The 40+ Best Doom Metal Bands, Ranked
As the pioneers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath can easily be considered one of the founding fathers of doom metal as well. With their slow, dark, and brooding sound that can be heard in songs such as "Black Sabbath," "Electric Funeral," and particularly "Into the Void," it's no wonder the band has influenced countless musicians who have sought to explore the depths of doom. Their monumental guitar riffs provided by Tony Iommi alongside Ozzy Osbourne's haunting vocals set a precedent for heavy, emotional music that continues today. The relentless and ominous sound that Black Sabbath created solidified their title as one of the best doom metal bands in history.
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Sweden's Candlemass has carried the torch for the classic doom metal sound since they formed in 1984. Considered a staple within the genre with their debut album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, the band leans on commanding, eerie vocals (originally from Johan Längquist) and a persistent emphasis on slower tempos to create a compelling sense of sorrow. Songs like "Solitude" showcase their masterful use of epic storytelling combined with crushing riffs that leave listeners feeling both dread and awe. This ability to craft such intense atmospheres without sacrificing melody has earned Candlemass its rightful place among the best doom metal bands.
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Hailing from England, Electric Wizard have been producing a fusion of psychedelic, stoner rock and doom metal since their formation in 1993. Known for their fuzzy, downtuned guitars and dark lyrical themes, the band established its presence as a heavy-weight in the realm of doom with their seminal album Dopethrone, featuring tracks like "Funeralopolis." Led by frontman Jus Oborn, Electric Wizard's combination of hypnotic, drone-like riffs with lyrics that dive into the macabre and occult has resonated strongly with fans of the genre. Their unique sonic blend has earned them recognition as one of the best doom metal bands on the scene.
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Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Saint Vitus have become one of America's most influential doom metal bands since their inception in 1979. As one of the first bands to sign to the iconic SST Records label, Saint Vitus gained recognition thanks to their raw sound characterized by Dave Chandler's distinctive guitar work and Scott Reagers' mesmerizing vocals that can be heard on tracks like "Born Too Late." Their signature style combines elements of punk with heavy, blues-influenced riffs that create an atmosphere permeated by despair and hopelessness. The unwavering intensity that Saint Vitus brings to their music has solidified their position as one of the most important doom metal bands ever.
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Pentagram
Founded in 1971 by Bobby Liebling and Geof O'Keefe, Pentagram is known for its profound impact on both traditional heavy metal and doom metal subgenres. Throughout their near half-century spanning career, they have faced numerous lineup changes but have consistently delivered quality material. Their album Relentless showcases their unique blend of melodic hooks, slow-grooving riffs, and Liebling's haunting vocal delivery. With such unforgettable tunes like "Sign of the Wolf (Pentagram)" under their belt, it's clear why Pentagram holds a high rank among the best doom metal bands.
Emerging from the ashes of their previous band, Asbestosdeath, Sleep's founding members Al Cisneros, Chris Hakius, and Matt Pike forged a new path in the doom metal landscape with their groundbreaking album Sleep's Holy Mountain in 1992. Best known for their iconic single-track opus Dopesmoker, which clocks in at over an hour long, Sleep has become synonymous with the stoner doom genre. Incorporating elements of sludge and drone into their hypnotic sound, the band pays homage to Black Sabbath while simultaneously evolving the genre. Sleep's influence and dedication to pushing the limits of heavy music have solidified their status as one of the best doom metal bands.
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Originally emerging from the extreme metal movement in early 90s England, Cathedral blended elements of death-doom with traditional heavy metal to form a sound all their own. Spearheaded by former Napalm Death vocalist Lee Dorrian and guitarist Garry Jennings, Cathedral quickly distinguished themselves as an important voice in doom metal with tracks like "Forest of Equilibrium." Their sound was further refined with the release of masterpieces such as The Carnival Bizarre which emphasized psychedelic influences while maintaining crushing heaviness. Cathedral's forward-thinking approach carved them an undisputed spot among the best doom metal bands in history.
Formed in 1988 in Halifax, England, Paradise Lost has explored various musical styles throughout their career but always remained rooted in doom metal. Their early albums like Gothic and Shades of God combined elements of death-doom with haunting gothic atmospheres. With Nick Holmes' dynamic vocal range, encompassing guttural growls and emotive clean singing, and Gregor Mackintosh's masterful guitar work, the band has consistently created powerful, engaging compositions. The dedication to their craft has earned Paradise Lost recognition as one of doom metal's finest.
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Formed in the late 1970s, Trouble was one of the early pioneers of doom metal, despite spending much of their career as an unsung underground force. The distinctly emotive dual guitar attack of Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin helped define their unique sound, while the expressive vocal delivery of Eric Wagner imbued tracks like "Psalm 9" with an enigmatic quality. The band's self-described "white metal" ethos was underscored by a penchant for soul-searching lyrics exploring existential themes. Trouble's dedication to artistic integrity and innovation makes them a standout among the best doom metal bands.
