Stoner Rockers VOLUME announce full US tour starting in May

VOLUME announce full US tour starting in May

29 Palms, CA Desert/Stoner Rock supergroup led by Patrick Brink (Fu Manchu), Ed Mundell (Monster Magnet), Mike Amster (Nebula, Spoon Benders), Dave Catching

“Pure, unadulterated desert rock by masters of the genre.” – Decibel Magazine

“Beefy, noisy, crunchy primal glory... One hell of a trip you should take.” – Metal Injection

"Feels like an acid trip in a sandstorm." -- Psychedelic Baby

Twentynine Palms, CA band VOLUME announce full US tour dates today supporting their new album Joy of Navigation (A Trip Through the Eternal Unknown). Please see all dates below

It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine. recently featured an in-depth interview with frontman Patrick Brink HERE.

The band is VOLUME and it deals primarily in density: Thick and weighty as the abundant sand surrounding their Twentynine Palms, CA hometown, but also comprised of a mass of fine grit that can sear the skin with a gust of wind, and quickly dissipate into the ether.

Yes, that is to say, VOLUME are purveyors of Heavy Acid Rock. Doomy psychedelia, but with more raw 70s punk brash than masquerading metal. VOLUME draw musical influences from bands such as The Stooges, MC5 and Black Flag to name a few, while also crafting their own distinctive heavy psychedelic identity. And, with Joy of Navigation, the band ventures into heavier, more psychedelic tones, while also keeping powerful hooks as the focus.

Originally formed in 1993 by ex-Fu Manchu singer Patrick Brink, the band has featured a revolving set of collaborators, with ex-Monster Magnet guitarist Ed Mundell playing leads on the forthcoming Joy of Navigation mini-album. David Catching (QOTSA, Arctic Monkeys, Iggy Pop) co-produced the tracks with Brink, as well as playing synth on the recording. Mike Amster (Nebula, Mondo Generator, Spoon Benders) plays drums on the mini-album. The current live lineup includes Mingus on drums, bassist Jason Hernandez and lead guitarist Derek Christensen.

Brink founded the band in order to take the lead and steer the musical reins down psychedelic rocking routes. Having performed with a number of acts including the aforementioned vocals for Fu Manchu in their early days, VOLUME offered Patrick a new creative outlet. Over their career the band has shared stages with Queens of the Stone Age, Mastodon and Goatsnake, and performed at festivals including Emissions of the Monolith and Stoner Hands of Doom (SHoD).

Brink’s upbringing in the secluded desert town east of Joshua Tree and 60 miles north of Palm Springs had a huge impact on his songwriting. It is a place of beauty and harsh realities, and those contrasts are present throughout Patrick's lyrics and songs. After getting into punk rock by accident in high school Patrick started his first band a couple of years later with the only other punks in town. This early love of punk rock inadvertently led him to the heavier bands on SST Records such as Wurm, SWA, DC3 and St. Vitus.

Heavy As F*ck (1996) and Love Is A Mountain And Heavy As F*ck (1998) were the band's first recordings. In the Fall of 1998, the seven inch Check This Planet I’m Gone... was released on Superkool Records. Requesting Permission To Land (High Beam Records) was recorded with the help of Mike McHugh (Train, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion). Each song was recorded in one or two takes to retain the original heart and soul of the piece.

“It’s rock and roll. Not brain surgery,” says Patrick of the recording process. The end result is a potent blend of thirty-plus minutes of psychedelic fuzzfest freakout and perhaps some of the rawest riffs you're likely to hear.

VOLUME draw inspiration from a time when music was truly experimental and free. They see themselves as rock'n'roll torch bearers whose duty it is to bring the flame, intact, into the future. They invite you to join in that endeavor, for the Joy of Navigation.

Joy of Navigation (A Trip Through the Eternal Unknown) is available for download/streaming, released on November 1st, 2024 via Golden Robot Recordings, and on LP via Kozmik Artifactz. Order HERE.

