Friday, 26 June 2026

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.


Dutch Doom-Metal Project Svjetlost Releases New Track "Above the Mountains"


Dutch doom project Svjetlost, the solo project of Gavran guitarist/vocalist Jamie Kobić has shared a visualizer video for "Above the Mountains," the lead single from the forthcoming debut album The Forever Silent, due out on July 24 via Shadow of Sorrow Records.

The video is now playing below 



Decibel Magazine, who describe the track as "a lumbering 13-minute crusher in the Sleep vein," introducing listeners to Svjetlost's unique fusion of hypnotic doom riffs, vast atmospheres, and the emotional depth of Bosnian musical tradition.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Kobić explains: "This song is about the pyramid-shaped mountains found in a small town in Bosnia over a decade ago. Where an ancient civilization might have lived that had built these structures to come into contact with aliens or maybe even supernatural forces. Although this is heavily disputed, obviously it's a great story to tell in a song like this."

The Forever Silent marks the debut full-length from Jamie Kobić, guitarist of Dutch post-metal outfit Gavran. What began during the isolation of the pandemic as a personal songwriting project gradually evolved into something far more ambitious, merging the crushing weight of doom and stoner metal with the haunting melodies and emotional richness of Sevdah, the traditional folk music of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Although inspired by the monumental heaviness of Sleep, OM, and High on Fire, Svjetlost quickly carved out its own identity by weaving Bosnian musical heritage into slow-burning riffs, vast atmospheres, and deeply emotional compositions.

The album's themes draw heavily from history and personal experience. Songs explore war, displacement, memory, and cultural identity, while paying tribute to Bosnia's landscapes, folklore, and the stories passed down through generations. The result is an album that feels equally intimate and monumental, transforming personal history into a meditation on resilience, loss, and belonging.

Recorded by Freek van Rooyen (Gavran), mixed by Marius Prins (Throwing Bricks), mastered by Alan Douches, and featuring artwork by Tinus Kardolus, The Forever Silent delivers a distinctive take on modern doom, balancing immense heaviness with rich atmosphere and emotional storytelling.

The Forever Silent will be released on July 24 via Shadow of Sorrow Records.


Follow Svjetlost


Thanks to Viral Propaganda PR for the details.

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

HEALER - Desolation (EP Review)

Release Date: July 10th 2026. Record Label: Fléau Records / Ace Of Wands Records. Formats: DD

Desolation - Tracklisting

1.Red Waves

2.Shadow Racer

3.Hindsight

4.Today Is Not The Day


Review


HEALER return with their second EP - Desolation - which once again features their stirring mix of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal. This time round there’s a more ferocious Hardcore Punk sound appearing compared to the band’s debut EP - Deconstruction. HEALER adapts the early Doom/Sludge melodies of TORCHE and forge this against the aggression of Mastodon and KYLESA. There’s some High On Fire fast-paced melodies appearing on the later stages of the record.


Desolation only lasts seventeen minutes across four tracks which allows HEALER to amplify their violent Doom-Pop sound to a more Progressive Metal audience. The vocals are clean and delivered superbly by dual vocalists Jibus and Hardno that offer Clean sounds and a tougher aggressive sound. The music is precise, focused and expertly melodic whilst moving into areas of Psychedelic textures which does lend itself to some Alt Rock, Grunge and Gloomy surroundings to fully develop on tracks Red Waves, Shadow Racer and Today Is Not The Day.


HEALER originates from France but they feel like they grew up within the Florida and Atlanta underground metal scenes as this record is highly influenced by those two amazing scenes. The lyrics are more inspired by the likes of KYLESA and BARONESS at the best of times which is no bad thing but HEALER do incorporate their own ideas into the mix for a highly emotional style of storytelling to appear within the hard hitting progressive Sludge Metal grooves fully take centre stage.


HEALER also use a lot of trippy sound effects, ambient themes and distorted vocals which all overlap into quite a gloomy and nightmarish experience at times mostly on the standout second track Shadow Racer. Though, all the tracks are great as each other. They all have their own merits with the shorter paced tracks being dominated by Hardcore Punk elements compared to the Sludge/Stoner Metal sounds of the longer based tracks.


Once again HEALER have turned to Jonathan Nuñez (TORCHE) to master this EP like he did with their debut EP and is perhaps one of the main reasons why HEALER sound like they come from the Florida underground Sludge/Stoner Metal scene. Though, HEALER excels creating music on their unflinching terms that left me wanting more. The EP is slightly short and I would have loved another track to push it over the twenty minutes mark. 


