Manchester Morgue - III (EP Reviews)

Release Date: July 03rd 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

III - Tracklisting

1.The Sorcerer 04:58

2.Farewell To Gleann An Ghad 02:50

3.Betrayers! 05:43

Review

III is the debut EP from Manchester Morgue who fuse Doom, Psych, Folk, Sludge and Stoner Rock into their wider cinematic universe of riff-driven melodies. Their debut EP is a concept record of sorts which is explained by the band below:

“III tells three stories, each dedicated to one of the protagonists of our narrative concept: a necromancer brought back to life, an Irish emigrant fleeing his past, and a fallen nobleman consumed by betrayal.”

III does have a multimedia narrative for the most part but this allows Manchester Morgue to be quite creative with their music with the hidden storylines appearing within the individual tracks. The band have also stated their influence is driven by their passion for 19th-century gothic, adventure and horror literature, B-movies, and pulp imagery.

The EP also has a slight video-game influence as well which allows different sounds and textures to appear with Manchester Morgue playing songs that could easily be inspired by the Red Dead Redemption universe but still creating their own haunting identity. The record is a vibrant mix that’s played on each track with some superb Post-Doom and Gothic sound being played on the excellent opening track The Sorcerer. 

Second track Farewell To Gleann An Ghad is a Folk Rock driven number which is more melancholic and dramatic to the other tracks on the album. It’s perhaps my least favourite song on the EP but it shows a different side to Manchester Morgue compared to the hard-rocking sounds of the other tracks. The song is dominated by a historical Irish background which is quite surprising since the band are actually Italian but they pull this off with superb realism.

Third track Betrayers! is a great style of Doom, Stoner and Psych Rock driven track with Manchester Morgue applying a trippy Eastern vibe into the mix. This feels like a completely different band compared to the other tracks with Manchester Morgue delivering the standout track on the EP. The song feels inspired by the likes of Black Sabbath, Uncle Acid, Led Zepp and Green Lung where the song moves into heavier distorted sludgier grooves. 

III is a solid and superbly entertaining record. I’m still not fully sold on the second track but that will change over time. However,  Manchester Morgue has real potential here and you can feel they have the talent to deliver something really special in the near future. Until then, embrace the dark and twisted fantastical vision that Manchester Morgue has delivered with “III”.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

BandCamp | Instagram

Psych/Fuzz/Desert/Stoner Rockers ULTRACOMBO Return With Epic New Song/Video For OUT OF MY MIND

Psych/Fuzz/Desert/Stoner Rockers ULTRACOMBO release their first new song in over four years with OUT OF MY MIND. A song that has a mind-expanding Desert Rock energy with a sublime Grunge, Psych and Fuzz Rock delivery. However, what really seals the deal and stands out is ULTRACOMBO's epic use of Electronic beats and sweet Alt-Rock hooks. The sound can be dominated by a classic Nineties Alt Rock swagger which you can instantly feel and hear throughout the song.

Check out the excellent song and video below. I'm hoping there's an EP or full length album being released soon as this song has really got me hooked!!!

ULTRACOMBO are:

Alessio - Voice / Synth 

Alberto - Guitar

Giordano - Guitar

Giordano - Bass

Flavio - Drums

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Gutward - I (Album Review)

Release Date: June 06th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

I - Tracklisting

1.Reign of the Wicked 04:28

2.What's with the Rush? 04:58

3.Dead Eyes 03:48

4.Mass Delusion 05:07

5.Rot Alone 05:03

6.The Messages 11:58

Members

Dafiq Achmad - Bass, Vocals

Paskahline Putra - Drums

Nabiel Habibie - Vocals, Guitar

Review

Indonesian Doom/Stoner Metallers Gutward debut album is a great mix of Doom, Stoner Metal, Psych and Space Rock that’s filled with fractured Amplified textures that brings a groovy sound influenced by the likes of Electric Wizard, Black Sabbath, Slomatics and Monolord. The record has a stripped back sound within the recording process and production values that allows Gutward to play a distorted Cosmic sound. Gutward has that dominant Power Trio energy which allows each member to play their part in demonstrating a down tuned melodic energy that’s packed with violent delivery coming from the speakers.