VOLUME LIVE 2025:

05/16 Las Vegas, NV - Dive Bar
05/17 Salt Lake City, UT - DLC
05/18 Denver, CO - The Crypt
05/19 Kansas City, KS - Mini Bar
05/20 Des Moines, IA - Lefty’s
05/21 Chicago, IL - Reggies
05/22 Detroit, MI - the Sanctuary
05/23 Lakewood, OH - 5 O’Clock Lo unge
05/24 New York, NY - Lucky 13
05/25 Boston, MA - Mid East Upstairs
05/26 Philadelphia, PA - Animated Brewing
05/27 Baltimore, MD - the Metro
05/28 Louisville, KY - Mag Bar
05/29 St Louis, MO - Red Flag
05/30 Tulsa, OK - Whittier Bar
05/31 Albuquerque, NM - Echoes
06/01 Phoenix, AZ - Yucca Tap Room

Joy Of Navigation (a trip through the eternal unknown) will be available to buy via the following records and formats listed below:

Golden Robot (digital) / Kozmik Artifactz (vinyl)

Links

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Thanks to US / THEM PR Group for all of the details.

PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS - Death Hilarious (Album Review)

Release Date: April 04th 2025. Record Label: Rocket Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Death Hilarious - Tracklisting

1.Blockage 02:51

2.Detroit 05:39

3.Collider 03:27

4.Stitches 05:27

5.Glib Tongued (Featuring EL–P) 03:43

6.The Wyrm 07:04

7.Carousel 05:03

8.Coyote Call 03:52

9.Toecurler 08:27

Review

PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS (PigsX7) perhaps needed to fine tune their sound for their outlandish and superbly entertaining fifth album Death Hilarious. Stepping away from the aggressive sounds of their previous record Land Of Sleeper and returning to the more inventive sounds of their 2020 album Viscerals and in some ways their earlier albums such as Feed The Rats. Death Hilarious is PigsX7 aggressive and riff-fuelled record to date but still allowing themselves the creative freedom and experimentation they’ve delivered with previous albums. 

There is a drone heavy appetite forming on tracks such as Blockage, Detroit and Collider which has loving glances to bands such as The Melvins, BORIS, TORCHE and Soundgarden when the mood becomes ever so grounded with screeching guitars and a classic GRUNGE attitude. Lead frontman Matt Baty’s vocals have an earnest and grounded approach to them with the off-kilter Post-Punk energy that resonates from his intense delivery and cynical delivery that accompanies the stripped back and amplifier distorted heavy instrumental melodies. There is a delicious and devious sense of fun with the grimy and pitch-black humour that appears at the right critical moment that allows PigsX7 to be quite cerebral and downright vicious with the THUGGISH and THRASH sounds that appear on later stages of the album.

There’s even a HIP-HOP inspired number called Glib Tongued featuring guest vocals from Hip-Hop Artist EL-P which on paper shouldn’t really work especially with the Doom Metal/Sludge Rock surroundings that PigsX7 bring to the party. However, this is the perfect match for both parties. As EL-P brings a sense of TRUE GRIT to this track and the spiky lyrics written by bassist John-Michael Hedley are some of the best on the entire record. 

Death Hilarious has its fair share of Psychedelic sounds and Sonic beats that are spliced with such vitriol and fury especially when the band’s determined use of Noise Rock and Progressive based grooves on tracks The Wyrm, Carousel and Toecurler which are some of the other standout tracks on the record. 

This is perhaps PigsX7 most mainstream sounding record to date though one that still has all the nasty trappings and seedy heaviness of the underground scene where the band first made their name with. This just confirms PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS place as one of the most vital and important Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal bands the UK has right now.

If you ever need a record that has the BALLS, BRAINS and COURAGE to be different and still offer a brutal and brilliant sense of realism then DEATH HILARIOUS is the record and it’s right up with Viscerals for being my favourite PigsX7 album. This is another ALBUM OF THE YEAR contender from the band and will no doubt be another massive success for the band.