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My Dying Bride rose to prominence as part of the early '90s death-doom movement that swept over the UK. Their unique brand of atmospheric doom, characterized by Aaron Stainthorpe's tortured vocals and dark narratives, has consistently explored themes of loss and despair across their extensive discography. My Dying Bride has also been known to incorporate unexpected musical elements, including violins, piano, and even poetry recitations which are featured on tracks like "The Snow in My Hand." This unwavering commitment to emotional intensity has earned My Dying Bride a well-deserved place among the best doom metal bands.
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Reverend Bizarre
Hailing from Finland, Reverend Bizarre was a force to be reckoned with in the world of traditional doom metal during their brief but impactful career from 1995 to 2007. Their slow, plodding riffs combined with Albert Witchfinder's prophetic vocals created an immensely powerful sound that pays homage to the founding fathers of doom while pushing its boundaries to new heights. Tracks like "Burn in Hell!" exemplify their penchant for spellbinding storytelling driven by menacing heaviness. Reverend Bizarre's devotion to crafting deeply atmospheric and authentic doom metal places them among the genre's best.
Emerging from the Texas metal scene in the late 1980s, Solitude Aeturnus quickly made a name for themselves with their majestic brand of melodic doom metal. Fronted by the powerful and emotive vocals of Robert Lowe, the band's music is full of sorrowful melodies and heart-wrenching lyrics. Their magnum opus Through the Darkest Hour boasts classic tracks such as "Pawns of Anger" and showcases their innovative approach to the genre. Solitude Aeturnus' ability to convey deep emotional depth while retaining a sense of haunting beauty has earned them a spot among the best doom metal bands.
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Pallbearer
Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, Pallbearer has been making waves in the contemporary doom metal scene since their formation in 2008. The band deftly combines soaring clean vocals with crushingly heavy riffs on releases such as Sorrow and Extinction and Foundations of Burden. Pallbearer's ability to blend introspective lyrics with relentless musical weight strikes a powerful chord with listeners looking for doom with depth. Their innovative take on a classic genre has cemented their status as one of the best modern doom metal bands.
Swallow the Sun has been enveloping listeners in their brand of melodic death-doom metal since forming in Finland in 2000. Excelling in crafting immersive atmospheres with Mikko Kotamäki's versatile vocal range and poetic lyrics that often delve into themes of nature and loss, the band has gained a dedicated following throughout its career. Their opus When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light exemplifies these attributes in tracks such as "Firelights," further cementing Swallow the Sun's place among the best doom metal bands.
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Agalloch's fusion of atmospheric black metal, post-rock, and doom metal has captivated fans since the band emerged from Portland, Oregon in 1995. Often characterized by eclectic instrumentation and haunting melodies, Agalloch evokes a sense of wonder and introspection through albums like The Mantle and Pale Folklore. Their ability to craft deeply emotional musical landscapes without compromising on heaviness demonstrates their prowess as one of the genre's best. While Agalloch disbanded in 2016, their influence remains palpable among contemporary doom metal bands.
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Formed by former Sleep guitarist Matt Pike, High On Fire has become one of the most iconic contemporary bands in doom and stoner metal since its inception in 1998. Combining elements of sludge with faster tempos than traditional doom, they've carved out a niche for themselves with their powerful sound characterized by Pike's frenetic guitar work and gravelly vocals. Standout tracks like "Snakes for the Divine" showcase their ability to blend relentless intensity with infectious grooves. High On Fire's unique take on heaviness makes them an essential fixture on any list of the best doom metal bands.
Since their formation in 1998, experimental drone-doom duo Sunn O))) has confounded expectations by creating minimalist soundscapes with an emphasis on atmosphere rather than traditional song structure. Consisting of Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson, their adventurous compositions often incorporate elements like vocal chants, electronic noise, or a number of guest musicians. Albums like Black One provide a sensory experience that transcends conventional music boundaries and earns them a spot among the avant-garde of doom metal.
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The Obsessed
American doom metal outfit The Obsessed was formed in 1980 by Scott "Wino" Weinrich, who later became an iconic figure within the genre. During their tenure, The Obsessed released several seminal albums like Lunar Womb and Sacred, creating an awe-inspiring sound marked by Wino's distinctive voice that would come to be emblematic of that era's doom scene. With powerful tracks such as "Brother Blue Steel," their blend of raw energy and atmospheric gloom made them darlings among connoisseurs of epic doom metal. Their dedication to producing uncompromising, heavy music has secured The Obsessed a spot among the best doom metal bands.
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Effortlessly blending elements of melodic death metal, progressive rock, and doom metal is Finland's Amorphis. Formed in 1990, this eclectic act has experimented with various styles while consistently pushing the boundaries of heavy music. Trading guttural growls and clean singing throughout their discography, as heard on releases like Tales from the Thousand Lakes and Skyforger, Amorphis has forged a distinctive sound that resonates with fans of all types of metal, guaranteeing their place among the best doom metal bands.
