Doom metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by its slow tempos, heavy guitar riffs, and dark, melancholic themes. It often features deep, growling vocals and a focus on atmosphere, creating a sense of despair and heaviness. The genre draws inspiration from early heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath and incorporates elements of psychedelic rock and blues. Lyrically, doom metal often explores themes of death, despair, and existential dread. Bands such as Candlemass and Electric Wizard are well-known within the genre, contributing to its distinct sound and aesthetic. Doom metal has also influenced various other genres, including sludge metal and stoner rock.