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

Mad God - An Age Of Ash (Album Review)

Release Date: March 27th 2026. Record Label: Mongrel Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

An Age Of Ash - Tracklisting

1.Godforsaken (The Pact)

2.Left to Rot 

3.An Age of Ash

4.Chosen

5.The Price

Members

Tim Harbour - Vocals and Guitar

Danny Helsing - Bass

Patrick Stephansen - Drums

Review

Doom/Stoner Metallers Mad God return with their first new album in almost eight years and the twisted result is An Age Of Ash. The band first made a name for themselves with their deeply psychedelic and cosmic horror leaning first two albums A Tale of A Sightless City (2017) and Grotesque and Inexorable (2018). Mad God weaved Proto Doom, Stoner Metal and Amplified Heaviness with a deep Lovecraftian mythology appearing within the lyrics and main creative outline for both albums. 

This time round Mad God moves closer to more fantastical themes with a deep emphasis on dark vocal and lyrical imagery. The whole atmosphere is violently electric with the band taking influence from the likes of Electric Wizard, Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus and other great bands who mastered the dark arts of Doom Metal. There’s a sudden influx of trippy Psychedelic melodies and intense Fuzzed Up sludgy guitars that leans into Prog Rock/Metal surroundings. Mad God feel like a totally different band compared to their previous albums which you can feel and brilliantly hear through the stunning opening two tracks of Godforsaken (The Pact) and Left To Rot.

These two songs allow Mad God to form a bleak and desolate style of Doom/Stoner Metal with haunting movements of Proto-Metal, Sludge, Psych and even slightly confusing Post-Rock flourishes especially on Left To Rot. Though, the music is highly unpredictable with a wicked style of feedback, reverb and distorted amps being used as a WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION. The lyrics tell an intriguing concept which is explained further below:

“An Age Of Ash tells the story of a world in collapse: a war-torn kingdom, a young woman’s quest for absolution, and a father’s corrupted journey toward redemption. As humanity forgets ancient evils, darker forces rise in the shadows. Corrupt leadership, demonic betrayal and forgotten gods converge as the balance of existence begins to unravel. What unfolds is a bleak, violent fantasy narrative where hope is scarce and survival is uncertain.”

The story can be quite outlandish but this allows Mad God the perfect opportunity to let their musical imaginations to run amok and play some intense, violent and action packed instrumental passages that leave little to the imagination within the VOLUME department especially on tracks Left To Rot, An Age Of Ash and Chosen. Sometimes, the music can be quite abstract in places with Mad God maneuvering into different musical genres and creative themes that gives this record a highly unapologetic attitude.

All of the tracks are fairly long ranging from six minutes to ten minutes in length with Mad God combining Prog Rock/Metal hooks with a caustic style of underground Doom/Stoner Metal that suddenly taps into a gloomy OCCULT METAL sound. There’s even a sense of violent and mysterious dread forming from the middle part of the album where Mad God taps into that sinister style of Classic Doom Metal that allows the vocals once more to become slightly deranged and violently sinister at the same time.

You'll be surprised at how Mad God suddenly transforms themselves into a band closer to the likes of TOOL within the final stages of the album. This sudden creative shift gives the album a completely new musical direction and you will perhaps have more questions than answers before everything finishes and reaches an emotionally charged climax.

It’s hard to believe that Mad God are from South Africa as they’re more closely linked to the European Doom/Stoner Metal scene but they’ve studied the scene amazingly well to create a well-crafted and superbly written story to match the first rate music they play within An Age Of Ash.

An Age Of Ash is an absolute blast of an album with Mad God creating a truly sinister and riff-fuelled musical adventure that has more than enough CHILLS, THRILLS and SPILLS to keep everyone entertained for a long time to come.

Just add this great album to your record collection whilst you can. This is first rate. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Plug Music Agency for the promo.

Links 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | BandCamp

Exclusive Song/Video Premiere For Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers TONS Explosive New Song LOST IN PLANTATION

Your favorite weed sludgers are ready to come back with their fourth studio album, the aptly titled "Stoned Villains," out in April on your beloved Heavy Psych Sounds Records. The band's distinctive sound emerges immediately after the first listen: seven tracks of heavy, sulfurous doom-sludge, with influences ranging from the '90s to Turin-inspired hardcore punk, the scene in which our "villains" were formed and raised. Heavy and cutting guitars, a seismic rhythm section, and Gingerzilla's voice barking out ungraceful tales of weed abuse and uncontrolled eating. The song titles perfectly describe Tons: a band that doesn't take itself too seriously and uses irony as its strong point. "Stoned Villains" was recorded and mixed in Turin by Danilo "Dano" Battocchio at Deepest Sea Studio and mastered by James Plotkin. Enjoy!

Thanks to the cool folks over at Purple Sage PR and Heavy Psych Sounds, we're excited to premiere the superb new single LOST IN PLANTATION from the upcoming new album STONED VILLIANS.

