Doom (album)
Doom is the debut studio album by the American sludge metal band Crowbar, released in 1993 on Pavement Music. The album establishes Crowbar's signature sound: a slow, heavy, and crushing style of metal characterized by down-tuned guitars, thick distortion, and Kirk Windstein's distinctive vocals, which often alternate between pained screams and guttural growls.
Musically, Doom blends elements of doom metal, hardcore punk, and sludge metal. The songs typically feature slow tempos, repetitive riffs, and a generally oppressive and melancholic atmosphere. Lyrically, the album explores themes of pain, suffering, hopelessness, and personal struggles.
While not initially a commercial success, Doom is considered a foundational album in the sludge metal genre and helped to solidify Crowbar's reputation as a key player in the New Orleans metal scene. It remains a fan favorite and a significant influence on subsequent generations of heavy metal musicians. Notable tracks include "High Rate Extinction" and "No Quarter." The album's cover art features a stark, minimalist design that reflects the bleak and crushing nature of the music.