Lesbian - Hallucinogenesis (Album Review)

Release date: August 26th 2016. Label: Translation Loss Records. Format: CD/DD

Hallucinogenesis – Tracklisting

1.PYRAMIDAL EXISTINCTUALISM 08:56

2.LA BREA BOREALIS 14:31

3.KOSMOCERATOPS 10:41

4.AQUALIBRIUM 11:46

Band Members:

Arran McInnis

Dan LaRochelle

B.R.A.D. Mowen

Dorando Hodous

Benjamin Thomas-Kennedy

Review:

Lesbian are a band who have never been easy to categorize. With their latest album – Hallucinogenesis, their four albums into their musical journey and they’re just as crazy sounding we first heard on their debut album back in 2007. If you’re new to Lesbian’s world then be prepared for a heavy progressive journey that takes elements of Black Metal, Doom, Thrash, Psych, Stoner, Sludge and Progressive Metal.

Hallucinogenesishas a more structured feel compared to their previous albums. It’s still crazy and messed up as the other albums but at least the band follows some kind of strange psychedelic and nightmarish narrative. The album contains four epic tracks ranging from nine minutes to fourteen minutes in length.

Opening track – PYRAMIDAL EXISTINCTUALISM – is epic as they come and sees Lesbian create as many fucked up moments they possibly can. Fusing early-Mastodon and YOB style sounds with a more nightmarish delivery. Lesbian couldn’t have picked a more perfect song to open the album with. It gives you a real glimpse on what the album is about. Progressive Rock/Metal with vibe of almost every genre of metal thrown in just for the sake of it. The vocals are pitch-black to match the mood of the entire song. Lesbian do add clean harsh vocals though only for a short amount of time. The instrumental parts are a work of genius at times with highly complex rhythms being played at a fast pace.

Second track – LA BREA BOREALIS – see the band opt for a more experimental psychedelic feel with heavy riffs and distorted vocals being the main focus. The instrumental work is superb yet again with the band creating heavy progressive sludge based riffs. This is perhaps my fave song on the album as it shows you the many different identities of the band.

The final two tracks – KOSMOCERATOPS and AQUALIBRIUM – follow the same crazy route as the opening two tracks with AQUALIBRIUM being another standout track on the album. The final two songs perhaps contain the heaviest sounds on the album though the experimentation can be slightly tiring at times.

Hallucinogenesis may not be the easiest album that Lesbian has released but you can’t deny how powerfully exciting Hallucinogenesis actually is. Hallucinogenesis is perhaps one of the most stunning and complex extreme metal albums released this year.

Words by Steve Howe

Hallucinogenesis is available to buy on CD/DD now. Vinyl won't be available until November 2016 though you can pre-order it now through Translation Loss Records.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Old Blood - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: August 27th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Old Blood – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Wolves 05:49

2.Glowplug 07:44

3.Silk Road Rash 06:21

4.Taking Refuge with Strangers 07:00

5.Flesh 05:25

6.Some Songs Sound the Same 06:29

Band Members:

Feathers - Vocals

Diesel - Drums

Gunner - Guitar

Octopus - Bass

Stone – Keyboards

Review:

Old Blood’s music has been called a number of things recently. As the band blend Doom, Psych, Stoner with a creepy Psychedelic Acid effect. Their S/T debut album is one I’ve been looking forward to for the past few months. Now it’s finally here. Fans of Black Sabbath, Pentagram and Uncle Acid will find much to enjoy here. The band’s main strength has to be their lead vocalist – Feathers. As she can sure hold a note to give Old Blood such a soulful groove.

Opening track – Wolves – is a creepy occult based number with twinges of murky blues rock that firmly remains in the Psychedelic Doom world. The lyrics have quite a playful vibe as they match the sultry tones coming from Feathers. If you’re here for the riffs then Old Blood have that area covered. As the music contains a heavy amount of different styles with an acid-style Fuzz based quality.

Second track – Glowplug runs for an epic eight minutes as the band start to broaden their musical horizons. Classic Doom based noises are mixed with a more modern day Occult based sound. The band takes their time in creating a psychedelic Uncle Acid style atmosphere. Though they still create their own sound. Feathers vocals are a mixture of hollow earthly blues sounds and the heavier occult doom vibes when the band play a heavier kind of Doom/Stoner Metal..

