Tuesday 30 March 2021

King Buffalo Announce Details Of New Album - THE BURDEN OF RESTLESSNESS - And Announce USA Tour



THE BURDEN OF RESTLESSNESS Preorders start THIS FRIDAY at 12pm EST.

King Buffalo is proud to announce the 1st of 3 Full-Length Records to be self-released on 4th June 20/21 throughout North America and see European issue via Stickman Records. Listen to the single 'Hebetation' via Metal Injection NOW!

Their most focused progressive offering to-date, “The Burden of Restlessness was written over the course of what most would consider a pretty stark and stressful time period. The end result is our darkest, most aggressive, and most intimate work to date. We are extremely proud of what this record became.” – Sean McVay

"The rhythmic complexity in TBOR is yet more new ground the band are claiming as their own. They do so with confidence and a creative depth of atmosphere that comes through in more than just the effects being used, and the urgency in their material is unmistakable." - The Obelisk“Since Covid stopped all touring, we’ve been hard at work and made the commitment to not waste the opportunity. We’re excited to share the first of three records of 2021, which has expanded our sound in a lot of different ways. We hope you enjoy it and we look forward to eventually playing these songs live.” – Scott Donaldson

PREORDERS

TBOR Test Presses - Available this Friday at 12pm EST. Limited to 30, hand numbered, and ship immediately! They include a download code, poly bag, a signed "thank you" from the band, a hand numbered insert, and an exclusive alt art poster.

TBOR Deluxe Edition - Limited to 300 units and pressed to 12" Black and Red Splatter Vinyl. The Deluxe Edition includes a hand numbered insert, polybag and a download code. They'll be shipped mid May.

TBOR Standard Edition - Limited to 700 units and pressed to 12" White and Oxblood Vinyl. They include a polybag and download code. They'll be shipped mid May.

TBOR Digipak CD - King Buffalo's 3rd Full-Length Record on CD. Orders will ship mid May.

The Burden of Restlessness will be released outside of North America on June 4th via Stickman Records. Preorder your copy NOW!

Tour Tickets


TICKETS ON SALE ON 4/2!

9/10 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
9/11 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
9/14 Los Angeles, CA @ Moroccan Lounge
9/15 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
9/17 Seattle, WA @ Barboza
9/18 Vancouver, BC @ Fox Cabaret
9/19 Portland, OR @ Lola’s Room
10/1 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
10/2 Hamden, CT @ Space Ballroom
10/15 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
11/5 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
11/6 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
11/11 Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Café
11/12 Detroit, MI @ Loving Touch
11/13 Indianapolis, IN @ HI-FI
11/14 St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
11/16 Madison, WI @ The Bur Oak
11/17 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
11/18 Milwaukee, WI @ Colectivo
11/19 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
11/20 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
1/22/22 Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground

Monday 29 March 2021

Jointhugger - Reaper Season (EP Review)


Release Date: 02nd April 2021. Record Label: Majestic Mountain Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Reaper Season - Tracklisting

Reaper Season

Review

Norwegian Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal collective Jointhugger made a mighty impression last year with their acclaimed debut album I Am No One. The release showed a band with a keen ear for aggression and melody in equal measure with influences ranging from the best known bands from the underground Doom/Stoner Metal scene such as SLEEP and YOB.

Jointhugger have returned with their new EP - Reaper Season - which consists of a singular 18 minute plus song that sees the band venture through many different elements of the Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal platform. The band have refined their aggression on this release and have taken a “YOB” based approach for this release with the song starting very slowly with lush psychedelic grooves dictating the action.

The band have a lot of ground to cover on this song and the mood turns into a more bombastic style of music with the atmosphere having a more modern sound and feel. The heavy drumming and guitars allow the vocals to slowly drift in and out with relevant ease. The Prog Rock/Metal tendencies of this release is quite different compared to Jointhugger’s debut album. This has a murkier style of Doom/Stoner Metal with an almost classical “Rock Opera” structure being heard on this release.

The song despite the impressive long running time is always constantly changing and on the move with many different parts to the song. Everything feels and sounds in the correct order with a soulful dynamic with flashes of classic Doom Rock/Metal to the more modern Stoner Metal flavours heard towards the later stages of the song.

