Verminthrone - Feast Of The Serpent (EP Review)

Release Date: December 19th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Feast Of The Serpent  - Tracklisting

Pallor

Swab

When It Rains, It Pours

Bloodletting

Event Horizon

Review

Crossover/Groove/Thrash Metallers Verminthrone return with their latest EP - Feast Of The Serpent. The EP offers five tracks running for around twenty six minutes in length. This is a similar vibe to their celebrated 2024 debut album The Cull with its great mix of fast-paced and brutally filthy sounds. The music is once again very fast-paced with a certain modern day Sludge/Stoner Metal pedigree shining through with Verminthrone keeping true to their core Thrash/Groove based melodies. The vocals are quite intense with a vicious Death Growl being used for the most part.

The opening song of Pallor leaves you gasping for breath with the multitude of different beatdowns and breakdowns Verminthrone delivers with supreme confidence. The sound is uplifted or amplified by a sudden rush of Crust Punk and Hardcore metallic elements which is used quite sparingly at first before the band decides to throw a TON of muscular weight for that particular sound being one of the most dominant themes on the whole EP.

The next batch of tracks of Swab and When It Rains, It Pours continues with the Crossover movement with an epic sideline of HIGH ON FIRE, METALLICA and MOTORHEAD delivered musical moments that allows Verminthrone to operate with a clearer and riff-driven mandate. The mood is still BLEAK and aggressively violent but at least there’s some demented THRASH paced fun to be had along the way. You can hear shades of Classic Heavy Metal guitar shredding being delivered with both tracks that’s played at breakneck speed. 

Feast Of The Serpent never loses its monumental style of extreme heaviness with Verminthrone perhaps delivering darker and heavier moments of Sludge Metal grooves with great vocals and some epic lyrics selling the whole package right through to the very end. The final two songs of Bloodletting and Event Horizon both offer a more daring and violent creative theme with Verminthrone playing the heaviest and gloomiest sounds on the whole EP.

Verminthrone never waiver from delivering an action packed and violent style of filth driven Sludge Metal sounds. There are brief moments of Post-Doom and Psych Stoner Metal surroundings appearing on the later stages but the band still true to their HEAVY METAL beliefs that results in another standout release from Verminthrone to enhance their reputation with. 

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Linktree | BandCamp

Mos Eisley Spaceport - Live On Crow Hill (Album Review)

Release Date: December 11th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Live On Crow Hill  - Tracklisting

1.Drop Out 05:57

2.Space Shift 07:45

3.Raised By A Lioness 07:21

4.Cocaine Blues 05:38

5.Ashes To Ashes 09:33

6.Scattle Cat 04:05

7.Interstellar Mantis 12:04

8.In Your Mind 05:13

Members

Sebastian Reimann - Guitar, Synthesizer and Vocals

Guido Hanslik - Drums and Vocals

Jasper Röthemeyer - Bass and Vocals

Björn Groos - Organ and Vocals.

Review

Live On Crow Hill is the live album from Psych Stoner Rockers Mos Eisley Spaceport and with their name inspired by Star Wars, the band play a highly stylish take on all things Space Rock which can be downright Jazzy and Freaky. It’s not the most modern sounding style of music with the band being more Krautrock based for major parts of the record. 

The presence of trippy Prog Rock elements make this record quite a long drawn out trip in places but that’s a good thing with the band exploring a different style of Spaced Out extended instrumental jams. There’s a multitude of different sounds being drawn up from the very start within the opening track of Drop Out. The mood is downright ELECTRIC with Mos Eisley Spaceport offering a Classic Rock experience where the music fully goes into OVERDRIVE with echoes of Blues Rock and Stoner Rock combining with the vocals having a slight Garage Rock style.

The mood is quite boisterous and punk rock based with the band members all providing vocals at different parts of the record with second track Space Shift using a certain speech from Star Wars to set up the scene. The music is quite fast-paced with a highly energetic attitude that becomes more heavier with each passing moment. The sound is most definitely obsessed with the Seventies Heavy Psych scene with the grizzled melodies becoming dominated by waves of sludgy distortion and psychedelic sound effects which was quite a cool surprise. 

