Meltem - Mare Nostrum (Album Review)

Release Date: June 28th 2024. Record Label: Discos Macarras. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Mare Nostrum: Tracklisting

1.Tretze 12:09

2.Cúrcuna 07:47

3.Mandrágora 14:45

4.Oasi 06:49

Members

David Giménez - Bass, Guitars

Pep Caravantes - Drums, Darbuka, Vocals

Daniel Pozuelo - Guitars, Effects

Review

Mare Nostrum is the debut album from Psychedelic Doomsters Meltem is quite an outlandish record in many ways. As the band delves into different musical cultures and merges into a modern Doomedelic Soundscape that borders upon Psychedelic and Progressive based energy. There’s some epic sounding Middle Eastern Chants with a sullen Doom/Stoner based guitar which are almost trance inducing at times. 

With an ethereal 1970s Prog Rock sound appearing within the opening two tracks of Tretze and Cúrcuna that allows Meltem to have a multi-layered, progressive and cultural way of thinking with deeply philosophical and personal lyrics. The grooves can be dominated by Sludge Metal rhythms courtesy of the excellent work provided by David Giménez and Pep Pozuelo on Bass and Drums respectively. Though, each member including Daniel Pozuelo each play multiple different instruments on this record which gives the whole sound a world-weary attitude which is quite reminiscent of YOB in many ways.

The later stages of the record does opt for a more “METALLIC”, heavier and forceful style of music which allows Meltem to play the heaviest moments on the whole album especially within the epic sounding third track Mandrágora. The sound becomes quite direct and with a further reliance on riff-centric instrumental passages but still retaining that sublime experimental cultural energy that appeared within the dynamic first half of the record.

Meltem employs a wide array of different musical techniques and laying down genres you don’t expect to hear along the way such as Ambient, Folk and Post-Rock which allows the band to be delightfully eccentric and downright original at the same time.

Mare Nostrum is a refreshing change of pace for the Psychedelic Doom Metal scene and perhaps allows Meltem the perfect opportunity to become more widely known within the underground scene.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Meltem for the promo.

Mare Nostrum is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Discos Macarras.

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Kurokuma - Of Amber And Sand (Album Review)

Release Date: August 09th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Of Amber And Sand: Tracklisting

1.I Am Forever 

2.Sandglass

3.Death No More

4.Clepsydra

5.Fenjaan

6.Bell Tower

7.Neheh

8.Timekeeper

9.Crux Ansata 

10.Awakening

11.Chronoclasm

Members

Guitar / Vocals: Jake Mazlum

Bass / Vocals: Zakk Wells

Drums: Joe E. Allen

Review

Of Amer And Sand is the second full length album from UK Heavy Metallers Kurokuma and takes a daring creative turn compared to their celebrated 2022 debut album Born Of Obsidian. The bone-crunching and earth-shattering sounds have more volume to them which allows the music to have a destructive quality especially with the dual vocals of Jake Mazlum and Zakk Wells when they appear.

It seems Kurokuma are dabbling with the finer and dark arts of the Extreme Metal scene. They have a fearless creative and Alchemist attitude where they blend huge soaring sonic and Psychedelic Grooves that venture into areas of metal such as Drone, Sludge, Doom, Thrash and Stoner whilst also not being part of those movements either. 

There is a wild abundance of Glitches and Ambient noise effects which are overlapped with Industrial beats and Eastern/Oriental themes which are absolutely crushing, violently aggressive and wholly original at the same time. You begin to feel that highly destructive and addictive energy with the epic opening tracks of I Am Forever, Sandglass and Death No More where Kurokuma starts to have hallucinogenic visions inspired by SHAMANIC attitudes, beats and rhythms which can be quite TRIBAL at times. 

The record sees Kurokuma inspired by bands such as SEPULTURA, Mastodon, Neurosis and EARTH with similar creative cues appearing here and there on the later stages of the record. There’s deep philosophical ideas appearing with the lyrics and different vocal techniques that allows Kurokuma to drift further towards the Progressive Metal sound with heavy extended instrumental passages and harsh growls that add an extra layer of menace to the record.

Other standout tracks include: Clepsydra, Fenjaan, Neheh, Awakening and Chronoclasm which are my own personal favourite songs on the record. As they dare to be different with Kurokuma breathing new life into the many subgenres of Heavy Metal that Of Amber And Sand beautifully holds together.

