The Melvins are an American experimental sludge metal/grunge band that usually perform as a trio. Singer/guitarist Buzz Osborne (aka "King Buzzo") and drummer Dale Crover are constant members, but the band has been through several bass guitarists. They have occasionally added a guest or second guitarist for live performances. The band was named after a supervisor at the Thriftway in Montesano, Washington where Osborne served as a clerk (and vandal). Melvin was greatly despised, and the band's members felt it to be an appropriately ridiculous name.
The Melvins' music is influenced by Black Flag's My War era punk, slow rock acts like Swans, and, most notably Black Sabbath-style metal; however, their idiosyncratic approach, bizarre sense of humor, and experimentation make neat categorization difficult. They often favor very slow tempos, and their sludgy sound was a strong influence on grunge music, especially Nirvana, Soundgarden, and many other bands from Seattle. Their protegés, however, tended to use more conventional musical structures with this sound. The Melvins have also influenced many bands, including Tool, who are personal friends with the band; Crowbar, Mastodon who participated in a Melvins tribute album, and Boris, who took their name from title of a Melvins song.
The group has received mostly positive critical notice. Dale Crover's drumming has been especially praised; writer Patrick Kennedy describes his work as "astonishing, powerful, and daring."
While the band has never found (and probably never sought) mainstream success, the Melvins have a dedicated cult following. They maintain an impressive schedule of new albums and tours, including two releases with former Dead Kennedys front man Jello Biafra. The band has been colloquially known as "Jelvins" during Biafra's tenure with the band.
In appreciation of their devoted fans, the Melvins have released various collectibles throughout the years. These have included two-headed dolls, the Melvins skateboard, The Melvins Fetus!, specially canned Melvins meat, a Zippo lighter, and myriad posters, t-shirts, and one-off fanzines.
