote=Unlike Sabbath, who initially viewed itself as a blues act, Pentagram is considered a founder of the doom metal genre, along with contemporaries Trouble, Saint Vitus, and Candlemass. |work=MasterClass |date=1 September 2021}}</ref> | derivatives = Post-metal<ref name="bandcamp">{{cite web|url=https://daily.bandcamp.com/2016/08/04/a-brief-history-of-post-metal/|title=A Brief History of Post-Metal|publisher=Bandcamp|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|date=4 August 2016|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="fact">{{cite web | url=https://www.factmag.com/2015/06/24/40-best-post-metal/ | title=The 40 best post-metal records ever made | work=Fact | date=24 June 2015 | access-date=11 November 2017 | last=Jahdi | first= Robin | quote=The truth is post-metal takes in all of these elements without being entirely any one of them. So we’ll be featuring nothing totally proggy, like Ayreon; nor pure doom, like Electric Wizard; nor your modern black metal fellows like Leviathan, Wolves in the Throne Room, or Velvet Cacoon, though their peaks certainly coincided with post-metal}}</ref> | subgenres = * Epic doom * traditional doom | fusiongenres = * Black-doom (depressive suicidal black metal) * blackened death-doom * death-doom (funeral doom) * drone metal * gothic-doom * progressive doom * sludge metal (sludgecore) * stoner metal (desert rock) | regional_scenes = * Finland * Pacific Northwest * Louisiana | local_scenes = * Palm Desert Scene * Washington D.C. | other_topics = * Extreme metal * gothic metal | subgenrelist = }}
'''Doom metal''' is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music that typically uses slower tempos, low-tuned guitars and a much "thicker" or "heavier" sound than other heavy metal genres.<ref name="Extreme">K. Kahn-Harris, ''Extreme Metal: Music and Culture on the Edge'' (Berg Publishers, 2007), {{ISBN|1-84520-399-2}}, p. 31.</ref> Both the music and the lyrics are intended to evoke a sense of despair, dread, and impending doom.<ref name="Allmusic" /> The genre is strongly influenced by the early work of Black Sabbath,<ref name="Allmusic" /> who formed a prototype for doom metal. During the first half of the 1980s,<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=style|id=doom-metal-ma0000004496|pure_url=yes}} |title=Doom metal |work=AllMusic |access-date=17 January 2016}}</ref> a number of bands such as Witchfinder General and Pagan Altar from England, American bands Pentagram, Saint Vitus, the Obsessed, Trouble, and Cirith Ungol, and Swedish band Candlemass defined doom metal as a distinct genre.
== Characteristics ==
=== Instrumentation === The electric guitar, bass guitar, and drum kit are the most common instruments used to play doom metal (although keyboards are sometimes used), but its structures are rooted in the same scales as in blues.<ref name="Bandcamp"/> Guitarists and bassists often down tune their instruments to very low notes and make use of large amounts of distortion, thus producing a very "thick" or "heavy" guitar tone, which is one of the defining characteristics of the genre.<ref name=PhD>{{cite thesis |last=Piper |first=Jonathan |date=2013 |title=Locating experiential richness in doom metal |type=PhD |institution= University of California, San Diego |series= UC San Diego Electronic Theses and Dissertations|url=https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7bq7387s |access-date=14 September 2019}}</ref> Along with the usual heavy metal compositional technique of guitars and bass playing the same riff in unison, this creates a loud and bass-heavy wall of sound. Another defining characteristic is the consistent focus on slow tempos,<ref name="Allmusic" /> and minor tonality with much use of dissonance (especially in the form of the tritone), employing the usage of repetitive rhythms with little regard to harmonic progression and musical structure.<ref name=PhD/>
=== Vocals === Traditional doom metal vocalists favor clean vocals, which are often performed with a sense of despair, desperation, or pain; imitating the high-tone wails of Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath),<ref name="doomSabbath"/> Frank Ferrara (Bang), Bobby Liebling (Pentagram),<ref name=PhD/> and Zeeb Parkes (Witchfinder General). So-called "epic doom" vocalists often take it a step further, singing in an operatic style. Doom metal bands influenced by other extreme metal genres often use growled or screamed vocals, as is the case of death-doom, black-doom, and funeral doom.
=== Lyrical themes === Lyrics in doom metal play a key role. Influenced by notable blues musicians like Robert Johnson and Son House,<ref name="Bandcamp"/> normally they are gloomy and pessimistic,<ref name="doomSabbath"/> including themes such as suffering, depression, fear, grief, dread, death, and anger. While some bands write lyrics in introspective and personal ways, others convey their themes using symbolism – which may be inspired by occult arts and literature.<ref name="Bandcamp"/>
Some doom metal bands use religious themes in their music. Trouble, one of the genre's pioneers, were among the first to incorporate Christian imagery. Others have incorporated occult and pagan imagery.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.masterclass.com/articles/doom-metal-music-guide | title=Doom Metal Music Guide: 11 Doom Metal Bands |quote=Doom metal lyrics often describe paranoia, despair, political upheaval, and depression. They sometimes touch on witchcraft and pagan themes as well.}}</ref> For many bands, the use of religious themes is for aesthetic and symbolic purposes only. Examples include lyrics/imagery about the Last Judgment to invoke dread, or the use of crucifixes and cross-shaped headstones to symbolize death.
Furthermore, some doom metal bands write lyrics about drugs or drug addiction. This is most common among stoner doom bands, who often describe hallucinogenic or psychedelic experiences.
== History == [[File:Tony Iommi live with Heaven and Hell at the Forum, Inglewood, California, 2007.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Tony Iommi's guitar style greatly influenced and defined doom metal.]]