The album runs for around thirty six minutes across six tracks with Gutward showcasing a delicious LOW & SLOW theme throughout the whole record with great vocals coming from Nabiel Habibie and Dafiq Achmad providing excellent support. Though, it’s the music that’s the real “STAR” or “MAIN ATTRACTION” here with Gutward adding a sludgy sideline of Psychedelic Fuzz Rock sound that has a hidden Atmospheric depth that can be quite destructive the best of times on tracks such as Reign Of The Wicked, What’s With The Rush, Dead Eyes and The Messages.

There is some great riff-centric build up here with Gutward edging more closely to the likes of Black Sabbath and Monster Magnet on the heaviest parts of the record. The level of SONIC interplay contained on this record has a classic Nineties Grunge and Stoner Metal energy which is brought bang up-to-date with thrilling modern day psychedelic soundscapes but with Gutward keeping with that classic down-tuned delivery that can be quite long drawn out at times. 

Though, most of the grooviest and impressive instrumental beats come from when Gutward rely firmly on Seventies Hard Rock musical worship which shows prominently on the later stages of the record. There’s a hidden backline of Proto-Metal and Classic Doom appearing which is perhaps used as an afterthought at times but this gives the album an unpredictable energy which Gutward use to their full advantage. 

Gutward have delivered a debut album that shows how they’re a band with real potential to last the course and gain a cult following within the scene. If you like your Doom/Stoner Metal music with the classic LOW & SLOW approach the “I” is a record you need to play on the BIGGEST, LOUDEST and most AGGRESSIVE speakers you can lay your hands on and just let yourselves FLY!!!

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Sweden’s KONGH Return with New Album "Dissolved in Time" and First Single "Staining the Ether"!

Photo by Malin Helenius

After nearly a decade of silence, Swedish sludge/doom metal heavyweights KONGH return with "Staining the Ether", the first single and lyric video taken from their long-awaited fourth full-length album, "Dissolved in Time", due for release on September 25 via Trust No One Recordings.

Between 2007 and 2013, KONGH released three critically acclaimed albums that established the band as one of Sweden’s most distinctive voices in heavy music. Extensive touring alongside acts such as Meshuggah and YOB earned the band a devoted international following before entering an extended hiatus.

Now, KONGH re-emerge with a record that does not seek to recreate the past, but rather continues and sharpens it. Written from ideas accumulated over the last decade and developed during six months of intensive work, "Dissolved in Time" expands upon the band’s trademark blend of crushing heaviness, vast atmosphere and hypnotic repetition, while incorporating electronics, layered textures and some of the most ambitious compositions in the band’s history.

The album was written and recorded under the direction of founding member David Johansson, who performed guitars, bass, electronics, and lead vocals, while also handling the mixing process. Drawing on years of experience gained both within Kongh and through his time as a touring guitarist for Cult of Luna between 2013 and 2019, Johansson shaped a record that is both deeply personal and structurally expansive.

The first glimpse into this new era comes with "Staining the Ether", presented here as a specially edited ten-minute single version, while the full album version unfolds across nineteen minutes. The track moves through overwhelming weight, expansive sonic space, and moments of fragile and eerie restraint, offering a condensed entry point into the broader world of the album.

Watch the lyric video here:

Speaking about the song, David Johansson comments:

"During the years when the band was on hiatus, with no plans in sight of bringing it back, this song slowly and silently developed in the back of my mind. It began with that eerie opening riff and gradually expanded into what it is today. I think it’s a very complex yet organic composition. Not the kind of song I would sit down and write over a weekend. It evolved over several years and through different phases of my life. It’s a 20-minute journey through heaviness, complexity, and existential themes. In my opinion, it is the ultimate Kongh song."