Mos Eisley Spaceport experimented with other areas of Instrumental passages, soundscapes and melodies with that freakish Blues Rock attitude allowing the KRAUTROCK element to become ever more present where the record becomes one of more of SONIC exploration and downright outrageous fun. The band blast their way through a great assortment of tracks such as Raised By A Lioness, Cocaine Blues, Ashes To Ashes and Interstellar Mantis being the most action packed, trippiest and sometimes quite surreal parts of the whole album.

The band keep generating first rate Heavy Psych and Space Rock melodies with great vocal insight along the way which allows the listener to become part of the action. Live On Crow Hill is a great LIVE album which allows Mos Eisley Spaceport to play a collection of their “hits” to a highly appreciative audience in attendance. The band even found the time to play a new song “Interstellar Mantis” which is most definitely the standout track of this album and showcases a different style of music from the band compared to their previous releases.

Live On Crow Hill offers great entertainment throughout and should find a loyal following within the scene.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

BandCamp | Instagram

Doom Metallers AZKEN AUZI return with new single “Deep Hell”. The first taste of their upcoming album “Infernua”

Argonauta Records proudly announces the return of French occult doom sludge act Azken Auzi, back with their brand new and first single “Deep Hell”, taken from the band’s upcoming album “Infernua”, due for release in CD, Vinyl and Digital formats in early 2026.

Three years after their critically praised self titled debut, Azken Auzi have shaped their vision into a darker, heavier and far more personal form. Their new album “Infernua” is the result of intense live activity and a continuous push toward defining a sound that merges occult and dark doom sludge with technical depth, atmospheric shades and a newfound maturity. The band explores the shadows of the human soul, moving through oppressive heaviness, hypnotic grooves and emotional contrasts. From the very first notes that set the tone for this new chapter to the closing track that opens a subtle window of hope, “Infernua” stands as Azken Auzi’s most accomplished and uncompromising work to date.

Listen to the new single “Deep Hell” here: https://song.link/azkenauzi_dh

“Infernua” will be released in early 2026 on CD, Vinyl and Digital via Argonauta Records. More details will be revealed soon.

INFO:

https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords
https://www.facebook.com/azkenauzi

https://azkenauzi.bandcamp.com/

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.

Frazer Jones From Desert Psychlist - Favourite Albums Of 2025.

Frazer Jones who runs the amazing Desert Psychlist blog announced his retirement from the scene last month and it was very sad news indeed. As Frazer has been my favourite writer for almost a decade now and I consider him one of my closest friends and biggest supporters within the scene. 

Frazer has been a loyal and dedicated follower of the underground heavy rock scene where he promoted amazing bands with his great reviews and tireless dedication to the scene. Frazer has earned his retirement from the scene where he'll be missed by all. 

However, I managed to convince Frazer to list his favourite albums of 2025 for me to publish on the blog which he's kindly done below. There's no words or fanfare from Frazer, just the records he loved listening to the most. Check out below for some awesome records recommended from the legend himself.

THE FREEKS - STUDIO/LIVE II

BLACK SADHU - ASHES OF AETHER

ACID MAGUS - SCATTERLING EMPIRE

FUZZ EVIL - SMEAR MERCHANTS

ORDOS - FIRE

WITCHROT - SOUL CELLAR

EL SAGUARO - ENTHUSIECSTASY

FUSSKALT - FACELESS MAN

BORRACHO - OUROBORAS

PALM DESERT - RAYS OF THE GOLD AND GRAYS

BLAZONER Announces First Single "I'm In Love With My Car" From Upcoming Covers EP Sonic Chambers

Fredericksburg, Virginia heavy rock trio BLAZONER has released "I'm In Love With My Car," the first single from their upcoming covers EP Sonic Chambers, due out February 13, 2026. The track offers an electrified and harmony rich reinterpretation of the classic QUEEN deep cut.

