Outlaws Of The Sun - Top 70 Albums Of The Year For 2024

Here it is folks. My favourite Top 70 Albums Of The Year For 2024.

This was perhaps the hardest year for myself putting this list together as there's a joint Number One album which is a first for me. So technically speaking there's 71 albums that I've chosen. 

I want to thank you all for reading the blog on a daily basis and letting me air my views on releases within the world of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal.

Huge Thanks to Frazer Jones at Desert Psychlist for his never-ending support and words of encouragement. Matthew Thomas, Marty Harvey and Gizmo for having my back throughout the year.

Thanks to the awesome contributions from Håkan Nyman, Jon McGough and S Patrick Brooks for their superb reviews and contributions to the blog this year.

Honourable mentions and thanks to Edd JR Saylor, Todd Stealey, Steve Rodger, Mel Lie, Doomcakes, Doom Charts Crew, Stevie Reek, James Marshall and Bill Goodman for their support as well.

I must also give a shout out to the Bands, Labels and PR Reps who helped me be aware of albums or bands that I may have missed.

Check my list out for the best sounds I've heard all year.

1.Old Horn Tooth - Mourning Light

1.Sergeant Thunderhoof - The Ghost Of Badon Hill



2.Elephant Tree / Lowrider - The Long Forever

3.FU MANCHU - The Return Of Tomorrow



4.High On Fire - Cometh The Storm

5.Psychlona - Warped Vision



6.Slomosa - Tundra Rock



7.Orbiter - Distorted Folklore



8.Acid Mammoth - Supersonic Megafauna Collision



9.Orange Goblin - Science, Not Fiction

10.Anciients - Beyond The Reach Of The Sun



11.SUNDRIFTER - An Earlier Time

12.GRIN - Hush



13.1000Mods - Cheat Death



14.CLEEN - Excursion

15.UFOMAMMUT - Hidden



16.Brant Bjork Trio - Once Upon A Time In The Desert

17.Skraeckoedian - Vermillion Sky

18.Hashtronaut - No Return

19.Kalgon - Kalgon

20.Blue Heron - Everything Fades

21.Cranieum - Point Of No Return

22.Barbarian Hermit - Mean Sugar

23.EARTH SHIP - SOAR

24.DÖ - Unversum

25.Deserts Of Mars - Dead Planet Exodus

26.VOLUME - Joy Of Navigation (a trip through the eternal unknown)

27.Vessel - The Somnifer

28.10000 Years - All Quiet On The Final Frontier

29.Astral Kompaqt - Goldader

30.Abrams - Blue City

31.ZOLLE - Rosa

32.Troy The Band - Cataclysm

33.Clouds Taste Satanic - 79 A.E.

34.Low Flying Hawks - Makebelieve

35.Wormsand - You, The King

36.Spirit Mother - Trails

37.Foster Mother - Echo Manor



38.Caffiene - The Threshold

39.Valley Of The Sun - Qunitessence

40.Ape Vermin - Andromedas Colossus

41.Dust Lord - Teethcutter

42.ERRONAUT - The Space Inbetween

43.The Freak Folk Of Mangrovia - Tales Beyond The Firmament

44.Soft Sun - Daylight In The Dark

45.RIFFLORD - 39 Serpent Power

46.King Bastard - From Whence They Came

47.POHL - Mysteries

48.Lucifer Giant - Lucifer Giant

49.Red Mesa - Partial Distortions

50.Elk Witch - Azimuth

51.Slowenya - The Wild Inevitable



52.Vokonis - Transitions



53.Sonic Wolves - III



54.Mountain Of Misery - The Land



55.Goat Major - Ritual



56.Melvins - Tarantula Heart



57.HIJSS - Stuck On Common Ground

58.Tigers On Opium - Psychodrama

59.O Zorn! - Vermillion Haze

60.Mr. Bison - Echoes From The Universe



61.The Obsessed - Gilded Sorrow



62.Desert Suns - Edge Of The Sky



63.Various Artists - Deep Seven Vol 1



64.Atareth - Passage - The Welfare Sessions



65.Torso - Brain Cells

66.Star Beast - Star Beast

67.Sonolith - III

68.Temple Smoke - Monolithic Evolution

69.Borehead - Vita Est Morte Est Vita

70.The Black Flamingo - An-nûr

Greek Psychedelic Rockers NAXATRAS share first track off upcoming new album "V", out February 28th on Evening Star Records.

