Melvins, 8 June 2016

The Melvins are a band impossible to place within one genre, as their punk, metal, grunge, and experimental influences merge in such a way that the result is unique and defies any categorization. Formed at the beginning of the 1980s, the Melvins have influenced scores of bands and managed to create a legacy as one of the most innovative and long-lasting acts within the underground music landscape. Known for their relentless creativity, uncompromising attitude, and prolific output, the Melvins are indeed a true force in the world of heavy music.

Origins: From Small Town Beginnings to Big Sounds

The Melvins formed in 1983, in the small logging town of Montesano, Washington, a rural settlement in the Pacific Northwest. The original lineup included Buzz Osborne, vocals and guitar; Matt Lukin, bass; and Mike Dillard, drums. Osborne, better known as King Buzzo, soon proved to be the driving creative force behind the band.
In the beginning, the Melvins were deeply rooted in the punk scene, with strong influences from bands such as Black Flag and Flipper. However, it didn't take long for their sound to evolve to include slower tempos and heavier riffs, setting the groundwork for what would eventually be coined sludge metal. Dillard left the band, and in 1984, Dale Crover joined as the drummer; this cleared the way for the lineup to think bigger about creativity.

Sludge Metal Pioneers: "Gluey Porch Treatments"

In 1987, the Melvins released their first album entitled "Gluey Porch Treatments", an album that literally invented the genre of sludge metal. With raw, punk aggression and plodding heaviness lifted from Black Sabbath, the album was groundbreaking in its approach. Tracks like "Eye Flys" showed the band could easily experiment with dynamics and texture, seamlessly moving between droning riffs and bursts of frenetic energy.
"Gluey Porch Treatments" became a cult classic and a major influence on the burgeoning grunge scene in the Pacific Northwest. Bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains would later cite the Melvins as a major inspiration for their sound.

The Grunge Connection: Friendship with Kurt Cobain

The Melvins connection to grunge runs deep, especially due to their friendship with Nirvana's Kurt Cobain. As a teenager, Cobain went to see the Melvins; he auditioned to become their bassist, too - his hopeful fingers were crossed, but he didn't land the gig. Dale Crover drummed on Nirvana's early recordings, such as their very first single, "Love Buzz".
Although the Melvins never enjoyed the same popular success as grunge-era counterparts, they had an indelible presence in the genre. The band gave an almost specific blueprint for fusing heaviness and experimentation, their ethic and self-sufficientness a beacon to many bands within the scene.

Experimentation and Evolution: "Houdini" and Beyond

In the early 1990s, the Melvins signed to Atlantic Records, their first major label deal. This era gave some of their best albums, including "Houdini" in 1993, with guest production from Kurt Cobain. Songs like "Honey Bucket" and "Night Goat" exemplified their balancing act of accessibility with heaviness and kookiness.
With the subsequent "Stoner Witch" album in 1994 and "Stag" in 1996, the band continued to reach for the outer limits of their sound. Both albums embraced noise rock, psychedelia, and avant-garde experimentation. The Melvins proved with these albums that they would not be pegged to one particular style. Songs such as "Revolve" and "The Bit" would become fan favorites amidst infectious hooks and the signature off-kilter rhythms.

Lineup Changes and Reinvention

The Melvins have gone through many lineup changes throughout their career, with Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover being the only constant members. These lineup changes have provided the band with a constant influx of new blood, ideas, and perspectives.
In the 2000s, the Melvins teamed up with bassist Kevin Rutmanis, formerly of The Cows, and then with Jared Warren and Big Business member Coady Willis. These relationships brought new energy to their sound and resulted in albums such as "A Senile Animal", 2006, and "Nude with Boots", 2008, both gaining critical acclaim. These records also featured a dual drummer setup that added even more depth and complexity to their sound.

Prolific Output: A Legacy of Creativity

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Melvins’ career is their sheer productivity. With over 30 studio albums, numerous EPs, live recordings, and collaborations, the band has maintained an astonishing level of output over four decades. Each release offers something new, whether it’s a concept album, a covers project, or an experimental noise record.
Albums like "The Bride Screamed Murder" from 2010 and "Basses Loaded" released in 2016 proved that the band could create new music while retaining their core sound. Their willingness to take risks in areas other bands had never trodden before has ensured their continuing relevance during times of great change within the musical landscape.

The Melvins Live: A Sonic Experience

The Melvins are renowned for their powerful and unpredictable live performances. With a setlist that spans their extensive catalog, their concerts offer a mix of crushing heaviness, intricate musicianship, and playful experimentation. Buzz Osborne’s charismatic stage presence, paired with Dale Crover’s thunderous drumming, creates a dynamic and unforgettable experience for fans.
Collaboration continues to be a driving principle of the band into live performances. They have toured with, and opened shows for, everyone from Jello Biafra to Fantômas, often leading to one-off performances that defy genre and expectations. It's a collaboration that bleeds into their live performances, too.

Influence and Legacy

The influence of the Melvins on the music world has been immense and wide-reaching. From their role as one of the originators of sludge metal, they opened the door for such bands as Eyehategod, Crowbar, and Mastodon, while their appetite for experimentation has influenced scores of musicians across the metals, punk, alternative, and noise rock spectrums.
Beyond the music alone, the Melvins represent something peculiarly independent and artistically honest. They have always had artistic control of their work, been independent in the way they have approached the music industry, and have had a loyal following because of it.

Recent Work and Future Endeavors

The Melvins show absolutely no signs of slowing down. Recent albums like "Pinkus Abortion Technician" in 2018 and "Working with God" in 2021 continue to showcase the band's ability to surprise and innovate, running the gamut between humor, heaviness, and experimentation in a way only the Melvins can.
Besides studio work, the band continues to be active on the touring circuit, bringing their singular sound to people all over the world. Whether it's small clubs or large festivals, the Melvins keep their fans in awe with their energy and creativity.
The Melvins are the best example of how far artistic farsightedness and endurance can go. They had been going against the expectations, conventions, and building their special place in the music world for over four decades. Their conceptual albums, unforgettable live performances, and generations of musicians they influenced forged their status as true pioneers.
As they continue to press the boundaries and forge new paths, the Melvins remain a vital force in heavy music, proving true creativity has no bounds. Their legacy is one of innovation, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to their art.