Kurokuma are at the height of their creative powers with this record and have an intense and brilliant technical proficiency and ability which manifests into the heaviest, ferocious and nastiest grooves of their career to date. 

Of Amber Of Sand sees Kurokuma crafting a whole new genre of heavy metal where only they reign wholly supreme with spectacular results throughout. This is a groundbreaking record in every sense of the word.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to For The Lost PR for the promo.

Of Amber And Sand will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Friday 09th August 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | Twitter

Sludge/Stoner Metallers CAFFEINE Announce Debut Album THE THRESHOLD Released via THE LASTING DOSE RECORDS

CAFFEINE return with a whirlwind of a record that is sure to get you through your day! The Threshold takes cues from Mastodon and High On Fire, and artfully mixes them with lo-fi witch house and psychedelic rock. A high-energy tornado that will have your pupils dilated and your head spinning!

The Threshold will be available on CD, vinyl and digitally on September 13th, 2024.

Sometimes all you need is a smack in the face to kickstart your day and CAFFEINE is all there for it! With deep roots in the German hardcore scene the music of CAFFEINE is surrounded by an undeniable aura of energy and experience which shows in their artful merger of progressive sludge metal with elements of witch house and psychedelic rock.

The Threshold is filled to the brim with breakneck riffing and stank faced grooves, brought with a balls-to-the-wall attitude of the hard rockers of yesteryear. «Cycle of Delusion» opens the album in grand arena rock fashion with sweeping guitar leads and some military- grade chugging, while the following title track kicks up the tempo with a catchy chorus and the manic grooves of drummer Rocko.

Over the next half hour, the band manages to keep the energy level at a dizzying height while sneaking in a few tasteful atmospheric moments. In fact, CAFFEINE are so adept at changing pace mid-song that the atmospheric break from the title track or the mosh-pit coded bridge of «Dead End» would almost go unnoticed amid this barrage of blistering violence. Even the uncanny atmospheric interludes «Rorschach’s Waltz» and «Citadel» are just brief moments of respite that will only have your soul leave your body as it comes to an abrupt standstill.

Sick, mind-boggling and transcendent, The Threshold is such a coherent punch in the face one would almost forget that these songs were written in different sessions with two different guitarists. Even the recording process spanned multiple sessions and several years, but nevertheless these songs are rendered in a coherent, raw and honest-to-god tone that sees

CAFFEINE marry the intricacy of modern metal giants like Mastodon and Baroness with the magic and energy of old-school heavy metal bands like Sabbath and Motorhead. All in all, a true experience of metal in its finest form and a high-energy tornado that will have your pupils dilated and your head spinning!

LINE-UP:

Vocals & Bass Swells – Denis Radoncic
Guitars & Noises – Andre Werk
Percussions & Vocals – Enrico “Rocko” Winkler
Guitars & Organs - Sebi

Written & performed by Caffeine
All songs recorded and mixed by David Deutsch & Justin Felder at 1408 Productions in
various sessions from early 2021 till mid 2024.
Mastered by Jan Oberg at Hidden Planet Studio, Berlin.
Artwork & Layout by Carlo Vivary

Connect with CAFFEINE:

https://www.facebook.com/wearecaffeine
https://www.instagram.com/we.are.caffeine/
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/0JikVwpXZHbhNcUgkfJKEd?si=VBTS0yAGRzeT0-mnLuF2mQ

 

Thanks to The Lasting Dose Records for all of the info.

Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers EARTH SHIP Release New Song/Video For BEREFT From Upcoming New Album SOAR

After 6 years of silence, sludge/doom trio EARTH SHIP make an unexpected return with their sixth album Soar. A phantasmagorical exploration of fever dreams and twilight states, Soars is a psychotronic collection of swaggering rhythms and dazzling textures. Plowing their way through eight longform tracks, EARTH SHIP uncover a world in which every extended riff is a journey into trance Atlantis, where your mind is immersed in hazy lofi-lullabies and heavy retro sounds.

Born in 2010 from the mother lode of the German sludge metal scene, EARTH SHIP emerged as one of the most relentless and heavy-hitting live bands of the European mainland. Consisting of heavy power couple Jan and Sabine Oberg (who also play together in GRIN and Slowshine) and a rotating cast of drummers, EARTH SHIP have played with many renowned acts such as Voivod, Red Fang, Crowbar and Amenra.

