Melvins

alternative rock, experimental rock, grunge, noise rock, sludge metal, stoner rock

United States Est. 1983

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Sound in a sentence: "Thick layers of heavy guitar riffs intertwine with unpredictable rhythms, creating an oppressive yet captivating atmosphere that demands attention."

Melvins matter because they have carved out a niche that bridges the gap between heavy, sludgy sounds and avant-garde experimentation, influencing generations of artists across diverse genres. Their audacious approach to structure and tone has helped redefine what it means to be heavy, pushing listeners to rethink their expectations of rock music. By rejecting conventional song forms and adopting a slower, more deliberate pace, Melvins have created a sonic landscape that invites exploration and challenges the norms of the alternative rock scene. Their process is characterized by a relentless drive toward innovation, often employing unconventional time signatures and dynamic shifts that create tension within their music. This willingness to experiment is reflected not only in their recordings but also in their live performances, where unpredictability reigns supreme. By embracing the raw and the unusual, Melvins have cultivated an atmosphere that feels both confrontational and immersive, inviting audiences into a world where chaos and precision coalesce. Lyrically, Melvins often explore themes of existential dread, absurdity, and the darker aspects of human experience, conveyed through a voice that oscillates between sardonic humor and earnest introspection. Their storytelling tends to favor impressionistic imagery over straightforward narratives, creating a sense of unease that resonates deeply with listeners. The overall tone veers from menacing to playful, reflecting the band's complex relationship with the subject matter.

Melvins

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Discography

Albums ()

Tarantula Heart

Bad Mood Rising

Five Legged Dog

Pinkus Abortion Technician

A Walk with Love & Death

Basses Loaded

Hold It In

Everybody Loves Sausages

Tres Cabrones

1983

The Bulls & the Bees

Freak Puke

Endless Residency

The Bride Screamed Murder

Cover Songs

Isis / Melvins

Sludge Glamorous

Manchild 4/Pick Your Battles

Chicken Switch

The End

Pick Your Battles

Nude with Boots

Melvins vs. Minneapolis

Manchild 3: The Making Love Demos

The Making Love Demos

(A) Senile Animal

A Live History of Gluttony and Lust

Sieg Howdy!

Mangled Demos from 1983

Pigs of the Roman Empire

Neither Here nor There

Never Breathe What You Can't See

26 Songs

Hostile Ambient Takeover

Electroretard

The Trilogy

Live at Slim's 8-Track Tape

The Crybaby

The Maggot

The Bootlicker

Alive at the Fucker Club

Honky

Singles 1–12

Stag

Stoner Witch

Prick

Houdini

Lysol

Salad of a Thousand Delights

Bullhead

Eggnog

Your Choice Live Series

Ozma

Gluey Porch Treatments

10 Songs

Six Songs

Live from London 2006

King Buzzo

Melvinmania: Best of the Atlantic Years 1993–1996

Dale Crover

Colossus of Destiny

Sugar Daddy Live

Working with God

Thunderball

EPs ()

Melvins / Isis

Hurray for Me, Fuk You

Smash The State

Tora Tora Tora

Joe Preston

Tanx

Singles ()

Hooch

Here She Comes Now / Venus in Furs