stoner doom

The Heavy, Sludgy History of Stoner Doom

Stoner doom. The name itself conjures images of hazy afternoons spent sprawled on the couch, lost in a sonic vortex of sludgy riffs, pounding drums, and vocals that sound like they’re being delivered from the bottom of a well.

This heavy, hypnotic genre, born in the late 80s and early 90s, is the musical offspring of doom metal, psychedelic rock, and a generous helping of, well, stoner influence.

The Roots of a Stoned Sound

While not a clearly defined genre in its earliest days, stoner doom’s roots can be traced back to bands like Black Sabbath, who pioneered the heavy, dark sound that would later become a cornerstone of doom metal. Pink Floyd‘s psychedelic explorations and Led Zeppelin‘s bluesy rock influences also played a key role in shaping the sound.

The Rise of the “Stoner”

It was in the 90s that the term “stoner rock” began to be used, often referencing bands like Kyuss, Sleep, and Electric Wizard. These pioneers helped define the genre’s signature elements:

• Heavy, slowed-down riffs: Think thick, distorted guitar lines that drone on, often using open tunings for a thick, atmospheric sound.
• Hypnotic rhythms: Drums provide a steady, driving beat that can be hypnotic, often incorporating a slow tempo and a focus on groove.
• Vocals: Vocals can range from guttural growls to bluesy wails, often echoing the theme of introspection and contemplation.
• Lyrical themes: Lyrics often revolve around themes of introspection, escapism, and the pursuit of altered states of consciousness.

Funny Facts About the Stoner Doom Scene:

• Sleep’s “Dopesmoker” Saga: This iconic album, originally clocking in at over two hours, was initially rejected by the band’s label due to its excessive length. The band ultimately released it on their own label, proving that even in the world of stoner doom, “longer is better” sometimes holds true.
• The “Bongripper” Band Name: The band’s name, a clear play on the word “bongripper,” reflects the genre’s connection to cannabis culture. It’s also a hilarious testament to the band’s ability to keep a straight face while writing some of the heaviest riffs known to man.
• Electric Wizard’s “Wizard’s Brew”: This band’s discography is filled with songs with titles like “Witchcraft”, “Black Magic”, and “The Ancient Curse”. But perhaps the most fitting title for a stoner doom band is “Wizard’s Brew”, conjuring images of a cauldron bubbling with heavy riffs and psychedelic sounds.

The Future of Stoner Doom

Though stoner doom is often seen as a niche genre, it continues to thrive today, with new bands emerging and older bands continuing to tour and release new music. The genre’s influence can also be heard in other subgenres of metal, as well as in psychedelic rock and even some electronic music.

So next time you’re feeling the urge to crank up the volume and lose yourself in a sonic vortex of heavy riffs and psychedelic sounds, don’t forget to check out some stoner doom. You might just discover your new favorite genre.