Holystone - Accepting Omega (Album Review)

Release Date: July 17th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Accepting Omega - Tracklist

1.The Prophecy (Jaws of Victory) 04:10

2.Brave Design 02:51

3.Guided by Stones 05:01

4.Procession 06:32

5.Sleepwalker 03:50

6.The Accomplice Pt.I (The Offer) 01:42

7.The Accomplice Pt.II (Father's Funeral) 05:38

8.Cavitation 05:34

9.The Oracle Speaks 04:21

Members

Drums - Jonny Pickvance

Bass - Jack Bratt

Extra bass - Madi Morris

Guitar - Wolfe Peterson

Vocals - Madison Morris & Wolfe Peterson

Review

Doom/Grunge/Stoner Metallers Holystone return with a heavier and spacier sound compared to their 2024 debut album East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Their second record Accepting Omega operates in the same vicinity of the likes of TORCHE and FLOOR with a sludgy melodic soundscape developing from very early stages. However, there are still familiar musical steps of Grunge, Psych and Doom Metal that were first laid down on their excellent debut album.

There’s a deeper scope on melody, aggression and spaced out surroundings that feel more fully fleshed out which is perhaps down to the inclusion of new band member Madison Morris who is now on Bass and Vocal duties though I think previous bassist Jack Bratt lends a hand here on some of the tracks. Accepting Omega is a sludgier excursion in darker, deeper and heavier territory whilst keeping an epic style of modern “Doom-Pop” landscapes. 

You can feel influences such as Soundgarden, The Melvins and HUM lending a creative hand which still allows Holystone to still sound downright original in their own right. The DOOM & GLOOM aspect does give way to more melodic passages that gives Madison a great chance to shine on the emotionally charged vocal passages that appear from time-to-time. With some screeching guitars and levels of distorted feedback giving an uneasy feeling at times, Holystone aren’t afraid to to develop a heavier and threatening style of Space Rock and Cosmic Doom with some intense instrumental passages moving into the DRONE stratosphere.

The lyrics can be quite “POPPY” and “INDIE” based with the surrounding Post-Whatever elements transforming into a faster style of music where different psychedelic vibes transform into ethereal extended instrumental jams that will sure delight fans of the mighty MELVINS and SOUNDGARDEN.

Sometimes the album does sound like it has two different approaches with how the music is fully delivered which isn’t surprising since half of the album was recorded by Jack Endino (Tracks - 1, 2, 4, and 8) and Dave Catching (Tracks - 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9). However, this works to the album’s favour as this record keeps you on your toes as you don’t know what to expect next. Holystone has delivered an actual record that feels like the actual elements are battling against each other but in an amazing “QUIET vs LOUD” or “HEAVY vs CALM” dynamic. 

This is about the third time I’ve written a review for this album and previous versions focused on track-by-track analysis which I wasn’t fully happy with. All I can say is to go into this record and expect a journey that takes many unexpected twists and turns throughout the whole Grunge, Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal dynamic. Accepting Omega feels like a record broken down into individual chapters where the parts don’t necessarily fit the way you expect and you have to make your own conclusions. Though, the end result is a journey that’s absolutely hypnotic and superbly breathtaking to listen to with Holystone delivering classic RIFFS through every track going.

The vocals are superbly delivered throughout with Madison and Wolfe Petersen working brilliantly well together but also sometimes against each other in the most adventurous moments of the whole album. This record has a completely destructive cinematic feel which allows Holystone to be absolutely fearless with their music especially on tracks such as: The Prophecy (Jaws Of Victory), Brave Design, Procession, The Accomplice II (Father’s Funeral) and The Oracle Speaks.

Accepting Omega is an absolute joy to listen with Holystone blending those intense gloomy aesthetics to a non-stop energy of modern day Doom/Stoner Metal that ultimately dares to be completely different.

This is a record you seriously need to listen to right now. As Holystone may be primed to become one of the next breakout acts to emerge from the underground scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Accepting Omega is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Sludgers Mean Green drop new single "Employee Of The Month" and a ripping live cover video of "War Pigs"

Following lead single "Wasteland", Mean Green have just dropped "Employee Of The Month", a crusher the band hold close to their hearts.

