French Fuzz Rockers Electric Jaguar Baby Announce New Album & Reveal Video For New Track “Heroine” feat. Chris Jr of Acid Mammoth

Parisian fuzz fanatics Electric Jaguar Baby return to burn down the garage with “Clair-Obscur”, their wildest, heaviest, and most electrifying album to date, set to be released on September 5, 2025 via Majestic Mountain Records (Kal-El, Saint Karloff).

But first, the band has served up another taster in the form of a brand-new video for “Heroine”, featuring none other than Chris Jr. of Acid Mammoth.

Previously, the duo unveiled a video for lead single “My Way”, a fuzzy, rocking tune that sets the tone for what’s to come, check it out at this location.

Formed in 2015, the duo comprised of Franck (drums/vocals) and Antoine (guitar/vocals), have spent the last decade distilling garage, stoner, punk, psych, pop and grunge into pure fuzz-fueled chaos. Known for their explosive live shows and no-rules approach, they’ve shared stages with everyone from Sepultura to Death Valley Girls.

Now, “Clair-Obscur” marks their third full-length and most fearless outing yet. Recorded live and drenched in distortion, the album rips through 11 unfiltered tracks of raw sonic adrenaline, with killer guest appearances from Lo (ex-Loading Data) and Chris Babalis Jr. (Acid Mammoth). 

Pre-orders are now available here.

With a new EU tour in the works and their amps permanently stuck at 11, Electric Jaguar Baby are revving hard into a new era and you’re invited along for the trip

Electric Jaguar Baby Links

http://electricjaguarbaby.band
https://electricjaguarbaby.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/ElectricJaguarBaby
https://www.instagram.com/electricjaguarbaby

Majestic Mountain Records Links

https://www.majesticmountainrecords.com
https://majesticmountainrecords.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/majesticmountainrecords
https://www.instagram.com/majesticmountainrecords
https://twitter.com/Majestic_vinyl

Thanks to Viral Propaganda PR for all of the details.

Lorquin’s Admiral - Lorquin’s Admiral (Album Review)

Release Date: June 27th 2025. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Lorquin’s Admiral - Tracklisting

My Blue Wife

Inexplicable Things

Could Have Been Forever

Black Water

My Blue Husband

Aren't We

Burn and Heal

These Lovely Things

To Temptation

Members

Marlon King

Nick Hannon

Dandy Brown

Dawn Brown

Steve Earle

Review

Lorquin’s Admiral is a Psych/Desert/Stoner Rock “Supergroup” of sorts featuring members of Afghan Whigs, the Fizz Fuzz, Hermano, Luna Sol, Orquesta del Desierto, Sons of Alpha Centauri and Yawning Sons. Some real heavy hitters and just look at the members of the band with guest contributions from David Angstrom and Country Mark Engel on their exquisite and riff-fuelled debut album.

Lorquin’s Admiral debut album is full of hooks, grooves, riffs and extended instrumental Stoner Rock passages that defines the current scene with focus on songwriting, storytelling, vocal harmonies and superb melodies that drift into areas of Post-Rock, Grunge and Shoegaze which gives the band an ethereal sound you don’t initially expect. There’s an easy going attitude forming from the songs which has a cerebral 1990’s quality when the band dive right into the classic Stoner Rock and Alt Rock scene.

The band aren’t afraid to merge into the more “METAL” side of life especially on the early tracks of Inexplicable Things and Could Have Been Forever. Though things start rather differently with the anthemic opening track My Blue Wife with Lorquin’s Admiral showcasing a Post-Rock based Desert Rock swagger which soon transforms into a classic style of Stoner melody the members have made themselves known with their respective bands. 

With a free-flowing Heavy Rock sound developing from the very onset you can hear influences from the likes of Tom Petty, Alice In Chains, The Who and Led Zepp which gives this record a more grounded flow with genuine warm-hearted lyrics that pull you into Lorquin’s Admiral’s deliciously heavy world. Frenzied FUZZY guitars overlap with sludgy environments with the Blues Rock influence coming more and more into play on tracks such as Black Water, My Blue Husband and Aren’t We with the band fully committed and selling the excessive HARD ROCK instrumental solos along the way.

