Drone metal, a subgenre of heavy metal music, is characterized by its slow tempo, heavy distortion, and often, an atmosphere of sonic oppression. It’s a style that defies traditional notions of melody and harmony, instead opting for a soundscape of crushing heaviness and aural brutality. If you’re an aspiring musician looking to create your own drone metal, this article will serve as a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
The Origins of Drone Metal
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of creating drone metal, it’s essential to understand the genre’s roots. Drone metal emerged in the early 1990s, primarily in the United States and Japan, as a response to the fast-paced, technicality-driven metal of the time. Bands like Earth, Sunn O))) and Boris pioneered the genre, drawing inspiration from noise, avant-garde, and experimental music.
Influences and Inspirations
Drone metal draws from a diverse range of influences, including:
- Noise and avant-garde music: The likes of Merzbow, Throbbing Gristle, and The Haxan Cloak have all had a significant impact on the development of drone metal.
- Stoner doom and sludge: Bands like Sleep, Electric Wizard, and Crowbar have contributed to the heavy, distorted sound characteristic of drone metal.
The Essential Elements of Drone Metal
So, what makes drone metal, well, drone metal? There are several key elements that define the genre:
Sonic Heavyweights: Guitars and Amps
Guitars in drone metal are often downtuned to extreme levels, sometimes dropping as low as C# or even lower. This, combined with the use of heavy distortion and fuzz pedals, creates a crushing, heavy sound. Amps should be capable of handling high gain and output levels, with brands like Sunn, Ampeg, and Orange popular among drone metal bands.
Tuning and Detuning
One of the most distinctive aspects of drone metal is the use of unconventional tunings and detunings. Experiment with dropped tunings, open tunings, and even microtonal tunings to create a sense of dissonance and unease.
Pace and Tempo
Drone metal is characterized by its slow tempo, often ranging from 40 to 60 BPM. This deliberate, plodding pace creates a sense of tension and anticipation, making the listener feel like they’re stuck in a never-ending nightmare.
Rhythm and Drumming
Drums in drone metal are often minimalistic, with a focus on slow, repetitive patterns that add to the overall sense of heaviness. Use of toms and double bass drums is rare, with the emphasis instead on the kick drum and snare.
Creating Drone Metal Music
Now that you’ve got a solid understanding of the genre’s influences and essential elements, it’s time to start creating your own drone metal music. Here are some tips to get you started:
Writing Riffs and Song Structures
Drone metal riffs often revolve around simple, repetitive patterns that build tension and atmosphere. Experiment with:
- Single-note lines: Focus on playing single notes in repetition, often with subtle variations in timing and phrasing.
Song structures in drone metal are often minimalist, with a focus on building tension and atmosphere through repetition and gradual changes in dynamic and texture.
Recording and Production Techniques
Recording drone metal requires a different approach than other genres. Here are some tips to get you started:
Overdrive and Distortion
Use overdrive and distortion pedals to push your guitars into heavy, fuzzy territory. Experiment with different pedal combinations and settings to find the perfect tone for your music.
Double Tracking and Layering
Double tracking and layering your guitars can add depth and thickness to your sound. Experiment with different mic placements, amp settings, and effect chains to create a massive, crushing sound.
Drums and Percussion
When recording drums, focus on capturing a heavy, crushingly loud sound. Use of room miking and distant miking techniques can add to the sense of space and atmosphere in your music.
Conclusion
Creating drone metal music requires a willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of what’s considered “normal” in heavy music. By drawing inspiration from the genre’s influences, incorporating the essential elements, and experimenting with different recording and production techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating sonically suffocating drone metal that’ll leave listeners gasping for air.
Remember, drone metal is all about atmosphere and tension, so don’t be afraid to take risks and push the limits of what’s acceptable in heavy music. With patience, dedication, and a willingness to explore the unknown, you’ll be creating crushing drone metal in no time.
What is Drone Metal and How Did it Originate?
Drone metal, also known as drone doom, is a subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by its use of heavy, distorted, and sustained sounds that create a sense of sonic suffocation. The genre emerged in the 1990s, primarily in the US and UK, as a fusion of heavy metal, noise, and ambient music. Bands like Sunn O))) and Earth are credited with pioneering the genre, drawing inspiration from the likes of Black Sabbath, industrial music, and avant-garde composers like La Monte Young.
