Stoner metal is a subgenre characterized by its heavy, fuzz-laden guitar riffs, plodding rhythms, and often, slurred or growling vocals. Emerging in the 1990s, it draws from doom metal, stoner rock, and heavy psych, with bands like Kyuss and Sleep pioneering the sound. The genre peaked in popularity in the early 2000s, with a cultural significance rooted in its embrace of excess and hedonism, reflecting a carefree, rebellious attitude. Stoner metal's distinctive blend of heavy, distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and often, fantasy or sci-fi themed lyrics, sets it apart from similar styles like doom metal and sludge metal. Its slow-burning, riff-based soundscapes and often, humorous or ironic approach, have captivated fans of heavy music seeking a more laid-back, irreverent alternative.

Cycle of the Dying Sun (Dawn of Ashen Realms)

Runemagick

Album - 9 Tracks - Released October 31, 2025