ComfortablyNumb
Unquestionable Presence
The Melvins
The Melvins formed sometime in the early 1980s. IMO they are extremely hard to put into a specific genre since they were punk, protogrunge, but they also had a huge influence in Sludge Metal. So here they are in the metal section.
They usually perform as a trio, but in recent years have performed as a four piece with two drummers. Since 1984, singer and guitarist Buzz Osborne ("King Buzzo") and drummer Dale Crover have been the band's constant members. They are known for their huge influences on grunge and sludge metal. They are named after a supervisor at a Thriftway in Montesano, Washington where Osborne also worked as a clerk. "Melvin" was despised by other employees, and the band's members felt it to be an appropriately ridiculous name.
Originally formed as a hardcore punk band, Melvins' music is influenced by Black Flag's mix of punk and metal on their album My War, and other slow punk acts like Swans and Flipper, but their idiosyncratic approach, bizarre sense of humor, and experimentation make categorizing them difficult. Osborne has stated that his guitar playing is more influenced by Black Flag than Black Sabbath. They often favor very slow tempos, and their sludgy sound was a strong influence on grunge music, especially Nirvana, Soundgarden, and many other bands from Seattle. Their protegés, however, tended to use more conventional musical structures with this sound. Melvins have also influenced many bands, including Tool, who are personal friends with the band, Crowbar, Mastodon and Eyehategod, who were on a Melvins tribute album, and Boris, who took their name from the title of a Melvins song.
Very influential, talented, and just plain kick ass band.
If you are new to them I suggest going with their Album Houdini. IMO it is also their best. Also check out their albums with Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys).
(One of the best versions of this song.)
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