Reaper Season has a more spaced out element that I didn’t initially expect but this allows Jointhugger to be more adventurous with the creative choices they made for this EP.

This EP is the first of two releases that Jointhugger have planned and going by the evidence on this EP alone then Jointhugger could be on the verge of bigger and greater things. Reaper Season is a wonderfully epic EP with Jointhugger releasing an even better release than last year’s debut album.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for the promo. Reaper Season will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Majestic Mountain Records from April 02nd 2021.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Saturday 27 March 2021

Los Disidentes Del Sucio Motel - Polaris (Album Review)


Release date: April 2nd 2021. Label: Klonosphere/Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Polaris – Tracklisting

1.:-:o-:
2.Blood-Planet Child 
3.Dark Matter
4.Blue Giant
5.The Plague
6.Alpha Ursae Minoris
7.Earthrise
8.The Key
9.Horizon
10.The Great Filte
r

Members

Nicolas Foucaud / Vocals and Guitars
Daniel Scherding / Vocals and Keyboards
Katia Jacob / Vocals, bass and Keyboards
Gregory Hiltenbrand / Drums and percussions
Romain Reichhart / Guitars 

Additional Musician: Rémi Gettliffe / Vocals, Keyboards and tambourine


Review

Polaris is the new album from French Stoner Rockers Los Disidentes Del Sucio Motel (LDDSM) and it’s their first album in 4.5 years since their acclaimed last album Human Collapse. This album sees LDDSM move away from their darker Sludge/Stoner Metal sound they played on their last two albums and play a more modern Progressive Psychedelic Rock sound that’s directly influenced by modern-day Baroness and flashes of Pink Floyd. It’s more cinematic and may take some time for long-time fans to get behind this new style of music found on the album. 

Polaris is a deeply rich and engrossing affair with a high amount of Psychedelic grooves behind it. The old “LDDSM” magic is still there but it’s been replaced by a “Post-Rock/Post-Metal” flavour.

The opening song :-:o-: offers nothing much. Just 13 seconds of abstract noises and beats before the album really starts with the excellent song – Blood Planet Child. It’s a flashy style of music with LDDSM operating a fast-paced Psychedelic Stoner Rock/Metal style with twinges of Experimental Rock you would associate with Baroness. The lyrics are superb with the excellent vocals allowing LDDSM starting to impress with their new found style of music.

Third song – Blue Giant – is pure Space Rock/Prog Rock riff-worship with the trippy Post-Rock elements settling down quite well and allowing LDDSM performing one of the standout songs on the record which does see the band play a song that could have easily came off their last two albums. The atmosphere does have a TOOL-esque quality to it before a modern “Metallic” aesthetic allows the band to play some interesting guitar solos towards the end of the song.

LDDSM run away with their strange and equally addictive hybrid style of Stoner Metal, Psych Rock, Prog Rock and Post-Rock. The band add different audio elements to their music which allows the more mellower moments have progressive themes and ideas behind them.

Standout songs include: Blue Giant, The Plague, Earthrise, The Key and Horizon.

LDDSM never make the same album twice and all their releases have been drastically different to each other and Polaris is vastly different to Human Collapse. Though, the band have made the right creative choices for this album. Polaris is a refreshingly bold and cinematic experience that maybe only LDDSM could pull off.

I will admit I still prefer Arcane and Human Collapse to this Polaris but I still believe this is another excellent and exciting release for LDDSM to add to their already impressive discography.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Viral Propaganda PR for the promo. Polaris will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Klonosphere and Ripple Music from April 2nd 2021.

Links:


Thursday 25 March 2021

Album Premiere of DRAKEN New Self Titled Album due out on Majestic Mountain Records


Majestic Mountain Records is psyched to announce the official release of Draken, the self-titled debut album from Norway’s most exciting and new prog rock power trio.

Formed in 2018 by Spidergawd/Orango bassist Hallvard Gaardløs and close friend Andre Drage, Draken is a rock band with an appetite for reinvention. Recently becoming a fully-fledged power triumvirate with the addition of jazz/progressive virtuoso, Even Hermansen of Bushman’s Revenge on guitar, the trio dig on the Metals and Hard Rocks of old, and in doing so channel the inspiration they unearth into something truly unique.