TRACKLIST:

1. Shirley Temple Ball
2. Hangover The Top
3. Lost In Plantation
4. Intro (Cabin Fever)
5. The Big Bong Theory
6. Darth Vaper
7. Rollercoaster Diet Bombo

The Lowdown

Forged in 2009 by members of the Turin hardcore scene (The Redrum, Lama Tematica, NoInfo), Tons deliberately traded breakneck speed for a colossus-sized, slow-motion onslaught — sludgy-as-fuck, caustic and laced with wry weed wisdom and local esoteric mystique.

From their 2012 debut, Musineè Doom Session, Volume 1, to the punishing Filthy Flowers of Doom (2018) and the evil and acerbic Hashension (2022), Tons has never taken a single prisoner. The unstoppable foursome has shared stages with iconic acts such as Bongzilla, Unsane, Napalm Death and Church Of Misery, and relentlessly stormed festivals across the continent (Desertfest, Sonic Blast, Frantic Fest, Venezia Hardcore, HPS Fest).

Blasting forth with a new player behind the kit, Tons is ready to crank it up to maximum sludge levels again with their fourth album Stoned Villains, due out in the spring of 2026 and followed by a promotional Japanese tour in May. 

The album was recorded and mixed in Turin by Danilo "Dano" Battocchio at Deepest Sea Studio and mastered by James Plotkin, with artwork and graphics by Steuso.

You can pre-order the album now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds 

Tons is

Gingerzilla - Bass / Voice / Synth
Duncan McCrapper - Lead Guitar / Sampler
Stewart J Tanuki - Rhythm Guitar
Oreste Pennarelli - Drums

Tons links

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp

Heavy Psych Sounds links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Youtube

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

KAL-EL - Astral Voyager Vol. 2 (Album Review)

Release Date: March 20th 2026. Record Label: Blues Funeral Recordings / Majestic Mountain Records.. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Astral Voyager Vol. 2 - Tracklisting

1.Juno 

2.The Nine

3.The Prophecy

4.Juggernaut 

5.Pan

6.Asteroid

Members

Captain - Vocals

Josh - Guitar

Doffy - Guitar

Bjudas - Drums

Knutsen - Bass

Review

Stoner Metal Heavyweights KAL-EL return with the blistering second part to the Astral Voyager saga with a record originally titled Astral Voyager Vol 2. Nothing much has changed since Vol 1 with KAL-EL playing their highly addictive style of Doom, Psych, Space Rock, Sludge and Stoner Metal grooves. The record does allow KAL-EL to inject some mellow Post-Stoner melodies along the way with lead vocalist Captain’s undeniable vocals steadying the ship or SPACESHIP as we say.

There’s an extra level of Desert Rock detail which is more amplified compared to their previous album which comes across quite quickly and most significantly within the excellent opening track Juno. The band are in full on  SPACED OUT ROCK EXPLORER mode with the constant shift moving between Heavy Psych, Cosmic Doom and Stoner Metal soundscapes. You can hear echoes of Grunge forming behind the scenes with KAL-EL taking a cerebral approach with the main storyline of the whole album. 

KAL-EL demonstrate a destructive fuzzed up SLUDGE METAL attitude within the second track of The Nine which pushes the band into heavier waters with surprising results whilst keeping their core STONER sound. The production values are off the scale that easily matches Vol 1 with both albums being the perfect counterbalance to each other. Sometimes the music can be quite slow-paced which allows the listener to take everything as there is a lot going on within the whole musical journey which continues throughout the whole album.

Astral Voyager Vol. 2 is superbly melodic and once again sees KAL-EL demonstrating why they’re such a force to be reckoned with especially on tracks such as The Prophecy, Juggernaut and Asteroid which are my favourite parts of the album. The music is constantly engaging, emotionally satisfying and most importantly, the RIFFS are out of this world. 

The most interesting dynamic is KAL-EL’s great use of trippy sound effects which they’ve used throughout their entire existence but this time round, they have real importance into how the story of the album fully plays out. This keeps the record quite grounded and allows the other members of the band to play some outstanding musical passages of their own making like they did on the previous album.

It was probably a great decision from KAL-EL to release these albums as two separate volumes as they wouldn’t have had the same lasting impact if they were released together. This means you can judge each album on its own merits. The hardest part I have to admit I prefer Astral Voyager Vol. 1 slightly to Vol. 2. However, this is still an outstanding album of the highest order which will no doubt rank as one of the standout Stoner Rock/Metal albums of the year.

KAL-EL are one of the greatest STONER METAL bands the scene currently has now. As every album they’ve released can be considered classics and this will be no different with the whole Astral Voyager saga.

Play this album LOUD when you get the chance. You won’t be disappointed!!!.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Astral Voyager is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via the links below:

Majestic Mountain Records (EU/UK)

Blues Funeral Recordings (North America)

KAL-EL links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Spotify