Esoteric is a pioneering British funeral doom metal band formed in Birmingham in 1992. Renowned for their immense, immersive soundscapes and emotionally devastating compositions, Esoteric helped define and expand the boundaries of extreme doom metal. From their sprawling debut double album Epistemological Despondency (1994) to later works like The Maniacal Vale (2008) and A Pyrrhic Existence (2019), the band has consistently delivered music that is both sonically crushing and deeply atmospheric. Their sound is characterized by glacial tempos, layered guitars, guttural vocals, and psychedelic textures that create a sense of cosmic desolation and introspective depth.

Led by founding guitarist and vocalist Greg Chandler, Esoteric has remained steadfast in its artistic vision for over three decades. Known for extended compositions that often exceed 15 or 20 minutes, the band blends funeral doom with elements of death metal, drone, and ambient, resulting in music that is at once meditative and overwhelming. Their rare live performances are intense, ritualistic experiences, praised for translating the vast emotional and sonic weight of their recordings into a powerful stage presence. Esoteric continues to be a vital force in the doom metal underground, revered for their uncompromising creativity and influence on the genre’s evolution.