Recorded during the cold winter months with producer Vegard Liverød at Røffsound Studios on the northern outskirts of Oslo, the energy and synergy shared between the band shines through. One room, three musicians, every scrap of equipment and gear jammed tightly together. Spirited and raw in form, Draken is a testament to the very sessions and talents that spawned this intriguing collective. As Hallvard explains, “We were really excited and eager to prove ourselves. All three of us are very passionate about the music and very vocal about our opinions, so the heat was definitely on!”

Draken’s self-titled debut album will be released worldwide on 26th March 2021 through Majestic Mountain Records. Pre-order the album here.

Thanks to the good folks over at Majestic Mountain Records and Sheltered Life PR you can listen to the 
album in full with this cool premiere:

 

Members

Hallvard Gaardløs – Bass, Vocals
Even Hermansen – Guitar
Andre Drage – Drums

Tracklisting

1. Realm of Silence
2. Way Down Low 
3. Grand General
4. (We Walk In) Circles
5. The Master
6. Strange Love
7. Mountain in An Endless Ocean 

Socials

Draken on Facebook – facebook.com/drakentheband
Instagram – instagram.com/drakentheband
Twitter – twitter.com/drakentheband

Wednesday 24 March 2021

Album Premiere of 1782 - FROM THE GRAVEYARD


"From The Graveyard" is the second full length of the Occult Doom band "1782". In this album there is a leap in quality as the production is much better than the previous releases.Eight tracks and 43 minutes of pure dark Doom, with slow and powerful riffs, and heavy and massive drumming.

After the recording of "Doom Sessions Vol.2", the band immediately enters the studio and records the heaviest tracks they have done so far, and they have done it while maintaining that catchy state they have always had. Here too there are featurings, Nico Sechi on organ (Hammond in "1782" and "Celestial Voices" in the debut album) and Alfredo Carboni's Synth.

As in the eponymous debut album, the artwork was done by the mighty SSCVLT.
"From The Graveyard" was recorded, mixed and mastered in November 2020 by Alfredo Carboni at "RKS Studios" in Ossi, Sardinia (Italy).

You can hear FROM THE GRAVEYARD in all it's Occult/Doom/Stoner Metal glory below with this cool as hell premiere. Thanks to the cool folks over at Heavy Psych Sounds Records and Purple Sage PR.


From The Graveyard will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds Records from March 26th 2021.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Tuesday 23 March 2021

MAMMOTH STORM To Reissue Thunderous 2014- Doom Debut EP, Rites Of Ascension, On Vinyl!


Swedish doom metal juggernaut, MAMMOTH STORM, has announced to reissue their highly acclaimed debut EP, Rites Of Ascension, on Vinyl this April through Argonauta Records!

The band, who formed in 2012, burst into the heavy doom, sludge and metal world when they released their impressive, 2014- EP, Rites Of Ascension, which gained them not only high praise from both fans and critics alike, but also tour opportunities all over Europe with bands such as AHAB and many more. MAMMOTH STORM’s first full length album, Fornjot, was released by Napalm Records in 2015.

Four years later, the trio featuring bassist and vocalist Daniel Arvidsson (also in Draconian), drum and organ wizard Emil Ahlman as well as guitarist Christer Ström, returned to the scene pursuing heavy as hell riffs in the name of doom with the release of their critically acclaimed, second album Alruna in 2019 on Italy’s powerhouse label Argonauta Records.


Yet Rites Of Ascension marks the band’s most traded record jewel, and one of the best and heaviest underground doom tips to date. MAMMOTH STORM’s debut is a thunderous, lumbering beast of an EP; brutally heavy, slow and majestic, to the sound of riffs the size of mammoth storms.

Originally released as digital formats in 2014, doom fans all over the world have been frequently asking for a physical reissue. In cooperation with their label Argonauta Records, MAMMOTH STORM are proudly re-releasing Rites Of Ascension on Vinyl! Coming out on April 30, 2021, this highly collectable and limited, coloured LP edition is now available to pre-order at THIS LOCATION!

