Ozma (album)

"Ozma" is the second studio album by the American rock band Melvins, released in 1989. The album was produced by Mark Deutrom, who joined the band as a bassist around the time of the album’s release. It is considered significant in the band's discography, as it marked their continued inclination towards a slower, heavier sound, which was influential in the eventual development of genres like sludge, stoner, and drone metal.

The album features a cover of "Love Thing" by KISS and another notable track, "Creepy Smell," received a music video, a rarity for the band in those times. "Ozma" takes its name from L. Frank Baum's "The Marvelous Land of Oz," with the band often citing characters from this series as song titles. The album cover art is also a nod to this Oz series connection, featuring a distinctive 'Ozma' illustration.

One unique aspect of this album was its recording process. To achieve the heavy, low-end sound, the band is known for, they recorded the album with a five-string guitar, a rarity in rock music at that time. While initially receiving mixed reviews, "Ozma" has retrospectively been cited as an influential album in underground and alternative rock circles.