The rest of the album follows the same path as the opening two tracks though Old Blood don’t rest on their laurels. As they change the tone and atmosphere of the album a few times on the remaining four tracks. Tracks such as Silk Road Rash, Flash and Some Songs Sound The Same show that the band showing a fine eye for detail especially with the lyrics. I can hear nods to classic novels spliced throughout the album. That could be just me looking far too much into things though the lyrics have a classic feel to them.

The music itself has such a wide appeal that fans of Classic Rock, Doom Metal, Stoner Rock, Psych Rock and Blues Rock will find themselves drawn to this album. It’s a dark, creepy and hugely enjoyable affair for an album that is killer and no filler. Old Blood have delivered a stunning debut album that will soon become a firm favourite within the Doom/Stoner Metal community. 

Do yourself a favour and buy a copy of this album on whatever format you can lay your hands on. Old Blood’s debut album is an essential album to own.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Twitter

Tour News - IRON WITCHxTHE BENDAL INTERLUDE CO-HEADLINE TOUR – OCT 2016

Here we have two of Liverpool’s metal heavyweights engaging on an aural onslaught across the UK’s finest underground venues. With both bands sporting highly anticipated new albums this is one you won’t want to miss out on.  

This will be the second outing of the year for The Bendal Interlude after a 2 week jaunt with sonic titans Conan in support of their album ‘Reign Of The Unblinking Eye’, an album that has been turning plenty of heads this year. 

For Iron Witch this will be their first real run of shows since the line-up change and with ‘A Harrowed Dawn’ being released on September 2nd. 

Both bands will be keen on showing the UK what Merseyside has to offer other than ket-wigs and Stevie G, lad… 

Sunday 2nd October - Bannerman’s, Edinburgh
Monday 3rd October - Trillian’s, Newcastle
Tuesday 4th October - Mulberry Tavern, Sheffield
Wednesday 5th October - The Unicorn, Camden (FREE SHOW)
Thursday 6th October - The Phoenix Club, Coventry. 

Iron Witch Links

Facebook | BandCamp

The Bendal Interlude Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Augustine Azul - Lombramorfose (Album Review)

Release date: August 16^th 2016. Label: More Fuzz Records. Format: CD/DD

Lombramorfose – Tracklisting

1.Amônia 06:10

2.Jurubeba 05:29

3.Cogumelo 04:45

4.Mamatica 04:41

5.Pixo 04:40

6.Intéra 04:14

Band Members:

João Yor

Jonathan Beltrão

Edgard Moreira

Review:

I applaud my pal Tanguy over at the excellent blog – More Fuzz, for starting his own record label, More Fuzz Records and signing Augustine Azul as his first signing. Augustine Azul are a Progressive Instrumental Space/Stoner Rock band from Brazil who I wasn't aware of before Tanguy sent me a promo to review.

Now I must say that these guys are not your usual instrumental Stoner Rock band. As they blend elements of Progressive Metal and Jazz into the mix and it gives their sound an almost classical feel. Especially with the delivery of the epic riffs contained throughout the album. Augustine Azul new album – Lombramorfose, won't appeal to everyone as it's quite a complex listen at times. Sure the album has it's fair share of Stoner/Desert riffs but it's the more heavier progressive vibes that some people may find hard to fully enjoy.

I applaud the band for doing something different. It's quite a different sound compared to other Instrumental Rock Bands coming from the South American Stoner Rock scene. The instrumental work is pure magic at times. The guitars have a trippy psychedelic feel that will leave you in a trance. It's good that Augustine Azul add elements of Psych, Blues and Fuzz Rock into their music.

The album is probably best viewed as one epic progressive piece as it doesn't feel or sound like your usual standard album. Progressive Rock based interludes are spliced within the album and it can be very tiring to hear at times. As you could be enjoying an epic Stoner based riff then the next moment, the band change their focus to a more progressive style of music. Most times it works but others the mood falls rather flat.

