Stoner rock

Stoner Rock

Stoner rock is a subgenre of rock music that combines elements of psychedelic rock, blues rock, and doom metal. It is characterized by its slow tempos, heavy guitar riffs, and a "stoned" or "psychedelic" atmosphere. The genre emerged in the early 1990s and has since developed a dedicated following.

History

The origins of stoner rock can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, with bands like Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, and Hawkwind laying the groundwork with their heavy, riff-driven sound. However, stoner rock as a distinct genre began to take shape in the early 1990s with bands such as Kyuss and Sleep.

Kyuss, hailing from Palm Desert, California, is often credited with pioneering the stoner rock sound. Their use of down-tuned guitars, extended jams, and a desert-inspired aesthetic set the template for the genre. Sleep, from San Jose, California, further defined the genre with their album "Sleep's Holy Mountain", which became a seminal release in the stoner rock canon.

Characteristics

Stoner rock is known for its heavy, distorted guitar sound, often achieved by tuning guitars down to create a deeper, heavier tone. The music typically features:

• Slow to mid-tempo rhythms: The pace of stoner rock is generally slower than traditional rock, creating a hypnotic and trance-like effect.
• Heavy riffs: Guitar riffs are central to the genre, often repetitive and groove-oriented.
• Psychedelic elements: Many stoner rock bands incorporate psychedelic effects, such as reverb and delay, to create a "spacey" sound.
• Blues influence: The genre often draws on the structure and feel of blues music, with a focus on groove and improvisation.
• Lyrical themes: Lyrics often explore themes of escapism, nature, and altered states of consciousness.

Notable Bands

Some of the most influential bands in the stoner rock genre include:

• Kyuss: Often considered the pioneers of stoner rock, known for their albums "Blues for the Red Sun" and "Welcome to Sky Valley".
• Sleep: Known for their epic, riff-heavy compositions, particularly the album "Dopesmoker".
• Fu Manchu: Known for their fuzz-laden sound and surf rock influences.
• Monster Magnet: Blends stoner rock with space rock and psychedelic influences.
• Queens of the Stone Age: Formed by former Kyuss members, they brought stoner rock to a wider audience with a more polished sound.

Influence and Legacy

Stoner rock has influenced a wide range of bands and has spawned several subgenres, including desert rock and doom metal. The genre's emphasis on heavy riffs and psychedelic elements has also influenced the development of sludge metal and post-metal.

Also see

• Doom metal
• Psychedelic rock
• Desert rock
• Heavy metal music
• Blues rock