Orange Goblin: The Stalwarts of British Heavy Metal

Orange Goblin is a British heavy metal band that has become a cornerstone of the UK's stoner and doom metal scene since their formation in 1995. Hailing from London, England, the quartet has built a formidable legacy through relentless touring and a consistent discography, most notably with their acclaimed 2012 album A Eulogy for the Damned which charted in the UK Top 200.

Early career

The band originally formed under the name Our Haunted Kingdom in 1995 before quickly adopting the moniker Orange Goblin. Their raw, energetic sound, blending Sabbathian riffs with punk attitude, was captured on their debut album Frequencies from Planet Ten in 1997, released on the influential Rise Above Records label founded by Lee Dorrian of Cathedral.

This early period established their signature style, a potent mix of stoner metal, doom, and classic heavy rock. Follow-up albums Time Travelling Blues (1998) and The Big Black (2000) further solidified their reputation as a powerful live act and a mainstay of the European festival circuit.

Breakthrough

While always critically respected, Orange Goblin's breakthrough to a wider metal audience is widely attributed to their 2012 album A Eulogy for the Damned. Released on Candlelight Records, this album marked a creative peak and their first entry into the UK Albums Chart, a significant milestone after nearly two decades of dedication.

The success of this album rejuvenated their career, leading to high-profile tours and festival slots globally. It demonstrated their enduring appeal and songwriting prowess, proving that their brand of heavy metal had both timeless quality and contemporary relevance.

Key tracks

Scorpionica — This track from their debut became an early fan favorite and a live staple, encapsulating their heavy, groove-laden sound.

Quincy the Pigboy — A defining song from The Big Black, known for its catchy, anthemic chorus and driving rhythm.

Red Tide Rising — The lead single from A Eulogy for the Damned, this song showcased a refined, powerful approach that fueled their chart success.

The Devil's Whip — A high-octane track from 2014's Back from the Abyss that perfectly represents their energetic and unpretentious brand of heavy metal.

Sons of Salem — The title track from their 2018 album highlights their mature, storytelling style and massive, doom-inflected riffs.

The band's momentum continued with well-received albums like Back from the Abyss (2014) and The Wolf Bites Back (2018), all released via their long-standing partnership with Candlelight/Spinefarm Records. Their consistent output and legendary live performances, including headline shows at London's prestigious Forum, have cemented Orange Goblin's status as true ambassadors of British heavy metal.

Fans of Orange Goblin's thunderous riffs and high-energy approach should also explore similar acts from the UK scene. Electric Wizard delivers a heavier, more psychedelic and doom-oriented sound. Church Of Misery shares the obsession with riff-based heaviness, though with a thematic focus on true crime. Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats offers a similar vintage metal vibe with haunting melodies. Monster Magnet provides a comparable space-rock swagger and stoner rock foundation from the US.

The music of Orange Goblin is a regular feature on dedicated rock and metal radio stations. You can hear their classic anthems and newer tracks on specialty metal shows, independent online rock radio streams, and stations programming classic and alternative heavy music, where their powerful sound is a perfect fit.

Listeners can discover the formidable catalog of Orange Goblin by tuning into the rock and metal radio