Band

Melvins

Mapped through Hardcore punk, Grunge influences; 33 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

Melvins
Biography

Melvins: history and sound

The Melvins are an American band that formed in 1983. They usually perform as a trio, but in recent years have performed as a four piece with two drummers.
How the Melvins Changed the Face of Metal: A Musical Biography
If you're into heavy rock or metal, there's a good chance you've heard of the Melvins. This pioneering band has been making music since the early '80s, and their influence can be heard in countless other bands. In this musical article, we're going to take a closer look at the Melvins' career, their best songs, and why they're such an important part of the music world.
The Melvins formed in Washington state in 1983, with Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover on guitars and drums, respectively. Over the years, the band has gone through a number of lineup changes and experimented with different sounds, but their core members have remained the same throughout. They were one of the first bands to blend punk and metal, creating a sound that was heavy, aggressive, and totally unique.
One of the Melvins' best-known songs is Hooch, which has become a classic of the grunge era. The song is built around a sludgy, chugging riff and Osborne's menacing vocals, and it perfectly captures the band's distinctive sound. Other standout tracks include Revolve, The Bit, and Night Goat, all of which showcase the band's heavy, riff-driven approach to rock.
In terms of musical genre, it's hard to pin down exactly what the Melvins play. They've been labeled everything from metal to punk to grunge to experimental rock, and all of those labels contain an element of truth. The Melvins are a band that defies classification, and part of their appeal is their willingness to take risks and push boundaries.
There have been many memorable Melvins concerts over the years, but perhaps the most famous was the Lysol Incident in 1992. During a performance in New York City, Osborne sprayed the audience with Lysol disinfectant, causing a riot to break out and resulting in the Melvins being banned from the venue. The incident became the stuff of legend, and it's a testament to the band's willingness to be unpredictable and controversial.
In terms of criticism, the Melvins have always been a divisive band. Some people love their heavy, abrasive sound, while others find it too harsh and difficult to listen to. However, there's no denying the impact they've had on the world of music, and their influence can be heard in countless other bands across a wide range of genres.
In conclusion, the Melvins are a band that have truly left their mark on the music world. With their heavy riffs, punk attitude, and experimental spirit, they've defied convention and pushed the boundaries of what rock music can be. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering their music for the first time, there's no denying that the Melvins are a band that have changed the face of metal forever.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Night Goat
Melvins Night Goat
Oven
Melvins Oven
Vile
Melvins Vile
Dog Island
Melvins Dog Island
At A Crawl
Melvins At A Crawl
The Mechanical Bride
Melvins The Mechanical Bride
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides

Music

DISCOGRAPHY OF MELVINS