This only happens a few times as Augustine Azul soon return to winning ways with finely played Stoner/Psych based riffs. Overall, Lombramorfose is a damn good album that will appeal to the more open minded Stoner Rock fan rather than the casual one. Give this album a try as these guys are brilliant musicians and I can see why Tanguy signed them to his new label. Hopefully this will be the one of many to come from More Fuzz Records.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

ZQKMGDZ - Orbit Dualkraut (Album Review)

Release date: August 26th 2016. Label: Pink Tank Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

ORBIT DUALKRAUT – Tracklisting

1.Plasma Russian 05:30

2.Hypergiant 08:04

3.Monokraut Jupiter 11:24

4.Orbit Dualkraut 05:45

5.Ape Apocalypse Monkey Doom 14:29

Band Members:

Don Alfredo (Warpguitars & Roar)

Don Libido (Subwaves of Doom)

Don Fernando (Space Drums)

Review:

ZQKMGDZ or10.000 km² gegen die Zeit as they're officially called return with a new album. Their second album – Orbit Dualkraut, sees the band staying with Pink Tank Records who released their debut album. This album is a more experimental and heavier psychedelic affair compared to their debut. The sound has changed from their debut album with the mood being one of experimentation and a more laid-back style of riffs. That’s not to say the guys are slacking off as they’re not. Their focused and determined throughout the album.

The songs have a lo-fi sound as the album has quite a raw feel to it. The album feels that the band was going for a vintage seventies sound and for the most part they succeed. There’s a few moments where the production could have done with more work. Some parts feel rushed and others could have done with more volume being added to the mix. OK, apart from those minor complaints, this album is still a truly worthwhile album to have in your collection. The mixture of Stoner, Noise, Doom, Psych and Drone all heavily merged with an almost Garage Punk quality allows you to lose yourself in this spaced out ride. The instrumental work is impressive with the band showing a great ear for deep spaced out sounds that wouldn’t go amiss from an Ufomammut record.

The vocals are a mixture of clean vocals and heavy doom based growls that the band excels at. The five songs range from straight forward Doom/Stoner Metal to the more experimental Drone/Sludge Metal atmospherics. Especially on songs such as Hypergiant, Monokraut Jupiter and the superb final fifteen minute track – Ape Apocalypse Monkey Doom. Crazy title, I know but wait until you hear the song. It’s epic as they come as the band merge as many different sounds and noises they possibly can.

Fans of ZQKMGDZ debut album will find much to enjoy here. It’s a much better album as the band feels more comfortable with their music. If you’re new to the world of ZQKMGDZ then you may need to familiarize with their debut album first. As Orbit Dualkraut is a harder album to listen to and appreciate than their debut album. Though if you’re in the mood for something different then Orbit Dualkraut will entertain the hell out of you.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Jan at Pink Tank Records for the promo. Orbit Dualkraut is now available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Pink Tank Records now.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Iron Altar - S/T (EP Review)

Release date: August 22^nd 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Iron Altar – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Nothing 06:25

2.Followers 04:43

3.Rising Tide 04:27

4.Blood Rain 04:16

Band Members:

Andrew Callis - Vocals,

Daniel Drever - Guitar,

Simon Anger - Bass,

Lyle Brown - Drums

Review:

It's hard to believe that Iron Altar have only been going strong as a band for less than a year. Going by their debut EP, these guys could have a very bright future ahead of them. Their sound is not the easiest to categorize but it's sure hugely enjoyable to listen to. Iron Altar blend Thrash, Heavy Metal, Groove Metal and a ton of Stoner Metal attitude which is all held together by a certain Southern Metal charm.

Sure the music isn't the most original but Iron Altar's debut EP is loud, brash, heavy and packed full of great riffs. Iron Altar have a vicious approach to their music especially with Andrew's killer vocals. Opening track – Nothing – sees Iron Altar create a heavy Southern/Thrash/Stoner/NWOBHM kind of sound that will appeal to perhaps the more hardened Stoner/Heavy Metal fan. I can hear shades of Mastodon, COC, Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society running through Iron Altar's riffs and that's no bad thing.

The rest of the EP follows the same template as the opening track but Iron Altar do change the mood from time to time. Second track – Followers – is southern metal/thrash style number with the band playing at a fast pace. The drumming in particular is very impressive indeed. Heavy progressive beats make this one of the standout songs on the EP.

