Suffocating slowness meets crushing weight in music's heaviest dirge. 58–85 BPM.
Funeral Doom is a subgenre of doom metal that emphasizes extreme slowness, heaviness, and a funereal atmosphere. Originating in the early 1990s, it combines doom metal's crushing riffs with death metal's guttural vocals and often features lengthy, minimalist compositions. The genre is known for its depressive, meditative quality and use of deep, distorted guitars and slow drum patterns.
The defining artists of Funeral Doom — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Funeral Doom.
Funeral Doom is characterized by extremely slow tempos, often between 30 and 60 BPM, creating a sense of immense weight and stagnation. Guitars are heavily distorted and tuned low, playing slow, repetitive riffs that emphasize single notes or chords. Bass is prominent, often following the guitar or providing a droning foundation. Drums are minimalistic, with slow, simple patterns and frequent use of double bass at very low speeds. Vocals are typically deep, guttural growls or clean, mournful chants, often layered. The overall sound is dense, atmospheric, and suffocating, with long stretches of repetition and gradual dynamics.
Funeral Doom emerged in the early 1990s, primarily in Finland and the United Kingdom, as an extreme offshoot of doom metal. Bands like Thergothon and Skepticism pioneered the sound, drawing from death-doom and the slower elements of doom metal. The genre's name reflects its funereal atmosphere, with tempos often dropping below 60 BPM.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, funeral doom evolved with bands like Shape of Despair and Evoken adding symphonic elements and more complex song structures. The genre remained underground but gained a dedicated following. In the 2010s, a new wave of bands like Bell Witch and Ahab pushed the boundaries further, incorporating drone and ambient influences.
Culturally, funeral doom is associated with themes of death, grief, and existential despair. Its slow, crushing sound is often described as meditative or cathartic, appealing to listeners seeking extreme emotional depth. The genre's aesthetic frequently incorporates imagery of tombs, cemeteries, and desolate landscapes.
How Funeral Doom is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing funeral doom, prioritize extreme low-end and a massive, crushing sound. Use heavily distorted guitars with high gain and low tuning (e.g., B or drop A). Bass should be thick and present, often doubling the guitar or playing slow, droning lines. Drums should be recorded with a natural, roomy sound; avoid excessive triggering. Use slow, simple patterns with minimal fills. Tempo is crucial—stick to 30-60 BPM for authentic feel. Add reverb and delay to create a cavernous atmosphere. Samples like church bells, rain, or whispered vocals can enhance the funereal mood. Mixing should emphasize the low frequencies and create a wall of sound.
Hand-picked, updated weekly. Best for Mourning, Meditation, Deep contemplation.
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