Cathedral are a British Doom Metal band from Coventry, England, formed in 1989. Emerging from the ashes of the extreme metal underground, they became one of the defining forces in modern doom, known for slow, crushing riffs, psychedelic undertones, and a sound that evolved from pure heaviness into more experimental and groove-led territory over time.
Blending monolithic weight with flashes of melody and psychedelic influence, Cathedral helped reshape the direction of Doom Metal throughout the 1990s and beyond, becoming a key reference point in UK heavy music.
Cathedral were formed by Lee Dorrian following his time in Napalm Death, marking a deliberate shift away from grindcore intensity into slow, heavy, and atmospheric Doom Metal. Their early work played a major role in defining the genre’s 1990s resurgence, particularly with Forest of Equilibrium, widely regarded as a cornerstone release.
As their career developed, Cathedral expanded beyond traditional doom, incorporating classic rock grooves, psychedelic textures, and a more exploratory approach to songwriting. This evolution gave them a unique identity—still heavy, but less predictable than many of their contemporaries.
The classic Cathedral line-up featured Lee Dorrian on vocals (1989–2013), Garry Jennings on guitars, Leo Smee on bass, and Brian Dixon on drums. Together, they shaped the band’s shifting identity across decades of Doom Metal, from oppressive early material to more expansive later releases.
These releases are widely available on CD and vinyl, and remain essential listening for fans of Doom Metal, psychedelic heaviness, and classic riff-driven metal.
All Cathedral releases we carry are high-quality CD and vinyl, sourced from authorised labels and trusted distributors. We focus strictly on physical audio formats — CD and vinyl only.
Stock rotates regularly, so if something catches your eye, it’s worth picking it up while available. We’re also looking to expand the range with T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories, depending on availability from official suppliers.
Cathedral is a part of the Doom scene, so if you fancy exploring more like-minded artists, have a look through our Doom Category. You might also like to read our blog on the different subgenres of Metal \m/
Fans of bands such as Electric Wizard, Candlemass, and Saint Vitus will find Cathedral sitting comfortably within the heavier, more atmospheric side of Doom Metal—slow, evolving, and unmistakably heavy.
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