For More Info Visit:

Yawning Sons - Sky Island (Album Review)


Release date: March 26th 2021. Label: Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Sky Island – Tracklisting

1.Adrenaline Rush
2.Low in the Valley
3.Cigarette Footsteps
4.Passport Beyond the Tides
5.Shadows and Echoes
6.Digital Spirit
7.Gravity Underwater
8.Limitless Artifact

Members

Gary Arce — guitars
Marlon King — guitars/vocals
Nick Hannon — bass
Stevie B — drums
Kyle Hanson — drums
Blake — effects


'Sky Island' vocalists:

Marlon King on "Adrenaline Rush"
Dandy Brown on "Low in the Valley", "Gravity Underwater"
Mario Lalli on "Cigarette Footsteps"
Wendy Rae Fowler on "Shadows and Echoes"
Scott Reeder on "Digital Spirit"


Review

Yawning Sons is the collaborative project between Desert Rock Legends Yawning Man and UK Cinematic Prog Rockers – Sons Of Alpha Centauri. The band last released a full length album back in 2009 with Ceremony To The Sunset. Which remains a personal favourite album of mine to this very day.

The band return with their new album Sky Island and it’s an even better follow up with Yawning Sons releasing a more mature and focused offering. Yawning Sons have a range of fantastic guest vocalists on this album and it’s a who’s who of Desert and Stoner Rock with appearances by Dandy Brown, Scott Reeder, Wendy Rae Fowler and Scott Reeder.

Sky Island is a pleasing audio experience that embraces a darker style of Desert Rock that you would expect. The album has it’s fair share of upbeat progressive Desert/Stoner Rock grooves though the album impresses the most when Yawning Sons play a more daring style of music which they show in the excellent two opening songs – Adrenaline Rush and Low In The Valley.

Adrenaline Rush has a classic “Yawning Man” melodic guitars leading the charge with the almost “true-to-life” cinematic and post-rock backdrop allowing the band to focus as one complete unit. The lyrics are quite outlandish in places but you can’t stop help singing along to them. The progressive Desert Rock grooves are simply hypnotic.

Second song – Low In The Valley – sees Dandy Brown join the party and offer his own take on all things Desert/Stoner Rock. The vocals are quite earnest in places with the lyrics are almost too real but there’s a hidden beauty to it all especially when the Psychedelic moments appear. This builds up for one of the standout songs on the album.

Third song – Cigarette Footsteps – sees Mario Lalli join his fellow “Yawning Man” partner Gary Acre on this song and you know what to expect when Mario appears. A slightly laid-back performance that becomes ever more commanding as the 8 minute run time passes by. The music ventures between Psych Rock, Desert Rock and Post-Rock based vibes. Yawning Sons are fully in their creative stride with this song and the second half offers pure Desert Rock bliss.

Fourth song – Passport Beyond The Tides – is an instrumental song that sees Yawning Sons in more reflective mood but still manage to find the time to play some heavier music on the second half of the song.

The second half of the album continues with the Psychedelic blend of Cinematic Post Rock and Desert Rock with “Shadows And Echoes” and Digital Spirit being the main highlights. The vocals on both of these tracks are superb with Wendy Rae Fowler impressing the most on Shadows And Echoes.

Scott Reeder also excels on Digital Spirit that is perhaps the most far-out song on the album with it’s mixture of 60s Psych Rock and swirling Desert Rock trippy moments that will leave you in such a happy mood.

Sky Island is a wonderful album that offers something different, fresh and unique within the realms of Desert/Stoner Rock. The production is fantastic and with Ripple Music releasing this album, you expect to hear a top-notch release such as this.

Overall, Sky Island delivers on all fronts and Yawning Sons may have just released one of the most outstanding Desert Rock albums you’ll hear this year.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo. Sky Island will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music from March 26th 2021.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Monday 22 March 2021

Z-Cocoon - Dark (EP Review)


Release date: March 19th 2021. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Dark – Tracklisting

1.It's No Fun 03:49
2.Just Tell Me 04:52
3.Wasting My Time 03:12

Members

Instruments & Vocals: Marc Zolla


Review

Z-Cocoon is the solo project by Marc Zolla. A multi-instrumentalist from Montreal, Quebec who is quite a talented musician with a flair for creating riff-driven music. Especially if you dig genres such as Grunge, Hard Rock, Classic Rock and Stoner Rock.

