americanadoom

American Doom: A Journey Through Gloom and Guitars

American Doom, a subgenre of doom metal born in the late 80s, is a musical tapestry woven with heavy riffs, dark lyrics, and a distinctly American flavor. This melancholic genre, often described as the soundtrack to a dystopian future, finds its roots in the heavy, dark, and introspective sounds of Black Sabbath and its ilk.

The Rise of the Doomers:

Early pioneers like Trouble, Candlemass, and Pentagram laid the foundation, pushing the boundaries of heavy metal with their slower tempos, heavier riffs, and introspective lyrics. But it was the emergence of bands like Saint Vitus, with their signature blend of blues and doom, that solidified the genre’s unique identity.

The American Influence:

American Doom, unlike its European counterpart, often incorporates bluesy elements, drawing inspiration from classic American rock and roll. This blend of heavy riffs and bluesy soul lends the genre its distinctive, melancholic character. Bands like Sleep, with their epic jams and psychedelic influences, and Electric Wizard, known for their heavy riffs and occult themes, pushed the genre further into the realm of psychedelic doom.

Funny Facts about American Doom Musicians:

• Sleep’s Al Cisneros: The bassist for Sleep is a practicing Buddhist. He’s known for his deep, philosophical lyrics and calm demeanor on stage, a stark contrast to his band’s music.
• Electric Wizard’s Jus Oborn: The frontman of Electric Wizard, known for his heavy riffs and occult themes, is a self-proclaimed “metal god.” He once claimed to have been possessed by a demon during a recording session.
• Trouble’s Eric Wagner: This iconic vocalist, known for his powerful and soulful vocals, is a self-proclaimed “metalhead” who once claimed to have never listened to anything besides doom metal.

American Doom’s Legacy:

American Doom continues to influence metal music today, spawning new bands and inspiring countless musicians. The genre’s unique blend of heaviness, bluesy soul, and introspective lyrics has resonated with generations of metalheads, proving that even in the darkest depths of despair, there’s always room for a good, heavy riff.