Boris, Torche, Wolves in the Throne Room, Lair of the Minotaur

Boris
Japanese cult favorite sludge/doom rock trio Boris takes their name from a song on grunge godfathers the Melvins' Bullhead album. They also have a lot in common with the Melvins musically, including a fondness for heavily down-tuned guitar/bass tones and exceedingly slow tempos.

Lair of the Minotaur
Chicago's Lair of the Minotaur was formed in spring of 2003 by former 7000 Dying Rats members Steven Rathbone (vocals/guitar) and Donald James Barraca, along with Pelican drummer Larry Herweg.

Wolves in the Throne Room
Comprising dual vocalist/guitarists Rick and Nathan, plus drummer Aaron, Olympia, WA's Wolves in the Throne Room deal in dour black metal epics inspired by long, bleak winters, pagan legends, and Scandinavian bands like Darkthrone, Windir, and Enslaved.

Torche
After the breakup of Floor in 2004, Torche vocalist/guitarist Steve Brooks decided to carry on the thundering tradition of his former band, recruiting guitarist Juan Montoya (also formerly of Floor), drummer Rick Smith, and bassist Jonathan Nuñez.