Essential 2010s doom metal

The best Doom Metal albums of the 2010s.

Where to start with 2010–2019 doom metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 2010s — doom metal

Top picks from 2010–2019, ranked by where we would start.

Scream

Ozzy Osbourne

Scream

A blend of aggressive guitar riffs and melodic hooks, showcasing Ozzy's signature vocal intensity over modern production.

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The Longest Year

Katatonia

The Longest Year

A haunting blend of melancholy melodies and heavy riffs that evoke a sense of introspection and longing.

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Dead End Kings

Katatonia

Dead End Kings

A haunting blend of melancholy melodies and heavy riffs that encapsulate the essence of loss and introspection.

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13

Black Sabbath

13

A thunderous return to form, blending heavy riffs with profound lyrical themes and the unmistakable essence of classic doom metal.

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Tragic Idol

Paradise Lost

Tragic Idol

A haunting blend of melodic doom and gothic metal, anchored by introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation.

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The Plague Within

Paradise Lost

The Plague Within

A haunting blend of gothic melodies and crushing doom, enveloping listeners in a darkly atmospheric soundscape.

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When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light

Swallow the Sun

When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light

This album represents a mature phase in Swallow the Sun's career, highlighting their evolution while maintaining their characteristic sound. The deep emotional currents are palpable throughout, making it an impactful introduction.

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Emerald Forest and the Blackbird

Swallow the Sun

Emerald Forest and the Blackbird

A haunting blend of atmospheric doom metal, weaving intricate melodies with melancholic themes that evoke deep introspection.

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Sovran

Draconian

Sovran

A haunting blend of melodic death-doom and gothic elements enveloped in atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics.

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A Rose for the Apocalypse

Draconian

A Rose for the Apocalypse

A haunting blend of melodic doom and gothic elements, steeped in atmospheric despair and lyrical profundity.

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Magus

Thou

Magus

A dense tapestry of crushing riffs and haunting melodies that challenge the boundaries of doom and sludge metal.

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Heathen

Thou

Heathen

'Heathen' showcases Thou's ability to weave together crushing riffs with ethereal melodies, creating a captivating listening experience. It encapsulates their range and thematic depth, ideal for newcomers seeking immersion in their sound.

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A Map of All Our Failures

My Dying Bride

A Map of All Our Failures

A haunting blend of melancholy melodies and crushing riffs, enveloping listeners in a somber yet profound emotional landscape.

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The Manuscript

My Dying Bride

The Manuscript

A haunting blend of crushing riffs and melancholic melodies, steeped in the weight of despair and introspection.

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The Guessing Game

Cathedral

The Guessing Game

A sprawling journey through dark, atmospheric soundscapes infused with heavy riffs and haunting melodies.

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The Last Spire

Cathedral

The Last Spire

A haunting blend of crushing riffs and atmospheric soundscapes evokes a sense of impending doom and existential dread.

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Wizard Bloody Wizard

Electric Wizard

Wizard Bloody Wizard

A heavy, psychedelic descent into doom, characterized by murky riffs and haunting atmospheres that evoke a sense of impending dread.

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Time to Die

Electric Wizard

Time to Die

A heavy, murky soundscape envelops listeners in a haze of crushing riffs and haunting vocals.

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Last Rites

Pentagram

Last Rites

A haunting blend of doom-laden riffs and melancholic melodies, echoing the band's deep metal roots with a reflective twist.

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Curious Volume

Pentagram

Curious Volume

A heavy exploration of doom metal's darkest corners, blending haunting melodies with crushing riffs and introspective lyrics.

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Ascending a Mountain of Heavy Light

The Body

Ascending a Mountain of Heavy Light

A dense and immersive blend of doom metal with haunting vocal melodies and experimental textures that evoke profound emotional landscapes.

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I Have Fought Against It, but I Can't Any Longer.

The Body

I Have Fought Against It, but I Can't Any Longer.

A dissonant exploration of despair, blending heavy riffs with haunting melodies and an unsettling atmosphere.

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Hunted

Khemmis

Hunted

Melancholic melodies intertwine with heavy riffs, creating a hauntingly atmospheric journey through despair and introspection.

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The Serpent & the Sphere

Agalloch

The Serpent & the Sphere

A sprawling journey through atmospheric soundscapes, merging black metal ferocity with haunting folk melodies.

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