=== Origins (late 1960s–1970s) === The first traces of doom in rock music could be heard as far back as the Beatles' 1969 track "I Want You (She's So Heavy)".<ref>Classic Rock Magazine, September 2014</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Hart|first1=Josh|last2=Fanelli|first2=Damian|date=11 October 2015|title=The 50 Heaviest Songs Before Black Sabbath: #40-31|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/50-heaviest-songs-black-sabbath-40-31|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424202901/https://www.guitarworld.com/features/50-heaviest-songs-black-sabbath-40-31|archive-date=24 April 2018|work=Guitar World}}</ref> Black Sabbath are generally regarded as the progenitors of doom metal.<ref name="Allmusic" /> Black Sabbath's music is (in and of) itself stylistically rooted in blues, but with the deliberately doomy and loud guitar playing of Tony Iommi, and the then-uncommon dark and pessimistic lyrics and atmosphere, they set the standards of early heavy metal and inspired various doom metal bands.<ref name=PhD/> In the early 1970s, both Black Sabbath and Pentagram (also as side band "Bedemon") composed and performed this heavy and dark music, which would in the 1980s begin to be known and referred to as ''doom metal'' by subsequent musicians, critics and fans.<ref name="Bandcamp"/> Joe Hasselvander, Pentagram's drummer also cited bands like Black Widow, Toe Fat, Iron Claw, Night Sun, and Zior as pioneers of the doom metal sound.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wiederhorn |first1=Jon |url=https://archive.org/details/louderthanhellde00wied |title=Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History of Metal |last2=Turman |first2=Katherine |publisher=itbooks |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-06-195828-1 |location=New York |pages=103 |type=loan required |name-list-style=amp |via=the Internet Archive}}</ref>
Aside from Pentagram and Black Sabbath, other groups from the 1970s would heavily influence the genre's development. Blue Cheer is often hailed as one of the first stoner metal bands. Through the use of loud amplifiers and guitar feedback, their debut ''Vincebus Eruptum'' created a template for other artists to follow.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2006/06/21/run-for-your-lives-blue-cheer-at-cbgbs/ |title=Music News, Videos, Photos, Artists, Playlists and More |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=21 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508144856/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2006/06/21/run-for-your-lives-blue-cheer-at-cbgbs/ |archive-date=8 May 2009 }}</ref> Uriah Heep released "Demons and Wizards" album include "Easy Living" in 1972.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/heepstory5.php |title=Uriah Heep The Story: February 1972 – February 1975 |first= Kirk | last= Blows |publisher=Uriah Heep Official Website | access-date=7 February 2025 }}</ref> Though lacking the pessimistic lyrical content of their contemporaries, Welsh heavy metal band Budgie would also produce heavy songs which were amongst the loudest of their day, stylistically influencing various doom metal acts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/budgie-p12471/biography |title=Budgie |work=AllMusic |access-date=10 December 2012}}</ref> Led Zeppelin's No Quarter is considered as one of the earliest examples of a doom metal song made by a rock band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/post/168442-the-album-remains-the-same-led-zeppelin-no-quarter|title=The Album Remains the Same: Led Zeppelin - "No Quarter"|date=18 February 2015|access-date=19 January 2016|first1=Brice|last1=Ezell|work=PopMatters}}</ref> Early doom metal was also influenced by Japanese psychedelic rock albums, such as Kuni Kawachi & Friends' ''Kirikyogen'' and Flower Travellin' Band's ''Satori''.<ref name="Satori">{{cite web| title = Review: Flower Travellin Band – Satori| work = Sputnikmusic| url = https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/56820/Flower-Travellin-Band-Satori/| access-date = 6 February 2016}}</ref> Bang's 1971 self-titled debut is considered an important forerunner to doom metal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bang-mn0000786623 |title=Bang |website=AllMusic |access-date=10 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-s-70s-proto-metal-power-trio-bang-returns/ |title=U.S. '70s Proto-Metal Power Trio Bang Returns |date=6 January 2014 |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref> Other notable groups include Sir Lord Baltimore,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sir-lord-baltimore-p20555/biography |title=Sir Lord Baltimore |website=AllMusic |access-date=10 December 2012}}</ref> Buffalo,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heavyplanet.net/2008/07/album-of-day-buffalo-volcanic-rock-1973.html |title=Heavy Planet Stoner Rock Blog: Album Of The Day-Buffalo-Volcanic Rock (1973) |access-date=10 December 2012}}</ref> Necromandus,<ref name="Doomrigin">Christe (2003), pg. 345, "Beginning with the overlooked Lucifer's Friend and Necromandus in the early 1970s, doom crawled through the 1980s with Trouble, Witchfinder General, the Obsessed, Candlemass, Pentagram, and Saint Vitus, then into the 1990s with Cathedral, Sleep, and Burning Witch."</ref> Lucifer's Friend,<ref name="Doomrigin" /> and Leaf Hound.<ref name="Sleazegrinder 2007">^ Sleazegrinder (March 2007). "The Lost Pioneers of Heavy Metal". Classic Rock.</ref>
=== Development (1980s) === During the early-mid-1980s, bands from England and the United States<ref name="Allmusic" /> contributed much to the formation of doom metal as a distinct genre. In 1982, English pioneers Witchfinder General released their debut album ''Death Penalty''. During 1984, two American pioneers also released their debuts—Saint Vitus released their eponymous album and Trouble released ''Psalm 9''. That same year, American band Cirith Ungol (formed in 1971) released their second studio album, ''King of the Dead''—regarded by many as an early influence on doom.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://consequence.net/2019/03/northwest-terror-fest-2019-lineup/ | title = Northwest Terror Fest 2019 lineup: Pig Destroyer, Wolfbrigade, Cirith Ungol, and more to crush Seattle | access-date = 30 March 2019 | last = Kaufman | first = Spencer | work = Consequence of Sound | date = March 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vcreporter.com/2018/10/out-with-a-bang-robert-garven-and-jarvis-leatherby-talk-frost-and-fire-iv-before-the-metalfest-takes-its-final-bow/ | title = OUT WITH A BANG | Robert Garven and Jarvis Leatherby talk Frost and Fire IV before the metalfest takes its final bow | access-date = 30 March 2019 | last = Lackey Shaffer | first = Nancy D. | work = Ventura County Reporter | date = 4 October 2018 }}</ref> The following year, American band Pentagram would go on to release their debut, ''Relentless''. The Swedish Candlemass would also prove influential with their first record ''Epicus Doomicus Metallicus'' in 1986, from which epic doom metal takes its name.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ludwig |first1=Jamie |title=Swedish doom-metal pioneers Candlemass celebrate their epic sounds in Chicago |url=https://chicagoreader.com/music/swedish-doom-metal-pioneers-candlemass/ |website=Chicago Reader |date=18 April 2022 |access-date=21 December 2023}}</ref> Pentagram, Saint Vitus, Trouble and Candlemass have been referred to as "the Big Four of Doom Metal".<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/eric-wagner-lead-singer-of-doom-metal-legends-trouble-has-died-from-covid-19-11785165 | title=Eric Wagner, Lead Singer of Doom Metal Legends Trouble, Has Died from Covid-19 |journal=Houston Press |first=David |last=Rozycki |date=24 August 2021}}</ref>
Some doom metal bands were also influenced by the underground gothic rock and post-punk scene of the 1980s, showing similarities with the dark themes addressed through lyrics and the atmosphere both music styles deal with. A doom metal band like Mindrot was often described as a cross-over between death metal and gothic rock.