Witchfinder General is one of the early pioneers within the subgenre of doom metal, with a sound reminiscent of Black Sabbath's dark subject matter combined with an old-school heavy rock groove. Formed in 1979 in England, this innovative band released influential albums such as Death Penalty and Friends of Hell, displaying their knack for haunting riffs and memorable melodies that were reinforced by Zeeb Parkes' chilling vocal performance. Although Witchfinder General disbanded in 1984, their enduring legacy continues to solidify them as one of the best and most influential bands in doom metal history.
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Formed in 2003 by Al Cisneros and Chris Hakius, OM is an experimental doom metal band that since its inception, has been pushing the boundaries of the genre through the use of minimalism and repetitive arrangements. With the core lineup consisting solely of bass guitar and drums, the band has implemented elements of world music and drones to create a hypnotic atmosphere that defies convention. Tracks such as "Pilgrimage" exemplify their unique approach towards doom while still retaining a core heaviness. OM's continuous exploration into uncharted territory has earned them a spot among doom metal's finest.
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A quintessential example of an ever-evolving band that has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy music is the Melvins. Known for incorporating elements from various genres such as sludge, grunge, and experimental rock into their sonic framework since their formation in 1983, they've always retained a common thread with doom through their use of slow-paced riffs and lumbering heaviness showcased on tracks like "Night Goat." Pioneers in their field, the Melvins have defied expectations by remaining unapologetically true to their artistic vision despite the rapidly changing musical landscape, making them one of the greatest doom metal acts in history.
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Portuguese gothic metal band Moonspell, formed in 1992, has long been a formidable presence within the darker realms of music. While their early works like Wolfheart leaned towards black metal and atmospheric doom, they kept evolving through the years to incorporate elements of goth and dark wave into their sound as evident on albums such as Irreligious. Frontman Fernando Ribeiro's captivating vocal delivery combines with hauntingly beautiful melodies to transport listeners to a world of melancholy and darkness that is quintessentially Moonspell. Their bold experimentation and unique take on the genre have earned them a spot among the best doom metal bands.
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Bell Witch
Seattle-based Bell Witch's unique take on funeral doom metal involves sparse instrumentation and haunting drones that evoke feelings of intense melancholy. Formed in 2010, they quickly made an impact in the world of doom with their monumental release Mirror Reaper, which consists of one continuous 83-minute song exploring themes of death and suffering. Utilizing only bass guitar, drums, and guttural growls contrasted with chilling clean vocals, Bell Witch's enthralling compositions captivate listeners through evocative soundscapes and sheer emotion. Their raw vulnerability solidifies Bell Witch's place among the best doom metal bands.
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Formed in 1991 in Denmark, Saturnus has been churning out lush, atmospheric doom metal characterized by melancholic melodies, deep growls, and clean vocals. Albums like Paradise Belongs to You and Veronika Decides to Die showcase their dark, emotive sound whilst incorporating classic heavy guitar riffs that evoke a sense of longing and despair. Their continued commitment to crafting immersive emotional experiences for listeners has secured Saturnus' spot among the best doom metal bands.
Formed in 1989 in Chicago, Novembers Doom initially began as a death-doom act that has since grown to incorporate diverse influences such as goth, progressive, and dark metal throughout their career. With their trademark fusion of tormented growls and clean, soulful vocals, they've consistently delivered powerful and emotive performances that often confront themes of grief and loss. Albums such as The Pale Haunt Departure stand testament to their musical prowess and mastery of the doom metal genre. Novembers Doom's unwavering dedication to their craft has rightfully earned them recognition among the best doom metal bands.
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Winter
New York's Winter took the early metal scene by storm with their 1990 release Into Darkness, which combined elements of death metal with funeral doom influences. Characterized by torturous tempos and guttural growls that result in a bleak atmosphere, Winter's sound is a descent into despair that sends chills through listeners' spines. Although they dissolved after releasing just one full-length record, Winter's enduring legacy cements their place among the best doom metal bands.
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Hailing from Oakland, California, Neurosis pioneered an innovative fusion of doom metal, sludge, post-rock, and ambient music since their formation in 1985. Featuring themes of desolation and introspection throughout their discography, they've explored inward torment within listeners while effortlessly transcending genre boundaries. Albums such as Through Silver in Blood demonstrate Neurosis's profound impact on the development of experimental heavy music and solidify their status as one of the most influential doom metal bands to date.
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Bongripper
Instrumental doom titans Bongripper have been pushing sonic boundaries since forming in Chicago in 2005. With no shortage of crushing riffs and droning expanses on albums like Satan Worshipping Doom and Terminal, their unyielding heaviness has galvanized fans of the genre worldwide. Bongripper's relentless intensity and experimental constructions have earned them reputability as one of doom metal's leading acts.
Emerging from Sweden in the late '80s, Count Raven has continuously demonstrated its prowess in the realm of epic doom. With its unmistakable heavy riffs and dramatic vocals from frontman Dan Fondelius, they quickly garnered comparisons to legends such as Black Sabbath and Candlemass. Tracks such as "Destruction of the Void" show off Count Raven's ability to create compositions full of atmosphere and depth without sacrificing intense heaviness. Through perseverance, innovation, and raw power, Count Raven has solidified their place among the best doom metal bands.
