Sludge metal

Sludge metal is a form of heavy metal music that is generally regarded as a fusion between doom metal and hardcore punk.It is generally regarded to

Sludge metal is a form of heavy metal music that is generally regarded as a fusion between doom metal and hardcore punk.It is generally regarded to have been invented by The Melvins, and some cite the second side of Black Flag's My War as influential, but was popularized chiefly by a number of New Orleans based bands, a scene and sound popularly referred to as NOLA. It also bears some musical and lyrical resemblance to crust punk, deriving its lyrical themes from crust's tendencies towards depression. The slow, extremely heavy rhythms of doom metal are combined with the shouting vocal delivery and occasional bursts of speed reminiscent of hardcore. There is often crossover between this genre and stoner metal, but sludge metal generally avoids the positive outlook on life that is common in stoner metal, and is usually far more atmospheric. There is a strong influence of southern rock and imagery in some sludge metal, particularly in the swampy sounds of the Louisiana bands, but also in Corrosion of Conformity (from North Carolina), and many of the Texas bands.

Guitars and bass are heavily distorted and often use large amounts of feedback to give a 'dirty' atmosphere. There is often an absence of guitar solos in sludge metal. Drums are rooted in hardcore, with many hardcore beats and rhythms being present in the majority of sludge bands. Vocals are shouted as in hardcore, and lyrics are generally blue-collar in nature, reflecting on society, generally in a cynical or downtrodden manner.