Doom metal, a genre known for its heavy, slow tempos and dark, atmospheric tones, has been a key part of the metal scene for decades. This subgenre often explores themes of despair, sorrow, and the macabre, with some bands adding a touch of psychedelic or stoner influence to their sound. In recent years, the doom metal scene has seen an influx of new and exciting talent, as well as established bands pushing their sound into new territories.
This article takes a closer look at some of the most noteworthy doom metal tracks of 2024. From crushing riffs to haunting vocals, these songs represent the diversity within the genre and highlight its continued evolution. Whether you’re a longtime fan of doom metal or a newcomer to the scene, these tracks are sure to impress.
9 Iconic New Doom Metal Hits You Need to Hear
1. “Lurking Shadows” – Pallbearer
Pallbearer’s latest release, “Lurking Shadows,” exemplifies their ability to combine emotional depth with a heavy, sludgy atmosphere. The track is an epic journey, clocking in at over ten minutes, with each section building in intensity. The song starts off slow and brooding, with mournful guitar melodies that gradually morph into a massive wall of sound. The deep, clean vocals of Brett Campbell draw listeners in with their heartfelt delivery, adding a layer of melancholy to the song. The mid-song breakdown hits like a tidal wave, bringing a sense of doom that feels palpable. “Lurking Shadows” showcases Pallbearer’s signature mix of crushing heaviness and emotional resonance, and it’s a perfect example of how the band continues to evolve while staying true to the doom genre.
2. “Crimson Flame” – Witch Mountain
Witch Mountain’s “Crimson Flame” is a return to form for the band, blending traditional doom metal with some modern twists. The song starts with a thick, buzzing riff that sets the stage for the rest of the track. As vocalist Kayla Dixon’s powerful, raspy voice enters, she brings a sense of urgency to the song that contrasts beautifully with the slower, heavier instrumental sections. The song is about facing one’s inner demons, and Dixon’s delivery is full of intensity and grit. The instrumentation remains rooted in doom, with long, lingering notes and a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality. As the song builds, it becomes clear that “Crimson Flame” is not just a song but an experience—one that will leave listeners feeling both drained and uplifted. Witch Mountain’s ability to craft doom metal that is both heavy and emotionally charged is on full display here.
3. “Wormwood” – YOB
YOB’s “Wormwood” is a sprawling, atmospheric doom metal track that stands out as one of the band’s most ambitious works to date. The song is a slow burn, beginning with a clean, haunting guitar melody before building into a massive, sludgy riff that fills the entire sonic spectrum. The guttural growls of Mike Scheidt combine with the band’s intricate musicianship to create a song that feels both vast and suffocating. “Wormwood” is a meditation on cosmic insignificance and personal despair, with lyrics that reflect the band’s penchant for exploring existential themes. The song’s structure is dynamic, shifting between quiet, introspective moments and crushing, thunderous sections. With “Wormwood,” YOB once again proves their mastery of the genre, blending heaviness and introspection in a way that only a few doom bands can replicate.
4. “Violet Haze” – Windhand
Windhand’s “Violet Haze” is a deeply atmospheric track that blends elements of traditional doom with a stoner rock influence. The song begins with a haunting, almost eerie intro before launching into a thick, fuzzy riff that seems to envelope the listener. Dorthia Cottrell’s ethereal vocals are a standout feature on this track, with her voice floating delicately above the weighty instrumentation. The track’s lyrics explore themes of escape and transcendence, with the vocalist’s delivery suggesting a longing for something just out of reach. As the song builds, it gradually intensifies, pulling listeners into its trance-like rhythm. The extended instrumental section towards the end allows the band to showcase their ability to create mood through sound, slowly evolving into a heavy, almost psychedelic jam. “Violet Haze” is a perfect blend of doom metal and stoner rock, capturing the band’s ability to create deeply emotional music without sacrificing heaviness.
5. “Beneath the Earth” – Conan
Conan’s “Beneath the Earth” is a blistering doom track that takes no prisoners. Known for their ultra-heavy sound, Conan pushes the limits of what doom metal can be with this track. The song’s central riff is incredibly thick, as though the guitars are physically crushing the air around them. The pounding drums and throaty vocals of Jon Davis contribute to the overall feeling of suffocating heaviness. The track’s themes are as heavy as its sound, exploring the idea of mankind’s inevitable descent into the earth. The breakdown towards the middle of the song is particularly striking, as the band slows the tempo to an almost glacial pace before building it back up again. “Beneath the Earth” is a prime example of Conan’s ability to create pure, unrelenting heaviness without sacrificing dynamics or emotional depth. For fans of the genre who crave pure sonic destruction, this track delivers in spades.
