The Melvins are a cornerstone of the sludge metal genre, blending heavy riffs with experimental sounds. If you’re a fan of their unique style, you’re in for a treat. Here are 16 bands and artists that share a similar vibe, each bringing their own twist to the genre.

1. Eyehategod

Eyehategod is a pioneering sludge metal band from New Orleans. Known for their raw sound and abrasive lyrics, their albums like Take as Needed for Pain and Dopesick are must-listens.

2. Boris

Japanese band Boris seamlessly blends sludge, doom, and experimental rock. Albums like Pink and Akuma no Uta showcase their versatility and heavy soundscapes.

3. Electric Wizard

Electric Wizard is a British doom metal band with a cult following. Their album Dopethrone is often cited as one of the heaviest records ever made.

4. Neurosis

Neurosis combines sludge metal with post-metal elements, creating a deeply atmospheric sound. Albums like Through Silver in Blood and Times of Grace are essential listening.

5. High on Fire

High on Fire is known for their aggressive sludge metal sound and powerful live performances. Albums like Blessed Black Wings and Snakes for the Divine are fan favorites.

6. Acid Bath

Acid Bath mixes sludge metal with elements of gothic and doom. Their albums When the Kite String Pops and Paegan Terrorism Tactics are both critically acclaimed.

7. Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity started as a hardcore punk band but evolved into a sludge metal powerhouse. Albums like Deliverance and Wiseblood highlight their heavy, Southern-influenced sound.

8. Crowbar

Crowbar is another New Orleans-based band known for their slow, heavy riffs. Odd Fellows Rest and Sonic Excess in Its Purest Form are standout albums.

9. Sleep

Sleep is a stoner and doom metal band known for their monumental album Dopesmoker. The band’s heavy, hypnotic sound is perfect for fans of The Melvins.

10. Kylesa

Kylesa blends sludge metal with psychedelic and progressive elements. Albums like Static Tensions and Spiral Shadow offer a unique listening experience.

11. Weedeater

Weedeater is known for their raw, gritty sludge metal sound. Albums like God Luck and Good Speed and Jason… the Dragon are essential for any sludge metal fan.

12. Baroness

Baroness combines sludge metal with progressive and alternative rock. Their albums Blue Record and Yellow & Green are both critically acclaimed.

13. Torche

Torche is known for their blend of sludge metal and pop sensibilities. Albums like Meanderthal and Restarter showcase their catchy yet heavy sound.

14. Big Business

Big Business features members of The Melvins and offers a similar heavy, experimental sound. Albums like Here Come the Waterworks and Mind the Drift are worth exploring.

15. Helmet

Helmet is a post-hardcore band with a heavy, riff-driven sound. Albums like Meantime and Betty are classics in the genre.

16. YOB

YOB is a doom metal band known for their epic, expansive songs. Albums like The Great Cessation and Clearing the Path to Ascend are essential listens for fans of heavy music.

Explore these bands and dive deeper into the world of sludge metal!