== Regional scenes == Like other extreme metal genres, doom metal also has regionally based scenes, with their own particular characteristics:
=== Finnish doom metal === In one of the greatest doom metal outputs, Finnish groups focus more on the depressive mood of the genre, evoking an intense grieving feeling.<ref name="Grief">{{cite web |url=http://www.metalstorm.net/pub/interview.php?interview_id=137 |title=Swallow The Sun interview (10/2005) |work=Metal Storm |author=DerRozzengarten |access-date= 6 January 2013}}</ref> The bands play with very slow tempos and melodic tones, creating an atmosphere of darkness and melancholia.<ref name="Grief" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://themoscownews.com/arts/20110324/188521655.html |title=Russian doom, Finnish-style |work=The Moscow News |author=Vladimir Kozlov |access-date=6 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110202504/http://themoscownews.com/arts/20110324/188521655.html |archive-date=10 January 2014 }}</ref> This scene was kick-started by the band Rigor Mortis (which, due to an older US band with the same name, changed their name to Spiritus Mortis), which originated in 1987.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/alavus/spiritus+mortis |title=SPIRITUS MORTIS |work=MusicMight |author=DerRozzengarten |access-date=6 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110201441/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/finland/alavus/spiritus+mortis |archive-date=10 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Mortis">{{cite web |url=https://www.femforgacs.hu/interju/473/Spiritus_Mortis_interview |title=Spiritus Mortis interview |work=Fémforgács |date=6 October 2009 |access-date= 6 January 2013}}</ref> Notable bands include Reverend Bizarre,<ref name="RevBiz">{{cite web |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/bestfinnishmetalbands.htm |title=Best Finnish Heavy Metal Bands |work=About.com |author=Marsicano, Dan |access-date=6 January 2013 |archive-date=24 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524115212/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/bestfinnishmetalbands.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Minotauri,<ref name="Mortis" /> Dolorian,<ref name="Grief" /> Shape of Despair,<ref name="Grief" /> Thergothon,<ref name="Grief" /> Skepticism,<ref name="Grief" /> and Unholy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.peaceville.com/news/?date=2011-08 |title=The Second Ring of Power – CD&DVD edition coming in October |work=Peaceville Records's Official site |access-date= 6 January 2013}}</ref>
=== Louisiana doom metal === {{See also|Music of New Orleans#Heavy metal}} Regarded as sludge metal's birthplace by ''AllMusic'',<ref name="Allmusic" /> this scene originated in New Orleans in the late 1980s.<ref name="BestofNewOrleans.com-Axe to Grind: Heavy Metal in New Orleans">{{cite web|url=http://bestofneworleans.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A50520|title=Axe to Grind: Heavy Metal in New Orleans|work=BestofNewOrleans.com|author=Fensterstock, Alison|access-date=19 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725040040/http://bestofneworleans.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A50520|archive-date=25 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="AMG-Eyehategod">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p38682/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Eyehategod biography|work=AllMusic|author=Huey, Steve|access-date= 28 June 2009}}</ref><ref name="AMG-Exhorder">{{cite web |title=Exhorder|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p12897|pure_url=yes}}|work=AllMusic|author=Torreano, Bradley|access-date= 28 June 2009}}</ref> The bands of this scene employ some punk influences, like harsh vocals, guitar distortion and downtuned sound.<ref name="AMG-IntheNameofSuffering">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r175541|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eyehategod – ''In the Name of Suffering'' |author=York, William |work=AllMusic |access-date=28 June 2009}}</ref><ref name="AMG-TakeasNeededforPain">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r266992|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eyehategod – ''Take as Needed for Pain'' |author=York, William |work=AllMusic |access-date=28 June 2009}}</ref><ref name="AMG-Crowbar" /> This scene was pioneered by Exhorder, who was the first band to combine doom metal with a punk-influenced metal sound.<ref name="AMG-Exhorder" /> In the 90s, several sludge and stoner metal bands arose in the state, mainly influenced by bands like Black Sabbath and Melvins, also mixing their sound with genres like hardcore punk and Southern rock.<ref name="AMG-Eyehategod" /><ref name="AMG-Crowbar" /><ref name="AMG-Down">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p168208/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Down biography|work=AllMusic|author=Prato, Greg|access-date= 28 June 2009}}</ref><ref name="AMG-SoilentGreen">{{cite web |title=Soilent Green biography|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p206627/biography|pure_url=yes}}|work=AllMusic|author=York, William|access-date= 28 June 2009}}</ref> Notable bands include Eyehategod,<ref name="AMG-Eyehategod" /> Down,<ref name="AMG-Down" /> Exhorder,<ref name="AMG-Exhorder" /> Crowbar,<ref name="AMG-Crowbar" /> and Acid Bath.<ref>"Modern hardcore music scene". Metalhammer magazine No.32.</ref><ref>Mahoney, Steve (30 March 1995). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MWSB&p_theme=mwsb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB828D4BAF75B4C&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Acid Bath's not famous but it is one hot band"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902052245/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MWSB&p_theme=mwsb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB828D4BAF75B4C&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=2 September 2018 }}. ''jsonline.com'', Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.</ref>
=== Washington D.C. doom metal === {{See also|Music of Maryland#Popular music}} This scene formed in the early 1970s and was kickstarted by Pentagram and the Obsessed.<ref name=DC>{{cite web |url=http://www.metal-invader.com/db/reviews-1194.html |title=Review: V/A – Doom Capital Maryland / DC |work=Metal Invader |last=Pamfilos |first=Themis |url-status=dead |date=23 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110034624/http://www.metal-invader.com/db/reviews-1194.html |archive-date=10 November 2006 }}</ref><ref name="Doom Capital">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/doom-capital-maryland-dc-heavy-rock-underground-mw0000209044 |title=Doom Capital: Maryland DC Heavy Rock Underground |last=Henderson |first=Alex |work=AllMusic |access-date=22 May 2013}}</ref> Various doom/stoner bands, mostly from Washington, D.C. and its metropolitan area on Maryland and Virginia (thus also being labelled ''"Maryland doom sound"''),<ref name=DC/> formed in this region being heavily influenced by early hard rock and heavy metal bands, like UFO, Blue Cheer, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep and Sir Lord Baltimore.<ref name="Doom Capital" /><ref name="virginiadoom">{{cite web |url=http://www.farmageddonrecordsmusicfestival.com/artists/pentagram.html |title=Pentagram |author=Tschetter, Michelle |work=Farmageddon Records |access-date=23 May 2013 |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319073512/http://www.farmageddonrecordsmusicfestival.com/artists/pentagram.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> This scene is also known as ''"Hellhound sound"'' for being closely related to the late Hellhound Records,<ref name=DC/> who signed with many important bands of the scene like Saint Vitus,<ref name="wash">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/music/2010/11/01/for-northern-virginia-metal-band-salome-not-all-hope-lies-in-doom/ |title=For Northern Virginia Metal Band Salome, Not All Hope Lies in Doom |author=Brandon, Wu |work=Washington City Paper |date=November 2010 |access-date=23 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=Hellhound>{{Cite news|url=https://theobelisk.net/obelisk/tag/hellhound-records/|title=Hellhound Records Archives – The Obelisk|website=The Obelisk|language=en-US|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> Internal Void,<ref name=Hellhound/><ref name="virginiadoom" /> Iron Man,<ref name=Hellhound/> Revelation,<ref name=Hellhound/> Wretched<ref name=Hellhound/> and Unorthodox.<ref name=Hellhound/> Other notable bands include Evoken,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rockshowmagazine.com/v2i3/bios/evoken.html |title=New Jersey Doom Metal |work=Rock Show Magazine |access-date=20 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125081047/http://www.rockshowmagazine.com/v2i3/bios/evoken.html |archive-date=25 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Spirit Caravan,<ref name="Doom Capital" /><ref name="virginiadoom" /> Earthride,<ref name="Doom Capital" /> and the Hidden Hand.<ref name="wash" />
=== Pacific Northwest doom metal === The Pacific Northwest region – primarily Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia – has been host to a growing scene of doom, sludge,<ref>{{cite magazine|date=September 2009|title=Sludge Special - Part 2|magazine=Terrorizer|issue=188|pages=40–57|issn=1350-6978}}</ref> and stoner metal<ref name="PNW">{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/08/09/139239063/the-mix-a-pacific-northwest-metal-goldmine|title=The Mix: A Pacific Northwest Metal Goldmine|newspaper=NPR|date=10 August 2011|last1=Levin|first1=Hannah}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cvltnation.com/crushing-cascadia-earworthy-metal-of-the-pacific-northwest|title=Crushing Cascadia: Earworthy Metal of the Pacific Northwest -|date=28 January 2013|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615024101/http://www.cvltnation.com/crushing-cascadia-earworthy-metal-of-the-pacific-northwest/|archive-date=15 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> since the 1990s. It is influenced by the geographical origin of grunge music and a sound pioneered in part by the Washington band Melvins.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal|last1=Bukszpan|first1=Daniel|publisher=Sterling, New York|year=2012|pages=192–193|isbn=978-1402792304|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=WiQKuAAACAAJ|page=192}}}}</ref><ref name="Allmusic" /> Common visual themes include the region's cold, rainy, forested climate, and many bands utilize psychedelic imagery influenced by bands like Sleep, Karp and Harkonen.<ref name="PNW" /> Musical styles often share crossover features with atmospheric/ambient black metal, drone metal, and post-metal as seen in Oregon's YOB, Agalloch, Witch Mountain, and Red Fang; Washington's Earth, and Sunn O))); and Vancouver's Anciients, Astrakhan,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astrakhanofficial.bandcamp.com|title=Reward in Purpose, by Astrakhan}}</ref> and Aaron Turner project Sumac, among various others.