The early drone metal scene was marked by a DIY ethos, with bands self-releasing music on small, independent labels. The genre’s sonic experimentation and rejection of traditional metal tropes resonated with fans seeking a more challenging and immersive listening experience. Today, drone metal has expanded to incorporate a wide range of influences, from post-rock to electronic music, and continues to push the boundaries of heavy music.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need to Create Drone Metal?
To create drone metal, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment, including a guitar, amplifier, and effects pedals. A guitar with humbucker pickups is ideal, as it will provide a fuller, more distorted sound. Look for an amplifier with a high gain setting to push your sound to its limits. A fuzz pedal is also essential, as it will add a layer of distortion and sustain to your sound. Additionally, consider investing in a delay pedal to create a sense of space and repetition in your music.
While these are the basic components, many drone metal musicians also experiment with other equipment, such as noise pedals, synthesizers, and drum machines. Don’t be afraid to get creative and push the limits of your gear to create unique sounds. You may also want to consider recording software or a digital audio workstation (DAW) to capture and manipulate your sound.
How Do I Create a Drone Metal Riff?
Creating a drone metal riff is all about crafting a simple, repetitive phrase that can be sustained over time. Start by choosing a single note or chord and playing it in a slow, deliberate manner. Focus on creating a heavy, distorted sound by using palm muting, down-tuning, and experimenting with different guitar settings. As you play, pay attention to the texture and timbre of your sound, adjusting your technique to achieve the desired tone.
Once you’ve settled on a basic riff, experiment with variations and embellishments. Try adding different rhythms, harmonies, or textures to create interest and depth. Remember, the goal is to create a sense of sonic suffocation, so focus on building a sound that’s heavy, immersive, and relentless.
How Do I Use Effects Pedals to Enhance My Drone Metal Sound?
Effects pedals are an essential component of drone metal, allowing you to shape and manipulate your sound in a variety of ways. A fuzz pedal is a must-have, as it adds a layer of distortion and sustain to your sound. Use the fuzz pedal to push your sound to its limits, creating a heavy, grinding tone. Next, experiment with delay pedals to create a sense of space and repetition in your music.
Other useful pedals include distortion, overdrive, and EQ pedals, which can help you fine-tune your sound and add additional texture and depth. Don’t be afraid to chain multiple pedals together to create a unique sound. Remember, the key to using effects pedals in drone metal is to experiment and push the limits of your sound. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes – it’s all part of the creative process.
How Do I Record and Mix Drone Metal Music?
Recording drone metal music requires a different approach than traditional rock or metal music. Because of the emphasis on heavy, distorted sounds, it’s essential to capture a clear, well-balanced sound that won’t become muddy or overwhelming. Start by setting up your equipment in a way that allows for minimal signal bleed and optimal gain staging. Use high-quality microphones and preamps to capture a warm, detailed sound.
When mixing your tracks, focus on creating a sense of space and depth. Use reverb and delay effects to create a sense of distance and atmosphere, and pay attention to the balance between your instruments. Because drone metal is all about the heavy, distorted sound, make sure your guitars are prominent in the mix. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional mixing techniques, such as using reverse audio or found sounds to add texture and interest to your music.
How Do I Structure a Drone Metal Song?
Structuring a drone metal song is all about creating a sense of tension and release. Because the genre is characterized by repetitive, hypnotic rhythms, you’ll want to create a sense of build and release throughout your song. Start with a simple, repetitive phrase and gradually add layers of sound and complexity. As you build towards a climax, experiment with different dynamics, textures, and rhythms to create a sense of tension.
Once you’ve reached the peak of your song, gradually release the tension, allowing the music to slowly unravel and decay. This can be achieved through the use of fade-outs, ambient textures, or other unconventional techniques. Remember, the key to structuring a drone metal song is to create a sense of journey and progression, taking the listener on a sonic journey of highs and lows.
What Are Some Essential Drone Metal Bands and Albums?
Drone metal has a rich and diverse history, with a wide range of bands and albums to explore. Some essential listening includes Sunn O)))’s “White2”, Earth’s “Earth 2”, and Boris’s “Feedbacker”. Other influential bands include Sleep, Om, and Pelican. These bands have helped shape the genre and continue to push the boundaries of heavy music.
When exploring drone metal, start by listening to these influential bands and albums, and then branch out to discover new and emerging artists. Pay attention to the different styles and approaches within the genre, and use these influences to inform your own creative work. Remember, drone metal is all about experimentation and pushing the limits of heavy music, so don’t be afraid to try new things and make your own unique contribution to the genre.