Tracklist:

01. Staining the Ether (18:51 min)

02. Guided to The End (07:02 min)

03. Dissolved in Time (13:21 min)

Furthermore, "Dissolved in Time" features contributions from several key figures in the Scandinavian heavy music scene, including three of Johansson’s former bandmates from Cult of Luna. Christian Augustin performed drums and engineered the vocal sessions, while Kristian Karlsson engineered and mixed the drum recordings. The album was mastered by Magnus Lindberg, who also worked on KONGH’s 2013 release, reinforcing a sense of continuity in sound and vision. Additional backing vocals are provided by Jörgen Sandström, known for his work with Grave, Entombed, and many other seminal acts.

David Johansson on the new album:
 "After 'Sole Creation', it felt as though Kongh had fulfilled the artistic vision that inspired its creation in the first place. There was no reason to continue simply because another album was expected. Music needs to come from a genuine creative necessity. For many years, Kongh remained dormant while life moved in other directions. Eventually, new ideas began to emerge, and over time they became too strong to ignore. During those years, I also immersed myself in audio engineering and music production, which ultimately allowed me to take on the role of the album’s main producer. That became a way of bringing the music even closer to the vision that has always defined Kongh. This album exists not because of nostalgia, but because there was once again something that needed to be expressed."

Tim Bertilsson of Trust No One Recordings comments:
 "Having worked together almost two decades ago, releasing the band’s debut album 'Counting Heartbeats' and the follow up, 'Shadows of The Shapeless', I’m stoked to welcome David and Kongh back to the label. Kongh has always been in a league of their own and 'Dissolved in Time' is a further proof of that."

Rather than functioning as a reunion in the nostalgic sense, KONGH’s fourth album stands as a continuation - a record shaped by absence, persistence, and renewal. It reconnects with the foundations of the band while presenting its most focused and fully realized expression to date.

"Dissolved in Time" will be released September 25 via Trust No One Recordings on CD, LP + digital formats and is now available for pre-order here: PHYSICAL | DIGITAL

Line-up:

David Johansson - guitar, vocals, bass, electronics
Christian Augustin - drums
Jörgen Sandström - backing vocals

For more info visit:

https://www.facebook.com/KonghDoom
https://www.instagram.com/kongh_official
https://www.kongh.net
https://www.facebook.com/tnorec/
https://www.tnor.se/

Thanks to All Noir PR for the details.

Wailin Storms - The Arsonist (Album Review)

Release Date: July 10th 2026. Record Label: Season Of Mist. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Arsonist - Tracklisting

1. Dead End (4:48)

2. Heart of Mine (5:13)

3. You Never Answered (4:53)

4. The Arsonist (4:52)

5. Never Rest (4:59)

6. Saved (4:24)

7. Patient Night (3:22)

8. The Wind (6:01)

9. It's All Dark Now Where Your Eyes Used to Be (6:30)

Members

Justin Storms - Lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Ben Melton - Lead guitar, backup vocals, Rhodes organ, piano

Steve Stanczyk - Bass

Mark Oates - Drums

Review

Wailin Storms return with their fifth album The Arsonist that once again features their potent mix of Doom, Gothic, Southern Rock, Alt Rock and Americana that’s doused in a heavy dose of Blues Rock that’s held together by a Swamp Rock narrative. There’s always been an air of mystery behind Wailin Storms records which taps into the darkest corners of the Doom Rock and Southern Rock scenes. Lead vocalist / rhythm guitarist Justin Storms is the main creative force here with his grounded and gothic lyrics being one of the main highlights of the record.

There are shades of Nick Cave, Jeff Buckley, Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains and even DANZIG which shows the broad musical landscape the band have projected within their impressive discography. The Arsonist is quite subdued and is alarmingly heavy when the need arises but it’s a different kind of HEAVY ROCK with a stripped back style being semi-acoustic in places which develops very early on tracks such as Dead End, Heart Of Mine and You Never Answered. These songs are cautiously slow and bleakly pessimistic at the best times but the thundering melodies and post-doom surroundings allows Wailin Storms to portray a mellow and blues rock environment which never lets a ray of sunshine or uplifting grooves to appear. 

