deathdoom

Deathdoom is a subgenre of extreme metal that fuses elements of death metal and doom metal. It emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, drawing inspiration from bands like Celtic Frost, Possessed, and early Candlemass. The genre is characterized by its slow to mid-tempo tempos, heavily distorted guitars, and guttural vocalizations, often combined with the lyrical themes and bleak atmosphere associated with doom metal.

The sound of deathdoom typically features crushing, down-tuned riffs that create a sense of immense weight and despair. While doom metal often emphasizes melody and atmosphere, deathdoom incorporates the aggression and technicality found in death metal. Drumming can range from slow, pounding beats to more intricate, blast-beat sections, though the slower tempos are generally more prevalent. Vocals are almost exclusively growled or screamed, adding to the overall intensity and grimness of the music.

Lyrical content in deathdoom often explores themes of death, decay, the occult, horror, and existential dread. The overall atmosphere is intended to be oppressive, suffocating, and deeply melancholic. Bands associated with the deathdoom sound include Winter, Disembowelment, and Coffins, among others. The genre appeals to listeners seeking a more extreme and emotionally resonant form of doom metal, or a slower, more atmospheric approach to death metal.