Z-Cocoon new EP – Dark – feel influenced by Alice In Chains especially on the excellent opening song It’s No Fun. The track offers 3 minutes of classic sounding Alice In Chains ideas and riffs with a Stoner Rock drive appearing on certain stages of the song. Marc does show his appreciation for other areas of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. This all builds up to an adventurous and riff-driven style of music that has a lot going for it.

Second song – Just Tell Me – has an “Audioslave” quality to it with Marc’s vocals and some of the music that appears at the start. However, Marc switches things up a bit and plays some classic “Hard Rock” melodies and superb vocals for the standout song on the EP. The song is a mixture of Grunge, Psych Rock and Stoner Rock sounds and will impress fans who dig those genres of music.

Third song – Wasting My Time – is a more Blues Rock and Funk based offering with Marc switching creative gears yet again. It’s a very cool song but doesn’t have the blistering hard-rock energy of the previous songs but it’s good to see Marc offering something different and I did enjoy his vocals more on this track.

Overall, Dark is another hugely entertaining release from Z-Cocoon and I’ll be excited to hear what Marc has in store for us all on his next release.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

LMI / Vulturepeak Split Release (EP Review)


Release date: February 08th 2021. Label: Self Released. Format: DD 

LMI/Vulturepeak Split Release – Tracklisting

1.LMI - Blind to the Source 02:02
2.LMI - Deconstruct 02:27
3.LMI - Forcing the Tone 02:51
4.LMI - Karma Harness 02:42
5.LMI - Never Absolute 02:43
6.Vulturepeak - Youth End 02:56
7.Vulturepeak - Filth Servant 03:55
8.Vulturepeak - Glide & Swarm 04:37
9.Vulturepeak - Life Gathers 05:43


Review

This tasty split release comes from two Pennsylvania bands called L.M.I. and Vulturepeak. Both bands play a different style of Hardcore Punk/Metal to each other. L.M.I. play a more Hardcore/Stoner Metal variety with Vulturepeak playing a harsher and Blackened Style of music. 

This release allows both bands to offer a fast-paced style of music that is very raw-sounding and fits firmly with the aesthetics of Hardcore Punk.

L.M.I. have been featured on this blog before and they’ve moved away from their earlier Stoner Rock sound for a more brutal style of Sludge/Doom Metal. The songs they offer are aggressive and quite catchy in places and have a “Kvelertak” appeal to them especially on songs such as: Deconstruct, Forcing The Tone and Never Absolute.

Vulturepeak are a new band for myself and they surprised me with their bleak style of world-weary lyrics and even harsher grooves to match. The first two songs are your standard Hardcore/Blackened Sludge fare with the band playing a pissed-off and no-holds barred style of music. Though, the final two songs of their split Glide & Swarm and Life Gathers impressed me more.

As the songs are long and Vulturepeak have more time to play with and offer a more “Post-Metallic” vibe. The overall feel of the songs are way more engaging with pummelling Sludge grooves leaving myself wanting more.

This is a solid and well-produced release that gets the job done in highlighting two fantastic bands to Pennsylvania Hardcore Punk/Metal scene.

Words by Steve Howe

L.M.I. Links 

Facebook | BandCamp

Vulturepeak Links 

Facebook | BandCamp

Sunday 21 March 2021

Spliffripper - S/T (Album Review)

 

Release date: March 26th 2021. Label: Desert Records. Format: CD/DD

Spiiffripper – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Bongbreaker
2.Left is Law 
3.Vietbong
4.Chief Kief
5.Maui Waui
6.Funeral Bong
7.Jazz Cabbage

Members

Granddaddy Purple - Riffweaver/Exhaler
Sgt. Stoned - Doomstick
Smokey “Bōng” McBongwater - Primitive Skin Slapper

Review

Spliffripper describe themselves as an “anti-stoner reefer-enforcement squadron” and are here to tell Stoner Metal followers the dangers of Marijuana and the culture that grows from it. So with myself being a Stoner Metal blog, I’m willing to take my chances with this enforcement squadron and their self-titled debut album.