The band approached the recording with a mix of respect, intensity, and playfulness. Drummer Andy Murray takes the lead vocal, a nod to Roger Taylor’s original performance, while Brian Carnes and Stephen Sullivan join him to build thick, layered choruses that showcase the trio’s signature multi vocal sound. The band recorded an extensive number of vocal tracks to capture the fullness and dramatic lift that makes the original song such a standout. Longtime friend and producer Jeff Covert helped guide the arrangement and brought extra clarity and dimension to the performance.

"I'm In Love With My Car" marks the first look at Sonic Chambers, a collection born from a spontaneous decision to record a few favorite covers in the studio. What began as a simple session quickly evolved into a five track EP that celebrates the music that shaped BLAZONER’s sound and spirit. The single highlights their ability to blend heavy rock power with melodic precision while staying true to the emotional core of the source material.

Listen below:

About BLAZONER:

BLAZONER is a heavy rock power trio from Fredericksburg, Virginia, built on the belief that loud music should feel both massive and melodic. The band leans into thick, saturated riffs, driving rhythms, and vocal harmonies that hit as hard as the instruments behind them. Their sound blends the grit of stoner rock, the pulse of classic heavy rock, and the swirling textures of psychedelia, creating a style that feels raw, hook driven, and unmistakably their own.

Formed by Andy Murray, Brian Carnes, and Stephen Sullivan, BLAZONER is powered by the natural chemistry the three share when they play together. Every member sings, which gives the band a vocal identity rarely found in heavy music. Whether delivering gritty leads or layered harmonies, the voices of all three members work together to add color and emotion to the band’s thick wall of sound. The result is a blend of heaviness and melody that stands out both live and on record.

BLAZONER came out of the gate with a commitment to playing hard, writing often, and letting instinct lead the way. Since releasing their first music in 2023, the band has grown quickly through high energy performances that showcase their volume, intensity, and connection as performers. Crowds respond not only to the weight of the riffs and the immediacy of the songs, but also to the sense that the band is having as much fun onstage as anyone in the room.

Their music reflects a wide range of influences, yet everything is filtered through the same core approach. Play loud, play with purpose, and make songs that feel alive. Whether crafting originals or reimagining the tracks that shaped them, BLAZONER focuses on movement, emotion, and the thrill of a great groove hitting at full power.

BLAZONER continues to evolve as they write, record, and perform, always pushing toward a heavier, tighter, more expressive version of their sound. For the band, heavy music is more than a style. It is energy, teamwork, and a constant exploration of what three people can create when they trust every instinct and hold nothing back.

BLAZONER Is:

Andy Murray — drums and vocals
Brian Carnes — bass and vocals
Stephen Sullivan — guitar and vocals

Connect with BLAZONER:

Bandcamp: https://blazoner.bandcamp.com/album/escape-to-electric-land
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1VxuvmkoQn/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blazonerband?igsh=MTNqMGplYXh2NHlrNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blazoner?si=a5PLZSKRjAmk4vB0
Spotify: https://spotify.link/Z17LAAz7KXb
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blazoner/1709365327

Track Listing: 

Jumpin' Jack Flash

I'm In Love With My Car 

In The Beginning 

Copache  

Travellin' In The Dark

Thanks to C Squared Music for the details.

Libbianski - Episode 1 (EP Review)

Release Date: December 04th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Episode 1 - Tracklisting

1.Continue The Sad 03:57

2.Steve French 04:26

3.Finding A Cure 04:44

Members

Kurt Williams - guitar/ vocals

Nat Reid - bass/ vocals

Tom LaHatte - drums

Review

Episode 1 is the debut EP from Libbianski who fuse Doom, Shoegaze, Post-Metal and Alt Metal that has a solid Doom-Pop foundation with the band playing similar sounds to bands such as TORCHE, HUM and Slow Crush. The record has quite an aggressive and vivid energy which I didn’t fully expect which comes out in full force within the excellent opening track of Continue The Sad. The harsh vocals from Kurt Williams (Guitar) are quite different from Nat Reid’s (Bass)  sublime Alt Metal and Punk Rock delivery.