6. “Descent Into Madness” – Swallow the Sun
Swallow the Sun’s “Descent Into Madness” is a beautifully haunting song that blends death-doom and black metal influences. The track is built around a mournful melody that repeats throughout, creating a feeling of spiraling towards an inevitable fate. The vocals shift between clean, melodic singing and guttural growls, adding layers of intensity and emotion to the song. The song’s structure is expansive, with long sections of atmosphere-building interspersed with explosive moments of heaviness. “Descent Into Madness” is a reflection on the fragility of the human mind, and the way the darkness within can slowly consume a person. The track’s instrumentation is masterful, with the band weaving together layers of guitar and synthesizer to create a rich, textured sound. It’s a deeply emotional and powerful piece of music, showing Swallow the Sun’s continued ability to push the boundaries of doom metal.
7. “Eclipse of the Soul” – Bell Witch
Bell Witch’s “Eclipse of the Soul” is a slow, crushing song that captures the band’s unique blend of funeral doom and atmospheric soundscapes. The track begins with a mournful, plodding riff that sets the tone for the entire piece. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Bell Witch is not simply playing heavy music—they are creating an immersive, emotionally charged experience. The song’s long duration allows the band to fully explore its dark themes, building tension with each passing minute. The vocal performance is minimal but effective, with a deep, resonant growl that adds a sense of desolation to the track. The instrumental sections are sparse but impactful, allowing the heavy guitars and deep bass to create a sense of weight and inevitability. “Eclipse of the Soul” is a testament to Bell Witch’s ability to craft deeply emotional, atmospheric doom music that feels as much like a journey as it does a song.
8. “Blackened Horizon” – The Obsessed
The Obsessed’s “Blackened Horizon” is a groovy, riff-heavy track that brings a touch of classic rock into the doom metal fold. The song opens with a hypnotic riff that immediately grabs attention. The driving rhythm section propels the track forward, while Scott “Wino” Weinrich’s signature vocals add a layer of grit and rawness. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of disillusionment and hopelessness, with Weinrich’s voice perfectly capturing the sense of weariness that permeates the track. The tempo shifts throughout the song, with sections of driving, almost upbeat riffing giving way to slower, heavier moments. “Blackened Horizon” is a great example of The Obsessed’s ability to mix doom metal with stoner rock elements, creating a track that is both catchy and heavy. For fans of the genre who appreciate a more groove-oriented take on doom, this track is a must-listen.
9. “Doomsday Dreams” – Spirit Adrift
Spirit Adrift’s “Doomsday Dreams” combines traditional doom metal with a more progressive approach, creating a sound that is both crushing and expansive. The song begins with a slow, heavy riff, but as it progresses, the band introduces more intricate guitar work and dynamic changes. The vocals are clear and powerful, conveying a sense of resignation and melancholy that matches the track’s dark themes. The band’s use of tempo shifts keeps the song engaging, with moments of intense heaviness giving way to more ethereal, atmospheric sections. “Doomsday Dreams” explores the feeling of facing an inevitable end, but it does so with a sense of hope and introspection. Spirit Adrift’s ability to blend traditional doom with progressive elements results in a song that is both heavy and emotionally nuanced, making “Doomsday Dreams” a standout track in the 2024 doom metal scene.
See Also: The 10 Best Doom Metal Tracks by Revelation Revealed
Conclusion
The doom metal scene in 2024 is brimming with exciting new tracks that push the boundaries of the genre. From the atmospheric, introspective elements of YOB and Bell Witch to the raw, crushing heaviness of Conan and Pallbearer, these songs demonstrate the diversity within doom metal. The tracks highlighted in this article showcase not only the genre’s enduring appeal but also its ability to evolve and capture new emotional depths. Doom metal remains a powerful force in the metal world, and with bands like these leading the charge, it’s clear that the genre will continue to inspire and captivate listeners for years to come. Whether you’re drawn to the crushing heaviness or the haunting atmospheres, 2024’s doom metal hits are not to be missed.
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