=== Palm Desert Scene=== {{main|Palm Desert Scene}} Palm Desert, California, hosts a thriving desert rock and stoner metal scene, drawing heavy influences from psychedelia, blues and hardcore punk, often featuring distinctive repetitive drum beats, a propensity for free-form jamming, and "trance-like" or "sludgy" grooves.<ref name=mtv>{{cite web|last1=Vanhorn|first1=Teri|title=Queens Of The Stone Age At Home In Desert|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/503529/queens-of-the-stone-age-at-home-in-desert/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102105829/http://www.mtv.com/news/503529/queens-of-the-stone-age-at-home-in-desert/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2015|website=mtv.com|publisher=MTV|access-date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=yawningman>{{cite web|last1=Prato|first1=Greg|title=Normadic Pursuits – Yawning Man|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/nomadic-pursuits-mw0002024035|website=AllMusic |access-date=18 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=laweekly>{{cite web|url=https://www.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2014/10/22/queens-of-the-stone-ages-josh-homme-is-our-last-real-rock-star?page=3|title=Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme Is Our Last Real Rock Star|author=Steve Appleford|date=22 October 2014|work=L.A. Weekly}}</ref> Because of their integration, the term "stoner rock" is sometimes used interchangeably with the term "desert rock".<ref name=part>{{cite news | title= News: StonerRock.com and MeteorCity Part Ways | url= http://www.bravewords.com/news/13824 | publisher= Bravewords.com | date= 19 May 2004 | access-date= 26 August 2011 | archive-date= 9 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121009112910/http://www.bravewords.com/news/13824 | url-status= dead }}</ref> Notable bands include Kyuss,<ref name="Morris">{{Citation | last = Morris | first = Chris | title = Kyuss lands on its feet and keeps climbing | newspaper =Billboard | page =1 | date =15 January 1994}}</ref><ref name=guardian>{{cite web|last1=Lynskey|first1=Dorian|title=Kyuss: Kings of the stoner age|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/25/kyuss-stoner-queens-stone-age|work=The Guardian|date=25 March 2011|access-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> Queens of the Stone Age,<ref name=mtv/> Dali's Llama,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fessier|first1=Bruce|title=Zach Huskey offering variety show of desert sound|url=http://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/music/2014/06/30/zach-huskey-hick-ups-dunebilly/11817963/|newspaper=The Desert Sun|date=30 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402224524/http://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/music/2014/06/30/zach-huskey-hick-ups-dunebilly/11817963/|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> Slo Burn,<ref>[https://www.allmusic.com/artist/slo-burn-mn0001625569#wre "Slo Burn"]. allmusic.com. Retrieved on 5 October 2013.</ref> and Brant Bjork.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=10 Essential Stoner Rock Albums|url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-10-16/10-essential-stoner-rock-albums|last=Dome|first=Malcolm|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=16 October 2016|access-date=21 May 2017|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308231148/http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-10-16/10-essential-stoner-rock-albums|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Stylistic divisions ==
=== Black-doom === Black-doom, also known as blackened doom, is a style that combines the slowness and thicker, bassier sound of doom metal with the shrieking vocals and heavily distorted guitar sound of black metal.<ref name=AE>{{cite thesis |last=Ebner |first=Arne |date=25 July 2010 |title=Ästhetik des Doom |type=Bachelor |institution=Macromedia University of Applied Sciences for Media and Communication – Cologne |url=http://doom.resettheworld.com/aesthetik_des_doom_arne_ebner_40mb.pdf |access-date=18 August 2018 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075156/http://doom.resettheworld.com/aesthetik_des_doom_arne_ebner_40mb.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="FTBD">{{cite web |author=Newshound, Terrorizer |title=ITALIAN BLACKENED DOOMSTERS FORGOTTEN TOMB PLAN RELEASE |url=http://truecultheavymetal.com/blog1.php/2010/09/23/italian-blackened-doomsters-forbidden-tomb-plan-release |publisher=Terrorizer Online |access-date=29 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801205533/http://www.terrorizer.com/blog1.php/2010/09/23/italian-blackened-doomsters-forbidden-tomb-plan-release |archive-date=1 August 2014 |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Marsicano, Dan |title=Ordo Obsidium – Orbis Tertius Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/ordoobsidium/fr/Ordo-Obsidium-Orbis-Tertius-Review.htm |publisher=About.com |access-date=29 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324005658/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/ordoobsidium/fr/Ordo-Obsidium-Orbis-Tertius-Review.htm |archive-date=24 March 2012 }}</ref> Black-doom bands maintain the Satanic ideology associated with black metal, while melding it with moodier themes more related to doom metal, like depression, nihilism, and nature.<ref Name=AE/> They also use the slower pace of doom metal in order to emphasize the harsh atmosphere present in black metal.<ref Name=RS/> Examples of black-doom bands include Barathrum,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tiira.cedunet.com/~ilwakka/barathrum/reviews.html |title=Reviews |access-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990128010428/http://tiira.cedunet.com/~ilwakka/barathrum/reviews.html |archive-date=28 January 1999 }}</ref> Forgotten Tomb,<ref name="FTBD"/> Woods of Ypres,<ref>{{cite web |author=Yardley |first=Miranda |date=21 March 2011 |title=WOODS OF YPRES RELEASE DISCUSS THE GREEN ALBUM |url=http://www.terrorizer.com/news/news-news/woods-of-ypres-release-discuss-the-green-album/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107163153/http://www.terrorizer.com/news/news-news/woods-of-ypres-release-discuss-the-green-album/ |archive-date=7 January 2014 |website=Terrorizer Online}}</ref> Deinonychus,<ref>{{cite news |title=DEINONYCHUS: 'You Will Get A Pure Black/Doom Metal Album' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/deinonychus-you-will-get-a-pure-black-doom-metal-album/ |work=Blabbermouth |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> Shining,<ref>{{cite book|last=Patterson|first=Dayal|title=Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult|year=2013|publisher=Feral House|isbn=978-1936239757|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-kIxCgAAQBAJ|access-date=1 August 2018}}</ref> Nortt,<ref>{{cite web |title=Nortt – Endeligt Review|last=Obstkrieg|first=Dan|date=12 January 2018|url=https://yourlastrites.com/2018/01/12/nortt-endeligt-review/ |publisher=Last Rites|access-date=1 August 2018}}</ref> Bethlehem,<ref>{{cite web |title=BETHLEHEM REPLACE LIFELOVER ON BILL FOR KINGS OF BLACK METAL FESTIVAL|date=19 September 2011 |url=https://bravewords.com/news/bethlehem-replace-lifelover-on-bill-for-kings-of-black-metal-festival|publisher=Brave Words|access-date=1 August 2018}}</ref> early Katatonia,<ref>{{cite web |title=Katatonia: 'Brave Murder Day' |url=http://www.decibelmagazine.com/hall-of-fame/katatonia/ |work=Decibel Magazine |access-date=27 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709015700/http://www.decibelmagazine.com/hall-of-fame/katatonia/ |archive-date=9 July 2012 }}</ref> Tiamat,<ref Name=RS/> Dolorian,<ref Name=RS/> October Tide,<ref Name=RS/> and In the Woods...<ref Name=RS/>