Greek psychedelic rock powerhouse NAXATRAS announce the release of their anticipated fifth studio album "V" on February 28th, and unveil the hypnotic cosmos-coveting new single "Spacekeeper" on all streaming platforms today.

Listen to new single "Spacekeeper" at this location 

Naxatras has spent over a decade forging a distinctive presence in the hard psych scene. With four critically acclaimed albums under their belt, they have evolved from a predominantly jam-oriented band into one that balances spontaneity with deliberate craftsmanship. This transformation is the natural result of years of touring, artistic exploration, and a steadfast commitment to their unique sound.​

In the band’s ever-present mindset of constant experimentation and evolution as a creative process, bits and pieces of ideas and patterns were brewing, waiting for the right time to surface. Now, those fragments have come to life, enriched by the band’s matured approach to songwriting. With a line-up that includes a keyboardist and an expanded percussion arsenal, Naxatras has embraced a multi-layered production, blending their analog warmth with a newfound clarity and complexity.

Their new album "V" represents a bold leap forward. The ingredients of the Naxatras sound have been multiplied and their influences broadened, incorporating not just the classic touchstones of 70s progressive rock but also world music and electronic elements, delivering songs that are both tightly constructed and daringly expansive.​ "V" balances the direct and the adventurous, taking listeners on a journey that is as grounded as it is cosmic. Exploring the saga of the world of Narahmon with the introduction of the Spacekeeper as a new chapter in their mythical lore, the album’s concept narrative reflects a band at the height of its creative powers, pushing boundaries while crafting music that resonates deeply.​

This is more than an album: it’s a defining moment for Naxatras. With their vast array of influences and years of expertise converging, "V" signals a new chapter, reaffirming their place as one of the most visionary acts in the progressive rock landscape.

NAXATRAS - New album "V" - Out February 28th on Evening Star Records (LP/CD/digital)

Bandcamp preorder | Shop preorder

TRACKLIST:

1. Celestial Gaze
2. Spacekeeper
3. Numenia
4. Utopian Structures
5. Breathing Fire
6. Legion
7. Sand Halo
8. The Citadel

Hailing from Greece, Naxatras has been a powerhouse in the world of modern psychedelic rock since their inception in 2012. With a signature sound steeped in the warm, vintage vibes of the '70s, their music weaves together groovy rhythms, dreamy melodies, thunderous riffs, and beautifully captivating guitar solos.

Naxatras recorded their self-titled debut album in 2015 at Magnetic Fidelity, with renowned engineer Jesus I. Agnew leading the process. Embracing a fully analog approach, the album was recorded, mixed, and mastered using analog equipment, with all tracks performed live in just one day. Naxatras quickly became a landmark release in the genre, earning widespread critical acclaim and cementing its place as one of the best-selling albums in its field. In 2016, Naxatras unveiled their second full-length album "II" alongside a new EP. The momentum continued in 2017 with the release of their single "All the Stars Collide Into a Single Ray" and the recording of their third full-length album, once again embracing fully analog, live recording techniques. "III" debuted in 2018, followed by a live album capturing their electrifying, sold-out performance at Athens' iconic venue Gagarin 205.

For their fourth album "IV" (2022), Naxatras expanded their sonic horizons by bringing multi-instrumentalist Pantelis Kargas on board to enrich their sound with keyboards and synthesizers. The artwork, a stunning creation by longtime collaborator and friend Chris RW, continues the artistic partnership that has visually defined all of their releases. The band has developed a reputation for high-energy live performances, combining elements of psychedelic/progressive rock, stoner, funk, jazz, electronic and eastern music with a trippy video wall to accomplish full stimulation of the senses. They have gone on numerous tours and performed in most European countries, including distinguished festivals such as Desertfest, Ozora and Dunajam and a tour in Australia.

