There’s a lot to know about doom metal – that’s why I decided to put together this doom metal FAQ. Hopefully, I’ll be able to answer some of the most common questions about the music genre. And more importantly, spark an interest in doom metal and my progressive death/doom metal band Soliloquium.
Do you have a question about doom metal that’s not in the FAQ? Reach out to me! If it fits, I’ll answer it and put it in here.
About the author
- Stefan Nordström
- Musician, songwriter, content creator, digital freelancer
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Bands: Desolator, Soliloquium, Ending Quest, Ashes of Life, Trees of Daymare, The Ashen Tree
- Social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
What was the first doom metal band? / who started doom metal?
Black Sabbath are considered the fathers of both doom metal and heavy metal as a whole.
Why is it called doom metal?
According to Wikipedia, the music and lyrics “intend to evoke a sense of despair, dread and impending doom”. So it’s no wonder it wound up being called doom metal, right?
What are the best doom metal bands?
Some of the best doom metal bands according to me are Katatonia, Anathema, Paradise Lost, Slumber, Rapture, Daylight Dies, Solitude Aeturnus and Candlemass.
What are the most popular doom metal bands?
Some of the most popular doom metal artists (according to last.fm) are Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Electric Wizard, Katatonia, Anathema, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and Type O Negative.
Where can you find doom metal bands and music?
Right here! I have guides for many sub-genres of doom metal, as well as doom metal releases from different years. Another good place for it is doom-metal.com.
What kind of metal is in doom?
No doom metal FAQ without answering this question, of course: doom metal is a style that usually utilizes slower tempos, down-tuned guitars and a thicker/heavier sound than other metal genres.
Is doom metal depressing?
Not all doom metal is depressing, but most of it deals with dark topics. It’s definitely music that expresses and deals with the dark themes in life.
What is the difference between doom metal and death metal?
The main differences between doom metal and death metal are extremity, tempo, atmosphere and lyrics. Death metal tends to be more violent, sonically and lyrically. However, the styles have been combined. Early, slowed-down death metal, such as Autopsy and Asphyx, is sometimes considered doom metal.
What is the difference between doom metal and black metal?
The main differences between doom metal and black metal are also extremity, tempo, atmosphere and lyrics. There are bands that successfully combine elements from both genres, such as Italy’s Forgotten Tomb and Sweden’s Eudaimony.
Is doom metal and stoner metal the same thing?
The terms doom metal and stoner metal are often blurred, and it’s not easy to know what to expect. But in essence, the genres are quite different. Stoner metal (or stoner doom/stoner doom metal) fuses doom metal elements with psychedelic rock and acid rock.
What are some common doom metal sub-genres?
Some of the most famous doom metal sub-genres are:
Is doom music metal or rock?
Doom metal is the most common genre and term, but there are also other forms of music, including rock, that’s sometimes labeled as doom. If it’s fitting and/or correct, however, depends on your particular view.
Progressive death/doom from Stockholm, Sweden – have a listen?
So, now you know some of the most common things about doom metal. Maybe it’s time to check out some underground doom from Stockholm, Sweden? Would be really cool if you had a listen, and all support is highly appreciated!
Soliloquium links: Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
More blog articles about doom metal and its sub-genres:
The full guide to doom metal and its sub-genres ->
15 underrated death/doom metal bands you should know ->
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