==== Depressive suicidal black metal ==== Pioneered by black-doom bands like Ophthalamia, Katatonia, Bethlehem, Forgotten Tomb, and Shining, depressive suicidal black metal, also known as suicidal black metal, depressive black metal, or DSBM, is a style that melds the second wave-style of black metal with doom metal,<ref name=DSBD>{{cite thesis |last=Yavuz |first=Mehmet Selim |date=September 2015 |title=Dead is dead: Perspectives on the Meaning of Death in Depressive Suicidal Black Metal Music through Musical Representations |type=MMus |institution=Royal Holloway, University of London |url=https://hcommons.org/deposits/objects/hc:12942/datastreams/CONTENT/content |doi=10.17613/M67D4Z |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref> with lyrics revolving around themes such as depression, self-harm, misanthrophy, suicide, and death.<ref name=Vein>{{cite journal|last1=Sil|first1=Janet|editor1-last=Ishmael|editor1-first=Amelia|editor2-last=Price|editor2-first=Zareen|editor3-last=Stephanou|editor3-first=Aspasia|editor4-last=Woodward|editor4-first=Ben|title=Open a Vein: Suicidal Black Metal and Enlightenment|journal=Helvete: A Journal of Black Metal Theory|date=2013|issue=1|pages=5–19|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WNR9GGaUkTQC&pg=PA5|publisher=Punctum Books|location=Brooklyn|isbn=9780615758282|issn=2326-683X}}</ref><ref name=Feral>{{cite book|last1=Patterson|first1=Dayal|title=Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult|date=2013|publisher=Feral House|location=Port Townsend|isbn=9781936239757|page=351|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-kIxCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA351}}</ref> DSBM bands draw the lo-fi recording and highly distorted guitars of black metal, while employing the usage of acoustic instruments and non-distorted electric guitar's timbres present in doom metal, interchanging the slower, doom-like, sections with faster tremolo picking.<ref name=DSBD/> Vocals are usually high-pitched like in black metal, but lacking of energy, simulating feelings like hopelessness, desperation, and plea.<ref name=DSBD/> The presence of one-man bands is more prominent in this genre compared to others.<ref name=DSBD/> Examples of bands include Xasthur,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Luedtke|first1=Christopher|title=Essential Black Metal Listening: XASTHUR Nocturnal Poisoning|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/black-metal-chronicles/black-metal-listening/essential-black-metal-listening-xasthur-nocturnal-poisoning|website=Metal Injection|access-date=12 June 2017|date=2 February 2016}}</ref> Leviathan,<ref name=DSBD/> Strid,<ref name=DSBD/> Silencer,<ref name=Vein/><ref name=Feral/> Make a Change... Kill Yourself,<ref name=DSBD/> and I Shalt Become.<ref name=Vein/><ref name=Feral/>
=== Blackened death-doom === Blackened death-doom is a genre that combines the slow tempos and monolithic drumming of doom metal, the complex and loud riffage of death metal and the shrieking vocals of black metal.<ref name=BDD>{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Kim |author-link=Kim Kelly (journalist) |title=Morast Expertly Synthesize Black, Death, and Doom Metal on 'Ancestral Void' |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/morast-expertly-synthesize-black-death-and-doom-metal-on-ancestral-void/ |website=Noisey Vice |date=March 29, 2017 |access-date=August 18, 2018}}</ref> Examples of blackened death-doom bands include Morast,<ref name=BDD/> Faustcoven,<ref name=BDD/> the Ruins of Beverast,<ref name=BDD/> Bolzer,<ref name=BDD/> Necros Christos,<ref name=BDD/> Harvest Gulgaltha,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mattia |first1=A. |title=DON'T LOOK BELOW: HARVEST GULGALTHA – 'ALTARS OF DEVOTION' REVIEW + STREAM |url=https://www.cvltnation.com/dont-look-below-harvest-gulgaltha-altars-of-devotion-review-stream/ |website=Cvlt Nation |date=7 February 2017 |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref> Dragged into Sunlight,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Falzon |first1=Denise |title=Dragged Into Sunlight 'Widowmaker' (album stream) |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/dragged_into_sunlight-widowmaker_album_stream |website=Exclaim! |date=31 October 2012 |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref> Hands of Thieves,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Doug |title=The Black Market: The Month In Metal – August 2016 |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1896781/the-black-market-the-month-in-metal-august-2016/franchises/the-black-market/ |website=Stereogum |date=31 August 2016 |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref> and Soulburn.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whelan |first1=Kez |title=Soulburn: Band Of The Day |url=http://www.terrorizer.com/news/botd/soulburn-band-day/ |website=Terrorizer |date=11 June 2014 |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref> Kim Kelly, journalist from Vice, has called Faustcoven as "one of the finest bands to ever successfully meld black, death, and doom metal into a cohesive, legible whole."<ref name=BDD/>
=== Death-doom === {{Main|Death-doom}} [[File:My Dying Bride 44.jpg|right|thumb|My Dying Bride at Frozen Rock Festival 2007]] Death-doom is a style that combines the slow tempos and pessimistic atmosphere of doom metal with the deep growling vocals and double-kick drumming of death metal.<ref name="Doom Metal Special: Doom/Death Terrorizer #142">"Doom Metal Special: Doom/Death", ''Terrorizer #142''.</ref> Influenced mostly by the early work of Hellhammer and Celtic Frost, the style emerged during the late 1980s and gained a certain amount of popularity during the 1990s.<ref name="Doom Metal Special: Doom/Death Terrorizer #142" /> Death-doom was pioneered by bands such as Winter,<ref name="Death Metal Music">{{cite book |last=Purcell |first=Nathalie J. |title=Death Metal Music: The Passion and Politics of a Subculture |publisher=McFarland & Company |year=2003 |page=23 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ZErQs5hCUQC |isbn=0-7864-1585-1}}</ref> Disembowelment,<ref name="Death Metal Music" /> Paradise Lost,<ref name="Death Metal Music" /> Autopsy, Anathema, My Dying Bride<ref name="Death Metal Music" /> and Novembers Doom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/novembers-doom-mn0000458812/biography|title=Novembers Doom Biography, Songs, & Albums|website=AllMusic}}</ref>
==== Funeral doom ==== {{Main|Funeral doom}} Funeral doom is a genre that crosses death-doom with funeral dirge music.<ref name="Dirge">{{cite news |author=Davis, Cody |title=Funeral Doom Friday: FUNERAL MOURNING's Blackened, Deadly Inertia of Dissonance (A Sermon in Finality) |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/av/funeral-doom-friday/funeral-mournings-blackened-deadly-inertia-of-dissonance-a-sermon-in-finality |work=Metal Injection |access-date=29 July 2018}}</ref> It is played at an extremely slow tempo, and places an emphasis on evoking a sense of emptiness and despair.<ref name="Bandcamp"/> Typically, electric guitars are heavily distorted and dark ambient aspects such as keyboards or synthesizers are often used to create a "dreamlike" atmosphere.<ref Name=AE/> Vocals consist of mournful chants or growls and are often in the background.<ref Name=AE/> Funeral doom was pioneered by Mournful Congregation,<ref name="Bloodaxe">{{cite web |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20121126213400/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/122322/20121127-0834/www.voltagemedia.com.au/news/2011/07/27/mournful-congregation-unspoken-hymns.html |url=http://www.voltagemedia.com.au/news/2011/07/27/mournful-congregation-unspoken-hymns.html |title=Mournful Congregation – ''The Unspoken Hymns'' |last=Bloodaxe |first=Mathias |work=VoltageMedia |archive-date=26 November 2012 |date=27 July 2011 |access-date=24 August 2017}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Esoteric, Evoken, Funeral, Thergothon,<ref name=terrorizerfuneral>Hinchcliffe, James (April 2006). "Funeral Doom / Dron Doom: Hearse Play", ''Terrorizer'' #143, pp.44–45.</ref> and Skepticism.<ref>James Minton, Kim Kelly, and Jenn Selby, "Filth Parade", ''Terrorizer'' #188, September 2009, p. 56.</ref>