Naxatras have always managed to maintain their independent DIY ethos while the production value of their albums, music videos and merchandise is consistently top-notch. Their highly original works exist in a universe of its own, both conceptually and aesthetically.

NAXATRAS is

John Delias - Guitar & Vocals
John Vagenas - Bass & Vocals
Kostas Charizanis - Drums & Percussion
Pantelis Kargas - Keyboards & Synthesizers

NAXATRAS links

Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram ⎜ Youtube ⎜ Spotify

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

Some Pills For Ayala - ...and we leave the planet? (Album Review)

Release Date: December 14th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

​.​.​and we leave the planet? - Track Listing:

1.YOU ARE DEAD 04:05

2.COUNTING CLOUDS 04:04

3.I AM RIGHT 04:33

4.THE PILOT KNOWS... AND WE LEAVE THE PLANET? 05:10

5.NO THIRD EYE 06:24

6.THIS IS WHERE WE STAND 03:47

7.BE AWAY 03:42

8.LAST ChANCE 06:34

Members

Néstor Ayala Cortés - Everything

Review

​..​.​and we leave the planet? is the new album from Some Pills For Ayala which is the solo project from Néstor Ayala Cortés better known for his work with the Chilean Doom/Fuzz/Stoner Metal band At Devil Dirt. Some Pills For Ayala have released a few other records before this one and I’m quite late to the party of enjoying Néstor’s great style of Fuzz, Grunge, Doom, Psych, Stoner, Drone and Acid Rock that he created for this project alone.

There’s a similar creative structure and sound to At Devil Dirt but with a more refined Drone Rock appetite which reminds me of early era QOTSA with the flirtatious blend of anthemic Stoner Rock that oozes 1990’s appeal and credibility. There’s a certain mainstream flare to Some Pills For Ayala which is quite radio friendly in places but Néstor adds that classic underground and seedy style of Fuzz, Doom and Space Rock musical surroundings which comes fully into play on tracks such as: You Are Dead, Counting Clouds and I Am Right. 

With a record called …and we leave the planet?, you would expect full on Space Rock explorations but to Néstor’s credit he keeps the mood moving along at a cracking pace where there’s a great sense of fun to be had especially with the vocals moving from areas of 1960’s Psychedelia right upto the modern day. The production values are quite LO-FI where the record is most definitely part of the underground DIY scene and I wouldn’t have this any other way. This gives the album a more dangerous quality where anything goes but still having a delicious and wicked sounding POP edge.

The standout tracks of the record have to be The Pilot Knows… And We Leave The Planet?, No Third Eye and Last Chance with Some Pills For Ayala perhaps aiming for a heavier and progressive sound whilst keeping in with the addictive blend of music heard on the previous tracks. Some Pills For Ayala becomes quite trippy and abstract with the subtle Acid Rock melodies that appear on the second half of the record. Néstor even finds the time to add an aggressive form of Doom Rock which brings a whole level of destructive FUZZ into the mix.

..​.​and we leave the planet? is quite a refreshing and highly original record where nothing as it seems with Néstor having a chameleon like quality to his entire performance throughout the whole album. I would call this record a tour-de-force performance from Nestor, as not only did he play everything on the record but he mastered, engineered, recorded and produced everything himself. Like he says on his BandCamp page for this album - “By the way, the whole album was made by a human being, there is no fucking AI in this work.”

AMEN to that and that’s even more reason to listen to this brilliantly entertaining album.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Desert Suns - Edge Of The Sky (Album Review)

Release Date: December 18th 2024. Record Label: Glory Or Death Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Edge Of The Sky - Track Listing:

1.Sweet Sorrow 06:17

2.Luck of the Draw 05:26

3.Real Eyes 06:46

4.Daisy Chain 05:42

5.Fata Morgana 07:34

Review

Edge Of The Sky is the new album from Doom/Stoner Rockers Desert Suns who play with a gloomy and fuzzy aesthetic to their music with sludgy surroundings. There’s influences from bands such as QOTSA, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden at times on this record which allows Desert Suns to have a more mature outlook to their music especially with the lyrics written for the album.

The record can be quite foreboding at times with a sudden shift to GLOOM & DOOM melodies and down-tuned  grooves with the opening track Sweet Sorrow allowing Desert Suns to move from one distorted realm to the next. The psychedelic passages are quite forceful with a stunning mix of instrumental solos and highly DOOMEDELIC movements allowing the vocals to have a classic style of Grunge movements to them.

Desert Suns continue with the winning Grunge/Doom/Stoner hybrid formula crafted within Sweet Sorrow for the remainder of the record with the Alice In Chains influence being the main dominant theme on tracks such as Luck Of The Draw, Real Eyes and Daisy Chain. However, the band remain quite content exploring a seedy and spectacular style of Fuzzed Up AMPLIFIER FEEDBACK sounds that matches the ferocious Psychedelic and Cosmic energy that builds upto heavy amounts of guitar reverb whilst still being part of the Doom/Stoner Rock scene.

Edge Of The Sky lasts for around thirty minutes and it’s quite a compact record but it’s perhaps the perfect length with Desert Suns providing a great style of classic sounds and modern day atmospherics especially on the later stages of the album. With 2024 finally drawing to a close, it’s always great when a band makes a late challenge for grabbing a place on those inevitable Album Of The Year lists and Desert Suns have just done that for me with this superbly entertaining album.

If you’re in the mood for a record that explores the 1990’s Grunge, Doom and Stoner Rock scenes but adding a refreshing modern Sludge Rock swagger then Desert Suns are the band for you. Edge Of The Sky is an absolute blast from start to finish and quite easily considered Album Of The Year material.

Words by Steve Howe

Edge Of The Sky is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Glory Or Death Records.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

DRUNKEN CROCODILES Sign with Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records and Announce First Single with Official Music Video!

The roar of the swamp is back! DRUNKEN CROCODILES, the Heavy Psych/Stoner/Sludge trio from Italy, are thrilled to announce their signing with Octopus Rising, a trademark of the renowned Argonauta Records, marking a new chapter in their fiery journey through the underground music scene.

Formed in 2012, the band carved their place in the heavy music landscape with two experimental EPs and relentless live performances. By 2016, their lineup stabilized, sharing stages with iconic acts and refining their unique sound. In 2019, their debut album, "OUT OF BARREL", hit the shelves under Too Loud Records, delivering 11 explosive tracks packed with raw energy and deep emotion, followed by a memorable Eastern European tour.

After a brief hiatus due to lineup changes and the pandemic, founding member Elia Borelli (vocals/bass) reignited the project in late 2021, joined by Federico Pardini (guitar) and Simone Silvestre (drums). Together, they crafted a new sound, blending the psychedelic allure of Stoner Psych with dynamic, analog-driven compositions.

The band's highly anticipated new album, "AEGONY", is set to release in Spring 2025 via Octopus Rising / Argonauta. Recorded during Summer 2024, these six new tracks redefine their sonic identity. The band embraced pure analog recording techniques—no reamping, no triggers, no pitch correction—to deliver an authentic, unpolished experience, staying true to their roots and rejecting the pressures of the Loudness War.

Fans won’t have to wait long to get a taste of the album. DRUNKEN CROCODILES have just dropped their first single and official music video, setting the tone for this new era:

DRUNKEN CROCODILES prepare to unleash their unrelenting sound, bringing their alcohol-fueled, hard-hitting style to new heights.

Stay Drunk, Stay Crocodiles!

INFO:

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

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.

Desert rock unit YAWNING BALCH (w/ Yawning Man and Fu Manchu members) to release new album "Volume Three" on Heavy Psych Sounds

YAWNING BALCH, the jam-driven project formed by Californian desert rock pioneers Yawning Man and Fu Manchu guitarist Bob Balch, announce the release of their third album "Volume Three" on Heavy Psych Sounds this February 21st and unveil a dreamy and mesmerizing first track via The Obelisk today.

Yawning Balch is the collaborative and endlessly creative outfit uniting Californian guitarist Bob Balch (Fu Manchu, Big Scenic Nowhere) and desert rock progenitors Yawning Man, incarnated by guitarist Gary Arce, drummer Bill Stinson and legendary bassist Mario Lalli (also Fatso Jetson). Their dreamy and jam-driven psychedelic rock journey started in 2023 with the release of "Volume One" and "Volume Two", a two-volume set carved out of a five-hour jam between Balch and the trio in the Joshua Tree desert. Hailed as "a mesmeric aural experience" by Classic Rock Magazine and "a masterclass in cohesion and dynamism" by Everything Is Noise, this expansive and blissful sonic journey will continue with the upcoming release of the third chapter "Volume Three" in the winter of 2025.

 Stream new track "The Taos Hum Part I" below:

About "Volume Three", Fu Manchu guitarist Bob Balch recalls: "When Gary Arce mentioned that Yawning Man was gonna record and we should do another round of Yawning Balch jams, I was super stoked. I’ll always jam with those guys. Once the invite was extended I knew I had to drop some money on new pedals (laughs). Not that I don’t have enough already, but jamming with Yawning Man means you have to build a massive pedal board and try to get the most “out there” sounds you can, or at least that’s what it means to me. Another aspect is once we start jamming, I like to improvise riffs but keep them in mind so I can return to them throughout the jam. It was an honor to share a few hours playing with those dudes and I’m always surprised how much material we get out of it."

"Volume Three" was captured on April 20th, 2024 at Gatos Trail Studio in Joshua Tree, CA. It features two tracks ("The Taos Hum" and "Winter Widow") for a total run of 35 minutes. It was once again engineered and mixed by Dan Joeright, mastered by Kent Stump at Crystal Clear Sound, with an artwork by John McGill and logo by Pia Isaksen.

YAWNING BALCH "Volume Three" (LP/CD/digital)
Out February 21st on Heavy Psych Sounds - Preorder

TRACKLIST:

1. The Taos Hum (20:26)
2. Winter Widow (14:02)

About the project, guitarist Bob Balch says: "In November of 2022, I went out to Joshua Tree for a day of jamming with the guys in Yawning Man with the intention of calling it “Yawning Balch”. No riffs were planned. We just plugged in and played. The only discussion beforehand was that Gary Arce and I wanted to mess with tons of guitar pedals. I knew that while we were jamming it sounded great, but it wasn’t until I got home and listened to it all that I realized we had something special. It’s hard to believe that we jammed for five hours and got two full-length LPs and then some out of it. Every player killed it on these recordings and I’m beyond grateful to have my name involved with this legendary band. Fingers crossed they invite me back out annually for more jam sessions. I hope you enjoy these jams and please use responsibly."

YAWNING BALCH is:

Gary Arce – guitar
Bob Balch – guitar
Mario Lalli – bass
Bill Stinson – drums

YAWNING MAN links

Website ⎜ Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram ⎜ Spotify

HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS links

Website ⎜ Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram ⎜ Youtube

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

Introduce Yourselves: Engines Of Ruin

What is the name of your band?

Engines of Ruin 

What is the genre of music that you play?

Hard Rock 

Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?

Engines of Ruin is an American hard rock band founded by guitarist/producer Mark K Anders. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, EoR features a collective of musicians from the local scene and guest appearances from artists across the USA. The latest Engines of Ruin single, ‘Riding’, features vocalist Lyle Jamerson and drums by J.L. Bettis. 

What can people expect from your music?

EoR mixes hard rock, metal and progressive rock influences into a unique sound. WJOE Rock Radio sums it up well… “One of the more intriguing artists you'll find, shrouded in their mysterious artwork and exceptional approach to rock, they are just completely refreshing. If we had our way these dudes would release new tracks every week!”

What is the best release that folks should check out from your band?

All the Devils (single) 

Where can people find you on Social Media? 

www.facebook.com/EnginesOfRuin
www.youtube.com/@enginesofruin1602
www.EnginesofRuin.com