The Arsonist can be too unforgiving for its own good but it shows you the depths of Occult Rock and Gothic Doom that the band are willing to thrust upon the listener. There’s some great use of psychedelic instrumental passages and drone rock appearing within the later stages of the record with an aggressive sideline of moody Grunge melodies. The other members of the band Ben Melton (Lead guitar, backup vocals, Rhodes organ, piano), Steve Stanczyk (Bass) and Mark Oates (Drums) all play to their musical strengths by putting in phenomenal performances throughout. This record sounds and feels like a real team effort even when Justin’s vocals and majestic persona takes centre stage for large parts of the record.

Another great aspect of the record is the stripped back production values that have a lovely analogue feeling which gives the whole thing a crisp, clean and moody atmosphere from beginning to end. This allows the Post-Punk themes of the record to fully shine through on the second half of the album, even impressing me the most. 

Other great tracks on The Arsonist include: The Arsonist, Never Rest, Saved, The Wind and It’s All Dark Now Where Your Eyes Used To Be. There’s a haunting romantic aspect that does start to form here which feels like there’s a massive EARTH influence appearing when you least expect it but the bleak and sometimes nihilistic lyrics allows Wailin Storms to form their own definitive musical legacy. 

The band are five albums into their career at this point and are really starting to gain a reputation as one of America’s best Gothic Rock bands currently out there as they explore different musical themes that’s so brilliantly original and emotionally striking with each passing record. The Arsonist is a towering achievement that’s deeply unflinching vision with Wailin Storms leaving you emotionally satisfied with an intense and gut wrenching musical experience. There’s no other way I can describe this album and that’s where I’m going to end this review.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Season Of Mist ffor the promo.

The Arsonist is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Season Of Mist.

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Finnish Fuzz Rock Quartet HEEZER Unveils Darker Side of Upcoming Album “Stereolith” With New Single “Let It Burn”

Finnish fuzz rock quartet Heezer is preparing for the release of its sophomore full-length album Stereolith, due out on August 13. The self-released record has already been previewed with the gritty groove of “Horse” and the energetic “This Town”, which surprised listeners with melodic hooks borrowed from pop punk. Pre-orders for the album are now available through Levykauppa Äx, with both CD and vinyl editions on offer.

Today, the spotlight turns to the darker and heavier side of the album as Heezer releases “Let It Burn”, accompanied by a striking animated music video.

“We originally planned to make a simple lyric video, but somehow the song felt like it deserved a proper visual story,” recalls bassist Antti Vesikko. “I came up with the idea of telling the song’s dark narrative through a comic without speech bubbles. At one point, with other work stuff piling up and no free time, I started building the project with AI. Thankfully, I came to my senses, scrapped the whole thing and decided it still wasn’t time to let artificial intelligence take the wheel. We brought in Amet Komik Studio to illustrate the story, and I edited the video to follow the dynamics and structure of the song. The result turned out beautifully and fits ‘Let It Burn’ perfectly.”

“We’ve always included slow and heavy songs on our releases, and ‘Let It Burn’ showcases that side of the new album really well,” says drummer Ville Häsä. “The demo was recorded in my home studio. Sami played through the structure on guitar while shouting cues for section changes on the fly. We had the demo together after just a couple of takes, but I didn’t yet realize the full picture. Once the bass and vocals were added, I understood what a great and wonderfully dark song it was. It ended up sounding very close to what you hear on the album. Personally, I love the Soundgarden-inspired bridge section.”
Singer-guitarist Sami Kääriäinen adds:

“The verses, written by Antti, deal with mental struggles and the twists and turns of the mind, while the choruses offer a rather straightforward solution: let it all burn. The lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, though. Once again, Heikki Pöyhiä delivered some absolutely brilliant backing vocals.”

“Stereolith” tracklist:

1. Horse
2. This Town
3. Stone I Am
4. Let It Burn
5. Moonshine
6. Mountain
7. Crazy
8. The Van
9. Desert

Heezer stand firmly behind their professional DIY mindset and they’ve taken major steps forward in their evolution – from stronger songwriting to a higher production level. The band’s sharpened approach shines through in a powerful and distinctive result. Still, their main principle remains unchanged: making music has to stay fun, now and in the future.