Overall, Desolation is a superb record that doesn’t FUCK AROUND with HEALER delivering intense fast-paced grooves that should allow them to make a name for themselves within the Heavy Rock scenes. This is one EP you don’t want to miss. As it’s got some outstanding sounds that you will be playing all day long!!!


Words by Steve Howe


Thanks to Vous Connaissez PR for the details.


Doomherre, Ordos, Hexjakt & Kaiser - Four Altars of Sin (Album Review)

Release Date: June 26th 2026. Record Label: Majestic Mountain Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Four Altars of Sin - Tracklisting

01 - Doomherre - Blood Relics of Old - 6:51

02 - Ordos - Inferno - 10:50

03 - Hexjakt - Svartkonst - 6:38

04 -  Kaiser - Sonic Satan - 11:14


Review


Majestic Mountain Records are releasing Four Altars Of Sin which is a compilation record featuring four of the most outstanding bands from the Scandinavian Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal underground scene. The four bands Doomherre, Ordos, Hexjakt and Kaiser offer one unreleased track each. All of the bands have featured on the blog multiple times so it’s good to hear them contributing for this superb release.


All of the tracks are what we expect from the bands involved with some subtle stripped back sounds being played to the listening audience. The album runs for thirty six minutes and I offer my thoughts here on each track below.


Doomherre’s track Blood Relics Of Old merges Old School Doom, Proto-Metal and Stoner Metal melodies with an underlying Occult Rock energy merging with an epic modern day psychedelic sound. The vocals tap into the classic heavy metal world with a great perspective that’s grounded at the same time. The music becomes quieter and restrained for the final moments with a classic Grunge element holding back the dark heavy forces of Doom and Stoner Metal with only small amounts appearing allowing Doomherre to close the song superbly well.


Ordos’s track Inferno is the second longest track running over ten minutes which gives the band plenty of time to create an unsettling Post-Doom and Gothic atmosphere. Shades of Type O Negative can be heard within the first few moments as they capture a bombastic and overblown style of Doom Metal which works to the band’s favour. As the music becomes heavier, weirder and moving into deeper progressive waters. Flashes of Seventies Rock is spliced with that modern Post-Doom narrative. 


Ordos do bring their well known HEAVY METAL persona into the mix as the music and vocals becomes a bit frenzied with flashes of sludgy guitars sealing the deal. This is another stunning track from Ordos who are in absolute blistering form with some fantastic instrumental passages being played through the track with all the hallmarks of a great underground band waiting to be discovered for the very first time.


Hexjakt’s track Svartkonst could have easily fitted on their 2025 debut album Blessing Of The Damned with the band exploring a heavier CAVEMAN DOOM sound compared to the other tracks on the album. Things start slowly with Hexjakt laying down the Sludge/Stoner Metal framework to pulverize listeners with. The violent FUZZ METAL riffs once again have a certain High On Fire aspect to them. 


However, Hexjakt once again embraced a heavier Doomed Out and Cosmic attitude into the mix. The song is played at an aggressive slow-to-mid pace where a sullen distorted energy once again is played with an almighty conviction. The song becomes more vibrant when Hexjakt lean heavily into their psychedelic influences which results in some of the best melodies and sludgy movements on the whole album.


Finally, it’s Kaiser’s turn to impress with the longest track on the album with Sonic Satan which continues the sonic journey laid out on their acclaimed 2025 album 2nd Sound. The AMPLIFIED sounds opens the song is reminiscent of the mighty SLEEP with areas of pure distortion that’s set against a dominant religious sermon and speech which hammers the message of this track quite close to the home of the underground. Though, we would just light a BONG and just journey into the next dimensional abyss with Kaiser laying on heavier Space Metal sounds to a highly explosive style of Fuzz, Sludge and Stoner Metal. 


The song just becomes a force of nature as Kaiser opens the door into some of the heaviest sounds we’ve heard from them. The vocals are quite GRUNGE based with a sublime Nineties flow rising upto the surface. With this being the longest track on the album, Kaiser plays around with different levels of Fuzz Rock that’s spliced with that monolithic Sludge Metal energy that becomes quite droned out, disjointed and broken down into brilliant individual soaring SONIC ROCK odysseys that leave you brilliantly refreshed.


Four Altars Of Sin is a surprisingly bleak and brilliantly heavy release featuring the very best music the Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal scene has to offer. Though, it also shows the amazing work that Majestic Mountain Records brings to the underground scene to this day and by releasing this great album everyone should be applauded for joining forces for such an outstanding compilation record that may rank as one of the very best ones that will be released this year.


Words by Steve Howe


Thanks to Viral Propaganda PR for the promo.


Four Altars Of Sin is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Majestic Mountain Records.


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