The band states, "[former bandmate] Alex wrote this one. It meant a lot to him and us. Unfortunately he’s not playing with us for the time being, but he may return one day. This one goes out to him."

Adds guitarist/vocalist Jake Helms, "The solo that starts at 4:20 (nice) has a good story behind it. While recording the album we were away from home for a week. On the tail end of recording, one night my girlfriend who lived with me called me up and said she was leaving and taking my dog with her. The solo you hear in the song is the first take of the session the next morning straight off the dome, she’s gone but I kept my fucking dog (his name is Riff). So thanks for the inspiration behind that one Emily.”

War Pigs

Not ones to rest easy, in addition to Castle's new riffs Mean Green have also just dropped a live recording of an extra nasty cover of "War Pigs".

While on tour and wanting to pay tribute to the late Ozzy, the band put together a sludged-out take on "War Pigs". The last piece of the puzzle fell into place when roadie Logan Felder, also of North Carolina blackened crust punks VRAS, hopped on vocals, and lightning in a bottle was captured.

Mean Green is a three-piece sludge outfit with all the subtlety of a rusted-out square body with glass packs - and the fortitude of a rabid opossum in heat. Armed with riffs as thick as a bowl of cold grits, the band blends crushing sludge, classic rock swagger, and raw Southern grime into a live show built to hit hard and leave a lasting mark.

Mean Green released their self-titled debut album to wide acclaim in 2023, and are proud to present their sophomore LP, “Castle”.

Fusing the crushing weight of High on Fire and Sleep with the gritty, blues-soaked swagger of ’70s rock acts like Foghat, Cactus, and Cream, Mean Green deliver the heavy goods on “Castle”.

Leading the charge is single "Wasteland", a ripper of a track where crushing tone and gravel-chewing vocals set the foundation for a dark, psychedelic journey. Notes guitarist and vocalist Jake Helms, “I wrote this when I was tripping on acid watching 2001 a space odyssey on a broken tv with no volume".

Get lost in the Wasteland on July 23rd and get stoked for the full album "Castle" out August 14th.

Second single "Employee Of The Month" drops Friday, July 31st.

Mean Green will also be headlining the Wicked Doom Festival August 29th in Worcester, Massachusetts alongside Sundrifter, Worshipper, Üga Büga, and more.

Mean Green - Employee Of The Month (single)

Single out July 31st
Album "Castle" out August 14th
Self-released (Digital, Vinyl)
Boone, North Carolina
Mastered by Steven Raets
FFO: Weedeater, Buzzoven, Toke, Telekinetic Yeti, Bongzilla

Castle album credits:

Jake Helms - Guitar, Vocals
Alex Wierback - Bass
James Matthews - Drums

Mean Green is:

Jake Helms - Guitar, Vocals
Cole Franklin - Bass
James Matthews - Drums

Tracklist:

1. Castle (3:45)
2. Sludge Puppy (4:33)
3. Employee Of The Month (6:23)
4. Wild Bill (4:30)
5. Slack Jaw (5:26)
6. Cyclone (5:01)
7. Wasteland (5:16)

Links:

Facebook | Instagram | BandCamp

Thanks to Good Boy PR for the details.

Swedish Doom/Sludge/Stoner Power Trio Vulture Neck announce debut S/T album out September 4th 2026

Vulture Neck dwell in Stockholm, Sweden and have been riffing together since 2018. They’ve done a handful of live performances and released three digital EPs/singles. The music has elements of old school Doom, Sludge, Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, once even described as a mix between Venom and ZZ Top! This rather broad and crooked path has been a conscious choice from the band to make their sonic trip more interesting. The lyrics are composed by singer Magnus Öhrn and convey an atmosphere reflective of our inevitable, impending doom.

Lyrical concepts like drowning, the Black Plague, Death (in the form of Phantom Carriage by Selma Lagerlöf), scavengers and volcanoes befit the rawness of the music. The debut self-titled full-length is recorded and mixed by the band themselves and professionally mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.