The production on the EP is first rate. For a debut release, this sounds superb from start to finish. The whole tone of the EP is loud and one that demands your attention. This is a band we all should be keeping an eye on as this could be the start of promising career for Iron Altar. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp |Twitter

Envoys - Bliss (Album Review)

Release date: May 3^rd 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Bliss – Tracklisting

1.Strange Attractor 03:16

2.The Hostage 05:59

3.Saboteurs 04:15

4.Bliss 04:46

5.N.A.B 05:43

6.Like a Son 01:52

7.5:1 04:29

8.Apologies 07:10

9.Reflections & Exits 08:28

Band Members:

Daniel Ogola - Bass

Mark Islam - Drums

Stephen Creek - Guitar / Vocals

Tom Allen - Guitar / Vocals

Review:

Envoys second album – Bliss sees the band go down a more progressive hardcore/post-metal route and it’s a decision that pays off instant rewards. As their music becomes more haunting and heartfelt as a result. Envoys still draw inspiration from Post-Rock/Post-Metal legends Pelican and Russian Circles but Bliss sees the band starting to create heavier noises of their own. Especially compared to their debut album.

I’m slightly out of the loop with the Post-Rock/Post-Metal world but I’m always grateful for bands such as Envoys for dragging me back in kicking and screaming. It’s a world I have fond memories thanks to bands such as Pelican, ISIS, Neurosis and Cult Of Luna that became my only choice of listening many years ago.

Bliss opens with Reflections & Exits as the band create a more refined and intense sound to their debut album. Layers of Ambient based Post-Rock sounds merged with the heavier and almost Sludge grooves that hide a cold distant psychedelic vibe. The vocals are handled rather well as they draw you with intelligent lyrics and pounding riffs to match.

The album continues its journey of progressive post rock/metal with elements of hardcore based sounds as Envoys experiment with their sound that should have die-hard Post-Rock/Post-Metal fans crying out for more riffs. Songs such as Strange Attractor, The Hostage, Bliss and the heartfelt Apologies show that Envoys have a fine ear for writing majestic post-rock sounds and the heavier pissed off Sludge/Post-Metal riffs. The vocals sometimes have too much of a raw edge at times but with it's the only odd moment and it shouldn't spoil your overall enjoyment of the album.

Bliss is a superb and quite adventurous album that takes a lot of risks with the set standard Post Rock/Post-Metal sounds that sometimes leaves you wanting more. I haven't listened to Envoys since I reviewed their last album back in 2013 but I won't be making that mistake again as Bliss makes you appreciate bands such as Envoys. If you invest your time with Envoys then I guarantee you may have just found a new Post-Rock/Post-Metal band to worship.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

NOMAD / MOWER UK Tour Details

Mancunian underground heroes Nomad have announced a UK tour for this September and are taking relative newcomers Mower with them.

Since forming in 2012, Mancunian sludge four­piece Nomad have shared stages with the likes o EyeHateGod, Conan and Bongripper. Metalheads in the north west of England are under no illusions as to the ferocity of their live shows.

Frontman Drian Nash is known for tempering his confrontational performances with a self­deprecating Manc sense of humour, firmly establishing Nomad at the heart of Manchester’s burgeoning stoner/doom scene. This tour will be an opportunity for riff­lovers from across the UK to see how Nomad have achieved their unrivalled reputation within such a competitive scene in England’s north west.

Their debut EP (released in 2014 by renowned underground label When Planets Collide) was followed by a split EP with Wort released by Red Valley Records the following year.

Nomad frontman Drian: ​"It’s always a blast playing with the Mower guys so this tour should have enough planet­sized riffs and carnage to be lasting us. We are sharing the stage with some of our favourite bands along the way; Elephant tree, Iron Swan and Kurokuma. Also Stoked to get to finish it all off with a huge party in our hometown. That’s if we don’t crash into a mountain in a big ball of fire blasting Toto and sipping cocktails.”

Relative newcomers Mower are a doom/noise trio from nearby Wigan whose debut EP “Meathead”, released at the start of this year, is already turning heads. As a live presence they'll be known by attendees of MammothFest, Tombstones all­dayer and RiffFest as a band not to miss on what will be their first gigs in a number of cities outside of Manchester.