 They deserve all of the plaudits surely coming their way….

Words by Steve Howe

Links

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Moon Destroys - She Walks By Moonlight (Album Review)

 

Release Date: April 04th 2025. Record Label: Limited Fanfare Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

She Walks By Moonlight - Tracklisting

1.She Walks By Moonlight

2.The Nearness of June 

3.Only 0

4.Set Them Free

5.A Song For Jade

6.Losing Sleep

7.Echoes (The Empress) 

8.Metallic Memories

9.Sway

Members:

Juan Montoya - Guitar

Evan Diprima - Drums/Synthesizers

Charlie Suárez - Vocals/Guitar/Synthesizers

Arnold Nese - Bass

Review

She Walks By Moonlight is the debut full length album from Alternative/Psych/Stoner Rockers Moon Destroys who features current members/ex members of bands such as TORCHE, Stallone, Monstro, Royal Thunder, Gold Pyramid and Sunday Driver. With a rich creative pedigree in their ranks, their debut album is quite different to what I expect when compared to their excellent debut EP Maiden Voyage which I reviewed all the way back in 2020.

As the band fuse moments of Post-Rock, Alt-Rock, Post-Punk and Dark Wave sounds within the core Sludge/Stoner Metal aspect from where the heaviest grooves are built from. The sound can be quite gloomy and atmospheric with sounds that can easily be comparable to TORCHE and ROYAL THUNDER but with Moon Destroys building a closer affinity to the 1980’s Alt Rock and Electronica scenes especially with Charlie Suárez gloomy vocals. Moon Destroys develop a heavy Psychedelic Stoner Rock presence with the powerful guitars that I recognised instantly from Juan Montoya’s work with TORCHE and MONSTRO where he’s superbly joined by Charlie on guitar duties.

Evan Diprima’s intelligent and progressive drums add a real sense of urgency to the album with a calm delivery that elevates into some of his heaviest work I’ve heard from Evan in a long time. Charlie provides synths which add a gloomy and doom-pop texture with the recent addition of Arnold Nese on bass which solidifies Moon Destroys as a much better unit compared to their debut EP.

The record does have many different themes, ideas and sounds running throughout with a lush Post-Rock energy emitting from the quieter tracks on the album such She Walks By Moonlight, Set Them Free, A Song For Jade, Echoes (The Empress) and Sway. Though, the heavier parts of the record is where the heaviest, aggressive, frantic and highly melodic instrumental passages appear that allows Moon Destroys to easily stand on their own creative merits as a great band in their own right.

If you’re a fan of the recent outstanding new album DIVINER by Museum Of Light then you’ll no doubt love She Walks By Moonlight. As both records have similar sounds and ideas but are told slightly different. The added use of world weary Electronics and Synths adds an Ambient and Cinematic feel to Moon Destroys music which can be completely peaceful and tranquil one moment and completely bombastic and destructive the next.

She Walks By Moonlight is an exquisite and deeply rewarding album which will surprise you in many different ways with the band moving into a wide array of different sounds that defy genre expectations. This is about as perfect a debut album as you could possibly expect and I’m hoping there’s more great records from Moon Destroys in the future.

Awesome. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

She Walks By Moonlight is available for Pre-Order on Cassette/Digital/Vinyl and will be released on Friday April 04th 2025 via Limited Fanfare

Links

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Alt/Psych/Stoner Rock Band Filthy Hippies release new album A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy

Cape Town-based alternative-psychedelic band Filthy Hippies have made a name for themselves in the South African music scene with their signature shoegaze-infused sound. Since their formation in 2018, they have cemented their reputation as a standout act in the country’s thriving psych scene, sharing stages with notable bands such as Dangerfield and delivering an unforgettable performance at the 2019 Endless Daze Festival.