On Soar the two are joined by Slowshine-drummer André Klein (The Smokin ’44’s) whose no frills playing forms the perfect backdrop for the duo’s gut-wrenching riffage. Wandering along the steady rhythm of the drums, your mind is warmly held by deep bass tones and slowly engulfed by hazy lullabies of earth-toned guitars and vocals. EARTH SHIP color their world in Jan Oberg’s characteristic lofi-sound, being recorded, as is tradition, by him in his own Hidden Planet Studio. These songs are a testament to his 18 year-long experience as one of Germany’s most prolific producers in sludge metal, having released many pristine sounding records with his own bands GRIN and Slowshine, but also via his label The Lasting Dose Records. Jan knows how to render a metal band’s sound with incredible attention to detail but without unnecessary polish and this album is no exception to his indelible ethos.

With Soar the characteristic EARTH SHIP-sound is lifted to new heights. From the shifting time-signatures of album opener Shallow to the lovely old-school vibes of Daze and Delights, Soars is a literal delight to listen to for fans of slow and heavy with a good sound system. A mighty recommendation for doom metal aficionados with an ear for detail and a delicate nose for quality riffs!

You can hear the blistering new song/video for BEREFT below which is from their epic upcoming new album SOAR which will be released on CD/DD/Vinyl via The Lasting Dose Records from Friday 02nd August 2024.

DISCOGRAPHY:

2011 Earth Ship - Exit Eden/Pelagic Records
2012 Earth Ship - Iron Chest/Pelagic Records
2013 Earth Ship - ...As if she were a black bird EP/Raddatz Records
2014 Earth Ship - Withered/Pelagic Records
2016 Earth Ship - Hollowed/Napalm Records
2018 Earth Ship – Resonant Sun/Pelagic Records

LINE-UP 2024:

Sabine Oberg – Bass
André Klein – Drums
Jan Oberg – Guitars, Vocals

Links

Facebook | Instagram | Homepage

Thanks to Daniel from CZ Promotions for all of the info.

Sacri Monti - Retrieval (Album Review)

Release Date: July 26th 2024. Record Label: TeePee Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Retrieval: Tracklisting

1. Maelstrom

2. Desirable Sequel

3. Intermediate Death

4. Blackish Honeycomb

5. Moon Canyon         

6. More Than I

Review

It's been a long wait since we last heard from Sacri Monti, five years out from 2019's 'Waiting Room for the Magic Hour' was released and now the next hour of magic is upon us with the glorious album 'Retrieval'. It seems as though the band have returned to expand our minds and overstimulate our senses, building on their repertoire as one of the premier heavy psych bands around. Formed back in 2012 and releasing their self-titled debut in 2015, the band have had years of perfecting their craft with two highly praised studio albums as well as a live album recorded from the Sonic Whip Festival in 2022.

The album starts with 'Maelstrom' as you're immediately tossed into the swirling vortex of organ flourishes, 70's proto-metal guitar riffs, grooving bass notes, and the introduction of the monster behind the drum kit. As you catch your breath 'Desirable Sequel' begins with the familiarity of an old song almost like you've heard it before. The vocals are filled with emotion as the melody and tone make it sound as though it could certainly fit well on the classic album 'Argus' from Wishbone Ash. The midway point goes into a prog-filled organ sequence, then into a guitar galloping bridge accompanied by harmonizing guitars before tumbling back into that beloved chorus.

'Intermediate Death' is one of the catchiest tunes on 'Retrieval', the groove and lyrics will be stuck in your head for days. It pulls together all of the rock influences of the collective members combining their natural talent, raw energy, and the psychedelic atmosphere they're known for resulting in 70's inspired lightning in a bottle. Though there have been prog moments earlier, 'Brackish Honeycomb' takes the progressive elements into hyperdrive but with an almost jazzy undertone with the rhythm section navigating the path through the time changes. The interlude has some amazing guitar work and sounds like Cactus and Deep Purple joined together for an extended jam of pure retro greatness.