=== Drone metal === {{Main|Drone metal}} [[File:Sunno)))cloaks.jpg|thumb|right|Sunn O))) performing live]] Drone metal (also known as drone doom) is a style of doom metal that is largely defined by drones; notes or chords that are sustained and repeated throughout a piece of music.<ref name="nyt">John Wray, "Heady Metal", ''New York Times'', 28 May 2006. [https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/28/magazine/28artmetal.html?pagewanted=all] Access date: 18 August 2008.</ref><ref name="art">Jan Tumlir, "Primal dirge", ''Artforum'', April 2006. [https://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0268/is_8_44/ai_n18764233] Access date: 22 August 2008.</ref><ref name="stosuy">Brandon Stosuy, "Heavy Metal: It's Alive and Flourishing", ''Slate'', 19 August 2005. [https://www.slate.com/id/2124692/] Access date: 22 August 2008.</ref> Typically, the electric guitar is performed with large amounts of reverb and feedback<ref name="nyt"/> while lacking the presence of drums and vocals.<ref Name=AE/><ref name=DoomDOC>{{cite thesis |last=Burke |first=David |title=Political Expression in Doom Metal |url=https://www.academia.edu/37823045 |date=2018 |type=MA |institution=University of Southampton |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> Songs are often very long and lack beat or rhythm in the traditional sense.<ref Name=AE/> Drone metal is generally influenced by drone music,<ref name="nyt"/> noise music,<ref name="nyt"/> and minimalist music.<ref name="nyt"/> The style emerged in the early 1990s and was pioneered by Earth,<ref>Jason Jackowiak, [http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=1125311580560974 "Earth: Hex: Or Printing in the Infernal Method"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927052955/http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=1125311580560974 |date=27 September 2008 }}, ''Splendid'', 14 September 2005. Access date: 23 August 2008.</ref> Boris, and Sunn O))).<ref name="nyt"/>
=== Epic doom === Epic doom has a heavy classical influence. One of the main characteristics are the vocals; vocalists typically employ clean, operatic, and choral singing, accompanied by keyboarding and drumming performed in a bombastic fashion in order to evoke an "epic" sensation.<ref Name=AE/><ref>{{cite web |author=Hayes, Craig |title=Witch Mountain – Cauldron Of The Wild Review |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/witchmountain/fr/Witch-Mountain-Cauldron-Of-The-Wild-Review.htm |publisher=About.com |access-date=6 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609083852/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/witchmountain/fr/Witch-Mountain-Cauldron-Of-The-Wild-Review.htm |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=FoI>{{cite web |author=Henderson, Alex |title=Fear of Infinity |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/fear-of-infinity-mw0002121528 |website=AllMusic |access-date=6 June 2012}}</ref> Lyrics and imagery are typically inspired by fantasy or mythology.<ref Name=AE/> Examples of prominent epic doom bands include Candlemass,<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=Candlemass |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/candlemass-mn0000648407 |website=AllMusic |access-date=6 June 2012}}</ref> Solitude Aeturnus,<ref name="secrethistory">Santos, José Carlos (2012). "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus". In ''Terrorizer''{{'}}s ''Secret History of Doom Metal'', pp. 60–62, {{ISSN|2041-2142}}<!-- was EAN-format issn = 977-2041-214-00-5 --></ref> Solstice,<ref>{{cite web |last1=VIRTANEN |first1=MIIKA |title=SOLSTICE ANNOUNCE NEW VOCALIST |url=https://www.ztmag.com/blog/news/solstice-announce-new-vocalist/ |website=Zero Tolerance |date=27 June 2011 |access-date=22 July 2018}}</ref> While Heaven Wept,<ref name=FoI/> and Doomsword.<ref>{{cite web |title=DOOMSWORD To Release New Album In June |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/doomsword-to-release-new-album-in-june/ |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=12 August 2018 |date=1 May 2007}}</ref>
=== Gothic-doom === Gothic-doom, also known as doom-gothic, is a style that combines more traditional elements of doom metal with gothic rock.<ref name=gothicdoom>{{cite web |title=Doom-gothic metal – its perception and interpretation by fans |author1=Sauciuc, Gabriela |author2=Talpalariu, Dan-Radu |url=https://www.limbistraine.com/ro/cercetare/Gabriela-Sauciuc/doom-metal-en.html |work=limbistraine.com |access-date=11 August 2018}}</ref><ref name=Foreshadowing>{{cite web |title=THE FORESHADOWING CRAFT GOTHIC DOOM MASTERPIECES |author=Ramirez, Carlos |url=https://noisecreep.com/the-foreshadowing-band/ |work=Noise Creep |access-date=11 August 2018 |date=12 October 2012}}</ref> Gothic-doom bands usually play at slow and mid-tempos and employ the usage of instruments that are more related to classical music, alongside traditional doom metal instruments, in order to create darker and meditative atmospheres.<ref name=gothicdoom/> Doom-gothic lyrics combines the dramatic and romantic elements of gothic rock with the sorrowness and melancholy present in doom metal, while being more introspective and focused on personal experiences such as love, grief, irreparable loss, loss of faith, etc.<ref name=gothicdoom/> Unlike in gothic metal and death-doom, gothic-doom bands prefer the use of cleaner vocals instead of employing death growls,<ref name=Foreshadowing/> although some of them employ harsher vocals occasionally, and avoid the usage of death metal-like riffage.<ref name=gothicdoom/> Bands labelled as gothic-doom include Weeping Silence,<ref>{{cite web |title=Singing In A Gothic-Doom Metal Band |url=http://www.voicecouncil.com/singing-in-a-gothic-doom-metal-band/ |work=Voice Council Magazine |access-date=11 August 2018 |date=5 June 2016}}</ref> the Foreshadowing,<ref name=Foreshadowing/> Grave Lines,<ref>{{cite web |author=Kelly, Kim |title=Grave Lines Blur the Boundary Between Doom Metal and Gothic Folk |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/grave-lines-blur-the-boundary-between-doom-metal-and-gothic-folk/ |work=Noisey Vice |access-date=11 August 2018 |date=30 April 2018}}</ref> Artrosis,<ref>{{cite web |author=Arancio, Dennis |title=''In the Flowers Shade'' Review |url=http://www.soniccathedral.com/webzine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=35 |publisher=Soniccathedral.com |access-date=6 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225134611/http://www.soniccathedral.com/webzine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=35 |archive-date=25 December 2008 }}</ref> Ava Inferi,<ref>{{cite web |author=van der Wal, Kim |title=''The Silhouette'' Review |url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=10577&lang=en |publisher=Lordsofmetal.nl |access-date=6 May 2008}}</ref> Draconian,<ref>{{cite web |author=Fox, Erin |title=Interview with Anders Jacobsson of Draconian |url=http://www.thegauntlet.com/interviews/1064/Draconian.html |publisher=Thegauntlet.com |access-date=6 May 2008 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222133203/http://www.thegauntlet.com/interviews/1064/Draconian.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Type O Negative.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pratt |first=Greg |date=15 April 2010 |title=Type O Negative's Peter Steele Dies at 48 |website=Exclaim! |url=http://exclaim.ca/News/Type_O_Negatives_Peter_Steele_Dies_at_48 |access-date=26 October 2013}}</ref>