Vocalist Jay says of the tour: “This will be our first tour, and what a way to pop the cherry, making this fine pilgrimage around the U.K, with Nomad! We're all buzzin' to go make some Mower­flavoured noise in other parts of the country. We also get to play some new venues with some other amazing bands, a proper privilege indeed. We shall be providing the White Russians and obscene sexual favours as thanks. Riffs await.”

With such a strong stoner/doom scene in Manchester, this tour will be an opportunity for riff­lovers from across the UK to see how this scene’s stalwarts have achieved their unrivalled reputation alongside with one of the area’s most exciting new prospects.

14th September ­The Unicorn ­ London (​Facebook Event Page)

15th September The Chameleon Arts Cafe Nottingham (​Facebook Event Page)  

16th September The Phoenix Coventry Facebook Event Page​)

17th September Mulberry Underground ­Sheffield (​Facebook Event Page​)

18th September Rebellion ­Manchester (​Facebook Event Page​) 

Tour promo video: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4F_sm0ElIM

Nomad Lnks

Facebook | BandCamp

Mower Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Beelzefuzz - The Righteous Bloom (Album Review)

Release date: August 15^th 2016. Label: Restricted Release/The Church Within. Format: CD/DD

The Righteous Bloom – Tracklisting

01 Nazriff

02 The Soulless

03 Hardluck Melody

04 Rat Poison Parfait

05 Eternal Waltz

06 Within Trance

07 Nebulous

08 The Righteous Bloom

09 Sanctum & Solace

10 Dying On The Vine

11 Peace Mind

Band Members:

Dana Ortt - Lead vocals/guitar

Darin McCloskey - drums

Greg Diener - Lead guitar/vocals

Bert Hall - Bass guitar

Review:

Greetings all,

I got to check out the new album from Maryland Doom rockers Beelzefuzz! On top of having a great moniker, the band has a great Fuzzy, Doomed out Rock sound. This is the bands 2nd album, and first since reforming a couple of years back. I am reminded more of 70's era rock in listening to these guys. The first image in my head was actually Dio era Sabbath. Although, I am an Ozzy guy, the sound is great. There is even a bit of NWOBHM in the dual guitar attack that pops up from time to time. But you can't deny the obvious Doom influence these guys hold. Seeing as to how they are from the same general stomping grounds as Doom titans Pentagram and the mighty Wino.

Every song is solid, and the album as a whole is a great listening experience. Along with the great guitar work, there are bits of organ and background singers that wreak of the 70's vibe. If I had one minor complaint, it is that the production on this record is almost too clean, the music tends to drop kind of low in the mix. I tend to like my guitars loud and sound raw, but this is one man's opinion and is in no way, shape, or form a knock against this fine piece of music. Beelzefuzz is technical tight and it definitely shows on this record. But I think the centerpiece of the record is the vocals. The singer wails and croons like Dio in his prime, conjuring tales of doomy redemption. Worth the price of admission alone.

The record itself is a journey worth taking, beginning to end. Although. if you are looking for stand out tracks. The second track, The Soulless, is a rocking piece of music, and a great driving song. The song Nebulous, is a bit of off tempo metal thump, and Dying on the Vine leads into a strong close.

If you dig Pentagram, Dio, The Sword, or the like you will dig Beelzefuzz. Check 'em out. You will dig them and the Righteous Bloom is a Rockin Blast worth repeated spins!

Words by Todd Stealey

Thanks to Paula at Abstract Distribution and Jan at Sure Shot Worx for the promos. The Righteous Bloom is available to buy from Restricted Release and The Church Within on CD/DD now.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Los Disidentes Del Sucio Motel - Human Collapse (Album Review)

Release date: September 09th 2016. Label: Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Human Collapse – Tracklisting

1.7PM Choice

2.Decision

3.Departure

4.Trip

5.Border

6.Community

7.Downfall

8.Rebirth

9.Determination

10.5PM Arrival

Band Members:

Nico - Guitar & Vocals

Julien - Bass & Vocals

Romain - Guitar

Greg - Drums

Dany - Keyboard & Vocals

Review:

Los Disidentes Del Sucio Motel (LDDSM) return after a three year break with a new album – Human Collapse. Their last album Arcane became a favourite of mine when it was released back in 2013. It was a darker and heavier offering compared to their debut album, Soundtrack From The Motion Picture.