After the dust has settled, 'Moon Canyon' takes us on a short acoustic journey with shades of Pink Floyd with the slide guitar but also a Led Zeppelin vibe with the orchestral violin sound of the keys, think of 'Fat Old Sun' meets 'Thank You'. This leads us to the last track and the longest on the album at 9:26, 'More Than I'. It starts with a medieval sounding intro that morphs into a composition of classic rock, lead guitar worship, and on the back half of the track you could easily imagine it's 1971 and the band is playing in the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pompeii.

The heavy psych scene of California has been flooded with talent for many years, giving birth to a multitude of cherished bands. Sacri Monti would be on the Mount Rushmore of that scene and with 'Retrieval' have delivered a technical and vibrant reflection of 70's rock, filled with the progressive components and psychedelia of the era but completely of their own design.

Words by Jon McGough

Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for the promo.

Retrieval will be available to buy on DD/Vinyl via TeePee Records from Friday 26th July 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Cosmic Rockers ERRONAUT Unveil Debut Album THE SPACE INBETWEEN Release New Single ‘1202’

Strap yourself in and set the controls for the heart of the sun with former Black Atlas members’ new cinematic space rock outfit, Erronaut.

The Space Inbetween is released via London Doom Collective on 30th August 2024 | Pre-order here
Listen to previous single ‘Lost Cause’ here
FFO: Black Sabbath, Lowrider, Fu Manchu, Pink Floyd

You can hear the exclusive premiere of their fantastic new song 1202 from their stunning and sublime new album THE SPACE INBETWEEN



Quote from drummer Sam Gates

"Our new single ‘1202’ was originally created as an intro for our live shows but during lockdown we felt it had the beginnings of a full song, one that really came into its own once we were able to get in a room together and work on it. The title comes from the 1202 alarm code from Apollo 11 and lyrically, the song is about delirium and following the theme of being marooned on the moon, hearing voices, and fighting for survival. This song is the sixth track on the album. With its mix of heavy sections and melancholic lyrics it leads into a contemplative middle section and is finally topped off with a furious finale. It really makes for a storied and interesting composition that is by far, one of our favourites on the album. We’re really proud of how this track came to be, and the journey we took to create it."

Press Info

Originally formed in 2015 as Black Atlas, the Hertfordshire-based quartet – born anew as Erronaut – are thrilled to announce the official worldwide release of their debut album, The Space Inbetween, this summer on London Doom Collective.

Consisting of vocalist/guitarist, Mikey Ward; fellow guitar slinger, Peter Hunt, bassist Simon Wilson, and drummer Sam Gates (whose arrival sparked this new iteration of the band) Erronaut’s singular sound has continued to evolve at every turn. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 70s rock of Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd, the 90s grunge of Soundgarden, and stoner metal of modern torchbearers Lowrider and Fu Manchu, the band seek to conquer new frontiers.

"When we sat down to start writing, we made a concerted effort to push and explore ourselves as artists and collaborators," explains vocalist Mikey Ward. "With the amount of work we've done to create it, we’re really proud of how this album has turned out, and we feel this is a real representation of what we are trying to achieve, both in the studio and as a live act on stage."

Employing heavy atmospheric rock to power lyrical subjects that focus on love, loss, and existential introspection, the dynamic foursome has well and truly delivered The Space Inbetween. Hook-laden guitars conjure soaring post-metal vistas and showcase a huge progression in their song writing. From the volatile cosmic sludge of ‘Way Down Below’ to the down-tuned, distorted environs of new single ‘Lost Cause’, the band crafts immersive sonic landscapes that transport listeners to distant realms.

More than just a studio project, Erronaut is also a force to be reckoned with live. Known for their electrifying stage energy, their formidable reputation precedes them having performed at gigs and festivals across the UK as well as appearing at Bloodstock 2021.

Fully realised and breath-taking in its execution, The Space Inbetween is released via London Doom Collective on 30th August 2024 and can be pre-ordered, here.



Erronaut

Simon Wilson – Bass
Peter Hunt – Guitar
Sam Gates – Drums
Mikey Ward – Vocals, Guitar

Live Dates

Sat 17th Aug – Red Lion – Stevenage
Sat 14th Sept – Balstock Festival – Baldock
Sat 28th Sept – Wheatsheaf – Banbury

Artist: Erronaut
Album: The Space Inbetween
Record Label: London Doom Collective

Formats: CD/Digital/Cassette Tape
Release Date: 30/08/2024

Discography & Other Projects

Black Atlas – Weight of the World (Album, 2018)

Erronaut Links:

Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for all of the information.