First out the gate is lead single “Raining Fire, Raining Stones”. A driving, fist-pumper of a track that grinds forward with filthy fuzz. Amidst the assault the band take moments to step back and expand into dark, doomy psychedelia, before diving back into sludgy fury.

“Raining Fire, Raining Stones” will be available on streaming August 21st, and the debut self-titled album drops September 4th.

Vulture Neck - S/T

Album out September 4th, 2026
Self-released (Digital)
Stockholm, Sweden
FFO: Cities of Mars, Them Crooked Vultures, Masters of Reality, Hot Ram

Vulture Neck is:

Östen Jäderberg (ex-I 11:e Timmen, ex-Tranquilizers) - Drums
Magnus Öhrn (Kungens Män, ex-I 11:e Timmen) - Vocals, Bass
Martin Sällström (Blissful Stream, ex-I 11:e Timmen, ex-Pest (Swe)) - Vocals, Guitar

Tracklist:

1. Höst (2:46)
2. Rat Riders (7:03)
3. Phantom Carriage (5:16)
4. Raining Fire, Raining Stones (3:44)
5. Bright Lights Descending (5:53)
6. Hand Of A Drowning Man (5:55)
7. Abyss Made Of Stone (7:06)

Links:

Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Push.fm

Thanks to Good Boy PR for the details.

Johnny Tirade and The Circle of Futures Past - What is at the beginning of eternity, the end of time, the beginning of every end, and the end of every place? (EP Review)

Release Date: August 07th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

What is at the beginning of eternity, the end of time, the beginning of every end, and the end of every place? - Tracklist

1.Hey Man 03:32

2.Lizard Johnny 04:32

3.Memory Hole 16:54

4.American Dream 02:15

5.Tried To Improv Something Cool 04:44

Review

What is at the beginning of eternity, the end of time, the beginning of every end, and the end of every place? is the debut EP from Stoner Metallers Johnny Tirade & The Circle Of Futures Past. The record is a great mix of Stoner, Punk, Psych, Sludge and Doom with a great slice of grimy Industrial Metal. Imagine Monster Magnet jamming with Ministry and that’s where you end up with this cool sounding band. It’s quite a raw sounding record with it’s Punk Rock based vocals that remind me of other classic sounding Hard Rock bands.

The record lasts around thirty two minutes with extended instrumental Stoner jams that have that classic Monster Magnet energy to them. Sometimes the record can be a bit manic the best of times but everything is played with purpose especially on the shorter tracks of Hey Man, Lizard Johnny, American Dream and Tried To Improv Something Cool. You can hear some classic FU MANCHU vibes along the way that’s merged with classic Heavy Metal themes. 

The standout track has to be the epic third track Memory Hole which lasts around seventeen minutes in length. This is where Johnny Tirade & The Circle Of Futures Past go all out and employ every musical and creative trick they have at their disposal for a mind warping STONER METAL odyssey which sees the sludgy and industrial sounds to fully emerge. The sound is also held together by a distorted DOOM METAL vibe which oozes danger from the very start. The LOW & SLOW and FEEDBACK sound effects allows the band to opt for a gloomy stripped back sound.

Though, the thumping bass allows Johnny Tirade & The Circle Of Futures Past to venture back into the Stoner Metal arena with some soundclips of The Riddler (Jim Carrey) from Batman Forever appearing before more hard hitting vocals appear. Then a saxophone appeared out of nowhere which almost took me out of the whole record. I’m not the biggest admirer of Saxophone appearing within Doom/Stoner Metal but it’s not too bad here. That’s my only complaint for a demented and cool sounding track such as this. 

What is at the beginning of eternity, the end of time, the beginning of every end, and the end of every place? Is what the classic Monster Magnet debut record “TAB” would sound like if it was given a modern day schizophrenic Industrial Metal makeover. There’s a ton of warped musical mechanics being applied throughout which blur the lines between fantasy and reality that is perhaps the whole sound that Johnny Tirade & The Circle Of Futures Past are ultimately aiming for.

The record does lose steam before the end but you can’t deny the sheer boldness and brilliant creativity that Johnny Tirade & The Circle Of Futures Past have achieved here. If you’re in the mood for a mind-expanding experience but still hearing some classic Stoner Metal grooves along the way then let Johnny Tirade & The Circle Of Futures Past be your cosmic tour guide whey they will take you into the next fucked up musical dimension that awaits you here.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Din Of Celestial Birds - Takeoffs & Landings (Album Review)

 

Release Date: August 07th 2026. Record Label: Various. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Takeoffs & Landings - Tracklist

1.Takeoffs & Landings [3:11]

2. Marmoris [5:21]

3. From This Summit We Can See The Heavens & Stars [5:33]

4. When Suddenly... [5:48]

5. You Are My Temple [5:42]

6. Migratory Patterns [3:58]

7. I Hope That Road Leads You Somewhere Beautiful, Somewhere You Belong [4:13]

8. Second Star To The Right, And Straight On 'Til Morning [6:41]

Lineup

Andie Gill - Guitar / Synths

Chris Core - Guitar

Tom Hazlehurst - Guitar

Matt Benatan - Bass / Synths

Vince Knight-Schrijver - Drums

Review

Instrumental Post-Rock/Post-Metal collective Din Of Celestial Birds follow up their acclaimed debut album The Night Is For Dreamers with their more expansive and bolder second album Takeoffs & Landings. Taking a more Alt Rock and Cinematic Rock approach to their music which allows the band to add new levels of emotional intensity to their music. This new creative approach allows the band to be closer to the likes of Pelican and Russian Circles whilst thinking outside the box with subtle Psych Rock melodies being quite forward thinking especially within the highly intricate synths that dominate the quieter Ambient moments.

Takeoffs & Landings starts quite emotional and superbly uplifting within the excellent opening tracks Takeoffs & Landings, Marmoris and From This Summit We Can See The Heavens & Stars. The sound is quite progressive with a lush spaced out energy appearing from the glorious synths but Din Of Celestial Birds always deploy an aggressive Post-Metal sound that brings a ferocious Atmospheric Sludge based energy to the record. The music is brilliantly fast and unapologetically intense which makes up some of the album's standout moments.

Din Of Celestial Birds spend a great amount of time developing the “Cinematic” score that’s the underlying power of this record which allows the band to move into many different arenas of Instrumental Rock with an unexpected Shoegaze delivery appearing when you least expect this. The powerful Post-Metal instrumental grooves do have that vibrant “underground” energy which transforms into something with wider commercial appeal and that’s no bad thing at all.

Din Of Celestial Birds aim for their biggest and heaviest sounds possible on tracks such as From This Summit We Can See The Heavens & Stars, When Suddenly, You Are My Temple, I Hope That Road Leads You Somewhere Beautiful, Somewhere You Belong and Second Star To The Right, And Straight On 'Til Morning.

There’s also a wicked Electronic score that can be heard within the background of the record which once again taps into the haunting blend of Cinematic Post-Rock or even “Soundtrack” based material. Whatever, you want to call this, bloody intense, emotionally charged, grounded and brilliantly real by a group of amazingly talented musicians. 

Takeoffs & Landings is a highly adventurous and superbly real album which can be quite challenging to listen to at times but it’s emotional rewards are HUGE with Din Of Celestial Birds proving why they’re fastly becoming one of the most promising and celebrated Post-Rock/Post-Metal bands the UK scene currently has right now.

These guys are simply unstoppable on this release where you feel genuinely part of the action. This is a type of an album that you never want to end and with first rate production values heard throughout then this is the complete package for devoted followers of the Post-Rock/Post-Metal scene can simply do without. 

Awesome. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Frenchie PR Trail for the promo.

Takeoffs & Landings Four is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl from the links below:

BIG SCARY MONSTERS (UK/EU) // A THOUSAND ARMS (US) // TOMATO (CHINA)

Links 

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Pleb - Grease Trap (EP Review)

Release Date: August 07th 2026. Record Label: Human Worth. Formats: Cassette/DD

Grease Trap - Tracklist

1.CLODS OF SHIT AND BONE

2.THE BRUISES MEAN IT'S ON THE WAY OUT

3.THE EYES MELT FIRST

4.PUT IT BACK

5.EVOLUTIONARY ROADBLOCK

6.THE STREETS AREN'T RELIABLE IN THE SLIGHTEST

7.YOU AND ME BABY AIN'T NOTHING BUT CANNIBALS 02:11

8.BELLY UP

Lineup

Delia Fraser - Guitar / Feedback Hell

Steve Myles - Drums / Sqwaks and Grunts 

Review

Grease Trap is the debut EP from Punk/Grind/Doom/Sludge Metallers Pleb and it’s a brutal exercise in pure filth and sonic distortion with a manic Punk Metal sound at its main core. The music is violently intense and it revels in delivering a pure grimy experience from beginning to end. Pleb operate in a no holds barred world where the production values are quite lo-fi which gives them such a NO FUCKS GIVEN attitude with their music. However, it brilliantly works as PLEB manages to combine areas of Grind, Sludge, Doom, Punk, Thrash and even small amounts of Psychedelic beats into a cohesive style of music that pulls no punches.

The vocals are shouted with extreme confidence that it gives the the whole EP a bombastic attitude that develops into violent levels of twisted Sludge Metal carnage on tracks such as Clods Of Shit And Bone, The Bruises Mean It’s On The Way Out, Put It Back and Evolutionary Roadblock being the most threatening, aggressive, seedy and superbly entertaining tracks on the EP. This is where PLEB show their real selves especially with Delia Fraser’s sublime guitars and twisted feedback skills that puts the amplifiers through their fucking destructive paces. 

Steve Myles also excels on vocal duties and drums which gives the EP it’s whole grindcore spirit but everything staying true to the Doom/Sludge Metal world but with a more abstract filth ridden PUNK METAL spirit which Grease Trap delivers right to the very end. 

The EP lasts under fifteen minutes but that’s more than enough time for Pleb to get shit done and leave the audience in a violent and catatonic state where they once again offer no apologies.

The whole thing is brilliantly seedy and the lo-fi production values make this an unpredictable force of nature. I would have liked a couple of more songs on the EP as the whole thing suddenly ends when things start getting truly exciting. However, it’s always best leaving the audience wanting more and that’s what Pleb has fully achieved with this great slice of extreme metal the underground scene will go absolutely crazy for.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

BandCamp | Instagram

Chameleon Death Eruption - The Decay (EP Review)

 

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

The Decay - Tracklist

1.Hardly Dare to Hope 03:56

2.Dance or Die 03:53

3.1000 Cranes 03:58

4.I Grieve 04:12

Lineup

Baer - Songwriting, Lyrics, Guitars, Vocals

Holle - Recording, Mixing, Production, Drums

Minzer - Bass

Review

The Decay is the second EP from Grunge/Stoner Rockers Chameleon Death Eruption that follows on from last year’s debut EP - The Death. The record is a sludgy mix of distorted Grungy momentum with the band delving into the fuzzier depths of Doom and Noise Rock. The whole sound is quite abrasive with a classic Nineties Metal energy with influences such as TAD, Soundgarden and The Melvins appearing with the gloomy sludgy surroundings of Alice In Chains.

The vocals have a demanding Post-Punk vibe which aren’t the most polished but they get the job done thanks to the excellent delivery by lead vocalist Baer who also doubles down on guitar duties, songwriting and lyrics as well. This is a very fast paced record with an aggressive amount of Fuzz Rock attitude solidifying against that rebellious Noise Rock swagger on tracks such as Hardly Dare To Hope, Dance Or Die and I Grieve.

Chameleon Death Eruption have an excellent DIY Punk Rock ethic which comes across within the stripped back production values The Decay contains. There’s some fantastic slabs of melodic based Sludge Rock appearing which gives the band a more straight forward drive within their overall sound but you can’t help admire the more off-beat Punk Rock and Noise Rock vibes that appear within different stages of the EP.

Chameleon Death Eruption is a superb hard-rocking EP that allows Chameleon Death Eruption to add a new style of Sludge Rock/Metal heaviness compared to their debut EP. 

Check out when you can. As this is so damn good. Highly recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Frenchie PR Trail for the promo.

Takeoffs & Landings Four is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl from the links below:

Links 

BandCamp | Instagram