Top 10 Doom Metal Albums of All Time
01. Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath (1970)
“Black Sabbath” is the debut studio album by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath. The album is widely regarded as the first true metal album, and the opening title track “Black Sabbath” was named the greatest heavy metal song of all time by Rolling Stone and has been referred to as the first doom metal song.
Black Sabbath music was unusually dark for the time. The first track features a slow tritone riff, while “N.I.B.” tells Lucifer story of falling in love. “Behind the Wall of Sleep” references H. P. Lovecraft and “The Wizard” draws inspiration from Gandalf in “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”.
02. Candlemass – Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (1986)
“Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” is the debut studio album by Swedish doom metal band Candlemass. The album title “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” is a dog latin translation rendering of Epic Doom Metal — the genre which the band helped pioneer and with which it is most commonly identified.
The “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” differs from other European metal bands who were known for “playing at breakneck speeds and screaming in a high-pitched frenzy”. Candlemass album features slower riffs and vocals delivered in a “baritone, operatic style”. Opening song “Solitude” features lyrics revolving around themes of suicide and depression.
03. Candlemass – Nightfall (1987)
“Nightfall” is the second studio album by Swedish doom metal band Candlemass. The album is considered a landmark in epic doom metal, introducing vocalist Messiah Marcolin, whose operatic style became a defining trait of the band.
Album features slow, heavy riffs and dark, dramatic themes. “At the Gallows End” reflects on mortality and redemption, while “Samarithan” tells the story of a weary traveler who dies after a final act of kindness. Also includes the haunting “Bewitched” accompanied by one of doom metal most iconic music videos.
04. Saint Vitus – Born Too Late (1986)
“Born Too Late” is the third studio album by American doom metal band Saint Vitus. “Born Too Late” has been described as “deeply rooted in the gloomy ballistics of early [Black] Sabbath”.
The album contains “sludgy, ultra-slow riffs” and omits the “galloping rhythms” that are common in traditional heavy metal. The lyrics explore themes such as dragons, psychedelic drugs, war, insanity and alcohol abuse. This album is considered to be a highly influential release in the doom metal genre.
05. Trouble – Psalm 9 (1984)
“Psalm 9” is the debut studio album by American doom metal band Trouble. “Psalm 9” is considered by many critics to be one of the first doom metal releases.
“Psalm 9” songs draw heavily from the Bible. The title track uses verses from the King James Version and “The Tempter” comes from Matthew 4:3. “The Fall of Lucifer” is inspired by Revelation 12, mentioning the “angel of light” and the “dragon”. “Revelation (Life or Death)” also references the Book of Revelation. Song “Assassin” was released as a 1984 single with a cover of Cream “Tales of Brave Ulysses” as the B-side.
06. Paradise Lost – Gothic (1991)
Gothic is the second studio album by British gothic metal band Paradise Lost. The album (which was mostly described as death-doom when it was released) is retrospectively considered style-defining and name-giving for the genre of gothic metal.
Paradise Lost music blends doom metal with gothic elements, creating a dark and atmospheric sound. Track “Gothic” sets the tone with slow, heavy riffs, while “As I Die” explores themes of despair and mortality. “The Painless” combines melodic passages with haunting lyrics and “The Last Time” shows the band early use of keyboards to enhance the gothic atmosphere.
07. My Dying Bride – Turn Loose the Swans (1993)
“Turn Loose the Swans” is the second studio album by English doom metal band My Dying Bride. The album is widely regarded as a cornerstone of death/doom and gothic metal, blending heavy riffs with melodic violin and mournful atmospheres.
My Dying Bride music on the album is intensely dark and melancholic. “Sear Me MCMXCIII” features slow, mournful instrumentation, while “The Cry of Mankind” explores themes of loss and despair. “A Sea to Suffer In” combines crushing riffs with sorrowful melodies and “The Forever People” highlights the band use of violin to enhance the gothic atmosphere.
08. Cathedral – Forest of Equilibrium (1991)
“Forest of Equilibrium” is the debut studio album by British doom metal band Cathedral. It is considered a classic of its genre, doom metal. The album is widely regarded as a classic of epic doom metal, featuring extremely slow and heavy riffs that define the genre.
Cathedral music on the album is crushingly dark and atmospheric. “In Memoriam” sets the tone with monolithic riffs, while “Ride” delivers a relentless, sludgy assault. “Forest of Equilibrium” combines doom-laden melodies with a somber, ritualistic feel and “Ebony Tears” emphasizes the band use of weighty riffs and brooding vocals to create a sense of despair.
09. Pentagram – Pentagram (Relentless) (1985)
“Relentless” is the debut studio album by American doom metal band Pentagram. The album is widely regarded as a pioneering work of American doom, blending heavy, mid-tempo riffs with occult-themed lyrics.
Pentagram music on the album is dark and foreboding. First track “Relentless” features pounding riffs and a menacing groove, while “Death Row” tells a tale of impending doom and punishment. “Forever My Queen” combines melancholic melodies with heavy riffs and “Be Forewarned” emphasizes the band use of ominous lyrics and powerful, driving instrumentation.
10. Electric Wizard – Dopethrone (2000)
“Dopethrone” is the third studio album by English doom metal band Electric Wizard. The album is widely regarded as a landmark of sludge and stoner doom, known for its extremely heavy riffs and psychedelic, drug-fueled atmosphere.
Electric Wizard music on the album is crushingly slow and oppressive. Opening track “Funeralopolis” features massive, distorted riffs, while “Dopethrone” embodies the band themes of occultism and debauchery. “I, the Witchfinder” mixes menacing riffs with a hypnotic groove and “We Hate You” highlights the band raw, relentless approach to doom metal.
Cast your vote for up to three of the albums above or tell us your personal Top 10 doom metal albums in the comments below – we’d love to see your picks!
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