The difference, by ear
Doom is the branch that kept proto-metal's tempo and fuzz and threw away its boogie. Sabbath is on both sides of this line.
Both are sung cleanly, but doom metal is a little slower: 50 to 110 bpm against 90 to 140. Songs run longer in doom metal: usually 6 to 12 minutes, against 3 to 7 minutes in proto-metal. To hear the difference, play Blue Cheer next to Black Sabbath. Both grew out of heavy metal, proto-metal first and doom metal twelve years after. United States and United Kingdom appear in the origins of both.
In figures
Proto-metal
Where it sits
In short
The heavy bands from before the term existed: over-amplified acid rock, already built around the riff.
How it sounds
- Volume and distortion beyond what the technology of the era allowed, with natural saturation.
- A repeating riff in place of a blues progression, but still inside rock and roll structures.
- Heavy drums up front and vocals in the high register.
Key acts
- Blue Cheer
- Steppenwolf
- Sir Lord Baltimore
- Budgie
Start here
The pickBudgie - Breadfan. Metallica covered it, but the original is stranger.
Full page →Doom metal
Where it sits
In short
The branch most faithful to Black Sabbath: slow tempos, thick riffs and crushing atmosphere. The weight comes from space, not speed.
How it sounds
- Tempos between 60 and 100 bpm, with sustained chords and plenty of space.
- Thick guitar tone, usually down-tuned, with analogue fuzz.
- Oppressive atmosphere and themes of fate, the occult or depression.
Key acts
- Black Sabbath
- Candlemass
- Saint Vitus
- Pentagram
Start here
The pickSaint Vitus - Born Too Late. The title says exactly how the band felt.
Full page →