Doom metal (from “doom” — fate, ruin) is one of the heaviest and slowest subgenres of metal music. It grew directly out of the early work of the band Black Sabbath, taking its darkness and heaviness to the extreme.
In contrast to fast styles like thrash or death metal, doom is deliberately slowed down: a slow tempo, extremely heavy, “thick,” and drawn-out guitar riffs, and an oppressive, hopeless atmosphere create a feeling of inexorable fate, sorrow, and melancholy. The lyrical themes are mostly connected with suffering, loneliness, mysticism, and reflection on death. Over time doom metal spawned many offshoots, including more melodic and atmospheric forms. It is a music of weight and space that acts through mood and powerful sonic pressure rather than through speed.