The later stages of the album taps into the 1990’s Nostalgic scene perfectly with fully formed songs that leave you wanting to hear more of their highly energetic sounds that would be considered “STONE COLD CLASSICS” if they were released back in the day especially with the songs Burn And Heal and These Lovely Things.

With brilliantly observed production values, Lorquin’s Admiral debut album is an absolute must have and is perhaps the perfect soundtrack to the summer season. This is an album that can easily be described as “ALL KILLER and NO FILLER” where all tracks are considered definite HOME RUNS throughout.

Add this album to your collection now and you’ll be in STONER ROCK HEAVEN….

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.

Lorquin’s Admiral is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records

INFO:

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

Sludge Metallers IVY GARDENS' Release New Video "Burden" From New Sophomore Album "Death of Don Valley" Out August 2025

LR - Andrew Blackborow (Guitar, Vocals), Joe Zandwyk (Drums, Vocals), Sebastian Hogg (Keyboards)

Photo Credit by Luka Kartveli

Ivy Gardens, the experimental sludge metal band from Niagara Falls, Canada, has announced the release of their highly anticipated new music video for the single "Burden" and their sophomore album, "Death of Don Valley", set to drop on August 29th, 2025, via Paper Cut Recordings. The record marks a bold new chapter in the band’s sound, with more complex compositions, darker themes, and a shift into a more experimental and atmospheric direction.

Formed in the parking lot of Princess Auto, Ivy Gardens’ journey began with a mutual love for covering Rush instrumentals and an obsession with heavy, sludge-infused sound. From those humble beginnings, the band’s unique chemistry and vision have led to the creation of their most ambitious and thematically focused album yet.
​
​"Burden", the first single from "Death of Don Valley", showcases a satirical take on nihilism, with dark and comical undertones. The track was one of the first songs written for the album and features a fast-paced, relentless tempo that gradually picks up speed in the studio. Lyrically, it's a satirical take on the archetypal nihilist, with a dose of doom and gloom that veers into a comical extreme. The band describes it as “quick and succinct” — a track that encapsulates the essence of their new sonic direction.

Watch and listen to the music video for "Burden" below:

Spotify - https://bit.ly/3FWpqwD​

"Death of Don Valley" is a concept album, exploring the themes of death, decay, and the unstoppable erosion of life and the environment. The concept is rooted in the history of the Don Valley River, a once-thriving waterway now plagued by pollution and degradation. The album's artwork reflects this with the haunting image of a corpse between the banks of the flooded river, anthropomorphizing the water itself as it becomes a symbol of death and decay.

The material on "Death of Don Valley" was designed to be heard live, with massive stacks of amplifiers and a commitment to delivering the music in all its raw, unfiltered glory. It marks a bold new direction for Ivy Gardens; the band has no plans of slowing down. Their dedication to the project is evident in every note they play and every lyric they write as they continue to push musical boundaries and explore new sonic territories. Lyrically, the record draws from a mix of historical events, such as the tragic story of Canadian bush pilot Martin Hartwell, and fictional narratives, creating a dark and gripping atmosphere. The songs explore everything from violence, death, and survival to environmental destruction and existential dread. As the band explains:

"Death of Don Valley is the natural progression of their sound, with more complexity and a deliberate thematic structure. Musically, it marks a shift in Ivy Gardens’ approach. This album is darker, more experimental, and more intricate than our previous work on 2024's Goon. While Goon carried a more positive, energetic vibe, this LP is more about confronting the darker aspects of life, and it reflects a deeper exploration into musical and thematic complexity."

Ivy Gardens' influences are vast, ranging from progressive icons like Rush, Yes, and King Crimson to sludge pioneers like EYEHATEGOD and Iron Monkey. Their sound blends elements of stoner metal, sludge, math rock, and progressive rock, creating an unpredictable listening experience that takes the listener through a series of emotional and sonic landscapes.

