Most despondent/depressing song/album

[Chopstick up the Peehole]

Bethlehem

 

[sikth]

Another non-metal suggestion, but Radiohead have made some of the most depressing and despondent music I have ever heard (though not all their stuff is depressing).

 

[SculptedCold]

I find there's an extreme few bands that can successfully create a truly depressive mood through metal. Bethlehem's and Abruptum's bleakest stuff can't be described as metal, only black noise or whatnot. Then your bands like Radiohead....meh, even Coldplay are more depressive than most of the dirgiest doom bands, who are often just boring.

For me, the most effective path to desolation is minimalism. Chunky distorted guitars just do not equate to sadness, no matter what they're playing or how fast.

 

[sikth]

I find there's an extreme few bands that can successfully create a truly depressive mood through metal. Bethlehem's and Abruptum's bleakest stuff can't be described as metal, only black noise or whatnot. Then your bands like Radiohead....meh, even Coldplay are more depressive than most of the dirgiest doom bands, who are often just boring.

For me, the most effective path to desolation is minimalism. Chunky distorted guitars just do not equate to sadness, no matter what they're playing or how fast.

I agree completely. The core emotions behind metal are aggression and brutality, if this is missing then its not really metal is it. Truly depressing music is generally minimalist, fragile and slow paced. Those aren't qualities that really mix with metal very well.

A few more non-metal suggestions would be God speed you black emperor and a Silver mount zion. They fit the bill totally.

 

[jonnykungfu]

Good one with the Godspeed recommendation.

Another band I would recommend that's not metal is Larval.

 

[Donnie Darko]

Anathema - One Last Goodbye
Evergrey - State of Paralysis
Evergrey - Different Worlds
Sonata Arctica - Replica
Sonana Arctica - Letter to Dana
Halford - Silent Screams
Hammerfall - Always Will Be

 

[jonnykungfu]

No offense... but Halford, Sonata Arctica, and Hammerfall?

 

[V.V.V.V.V.]

Have you even heard any of those songs?

 

[Ivan the terrible]

I'm looking for something extremely sad and moody. Listening to My Dying Bride has made me hungry for more. I know there's much better stuff out there, and I'm sure you know of them.

If you crave the razor, then check out old Bethlehem. They are always good for the occasional spurt of depression...

 

[Krilons Resa]

If you crave the razor, then check out old Bethlehem. They are always good for the occasional spurt of depression...

Dictius Te Necare is a psycho gem.

 

[Ivan the terrible]

Dictius Te Necare is a psycho gem.

Ditto that...

 

[DEEK]

Beyond Black Void - 'Desolate'

 

[jonnykungfu]

You're right. I probably should listen before I judge, but it seems to me that a power metal band wouldn't really write an effective depressing song (Iced Earth, for example). But I could be wrong on these accounts. I'll check them out!

 

[Dark Shadows]

Confessor "Condemned, or Fear Of God "WithinThe Veil", If You Really Want To Be Sad, Listen To KISS "Unmasked"

Save The Planet, Kill Yourself.