The music moves from catchy Doom-Pop hooks to a gloriously delicious Post-Metal energy with a sludgy attitude forming throughout. Add a subtle Grunge and Noise Rock attitude which allows Libbianski to dominate the Doomgaze landscape. The lyrics are quite insightful but with a rebellious presence to them. That style of music continues within the outstanding second track Steve French which captures a slightly downbeat Nineties sounding melody with outbursts of Sludge Punk surroundings with the band following closely to their gloomy Pop hooks.

Libbianski are from Wellington, New Zealand which once again shows a different style of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal band to emerge from there with the likes of BEASTWARS, ULCERATE, Planet Of The Dead and Sidewinder impressing me over the years. Libbianski play their own great style of distorted sounds which takes a more warm hearted and disjointed approach within the final track Finding A Cure with Kurt’s and Nat’s vocals once again offering different styles and musical perspective. Tom LaHatte puts in a wonderfully understated performance on drums which makes everything tick throughout the whole EP.

Episode 1 is a superbly heavy, quirky and extremely delightful record with Libbianski offering a different style of Shoegaze that’s brimming with wonderful creativity. 

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp

HUM - Three (Album Review)

Release Date: December 12th 2025. Record Label: Tonzonen Records / Cargo Records. Formats: DD

three - Tracklisting

1.threetoone 03:59

2.freaks of nature 04:08

3.burning air 03:47

4.first contact 02:14

5.humans 05:49

6.march of the lost souls 02:27

7.underground 03:38

8.ashes to ashes 03:57

9.it's up to you 04:08

10.this means war 04:24

11.the HUM 02:23

Lineup

Harri Gottschalk

Martin Kraus

Florian Schnaith

Review

I will admit I was very excited when I received the news that HUM were releasing a new album as I thought this was for the legendary Space Rock Band and not the Psychedelic Stoner Rock band I’m reviewing today. Though, to be fair, this HUM are quite damn good at creating Progressive sounds of their very own with a certain Psychedelic and Space Rock flair. The music is quite freaky and jazzy in places with influences diverse as TOOL, KYUSS, YES and King Crimson. They have also just released their third full length album originally titled “THREE”.

The album spans across eleven tracks with a forty one minute runtime with HUM playing a heavy assortment of Stoner Rock/Metal passages with different time loops and fragmented synths leaning the music into a more fantastical direction. The record opens quite confidently with the excellent opening tracks Threetoone and Freaks Of Nature that does feel very TOOL-esque in places with a witty STONER ROCK approach that has echoes of KYUSS but with HUM doing their own experimental thing. There’s a sudden left-field turn with areas of Surf Rock appearing which gives a very cool sideline in hazy psychedelics and great vocals to match. 

THREE never goes the way you expect with HUM fully exploiting their Prog Rock attitude that brings a more adventurous rhythm to their music on other tracks such as Burning Air, Humans, Underground and This Means War being my favourite parts of the record.

One of the albums main strengths is HUM’s willingness to experiment with different instruments and musical themes that gives the record a highly sophisticated sound even when distorted sounds and freaky passages collaborate with a trippy Spaced Out experience. There is a heavy reliance on Shoegaze, Post-Rock and even Grunge which allows HUM to keep the record remarkably fresh and sometimes unique. 

The production values are excellent whilst offering a minimal aspect for HUM to deliver their music upon and allows the record to be quite cinematic especially within the heaviest moments of the record which there’s a lot of. HUM have delivered the goods with THREE and this is one record worth experiencing time and time again.

 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Creative Eclipse PR for the promo.

THREE is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Tonzonen Records / Cargo Records.

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram