Skyraker - Society Of The Triode (EP Review)

Release Date: March 06th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD

Society Of The Triode - Tracklisting

1.Surreal p1 01:25

2.Surreal p2 05:25

3.Barrel 03:38

4.It's A Lie 04:00

5.Shifting Gears 03:30

6.Gremlin 04:20

Members

Jason Baker (vocals / guitars)

Ben Carey (vocals / bass)

Bryan Fairfield (vocals / drums)

Additionally featuring:

Matt Sulikowski (sax and flute on Surreal p1 and Surreal p2)

Matt Jones (keys / synth on Barrel)

Review

Society Of The Triode is the latest EP from Psych Stoner Rockers Skyraker who impressed me with their highly original and superbly eclectic debut album Stars And Screams. This EP continues a similar creative journey with their wicked blend of Psych, Space Rock and Prog Rock contained within the whole EP. Though, Skyraker introduces a slight Jazz and Experimental core to their music which is evident within the excellent two opening tracks of Surreal p1 and Surreal p2. 

The introduction of sax and flutes featuring a great performance from Matt Sulikowski did take me out of my element when first listening to this but it’s superbly surreal and I wished Skyraker allowed more elements of this style of music to appear on the whole record. However, it’s their show and they know what’s best for them. Even the vocals are quite different with a certain left-field charm to them. The sudden influx of Hard Rock and Stoner Rock melodies changes the game and allows the record to be more closely to their debut album. 

The rest of Society Of The Triode focuses upon experimental rhythms and increasing reliance on familiar Stoner Rock/Metal structures but Skyraker at least try different SONIC passages that remind of bands such as NEBULA and MONSTER MAGNET with a fucked up rebellious streak appearing within the lyrics. Other great tracks to check out are Barrel, Shifting Gears and Gremlin with mood exploring Grunge, Electronica and Indie Rock. 

When everything is said and done, Skyraker have released a superbly realised vision of modern day Stoner Rock/Metal that stands on its own creative merits especially when they play a freakier and aggressive style of music.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Official | BandCamp

GHOROT - Obsidian (Album Review)

Release Date: April 10th 2026. Record Label: Lay Bare Recordings / King Of The Monsters Records. Formats: CD/DD/Tape/Vinyl

Obsidian - Tracklisting

1.Void Drinker

2.Lascaux

3.A Seeping Infinitude

4.Beneath the Soil

5.Lafayette

6.Deluge

Members

Carson Russell - Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Brandon Walker - Drums, Vocals

Chad Remains - Electric Guitar, Amplifiers, Vocals

Review

Blackened Doom/Sludge Metallers Ghorot return with their impressive third album Obsidian which is perhaps their most daring, heaviest and darkest record to date. The band go all in with their Blackened Doom Metal vision which goes into slight Post-Metal territory with its Progressive themes making an early appearance within the outstanding opening track Void Drinker, The vocals are a mixture of harsh growls, death chants and some clean vocals which are quite easy to understand even when they’re all singing over each other. 

Though, that only tells half of the story as Ghorot brings a wicked Stoner Metal influence which allows the band to play some truly epic instrumental solos with a fresh modern day Psychedelic element despite the apocalyptic surroundings and filth ridden chaos happening for the majority of the album.

There’s a grizzled and determined commitment from Ghorot to provide some of the heaviest and filthiest extreme sounds on the record but they still bring a wonderful sense of rhythm and melody to the listener. You feel this sense of musical wonder on tracks such as Void Drinker, Lascaux and A Seeping Infinitude with that violent EXTREME energy being played through every angle.

The album does become ever more creepy and violent with each passing moment with Ghorot venturing into abrasive SONIC METAL landscapes on the later stages of the album. The vocals are quite challenging at times with each band member having their own individual chance to take the spotlight from each other but it works superbly well as you’re giving a unique perspective when they all suddenly appear or change at will.

If you ever wonder what HIGH ON FIRE would sound like if they added elements of BLACK METAL into their music then I urge you all to listen to the standout tracks of Lascaux, Beneath The Soil and Deluge though that’s my own thoughts and impressions. You can also hear bands such as THOU, NEUROSIS, MASTODON and PRIMITIVE MAN but Ghorot always keep to their own musical vision and create their own great blend of music which will have you coming back for more punishment long after the record has finished.

Obsidian is perhaps the album that allows Ghorot to be truly considered as a force to be reckoned with. As this is their most impressive record to date on all counts. This is an exciting blend of crushing grooves and punishing beat downs that can be quite complex at the same time. Ghorot never shy away from touching upon hard-hitting subjects whilst putting the listener through a pulsating and brutal workout of EXTREME levels of DOOMED OUT HEAVINESS. 

This is a masterclass of Blackened Doom/Sludge Metal. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to GHOROT for the promo.

Obsidian is available to buy now on CD/DD/Tape/Vinyl via Lay Bare Recordings, King of the Monsters Records, and GHOROT.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

DOOM METALLERS SPIRIT ADRIFT RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE "ETERNAL CELESTIAL ENERGY"

Heavy metal doom giants SPIRIT ADRIFT have returned with a cathartic, crushing new single, “Eternal Celestial Energy,” out today via 20 Buck Spin.

The long-awaited new music from revered songwriter and frontman Nate Garrett follows the band’s critically acclaimed 2023 album Ghost at the Gallows and arrives ahead of their March 20th appearance in San Antonio at Paper Tiger alongside Crowbar and Eyehategod.

Marking their first new release in three years, “Eternal Celestial Energy” signals SPIRIT ADRIFT’s highly anticipated return to the forefront of doom and offers a glimpse of what lies ahead in the band’s next monumental chapter.

Stream "Eternal Celestial Energy": Youtube | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

About SPIRIT ADRIFT:

Spirit Adrift’s music is an alchemical sonic melting pot that combines classic doom, traditional heavy metal, and the intensity of old school thrash, forging a unique and forward-thinking sound. Led by founder, multi-instrumentalist, and frontman Nate Garrett, the band has built a reputation for towering riffs, anthemic songwriting, and emotionally charged performances rooted in both personal struggle and defiant perseverance.

Since emerging in 2016, Spirit Adrift has released a string of critically acclaimed albums—Chained to Oblivion, Curse of Conception, Divided by Darkness, Enlightened in Eternity, and Ghost at the Gallows—earning praise from outlets such as Decibel, Revolver, Metal Hammer, and Kerrang!, who ranks the band among the best of the decade.

Spirit Adrift has toured and shared stages with the likes of High on Fire, Yob, Crowbar, Corrosion of Conformity, Midnight, and has appeared at major festivals such as Download, Hellfest, and Psycho Las Vegas. Their live shows are visceral and cathartic—equal parts power and conviction.

Follow SPIRIT ADRIFT:

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

Thanks to Secret Service Publicity for the details.

Lizzard Wizzard - WORM WAR III (Album Review)

Release Date: March 08th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

WORM WAR III - Tracklisting

1.Interlude 01:01

2.Cryosleep Paralysis 02:54

3.Spillsuit 05:54

4.Gorgon Ramsay 05:45

5.Parramatta Speedway 05:08

6.Just Piss 00:17

7.Ape Escape 07:36

8.Birdworm 04:17

9.Worm War III 04:44

10.Snake Who Eat He Own Ass 03:39

11.Mantis Khan 11:28

Members

Luke Osborne

Michael Clarke

Nick McKeon

Stef Roselli

Review

Doom/Stoner Metallers Lizzard Wizzard awaken from a nine year slumber with their new WORM WAR III which has an epic modern day relevance to the ongoing wars currently happening in the world. This is quite a nihilistic record and is quite different to their previous albums with a certain Death Metal edge contained within the lyrics. The music itself has a Blackened Doom and Sludge Metal vibe with a down-tuned Stoner Metal sound that allows Lizzard Wizzard to perhaps align themselves closer to bands even from the extreme scene.

However, they never fully abandon their WEEDIAN ideals with stripped back melodies and distorted Psychedelic passages never too far within the bombastic opening tracks Interlude, Cryosleep Paralysis and Spillsuit. They still have the certain BONGZILLA and WEEDEATER influences hidden within their music but they have written mature themes for their lyrics that gives this record a highly unsettling quality.

Sometimes, the music is played at a cautious slow-to-mid pace which only adds extra weight to the already pitch-black musical horizons. They tapped into this style of music very briefly within their last album Total War Power Bastard but this time round this is a full on Sludge/Stoner Metal assault on the senses with some pitch-black comedic lyrics being added along the way mostly on tracks such as Gorgon Ramsay, Parramatta Speedway, and Snake Who Eat His Own Ass.

The real standout moments perhaps appear on tracks such as Just Piss, Ape Escape and Mantis Khan which sees Lizzard Wizzard change their musical direction for with strands of Progressive Metal forming that allows the band to comprise more intricate soundscapes whilst keeping their murky harsh tone. If you dig the likes of CONAN, HIGH ON FIRE, EYEHATEGOD and -(16)- then you’ll find much to admire on these tracks alone.

WORM WAR III really puts the listener through a tough battle which is brutally violent or violently brutal which the band makes no apologies for. This is the heaviest record that Lizzard Wizzard have released to date. It may have taken them nine years but it’s been really worth the wait. This record destroys everything within its wake and is one of the most filthiest, heaviest and brutal Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal records I’ve heard so far this year. 

The production quality is excellent which allows Lizzard Wizzard to create multiple waves of destructive and apocalyptic sounds throughout which all take a “NO HOLDS PRISONERS” approach whilst still providing a shit-ton of epic grooves and riffs to fully lose yourself in.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp

TRUE NORWEGIAN STONER ROCK BAND DRAKEN ANNOUNCE 3RD SINGLE

True Norwegian Stoner Rock trio Draken is ready to release their 3rd album, “Here Be Draken”, on April the 17th.

While we await the upcoming hard hitting masterpiece, we can enjoy the 3rd single today which is the song “Of Demise and Men”, which can be heard here: https://orcd.co/of_demise_and_men

Draken’s guitarist and vocalist Even Hermansen has this to say about “Of Demise and Men”:
Think most people are crazy, and the world has gone to shit? Well, you're absolutely right! And we've written a catchy, little song about it...

Of Demise And Men is our humble, little tribute to our friends in Enslaved (poor man's Grutle-intro and everything...), to our heroes Abba, and to humanity's never ending ability to shoot itself in the foot, and ruin everything for everyone.

Are these the end times? God damn right! Is mankind alone to blame? God damn right again! But that doesn't mean that we can't sing and dance, and laugh and celebrate, as everything crumbles to dust around us! Because it's ok. Everything's fine. All will be well. We've had a good run. It was good while it lasted. So don't you worry, for as we die screaming, all will be well ...at last.

Here's to the end of the world everybody! Cheers!

Formed in 2019 by Even Hermansen (guitar/vocals), Hallvard Gaardløs (bass/vocals) and André Drage (drums), Draken has carved out a fierce sonic identity at the crossroads of heavy rock and metal. Drawing inspiration from bands like High on Fire, Motörhead and Entombed, their sound is defined by down-tuned guitars, massive riffs and raw energy.

Hallvard Gaardløs has this to say about the upcoming album:

For a long time, the main theme of “Here Be Draken” alluded me. But the more I think about it, this album is about new beginnings in so many ways.

Sonically, it’s a new beginning. After two albums with Vegard Liverød (a true gentleman and legend!), the time was right for a change of scenery. We went for Amper Tone, which, quite conveniently, is just a stones throw from where I live. I talked to Kim Lillestøl about engineering, we knew each other from music studies, and we all have heard great things about him the last couple of years. The result... well, hear for yourself!

As mentioned, the upcoming album “Here Be Draken” was recorded at Amper Tone in Oslo and produced by the band together with engineer Kim Lillestøl. With artwork by Per Spjøtvold, the track listing is as follows:

1. The Great Deceiver
2. Jólablót
3. Saturday Night Head Removal Extravaganza
4. Here Be Dragons
5. Crimson Sun
6. It Serves You Right
7. Wrath
8. Shirts of Black (F.O.A.D.)
9. Of Demise and Men
10. Endtyme
11. Shitshow

Their first two albums – Draken (2021) and Book of Black (2023) – were released on Swedish label Majestic Mountain Records and received strong reviews across Norwegian and European press. The upcoming album Here Be Dragons was recorded at Amper Tone in Oslo and produced by the band together with engineer Kim Lillestøl.

Draken has performed across Norway and Sweden and toured central Europe with Spidergawd. With a new label and a new album on the horizon, the band is ready to take things to the next level.

Set for a release on Dark Essence Records on April the 17th, “Here Be Draken” will be available on CD, Limited Edition Cream White Vinyl and digital formats, and can be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://shop.karismarecords.no/collections/preorder
Bandcamp: https://drakentheband.bandcamp.com/
US webshop: https://www.indiemerchstore.com/collections/draken

More information about DRAKEN can be found on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/drakentheband

Blackened Doom/Sludge Metallers GHOROT New Album OBSIDIAN Available For Pre-Order via LAY BARE RECORDINGS and KING OF THE MONSTERS RECORDS

From the depths of Boise’s blackened doom comes OBSIDIAN, the third full-length from GHOROT (US).

PRE-ORDERS are live now via Lay Bare Recordings, King of the Monsters Records, and GHOROT.

Following the critical acclaim of Loss of Light (2021) and Wound (2023), GHOROT returns with their most crushing and atmospheric work to date. Forged in the depths of blackened doom, OBSIDIAN continues the band’s descent into bleak sonic territory.

Limited pressings:

125× heavyweight Oxblood vinyl
125× heavyweight Black vinyl

Cassette and CD available in the USA via King of the Monsters & GHOROT. 

New GHOROT T-shirt and long sleeve designs will surface alongside the OBSIDIAN pre-orders.

PREPARE THYSELVES.

GHOROT Members

Carson Russell - Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Brandon Walker - Drums, Vocals

Chad Remains - Electric Guitar, Amplifiers, Vocals

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Doom/Stoner Metallers RESTLESS SPIRIT present new video single 'Red in Tooth and Claw' taken from forthcoming self-titled album "Restless Spirit"!

RESTLESS SPIRIT deliver their raw and authentic brand of heaviness with the music video 'Red in Tooth and Claw' as the next advance single from their forthcoming self-titled album. 

"Restless Spirit" is scheduled for release on May 8, 2026, via Magnetic Eye Records and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION

Watch the video for 'Red in Tooth and Claw' here:

RESTLESS SPIRIT comment: "The track 'Red in Tooth and Claw' is one of the more straightforward songs that we've ever done", vocalist and guitarist Paul Aloisio explains on behalf of the band. "We set out to create a solid rock tune with a heavy groove as the foundation and think that mission was accomplished. The lyrics of 'Red in Tooth and Claw' deal with the violence and cruelty that are seemingly inherent to the human condition, and simply ask what you choose to do about that fact. Ultimately, it's is a choice that can only be made by the individual."

Tracklist

1. The Burning Need
2. Hallowed
3. Red in Tooth and Claw
4. Desire Lines
5. Desolation's Wake
6. Ember
7. Time and Distance
8. Phantom Pain

The Lowdown

With their self-titled full-length, RESTLESS SPIRIT have reached a point in their career where the band of friends from Long Island, New York knows exactly who they are and where they stand. As the eight tracks on "Restless Spirit" are the most distilled version of what the trio is about, they saw no need for further explanation in the title.

So, what are RESTLESS SPIRIT about? Pure metal, no more, no less. Born from the steel mills of Birmingham this musical style has deep English working class roots that the East Coast outfit translates into an American sonic slang with elements from desert and stoner metal and even the occasional progressive flourish. As a result, they seamlessly merge classic heavy solos with roaring guitars and a pinch of psychedelic fuzz.

RESTLESS SPIRIT also share a down to earth outlook with the British pioneers that values honesty and a no-nonsense approach to songwriting and lyrics. "Restless Spirit" mainly deals with the idea of perseverance through hardship, of pushing through and starting over when everything seems bleak. This makes the album a companion piece to its predecessor "Afterimage", which revolved around descending into and giving in to growing despair.

RESTLESS SPIRIT grew out of childhood friendship. Frontman Paul Aloisio and bass player Marc Morello first met back in the summer before Kindergarten and grew up discovering music together. Influenced by such greats as BLACK SABBATH, TYPE O NEGATIVE, and THE SWORD, RESTLESS SPIRIT officially started out in 2019 when their album debut "Lord of the New Depression" was released. At the time, their sound fit equally well into the stoner, doom, and sludge moulds. On the following "Blood of the Old Gods" (2021), the three-piece evolved stylistically into a more varied, melodic approach with added complexities.

With the stated mission of never wanting to sound exactly like before, RESTLESS SPIRIT resorted to shorter, sharpened shocks that hit straight home on their acclaimed third album, "Afterimage", in 2024. This album was driven by tragedy and personal loss with singer and guitarist Paul Aloisio putting his heart and soul into it.

In hindsight, the massive punch to the gut delivered by "Afterimage" set the trio onto a course that led directly to "Restless Spirit". Trimming away all sonic fat, focusing on the essentials, and refining their sound and songwriting down to its heaviest core has yielded a record that promises to be timeless.

RESTLESS SPIRIT are throwing out a rescue rope to all headbangers and particularly those dealing with all the cruelty that life can bring. "Restless Spirit" is a call to persevere in the face of others not understanding or even outright rejection. This album is about living on one's own terms, which was and is the essence of metal.

Album Details

Band: Restless Spirit
Album title: Restless Spirit
Style: US Heavy Metal
Release date: May 8, 2026
Label: Magnetic Eye Records
Review impact date: April 6, 2026

Recorded by John Forrestal at The Animal Farm, New Jersey (US)
Mixed by John Forrestal at The Animal Farm, New Jersey (US)
Mastering by Jon Markson at The Animal Farm, New Jersey (US)

Cover art & layout by Solomacello

Line-up

Paul Aloisio – guitar, vocals
Jon Gusman – drums
Marc Morello – bass

Links

www.facebook.com/restlessspiritny
www.instagram.com/restlessspirit_

https://restlessspirit.bandcamp.com/album/restless-spirit