Heezer have been steadily winning over audiences both on streaming platforms and on stage. See band live this summer:

3.7. Playhouse Bar, Helsinki w/ Monsternaut (FIN), I Am Low (SWE)
4.7. Bar Kotelo, Tampere w/ Atomic Annie (FIN), Le Mondays (SWE)
17.7. Stereolith-album pre-listening party, Kuluma Pub, Imatra (+ live-stream)
7.8. Patruuna Fest, Imatra
14.8. Nirvana, Turku

Heezer line-up:

Sami Kääriäinen – vocals, guitar
Ville Räsänen – guitar
Antti Vesikko – bass
Ville Häsä – drums

Links

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Thanks to Ginger Vine Management & PR for the details.

Heavy Psych/Stoner Rockers MOTHER MORGANA Signs with Argonauta Records; New Single "Janushead" Out Now

photo by Hannes Mautner

Argonauta Records is proud to announce the signing of Austrian progressive heavy psych outfit Mother Morgana to its ever-growing international roster.

Hailing from Graz, Austria, Mother Morgana have steadily carved their own path within the European underground through a captivating blend of progressive rock, psychedelic atmospheres, stoner heaviness and immersive conceptual storytelling. Built around cinematic songwriting, dreamy melodies and thought-provoking lyrical narratives, the band has developed a distinctive identity that continues to evolve with every release.

Formed by musicians with backgrounds spanning jazz, blues, space rock and classic progressive rock, Mother Morgana first introduced their visionary approach with "Endonautica" (2018), a concept album inspired by Stanley Kubrick's legendary 2001: A Space Odyssey. Their acclaimed sophomore effort "Rise" (2022) saw the band embracing darker and heavier sonic territories, combining crushing stoner rock riffs with heavy psych textures and subtle Middle Eastern influences.

Now, Mother Morgana are preparing to unveil their most ambitious and personal work to date, "Reflections of a Sunken Mind", scheduled for release in 2026 via Argonauta Records. The album expands the band's sonic palette through the evocative use of analog synthesizers, vintage-inspired sounds and emotionally charged compositions, while exploring themes of indoctrination, personal freedom and critical thinking in an era marked by misinformation, conflict and social division.

The first glimpse into this new chapter arrives with the brand new single "Janushead", available now on all digital platforms: https://tidal.com/track/534740409/u

Speaking about the song, the band comments:

"Caught between apathy and anxiety, Janushead captures the fragile illusion of personal freedom in a world increasingly troubled by misinformation and war. Driven by a musical style of droning, drum-focused verses that layer a marching war-propaganda vibe, it forces us to realize that sitting on the sidelines won't protect us and our minds from the rising storm."

Regarding the signing with Argonauta Records, Mother Morgana states:

"We are happy to announce our signing with Argonauta Records. As an independent underground band, finding a label that respects our creative autonomy while supporting us in bringing our new music to light is a massive milestone for us. We are grateful to Gero and the Argonauta team for recognizing the value in what we do and for welcoming us into their roster. We hope to share our sound with a wider audience, and we look forward to a productive road ahead."

With a sound that effortlessly navigates between expansive progressive landscapes, hypnotic psychedelic passages and crushing heavy rock grooves, Mother Morgana stand ready to reach a broader international audience while remaining faithful to the artistic integrity that has defined their journey from the very beginning.

For fans of progressive rock, heavy psych, stoner rock and concept-driven musical experiences, Mother Morgana represent one of the most exciting acts to watch in 2026.

Mother Morgana are:

Katharina Franz • Vocals, Keys, Synth
Fabian Gössler • Guitar
Jakob Mayer • Bass, Lyrics
Stefan Höfler • Drums

Discography:

Endonautica (2018)
Rise (2022)
Reflections of a Sunken Mind (2026)

More news on the forthcoming album coming soon.

Links

https://www.facebook.com/mothermorgana
https://www.instagram.com/mothermorgana_official
https://mothermorgana.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords