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The phrase slow and low was created specifically for bands like Stumm because they are exactly that. Slow and low. The vast majority of people know what to expect the first time they put on a new release from a band tagged as both drone and doom if they've heard anything from the aforementioned genres before. Slow monotonous riffs tuned as far down low that they make the term drone onomatopoeic.


For a band tagged as drone and doom to be interesting, they have to offer slight variations from the norm which is expected. For instance, the now defunct Australian band Disembowelment. They're tagged as doom, but they vary their approach to the genre. Sometimes playing faster than you'd expect. Sometimes varying the vocals to catch the listener off guard with something a little more interesting than you'd expect. They do it well. Stumm on the other hand offer little or no variation. Monotonous is a word sometimes used in a positive light. Not in this instance.


Stumm seem to believe that throwing in elements from the sludge genre will make them interesting and enjoyable to listen to. They were wrong. The vocals are typical of the sludge genre, but they are done badly. They have no affect upon the listener, other than beginning to annoy them after a certain period of time. The hazy atmospheric nature would be pleasing if it was used to it's full potential, but Stumm are stuck in the jaws of mediocrity, sometimes peaking their head out with a possible melodious riff that may lead somewhere. But alas, no. It doesn't. These slower than normal, which is some feat, riffs are melodic, but serve no real purpose. They remind me of the use of drums by Stumm. Often unappealing and thrown in randomly to make it seem like they were trying to add some innovation and creativity into the mix.


Stumm have a generally unappealing sound. Slow and low music is fine if you can pull it off well, but Stumm cannot. Their tedious leads which often amount to nothing, their ineffective drums and annoying vocals make for one horrible listen. The bass has no real room to move. It's almost as ineffective as the drums in creating a dark atmosphere which Stumm are trying desperately to portray their lyrical themes through, but are instead getting lost in the darkness that is confusion. Stumm's outlook on music seems to be ... 'Produce something mediocre, it doesn't matter. Someone is bound to like it, somewhere in the world'. It certainly isn't here, that's for sure.