LLDSM are now signed to Ripple Music and Human Collapse is their debut release for Ripple Music. It’s not the only thing that has changed. LDDSM have changed their style of music yet again. Whilst their first album was more of a Desert/Stoner Rock album. Their second album was more of a Progressive Doom/Stoner Metal album. Human Collapse sees the band venture into more Progressive Sludge/Post-Metal territory and is perhaps the heaviest release Ripple Music have released to date.

LDDSM carry on the darker tones of Arcane but this time they opt for a heavier sludge style of riffs for Human Collapse. The opening three tracks – 7pm Choice, Decision and Departure sees LDDSM create heavy doom/sludge riffs merged with a darker psychedelic stoner metal vibe. The vocals and guitars are eeringly familiar from Arcane but these songs have a more depressing feel.

It’s took me multiple listens to fully appreciate this album. It’s a daring and quite brave record for the band to release. It has more than enough subtle Doom/Stoner riffs to keep long-time fans of the band wholly satisfied though newer fans will need more convincing. The lyrical content is very dark compared to past releases. The album leaves you with a depressing after thought especially on songs such as Border, Community, Downfall and the majestic 5pm Arrival.

LDDSM have crafted a deeply challenging album that you would expect from their sludge/post-metal contemporaries. Human Collapse is an album written around the concept of Humanity destroying the planet once and for all. Remember, LDDSM’s last album, seen the band battling the Occult and other things that go bump in the night. This is definitely a stark contrast between both albums. LDDSM don’t abandon their trademark sound altogether as Human Collapse album has many familiar moments that made Arcane such a great album to listen to.

Human Collapse is LDDSM’s most daring work to date. It’s a challenging album to listen to at times but that’s perhaps the bands original vision. To release something different that came before it. The production is first-rate and it sounds intense from the start.

Ripple Music perhaps deserve the biggest praise for releasing this album. As long-time fans of the label may think they’re taking a risk releasing something heavy as this. Time will tell but I applaud their decision. Human Collapse shows that Ripple Music have the balls to release something brutally heavy compared to their usual releases.

Though this is LDDSM’s show and they excel on every level with Human Collapse. I still prefer Arcane but Human Collapse is another stunning and wonderful record from this hugely talented band.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage for the promo. Human Collapse will be available to buy via Ripple Music from September 09^th 2016 on CD/DD/Vinyl.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Indivia - Horta (Album Review)

Release date: September 26^th 2016. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Horta – Tracklisting

Dharma

The Green Planet

Hyperion

Shogun

Cio' Che Tradisce

Re-Growth

Band Members:

Andrea Missagia - Guitar

Nathalie Antonello - Drums

Diego Loreggian - Bass

Review:

Indivia are newly signed to Argonauta Records. One of my fave record labels who have been on a roll recently signing great artists to their impressive roster. Indivia are no different as their album is another winning entry from Argonauta Records. So what can you expect from Indivia. Well the band were a new entity to me as I hadn’t heard of them before.

Their new album, Horta is their second full length album but acts as the perfect introduction to Indivia’s groove laiden Doom/Stoner riffs. Reviewing instrumental albums can be a very hard thing to do at times but Indivia’s music make this so easy as they’ve released an exciting and different kind of instrumental doom/stoner metal album. It’s a heavy and almost gloomy affair from the start.

Opening track Dharma runs for less than three minutes but Indivia show you what they can do despite the short running time. Heavy moments of distorted instrumental Doom/Stoner Metal riffs merged with murky psychedelics are the main key. It has the right balance of slow paced moments and angrier faster riffage.

Second track The Green Planet sees Indivia bring heavy thunderous riffs to forefront of the action. As the band create a bass heavy affair to build their epic riffs upon. Fans of SardoniS will find much to enjoy here but Indivia offer perhaps a more well rounded experience. The song is a mixture of sombre Stoner Riffs but matched with a more gloomy doom metal vibe. The soundclip that appears towards the end of the song is a very cool touch that moves Indivia’s music into the realm of Space Rock.