Fans of Ivy Gardens can expect an intense live performance soon, as the band does plan to tour in support of the new album this coming September. Stay tuned for dates to be announced, and Ivy Gardens are bringing their thunderous sound to stages nationwide. Expect a live show that will test the limits of your ears and your emotions.

"Death of Don Valley" (out August 29th) is available for pre-order at https://ivygardens.bandcamp.com/​

Ivy Gardens - Live or Die Tour:

​Aug 29 - St. Catharines, ON - Warehouse Concert Hall
Aug 30 - Toronto, ON - Monarch Tavern
Sept 5 - Kitchener, ON - The Golden Apple
Sept 11 - London, ON - TBA
Sept 12 - Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge
Sept 13 - Sarnia, ON - AJs Bar
Sept 18 - Halifax, NS - Radstorm
Sept 19 - Sydney, NS - Daniels Ale House
Sept 20 - Charlottetown, PEI - Babas Lounge
Sept 21 - Moncton, NB - TBA
Sept 25 - Woodstock, NB - Montieth Manor
Sept 26 - Quebec City, QC - Scanner Bistro
Sept 27 - Montreal, QC - Blue Dog
Oct 9 - Barrie, ON - CW Coops
Oct 10 - Sudbury, ON - Townhouse Tavern
Oct 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Nortenos Cantina
Oct 12 - Winnipeg, MB - Bulldog Event Center
Oct 16 - Regina, SK - The Cure Kitchen and Bar
Oct 17 - Saskatoon, SK - The Black Cat
Oct 18 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
Oct 19 - Edmonton, AB - Blak Bar
Oct 23 - Kelowna, BC - TBA
Oct 24 - Vancouver, BC - TBA
Oct 25 - Victoria, BC - TBA

Track Listing:​

1. Burn For Murder - 2:02
2. Eye Witness - 2:50
3. Burden - 3:08
4. Guiding Hand - 6:18
5. Frozen Limbs - 5:15
6. Gearth - 2:29
7. Astray - 4:56
8. Bliss - 8:59
9. Golden - 7:07

Album Length: 43:08

Album Credits:​

All songs written and performed by Ivy Gardens
Produced by Ivy Gardens
Recorded and mixed by Frank Ditillio
Mastered by Cameron Lee
Album Artwork by Ivy Gardens
Death of Don Valley is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording and Live Lineup:​
Joe Zandwyk: Drums, Vocals, Samples
Sebastian Hogg: Organ, Piano, Synth, Samples
Andrew Blackborow: Guitar, Vocals

More info: Facebook.com/ivygardensband | Instagram.com/ivygardensofficial

Thanks to Asher Media PR for all of the details.

Rainbow Bridge - Soundtrack Of A Silent Land (Album Review)

Release Date: June 27th 2025. Record Label: Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD

Soundtrack Of A Silent Land - Tracklisting

1.A Silent Land

2.Gaba 

3.Hugh The Cactus 

4.Goats Everywhere

5.Shoreline

6.Lama Returns

7.Sunrise Moon

8.A Loving Sun

Members

Giuseppe JimiRay Piazzolla - Guitars

Fabio Chiarazzo - Bass Guitar

Paolo Ormas - Drums

Review

Psych Stoner Rockers Rainbow Bridge have made the bold decision to release an instrumental record for their fourth album Soundtrack Of A Silent Land. The band state this is an imaginary soundtrack of some sort with Rainbow Bridge conjuring up vivid sounds such as exquisite Navajo vocals that open and close the album with. There’s some excellent Psychedelic and Fuzzed Up musical expression that moves into areas of distorted heaviness which appear very early on within the outstanding opening track A Silent Land.

Rainbow Bridge operate in the same creative capacity as bands such as Earthless, Yawning Man, and Colour Haze though their subtle blend of Heavy Psych, Stoner Rock, Space Rock and Blues Rock surroundings are never too far behind. This record is one more of SONIC EXPLORATION and seeing Rainbow Bridge create a different style of music that maybe quite “ALIEN” to them at first without the vocal dynamics heard on previous records.

The sound has a relentless and freakish energy which sees Rainbow Bridge play Sixties Heavy Psychedelic beats against classic Nineties Desert/Stoner Rock passages. With a small reliance on distorted Prog Rock that can be quite DRONE based at times, there is a sense of wonder and adventure when the band play an unexpected style of Instrumental music that can be quite more “METALLIC” in places. 

With a wide array of different Psych, Post-Rock and Prog Rock instrumental passages that can be quite laid back before the aggressive energy of Rainbow Bridge that usually takes complete control especially on tracks such as Gaba, Hugh The Cactus and Goats Everywhere allowing the first half of the record play out in exciting fashion. 

The second half of Soundtrack Of A Silent Land continues to build on the exciting promise that Rainbow Bridge have masterfully delivered with more eerie Progressive leaning Psychedelic jams with some epic screeching guitars being played along the way. There are a lot more FREAK OUT moments on this record compared to other Instrumental Stoner Rock albums which allows an adventurous style of music to fully form and develop into high levels of deafening passages.

Standout tracks from the second half of the album are Sunrise Moon and A Loving Son which retains a sense of urgency for Rainbow Bridge to get straight down to business in playing the heaviest, freshest and highly original musical passages contained on the whole album. The mood can be quiet, sullen, moody, heavy and aggressive on different stages of the whole record. 

Soundtrack Of A Silent Land is an absolute joy to fully experience with the raw sounding production values adding a dynamic GARAGE ROCK or GENERATOR PARTY energy to the whole record. Rainbow Bridge have been going as a band since 2006 but they’ve really started to find their own unique voice on their last couple of records and prove why they’re another excellent band to check out from the Italian Heavy Rock scene.

This is a superbly entertaining record which takes a lot of BOLD creative choices and becomes an even better record for it when everything is said and done. 

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.

Soundtrack Of A Silent Land is available to buy now on CD/DD via Argonauta Records / Octopus Rising.

Links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Void Sinker - Solaris (Album Review)

Release Date: June 27th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Solaris - Tracklisting

1.Solaris 14:49

2.Lowering

3.Boiled 15:35

Members

Guglielmo Allegro - Everything

Review

Solaris the third release from Drone/Doom Collective Void Sinker this year with creative mastermind Guglielmo Allegro on inspired form. Nothing much changed with Void Sinker’s creative delivery on Solaris with the music being quite dense, progressive and drawn out which is the same journey as the other records that Guglielmo has released this year. Though, I will give Void Sinker credit for portraying a more progressive, denser and aggressive approach with the sound being quite morbid despite the trippy cosmic surroundings being at the forefront of the record.

The EP is made up of three lengthy compositions with Solaris, Lowering and Boiled running near to thirteen and fifteen minutes in length. The music is quite abstract and fast-paced especially when Void Sinker pays homage to bands such as CONAN, UFOMAMMUT and SUNN 0))). The industrial landscapes appear very early on within Solaris that builds an eerie world building atmosphere where the end of the world is never too far behind. Production values are quite sharp but with a slight underdeveloped DIY vibe which matches the whole one-man band aesthetic that Guglielmo brilliantly surrounds himself with each Void Sinker release.

There’s a neverending supply of ambient themes, tones and ghoulish soundscapes appearing from time-to-time that could be considered as vocals from the darkest depths of space trying to make contact with humanity. It’s an impressive mix of different sounds, tones and highly atmospheric melodies which one again transforms into a more riff-centric style on the later stages of each track especially within Lowering and Boiled.

Solaris once again allows Void Sinker to project his darkest DRONED out desires into a massive wall of Doom/Sludge Metal instrumental heaviness that leaves you wanting to hear more. This is perhaps Void Sinker’s most abstract release with the music not being quite as HEAVY compared to previous records but that doesn’t stop this being an outstanding slice of Drone/Doom Metal from one of the best creative one-man bands currently within the scene.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Chattanooga’s Doom/Sludge Metallers Dope Skum return with new single “Hollow Point” And Announce Upcoming Shows

Photo by Jackson Keys

Southern sludge duo Dope Skum return with “Hollow Point” on July 4th, the lead single off their upcoming third EP Hollerwood (due Sept. 5).