=== Progressive doom === Progressive doom (also known as technical doom)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pratt |first=Greg |date=2017-10-26 |title=Retrospective: Confessor's “Condemned” still completely unique a quarter-century later |url=https://decibelmagazine.com/2017/10/26/retrospective-confessors-condemned-still-completely-unique-quarter-century-later/ |access-date=2026-03-11 |website=Decibel Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Millspublished |first=Matt |date=2023-09-07 |title=10 metal bands from the ’90s who should have been absolutely massive |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/obscures-90s-metal-bands-should-have-been-massive |access-date=2026-03-11 |website=Louder |language=en}}</ref> is a fusion genre that combines elements of progressive rock and progressive metal with doom metal.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Blum |first=Jordan BlumJordan |date=2026-03-09 |title=The 11 Best Progressive Doom Metal Albums of All Time (Ranked) |url=https://loudwire.com/best-progressive-doom-metal-albums/ |access-date=2026-03-11 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref><ref name="loudersound.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-9-albums-that-inspired-king-goats-progressive-doom-sound|title=The 9 albums that inspired King Goat's progressive doom sound|magazine=Metal Hammer}}</ref> Some bands in this genre may incorporate elements of death metal, black metal, post-metal, stoner metal, folk metal and gothic metal.<ref name=":0"/> Notable bands include King Goat,<ref name="loudersound.com"/> Below the Sun,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2017/05/23/full-album-stream-below-the-sun-alien-world/|title=Full Album Stream: Below The Sun|date=23 May 2017|publisher=Decibel Magazine}}</ref> Sierra,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.axs.com/canada-s-purveyors-of-progressive-doom-metal-issue-new-video-77344|title=Canada's purveyors of progressive doom metal issue new video|work=AXS |publisher=AXS}}</ref> Oceans of Slumber,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/6-new-metal-albums-that-set-a-strong-mood/|title=6 New Metal Albums That Set a Strong Mood|website=Pitchfork|date=30 March 2018 }}</ref> Confessor,<ref name=":0" /> and Green Carnation.<ref>[https://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/leaves-of-yesteryear/ Blabbermouth.net Review]</ref>
=== Sludge metal === {{Main|Sludge metal}}
Sludge metal (also known as sludge doom)<ref name=PhD/><ref Name=RS>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.rollingstone.de/das-archiv/article237260/print/emotionen-in-zeitlupe.html|title=Emotionen in Zeitlupe |author1=Zahn, Thorsten |author2=Schurer, Petra |magazine=Rolling Stone|date=1 June 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112141913/http://www.rollingstone.de/das-archiv/article237260/print/emotionen-in-zeitlupe.html|archive-date=12 November 2014|access-date=18 August 2018|language=de}}</ref> is a style that combines doom metal and hardcore punk.<ref name="Allmusic" /><ref name=DoomDOC/> Many sludge bands compose slow and heavy songs that contain brief hardcore passages.<ref name="AMG-Eyehategod" /><ref name="AMG-Crowbar">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p12635|pure_url=yes}} |title=Crowbar |author=Huey, Steve |work=AllMusic |access-date=21 July 2008}}</ref> However, some bands emphasise fast tempos throughout their music.<ref name="AMG-Buzzoven">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p37696|pure_url=yes}} |title=Buzzov*en |author=York, William |work=AllMusic |access-date=21 July 2008}}</ref> The string instruments are heavily distorted and are often played with large amounts of feedback to produce an abrasive, sludgy sound.<ref name=AMG-Dopesick>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=dopesick-mw0000187490|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eyehategod – ''Dopesick'' |author=York, William |work=AllMusic |access-date=12 September 2008}}</ref><ref name=AMG-IntheNameofSuffering/> Drumming is often performed in typical doom metal fashion,{{Citation needed|reason=source?|date=December 2020}} but drummers may employ hardcore d-beat or double-kick drumming during faster passages. Vocals are usually shouted or screamed, and lyrics often focus on suffering, drug abuse, politics and anger towards society. The style was pioneered in the late 1980s by the Melvins, and in the 1990s by bands such as Eyehategod,<ref name="AMG-Eyehategod" /> Crowbar,<ref name="AMG-Crowbar" /> Buzzov*en,<ref name="AMG-Buzzoven" /> Acid Bath,<ref name="AMG-AcidBath">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p44863|pure_url=yes}} |title=Acid Bath |author=York, William |work=AllMusic |access-date=21 June 2008}}</ref> and Grief.<ref name="AMG-Grief">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p205139|pure_url=yes}} |title=Grief |author=Henderson, Alex |work=AllMusic |access-date=21 June 2008}}</ref>
==== Sludgecore ==== Sludgecore further combines sludge metal with hardcore punk, and possesses a slow pace, a low and dark pitch, and a grinding dirge-like feel.<ref name=Pearson2020>{{cite book|title=Rebel Music in the Triumphant Empire: Punk Rock in the 1990s United States|last1=Pearson|first1=David|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2020|chapter=Ch3-The Dystopian Sublime of Extreme Hardcore Punk|pages=121|isbn=978-0197534885|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=CooIEAAAQBAJ|page=121}}}}</ref> Some bands also incorporate Southern rock influences in their sound.<ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=in-the-name-of-suffering-mw0000103444|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eyehategod – ''In the Name of Suffering'' |author=York, William |work=AllMusic |access-date=September 12, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=take-as-needed-for-pain-mw0000646996|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eyehategod – ''Take as Needed for Pain'' |author=York, William |work=AllMusic |access-date=September 12, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=soilent-green-mn0000754513|pure_url=yes}} |title=Soilent Green |author=York, William |work=AllMusic |access-date=September 2, 2008}}</ref> Bands regarded as sludgecore include Acid Bath, Eyehategod, Soilent Green,<ref name=Rosenberg2017>{{cite book|title=Hellraisers: A Complete Visual History of Heavy Metal Mayhem|last1=Rosenberg|first1=Axl|last2=Krovatin|first2=Chris|publisher=Race Point Publishing|year=2017|chapter=|pages=239|isbn=978-1-63106-430-2|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=SlA0DwAAQBAJ|page=239}}}}</ref><ref name=Sharpe2005>{{cite book|title=New Wave of American Heavy Metal|last1=Sharpe-Young|first1=Garry|publisher=Zonda|year=2005|pages=137|isbn=978-0958268400|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=uIIf03bGyAAC|page=137}}}}</ref> Black Sheep Wall, Admiral Angry, and The Abominable Iron Sloth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heilman |first=Max |date=2021-03-03 |title=Album Review: BLACK SHEEP WALL Songs for the Enamel Queen |url=https://metalinjection.net/reviews/black-sheep-wall-emsongs-for-the-enamel-queen-em |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref> Crowbar mixed "detuned, lethargic sludged-out metal with hardcore and southern elements".<ref name=Sharpe2005B>{{cite book|title=New Wave of American Heavy Metal|last1=Sharpe-Young|first1=Garry|publisher=Zonda|year=2005|pages=97|isbn=978-0958268400|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=uIIf03bGyAAC|page=97}}}}</ref>
=== Stoner metal === {{Main|Stoner rock}}
