Melvins

Formed in 1983 in Montesano, Washington, the Melvins are one of modern music’s most influential bands. Founded by Buzz Osborne (vocals/guitar) with drummer Dale Crover joining a year later, the Melvins pioneered a genre-defying fusion of punk rock and heavy music. Over their four-decade career, they’ve released more than 30 original albums, countless live records, and numerous singles and rarities. Recent works include Tarantula Heart (2024), a dynamic showcase of the Melvins’ range​ where the songs were written after the recording, Bad Mood Rising (2022), an intense, sludge-infused exploration of their signature sound, and Five Legged Dog (2021), a 36-track acoustic retrospective that reimagines their heaviest songs alongside covers of favorite artists.

Known for their relentless creativity and collaborations with friends like Jello Biafra, Mudhoney, and Fantômas, the Melvins have circled the globe many times over, bringing their brash and genre-busting sounds to audiences worldwide.

Today’s Melvins lineup features Osborne, Crover, Steven McDonald (Redd Kross), and Coady Willis (Big Business, High on Fire). The band’s history includes a variety of unique configurations. From the Osborne-Crover duo with Big Business’ Jared Warren and Coady Willis (Big Business) to a four-piece featuring Butthole Surfers’ Jeff Pinkus, as well as Melvins 1983 (with original Melvins drummer Mike Dillard), and Melvins Lite (with Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn), the Melvins have embraced evolution and their roots simultaneously. Sometimes, you might even get the Melvins opening for the Melvins.

Thunderball, the latest release from the Melvins 1983, is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy of innovation, defiance, and musical exploration.