Third track Hyperion opens with a drone based sludgy riff before the band add layers of Doom/Stoner riffs played at a very slow pace. The drums slowly come in as the song becomes more faster before the normal sounds of long drawn out riffs appear. Indivia take their time with this song though the mood can be very sloppy at times. Though that’s not to say it’s a bad song. In fact, it’s a very good song. I felt that the heavier moments didn’t flow smoothly as they should. It can leave you feeling disorientated at times.

The final three songs on the album offer more straight-forward Doom/Stoner Metal riffs with Indivia creating even louder psych based noises especially on tracks such as Shogun and the final track, Re-Growth. Horta is expertly produced as the album sounds superb. The mood of the album is loud and crisp throughout. Indivia expand on their sound with each individual song almost to the point that the songs sound vastly different to each other.

Horta is a dark, loud and exciting album to listen to especially if you’re a fan of Instrumental Doom/Stoner Metal. This album is only being released on CD and Digital Download which is a crying shame. As this album deserves a vinyl release to fully experience it’s dark and twisted vision. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Barbara at NeeCee Agency for the promo. Horta will l be available to buy via Argonauta Records from September 26^th 2016 on CD/DD.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Fuzz Evil - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: September 30^th 2016. Label: Battleground Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Fuzz Evil – S/T – Tracklisting

Good Medicine

My Fuzz

Killing The Sun

Bring Them Through

Odin Has Fallen

Black Dread

Band Members:

Wayne Rudell – Vocals/Guitar

Joseph Rudell – Bass Guitar

Daniel Graves – Drums

Arthur Seay (House Of Broken Promises/Unida) – Lead Guitar on ‘Good Medicine’

Marlin Tuttle – Drums

Brian Gold – Keys

Review:

Fuzz Evil’s self-titled album is one that merges vintage Stoner Rock with a more modern Fuzz Rock attitude to match. The band comprising members of Powered Wig Machine so you can’t question the pedigree of the band members as they know how to write a mean riff with great lyrics to match. Nor are they Powered Wig Machine II. As Fuzz Evil are a very different band to Powered Wig Machine.

Opening track – Good Medicine – sees Fuzz Evil play Heavy Psych based Stoner with elements of Fuzz being added. The band capture the vibe of classic Stadium/Hard Rock with the vocals and lyrics firmly rooted in more modern surroundings. Fuzz Evil is here to give you a good time and it’s an infectious groove that keeps you entertained to the very end.

Second track – My Fuzz – is one of the albums heaviest offerings with the band leaning towards a more Doom Rock/Metal atmosphere but the Fuzz remains strong with this song. The instrumental work is superb yet again with lead vocalist Wayne excelling and showing his passion for the legendary stoner rock vocalists down the years. The music may sound simplistic at times but you need to listen further as these guys include a lot of different ideas into their music. Especially when the trademark guitar solos appear.

Third track – Killing The Sun – has a certain QOTSA feel. Fast-paced guitars and intense drumming that make this another winning track from the Fuzz Evil crew. The vibe does become very trippy and psychedelic towards the end.

The other three songs on the album – Bring Them Through, Odin Has Fallen and Black Dread – sees Fuzz Evil only expand their Fuzz/Stoner sound with heavier riffs being the main order of business. Odin Has Fallen and Black Dread are the two standout songs that not only demands your full attention but ones that will have you rocking out in agreement. Black Dread contains perhaps the heaviest riffs on the album as Fuzz Evil go all out with heavy psychedelic riffs.

I only have one issue with the album and that is the run-time. It’s too short. The album only runs for thirty minutes which is a shame as it could have easily included a couple of more songs to make the album last longer. If you miss the classic early days of QOTSA then Fuzz Evil’s debut album is the album for you. As Fuzz Evil manage to create a great identity of their own where the music is loud, powerful and brimming with cool ideas. Yeah, Fuzz Evil has delivered on all counts. Miss this and miss out.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Richard at Sheltered Life PR for the promo. Fuzz Evil self-titled album will be available to buy via Battleground Records from September 30^th 2016 on CD/DD/Vinyl.

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