Sludge Metal

Sludge metal emerged in the late 1980s, predominantly in the Southern United States, where apparently someone decided that what was lacking in heavy music was a good dose of filth and ambience. Characterised by its slow tempos, heavy guitar riffs, and an almost muddy production quality, it sounds like the musical equivalent of wading through treacle whilst trying to shout impressively nihilistic lyrics. Perhaps the most ironic twist is that it’s embraced by those who fancy themselves as connoisseurs of all things heavy, yetwould turn their noses up at an actual swamp.