[[File:ElectricWizard by Christian Misje 02.jpg|thumb|right|Jus Oborn of Electric Wizard]] Stoner metal or stoner doom<ref name=stonervice>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/10-stoner-metal-albums-ranked-by-a-metalhead-who-doesnt-smoke-weed-weedweek2017/|title=10 Stoner Metal Albums Ranked by a Metalhead Who Doesn't Smoke Weed|author=Kelly, Kim|publisher=Noisey Vice|access-date=12 August 2018|date=19 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="Revolver">{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-essential-stoner-metal-albums|title=10 ESSENTIAL STONER-METAL ALBUMS|publisher=Revolver Magazine|access-date=12 August 2018|date=20 April 2018}}</ref> describes doom metal that incorporates psychedelic rock and acid rock elements.<ref name=DoomDOC/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n6hDB4kV9s4C&q=Stoner+rock+subgenre&pg=PT267|title=Rebels Wit Attitude: Subversive Rock Humorists|author=Ellis, Iain|page=258|publisher=Soft Skull Press|year=2008|isbn=978-1-59376-206-3}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Buffalo News">{{cite news|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article25407.ece|title=Stoner age: Priestess marries metal and melody|newspaper=Buffalo News|access-date=27 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213171518/http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article25407.ece|archive-date=13 February 2012}}</ref> Stoner metal is often heavily distorted, groove-laden bass-heavy sound, making much use of guitar effects such as fuzz, phaser, or flanger.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/california/palm+springs/kyuss |title=MusicMight – Kyuss biography |access-date=10 December 2007 |last=Sharpe-Young |first=Garry |publisher=MusicMight |quote=[Kyuss] almost single handed invented the phrase 'Stoner Rock'. They achieved this by tuning way down and summoning up a subterranean, organic sound...|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192246/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/california/palm+springs/kyuss |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Stoner bands typically play in slow-to-mid tempo, employing the usage of melodic vocals and "retro" production.<ref name="allmusic stoner metal">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=style|id=stoner-metal-ma0000011961|pure_url=yes}} |title=Stoner Metal |access-date=22 May 2009 |website=AllMusic |quote=Stoner metal could be campy and self-aware, messily evocative, or unabashedly retro.}}</ref> It was pioneered in the early–mid-1990s by bands such as Kyuss,<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=kyuss-mn0000776011|pure_url=yes}} |title=Kyuss biography |access-date=10 December 2007 |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |website=AllMusic |quote=...they are widely acknowledged as pioneers of the booming stoner rock scene of the 1990s...}}</ref> Sleep,<ref name="allmusic sleep">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=sleep-mn0000021578|pure_url=yes}} |title=Sleep biography |access-date=21 July 2008|author = Rivadavia, Eduardo|website = AllMusic}}</ref><ref name="TZ10ra" /> Acid King,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Lori from Acid King on Desertfest, doom and David Bowie|url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-04-18/lori-from-acid-king-on-desertfest-doom-and-david-bowie|last=Dare|first=Tom|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=18 April 2015|access-date=2 February 2017|quote=Stoner metal pioneers Acid King emerged when the subgenre didn’t really exist yet.}}</ref><ref name="NV10">{{cite web|title=10 Stoner Metal Albums Ranked by a Metalhead Who Doesn't Smoke Weed|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/10-stoner-metal-albums-ranked-by-a-metalhead-who-doesnt-smoke-weed-weedweek2017/|last=Kelly|first=Kim|work=Vice|date=20 April 2017|access-date=21 May 2017}}</ref> Electric Wizard,<ref name="OC10">{{cite news|title=The Top 10 Stoner Metal Bands|url=https://www.ocweekly.com/music/the-top-10-stoner-metal-bands-6603447|last=Distefano|first=Alex|newspaper=OC Weekly|date=2 April 2014|access-date=21 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="TZ10ra">{{cite web|title=10 Essential Stoner Rock Albums|url=https://www.treblezine.com/34799-10-best-stoner-rock-albums/|last1=Terich|last2=Blyweiss|first1=Jeff|first2=Adam |publisher=Treblezine|date=20 April 2017|access-date=21 May 2017}}</ref> Orange Goblin,<ref name="OC10" /> and Sons of Otis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sons of Otis Biography|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sons-of-otis-mn0000037617/biography|last=Anderson|first=Jason|website=AllMusic|access-date=2 February 2017}}</ref>
==== Desert rock ==== Desert rock combines the psychedelic elements of stoner metal with hard rock characteristics.<ref name=guardian/><ref name=DoomDOC/> Bands of this style include Kyuss,<ref name=psl>{{cite web|last1=Mettler|first1=Mike|title=A Desert Soundtrack|url=http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/April-2014/A-Desert-Soundtrack/|website=palmspringslife.com|date=28 March 2014|publisher=Palm Springs Life|access-date=30 April 2015}}</ref> Fu Manchu,<ref name=psl/> Queens of the Stone Age,<ref name=sunrunner>{{cite news|last1=Linn|first1=Robin|last2=Lalli|first2=Mario|title=The strange births of Desert Rock|url=http://www.thesunrunner.com/2013/07/19/12852/the-strange-births-of-desert-rock|access-date=30 April 2015|publisher=The Sun Runner, Journal of the Real Desert|date=19 July 2013|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919012859/http://www.thesunrunner.com/2013/07/19/12852/the-strange-births-of-desert-rock|archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> Earthlings?<ref name=psl/> and Yawning Man.<ref name=psl/><ref name=sunrunner/>
=== Traditional doom === Influenced by 1970s and 1980s heavy metal,<ref name="trad">{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/c_2/crowned_in_earth_.htm|title=Crowned In Earth|work=Metal Temple|author=Voutiriadou, Maria|access-date=19 May 2013|archive-date=9 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709172715/http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/c_2/crowned_in_earth_.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> traditional doom metal bands more commonly use higher guitar tunings, and do not play as slowly as many other doom bands.<ref Name=AE/> Traditional doom bands typically play slow to mid-tempo songs with a thick and heavy sound with the electric bass following the melody line, and sometimes employ the usage of keyboards, although assuming a secondary role on traditional doom metal songs.<ref name="doomSabbath">{{cite book |last=Irwin |first=William |date=September 2012 |title=Black Sabbath and Philosophy: Mastering Reality |publisher=John Wiley & Sons}}</ref> Vocals are usually clean with the occasional growl or scream.<ref Name=AE/> The lyrics in traditional doom usually are eerie and dark like other doom metal divisions. Some bands who play traditional doom metal are Orodruin,<ref>{{cite web|last=Nixon|first=Josh|url=https://bmamag.com/2019/11/04/orodruin-ruins-of-eternity/|title=Orodruin – Ruins of Eternity|work=BMA Magazine|date=4 November 2019|access-date=17 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/orodruin-to-release-debut|title=ORODRUIN To Release Debut|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=10 January 2003|access-date=17 July 2022}}</ref> Reverend Bizarre,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/magazine/god-forbid-13-%E2%80%93-nov-2005/reverend-bizarre/|title=Reverend Bizarre|work=Decibel Magazine|access-date= 20 May 2013}}</ref> Witchcraft, Saint Vitus,<ref name="doomSabbath"/> and Count Raven.<ref name="doomSabbath"/>
== Reception == In 2016, the staff of ''Alternative Press Magazine'' named doom metal as being among some of the "weirdest" subgenres of heavy metal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AltPress |title=Here are some of the weirdest subgenres of metal |url=https://www.altpress.com/here_are_some_of_the_weirdest_subgenres_of_metal/ |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=Alternative Press Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
== See also == * List of doom metal bands * Emissions from the Monolith, a doom metal music festival * Post-metal * Slowcore, a genre of indie rock that also employs very slow tempos and pessimistic lyrics * ''Doomed to Fail'', a music history book about the genre and similar styles, such as sludge and post-metal
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{wikiquote}} {{Commons category|Doom metal}} * [https://www.allmusic.com/style/doom-metal-ma0000004496 Doom metal] at AllMusic
{{Heavymetal}} {{Extreme metal}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Doom metal Category:Extreme metal Category:Heavy metal genres