Exclusive Album Premiere Of Grunge Rockers BRAIN PAIN New Album THE MAGAZINE

What sound do your thoughts taste like?

Have you ever listened to an Apricot?

That’s what Brain Pain have been synthesizing since 2021,in their secret laboratory in the middle of the woods.

It all came together in their first work “THE MAGAZINE”, a four wheels journey through the multiverse of thoughts, a trip that released a soundscape which crosses musical boundaries while still maintaining a common heavy path.A healing process that has just begun to free da brain from a di pain.

Taking inspiration from musical goliaths such as Alice in Chains and Faith No More, they bring their heavier thoughts into music, in a relationship of reflection between the listener and themselves. 

They think so you can think too.

This loud machine is driven by:-

Daniele Bicego, Lead Vocals & Second Guitar

Alex Besco, Bass & Jokes

Giorgio Lovato, Drums & Special FX

Antonio Zordan, Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals

METAL WELDS, GRUNGE WAYS , ROOTS SOUND

We're excited to premiere their new album THE MAGAZINE in full thanks to the cool folks over at Grand Sounds Promotion and Argonauta Records.

The story behind the album: 

The Magazine is first of all a word play with the Italian translation “La Rivista”, in fact, the word “rivista” has many meanings: 

- The magazine is intended as a publication related to a specific field (ex. Fashion, art, music etc...) 

- In military use, inspection by a superior to check the order of individual elements or departments. For us, it is the inspection of our own capabilities, of our mood, of our fears. 

- Variety show which, in the once most widespread and popular form, consists of a series of attraction numbers in which the comedian, the soubrette and the dance troupe have a predominant role. Music as we intend it is more than just sound, it’s about the expression and energy of live exhibitions, and the comic shadow that always follows the tragic events we go through in our lives. 

Secondly, this is a concept album, a story that follows the journey of a man who wins a golden ticket for a trip through his own multiverse. 

The journey begins with Brain Cream, in which the protagonist is trying to evade the chaos of everyday life. He’s overwhelmed by the constant stream of stimuli and as soon as he grabs hold of the golden ticket, he knows that it’s his chance for escaping. He’s conscious, however, that he won’t be able to see the world he’s leaving while it grows and changes, maybe into a better version of itself. 

In Apricot Sorrow we find out that he’s been launched into his last reality, the one in which he already lived all the other realities he has yet to go through, so he can clearly see his path and all his different lives. The ones he despises and the ones he misses. The only question that still stands is WHY? He’ll need to find a sense for all his future voyages. 

The Saving and The Craving drag him through a reality of struggle and addiction, in which he first tries to find redemption just for him to fall again in his old, dark habits. He’s not yet capable of dealing with his problems and instead tries to avoid them, seeking refuge in the warmth of a dose. Right as he’s about to end his life he asks for forgiveness one last time, as he has not yet found the right answers. 

The Butcher of Grangaisbrook is the proud adaptation of a local legend from our valley, it’s a tale of vengeance, in which our protagonist tries to find the answer to his grievance in the blade of an axe. His inevitable folly will be the only answer birthing from his atrocious sentiments. 

Icahipi is the realisation that he’s living a cycle, he’s not going in the right direction but, as during his life, he’s still doing the same mistakes, like a snake that bites his tail, like the circular motion of a blender. 

In Samsara he tries to break out. While traveling through the desert of his soul, the protagonist sees the sky twirling, telling him to get away from this never-ending motion in which he’s trying to flee a dying world just to find a new one to kill, again. He’s trying to find a solution to go forward, a new beginning. 

In Spread Love Around he finally reaches His answer. For him, the meaning of his journey becomes being able to care for someone other than himself, to share thoughts and emotions, so that in that room where he started alone and full of grief, he’s now with someone he loves. He can finally enjoy the apricot without remorse or nostalgia. He’s happy and he finally feels it. 

Album tracklisting:

01. Brain Cream
02. Apricot Sorrow
03. The Saving
04. The Craving 

05. Autoradiography

06. The Butcher of Grangaisbrook 

07. Icahipi 

08. Samsara 

09. Spread Love Around 

For more info:

Facebook | Instagram

The Magazine is available to buy from Argonauta Records from Friday July 26th 2024