After a period of evolution and lineup changes, Filthy Hippies are thrilled to announce their latest album, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy. This release marks a significant chapter for the band as they bid farewell to longtime collaborator Mark Van Zyl, who was instrumental in shaping the record before his upcoming move to New Zealand.

“His intense creativity will be sorely missed,” shares frontman Andrew Paine. “But it was awesome to get to go down the rabbit hole one last time with him before he goes.”

‘A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy’ is exactly that—a vibrant yet introspective journey through the highs and lows of life. “It’s just reflections on everyday experiences and emotions,” Paine explains. “A journey through a slightly jaded mind.”

The album embraces a message of presence and acceptance, reminding listeners to cherish fleeting moments. “Enjoy every moment as it happens,” says Paine. “Things fade away far too quickly, and life moves in very definite cycles.”

Buy / Stream A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy

Filthy Hippies took an organic approach to songwriting, allowing tracks to develop naturally through jam sessions at their home studio, The Sanctuary. “The usual jamming at our home studio, and the songs just fell into place,” Paine states simply.

The recording process was an immersive and intensive experience, with the band diving deep into late-night brainstorming sessions and extended tracking marathons. “Everything was recorded at our home studio, The Sanctuary. Lots of late-night brainstorming and intensely long sessions—it was a lot of fun.”

With a Phil Spector-esque wall of sound blending rich textures, layered harmonies, and deep-rooted pop sensibilities, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy’ stands as a defining statement from Filthy Hippies.

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Exclusive Premiere Of Post-Rock/Post-Metal Artist Shuggah Debut Single/Video Amas Veritas from upcoming album Her Chrysalis

Post-rock and metal artist Shuggah emerges from the depths of South Africa’s underground music scene with her debut single and music video, Amas Veritas, the first release from her upcoming conceptual album, Her Chrysalis, out on the May 2nd, via Mongrel Records.Shuggah’s sound is a unique fusion of aggressive walls of guitars, punchy drums, and dreamlike textures, rooted in her background as a producer and DJ in the underground techno community. Influenced by Russian Circles, Chelsea Wolfe, Psychonaut, and Cult of Luna, she has crafted a dark, etheric, and ritualistic sonic experience that transcends conventional genre boundaries.

“Amas Veritas was inspired by ancient love stories of the Greek gods—tales of tragedy, war, and the fight against death,” says Shuggah. “The title means ‘the truth of love,’ which often inspires chaos and ends unhappily, but the love itself is all-consuming and passionate. There’s always a deep struggle, facing war and even death.”

The single was born from a deeply immersive creative process. “I would sit for hours, experimenting with guitar sounds, using tons of found samples for inspiration,” she explains. “Back then, I was meditating in the bathtub a lot—my house had an enormous reverb, and it felt like floating in an ancient hall while guitars bounced off the walls.” The recording process spanned an extended period, meticulously layering sounds and featuring multiple guitars, including a deeply personal instrument: “I used an axe from my brother after he passed away, called Axecalibar—fitting that the video should feature me wielding a sword.”

Buy / Stream Amas Veritas

The music video for Amas Veritas is equally cinematic and symbolic. Inspired by the gritty, monochrome aesthetics of artists like Amenra and Chelsea Wolfe, Shuggah envisioned a spiritual and battle-like visual. “I wanted the video to feel like an epic battle had taken place—something raw, ritualistic, and deeply personal.” Shot on location at Remhoogte Farm in Riebeek Kasteel, the video captures the vast landscapes and primal energy of the track. “We climbed a mountain and set the earth on fire for the circle shot,” she recalls. “Unfortunately, the wind didn’t allow the flames to hold, but we still captured the essence—fire, smoke, and raw emotion. It felt like a war had gone on within myself. I had the sword on fire too—I felt like a warrior on that mountain.”

The video was directed by Shuggah herself, with aerial cinematography by Werner Botha, whose expertise in film added depth to the visuals. “He was really excited to see the pyro effects and gave amazing advice,” she adds.

Amas Veritas marks the beginning of an era for Shuggah, an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of heavy music and visual storytelling. With Her Chrysalis set to be a deeply spiritual, visceral journey, this debut single is only the first glimpse into the dark and immersive world she has created.

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Thanks to Mongrel Records for all of the details.

OVER-GAIN OPTIMAL DEATH - Die Underground (Album Review)

Release Date: March 28th 2025. Record Label: Riot Season Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Die Underground - Tracklisting

1.Die Underground 05:49 

2.No Lord 10:28

3.Oversleep 04:56

4.Fallen Woman 14:07

Members:

Jasso : Guitar/ Vocals

Luna : Bass

Backhaus + TJ : Twin Drums

Review

DIe Underground is the new album from Psychedelic Freaksters OVER-GAIN OPTIMAL DEATH and it’s my first exposure to their hyper violent style of Fuzz, Doom, Sludge, Noise, Stoner, Psych, Garage and Punk Rock carnage that awaits you on this album. Taking elements of Japanese Freakout music and joining this with intense slabs of Garage Rock is quite a highly inventive idea though the added levels of Speed Metal is quite something to behold. Parts Motorhead, MC5, Acid Mothers Temple, Mainliner and The Stooges is there to fully experience but as the classic saying from The Matrix goes:

“Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.”

That saying is the best way to describe Die Underground as it’s brilliantly unique, violent and all over the place with the massive amounts of epic feedback and drug induced Speed Rock/Metal grooves that surrounds the entire album which starts forming on the excellent title track Die Underground before exploding into a volcanic mass eruption of experimental passages within the second standout track No Lord. 

The vocals are buried under a ton of distorted dirt, grime and noise which has quite a deep wave of paranoia to them. OVER-GAIN OPTIMAL DEATH brings an experimental and art-rock style of music which feels inspired by the 1960’s and 1970’s Rock Scene and these guys will perhaps feel out of place to the normal Stoner Rock mainstream. Though, I expect nothing less from the amazing Riot Season Records who are releasing this album and they are the KINGS of bringing brilliantly weird and extraordinary bands to my attention who don’t fit the standard underground sound. OVER-GAIN OPTIMAL DEATH is no exception with the final two tracks Oversleep and Fallen Woman allowing the band to close the album off in freakish and violently aggressive fashion which leaves you wanting to hear more before the dying seconds of the album. 

Overall, Die Underground is an absolute joy if you dig the experimental and crazed nature of the whole album as there’s a ton of violent grooves waiting to be discovered under the masses of psychedelic terror that OVER-GAIN OPTIMAL DEATH conjures up out of thin air.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Die Underground is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Riot Season Records.

Links

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Cage The Ox - Descender (Single Review)

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

Descender - Tracklisting

Descender

Review

Cage The Ox are a Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal band from the Highlands Of Scotland and are inspired by the sounds of MONOLORD, BONGZILLA, WEEDEATER and SLEEP. You can add a ton of other epic sounding LOW & SLOW based bands who deal in playing long drawn out FUZZ based grooves. Their new single Descender is quite bleak with it’s harsh vocals and post-metal based atmospherics and psychedelic imagery Cage The Ox conjure up within the song’s six minutes run time.

There is a stripped back LESS IS MORE sound that develops within the violent movements Cage The Ox slowly design and develop within the whole song though they still manage to find time to play classic Sludge/Stoner Metal instrumental solos along the way. There’s even moments of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal guitar shredding appearing within the final moments of the track which allows Cage The Ox to play other areas of Rock and Metal whilst still retaining their Sludge/Stoner Metal credentials that I’m hoping the band will develop even further on future releases.

Descender is a great way for Cage The Ox to introduce themselves. They’re not the finished article yet by any means but they have my full undivided attention with this great slice of fucked up heaviness which should cause some unpleasant moments of down-tuned aggression for folks brave enough to listen to the track.

Words by Steve Howe

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