Rooted in gritty riffs and born out of the backwoods, Dope Skum blends fuzz-heavy stoner metal with a punk bite. With Cody Landress-Gibson (guitar/vocals) hailing from the foothills of Appalachia and Scott Keil (drums) forging his musical path in Los Angeles, the band’s upcoming EP Hollerwood is an ode to their contrasting origins and is set for release on Sept. 5, 2025.

“‘Hollow Point’ hits hard and fast,” says Landress-Gibson. “It’s the kind of track that captures where we’ve been and where we’re going—showcasing musical influences from all aspects of the band.”

Fans can catch Dope Skum on tour this summer as the band travels across the Southeast, bringing their version of Southern stoner rock sound to stages and dive bars alike.

Formed in late 2020, Dope Skum has carved a deep groove in the Southern heavy underground with two previous EPs: 2021’s Tanasi and 2023’s Gutter South, plus the recently released live album Return to the Gutter South: Live at Cherry Street Tavern.

Follow Dope Skum on Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify for tour updates and more release news.

Thanks to Dope Skum for all of the info.

Hebi Katana - Imperfection (Album Review)

Release Date: July 25th 2025. Record Label: Ripple Music. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Imperfection - Tracklisting

1.Bon Nou

2.Dead Horse Requiem 

3.Praise the Shadows

4.Echoes from Old Tree

5.Blood Spirit Rising

6.Yu gen

7.Yume wa Kareno

Members

Laven - Bass, Vocals

Nobu - Guitars, Vocals

T.T. Goblin - Drums

Review

Japanese Doom/Stoner/Heavy Metallers Hebi Katana new album Imperfection sees the band aiming for bigger and better things with their HEAVIEST and HUGE sounding record to date. With the power of Ripple Music fully behind Hebi Katana, the stage is set for the band to expand their musical horizons as Imperfection is a non-stop collection of grizzled Proto-Metal sounds that the band have superbly developed over the last five years or so.

Imperfection is their fourth full length album and “features lyrics inspired by Matsuo Basho and Tanizaki Junichiro's “wabi sabi” “beauty of imperfection” and “enso" based on the unique Japanese spiritual world.” The record has Hebi Katana’s classic style of Proto Metal energy which is delivered with a wild GONZO energy that pays perfect homage to bands such as Motorhead, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, The Ramones and cult Japanese Heavy Metal heroes ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK.

There’s a sense of intense Stoner Rock/Metal BRAVADO on Imperfection with thrashy and seedy instrumental sounds capturing Hebi Katana at the top of their game. The vocals from Nobu and Laven feel more energetic with the no-nonsense attitude of Seventies Proto-Metal, Doom and Punk Rock vibes that’s matched against the OVER THE TOP Eighties Hard Rock attitude. It’s good to hear that Hebi Katana haven’t changed their stripped back Garage Rock based sound which allows the production side of Imperfection to have quite an iconic ROUGH and READY appeal which gives the record a more dangerous OUTLAW energy to it all.

The SAMURAI DOOM spirit of Hebi Katana’s runs amok with killer HIGH VOLTAGE grooves on tracks such as Dead Horse Requiem, Praise The Shadows, Echoes From The Old Tree and Yume wa Kareno being the most praiseworthy, thrilling and catchiest songs on the whole album. Hebi Katana do become quite “OCCULT” obsessed on this record which brings a sense of murky FUZZ ROCK heaviness with the outlandish lyrics doing a magnificent job of selling the whole creative vision that the band have for Imperfection. 

Imperfection has a world building Psychedelic attitude which is perhaps down to the surreal Psychedelic vision that inspired the band that I mentioned earlier in the review. If you’re only here for the music then Hebi Katana will no doubt impress you with their fearless playing and vivid expression of pure HEAVY METAL and RAWK & ROLL excess that will no doubt establish the band as major players within the global HEAVY ROCK scene. 

Hebi Katana are on the verge of great things and Imperfection is another outstanding record from one of the best kept secrets from the Japanese Underground Scene.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Imperfection is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music.

HEBI KATANA links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Spotify