Dopethrone (2000) - Electric Wizard

 Released in 2000, Dopethrone is the third studio album by the British doom metal band Electric Wizard. It’s widely regarded as one of the heaviest and most influential albums in the doom metal genre, often credited with shaping the stoner and sludge subgenres of metal. The album's sound is defined by crushingly slow riffs, lo-fi production, and a relentless, thick wall of distortion that reflects the band's obsession with doom, gloom, and psychedelic escapism.

Album Overview

Dopethrone is a sonic journey into dark, distorted territories, drenched in heavy riffs and occult imagery. The album takes inspiration from horror films, drug culture, and H.P. Lovecraft’s literary universe, combining those influences to craft a unique sound that’s both hypnotic and oppressive. It’s a product of frontman Jus Oborn’s vision, capturing the feeling of bleakness and rebellion with lyrics that often focus on nihilism, cosmic horror, and themes of addiction. This album has become a staple for fans of stoner doom, with its raw production and overwhelming atmosphere.

Track-by-Track Analysis

1. Vinum Sabbathi
   The album kicks off with Vinum Sabbathi, setting the stage with its slow, sludgy riffing and a hypnotic sense of groove. The song's title alludes to the Sabbath and occult rituals, a recurring theme in the album. With lyrics focusing on the seduction and danger of drug use, it creates an atmosphere of dark ritualistic rebellion.

2. Funeralopolis
   One of the standout tracks, Funeralopolis is a fan favorite and one of Electric Wizard’s most iconic songs. It starts with a hypnotic and slow riff before bursting into a heavier, more aggressive second half. The song explores themes of apocalypse and the end of civilization, reflecting a nihilistic view of the world with a touch of sci-fi horror. The relentless, buzzing guitar tone adds a layer of chaos that perfectly complements the doomsday lyrics.

3. Weird Tales
   This track is a three-part epic, exploring a haunting atmosphere. The song’s title is a tribute to the old pulp horror magazine Weird Tales, and the lyrics are filled with references to the supernatural and strange. Its long, winding structure incorporates multiple tempo changes, switching between sluggish doom passages and trippy psychedelic breaks, creating an unsettling, otherworldly journey.

4. Barbarian
   Barbarian has a straightforward yet massive riff that drives the song with a primal intensity. Its raw power feels like a march into darkness, evoking images of ancient warriors and savage landscapes. The song captures the essence of doom with its slow, repetitive, and heavy riffing, making it a prime example of Electric Wizard’s ability to create a thick, suffocating atmosphere.

5. I, The Witchfinder
   A highlight of the album, I, The Witchfinder is a slow, trudging track filled with occult references and a palpable sense of dread. The lyrics, inspired by 17th-century witch hunts and the persecution of those deemed "witches," reflect the band's fascination with the darker side of history. The song’s crawling pace and heavy, distorted riffs amplify the sense of impending doom.

6. The Hills Have Eyes
   This instrumental track is short but effective, serving as a bridge between the heavier songs. It’s inspired by the horror film of the same name and evokes a creepy, unsettling atmosphere that hints at danger lurking just out of sight.

7. We Hate You
   One of the more aggressive tracks on the album, We Hate You is a direct assault with intense riffs and raw anger. It’s a song of defiance and rebellion, expressing a disdain for society and mainstream culture. The lyrics are both cathartic and provocative, reflecting the anti-establishment ethos that runs throughout the album.

8. Dopethrone
   The title track closes the album in monumental fashion, clocking in at over 10 minutes. Dopethrone is the heaviest, slowest, and most suffocating song on the record, encapsulating everything Electric Wizard stands for: thick distortion, occult themes, and a sense of crushing despair. The song’s lyrics draw on drug culture and fantasy, creating a darkly psychedelic vibe that feels like a descent into madness.

Musical and Cultural Impact

Dopethrone is known for its heavy and uncompromising sound, often cited as a masterpiece within the stoner and doom metal scenes. The album’s raw production enhances its grittiness, making it sound as if it was recorded deep underground. The use of vintage amps, old-school production techniques, and an unapologetically DIY attitude give it a sense of authenticity that resonates with fans of the genre.

Electric Wizard's Dopethrone has inspired a generation of metal musicians and bands, reinforcing the importance of atmosphere, riff-driven heaviness, and the power of lo-fi production. It stands out as a rebellious statement against polished, mainstream metal, embracing the underground spirit of doom.

The album's cult status has only grown over the years, and songs like Funeralopolis and I, The Witchfinder remain defining tracks within doom metal. With its bleak themes, relentless heaviness, and psychedelic overtones, Dopethrone is often described as one of the heaviest albums ever made and continues to be a cornerstone of modern doom metal.

Lineup

• Jus Oborn – Vocals, guitar
• Tim Bagshaw – Bass
• Mark Greening – Drums

Legacy

Dopethrone is a record that captures the essence of despair, rebellion, and the otherworldly. For many, it’s not just an album but an experience—a dark trip into the depths of doom and psychedelia that only Electric Wizard can deliver. Its influence on doom metal is undeniable, cementing Electric Wizard’s reputation as one of the heaviest and most influential bands in the genre.