Spliffripper have hit upon a very novel and original idea for a Doom/Stoner Metal album with the band bringing a sly sense of humour to the album. The album is “anti-stoner” from start to finish but the beauty of this all is that the band have released a superb debut album that falls right into the hands of Stoner Metal fans who worship bands such as Bongzilla, Weedeater and Church Of Misery with the music having a slightly depressing overall feel compared to recent Stoner Metal bands.

Opening song – Bongbreaker – is a down-tempo affair spliced with “WEEDIAN” ideology and runs away with blazing grooves that BONGZILLA were known for back in the day. The chainsaw based vocals are easy to understand with the lyrics having a black comedic sense of humour to them. Though, it’s the music that’s the real standout here with Spliffripper playing classic WEEDIAN and Stoner Metal sounds merged with a murky Doom Metal atmosphere.

Second song – Left Is Law – opens with a Punk Rock mentality with fast-paced and lo-fi riffs having a rebellious nature to them. The band do bring a Church Of Misery influence into the mix on this song though obviously replacing tales of Serial Killers with Hipsters smoking Weed. The music is violently loud with an aggressive streak that Spliffripper never lose sight of on the album.

Third song – Vietbong – is quite a serious song despite the Stoner based song title with a vintage newsflash putting things into perspective before the band continue with their style of hard-hitting vocals and slow-paced grooves. The band even find the time to enjoy themselves more on this song with some flashy guitar solos being played on the song. Though, the album still retains it’s “serious” message despite the heavier sound appearing.

Spliffripper continues with their darkly comedic take on how the mighty WEED has influenced society over the last 60 years or so. The albums message maybe too “preachy” at times but I dig what Spliffripper are aiming for this album and they succeed in creating a unique and rebellious audio experience.

The band impress even further on songs such as: Chief Kief, Funeral Bong and the gloriously progressive final song – Jazz Cabbage.

Spliffripper have released a brilliantly entertaining and thought-provoking album that should allow the band to gain further exposure within the Doom/Stoner Metal community. This maybe the craziest and original debut albums we maybe hear all year. So be prepared for the “anti-stoner reefer-enforcement squadron” to enter your pitiful lives in a big way….

Words by Steve Howe

Spliffripper debut album will be available to buy on CD/DD via Desert Records from March 26th 2021.


Saturday 20 March 2021

Thunder Horse - Chosen One (Album Review)


Release date: March 12th 2021. Label: Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Chosen One – Tracklisting

1.Let Them Bleed 06:06
2.Among the Dead 05:53
3.Rise of the Heathens 05:26
4.Chosen One 05:35
5.Broken Dreams 06:07
6.Song for the Ferryman 07:13
7.Texas 03:31
8.Halfway to Hell 05:08
9.Remembrance 01:21
10.Dear Mr. Fantasy 04:15
11.Texas (Extended Version) 05:02

Review 

Chosen One is the 2nd full length album from San Antonio, Texas, Heavy Doom/Southern Rockers Thunder Horse. Coming almost 3 years after their acclaimed debut release, the band continue their Southern Rock/Metal journey but adding a more atmospheric and classic Doom Metal style to their overall sound. The album still retains it's Heavy Sludge and Stoner Metal outlook but Thunder Horse go a bit more theatrical with this release and it works wonders for them.

The album moves at an addictive and cracking pace which opens with the thunderous (pardon the pun) opening song - Let Them Bleed. The song most definitely "DOES IT DOOM" category with the slow creaking Occult guitar tones making a solid case why Thunder Horse feel a different band to their debut album. This song has an 80's Classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal mentality which is quite unashamedly retro in places. The DOOM METAL influences are full on METAL with epic vocals to match. The lyrics are gloomy with the music elevating them to a more modern day based flavour.

Thunder Horse experiment with strands of Psychedelic Rock and Prog Rock on this release which reminded myself of Black Sabbath and Mastodon in equal measure. The band stay true to their creative choices on this release and offer 11 songs of top-notch Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal grooves all bounded together by a real Southern Rock/Metal flavour. 

Thunder Horse impress the most on songs such as: Let Them Bleed, Among The Dead, Chosen One, Song For The Ferryman and a superb cover of Traffic's classic 1967 song - Dear Mr Fantasy.

Maybe the album is OVER THE TOP and FANTASTICAL in certain parts of the album that helps Thunder Horse deliver a wonderfully entertaining and deeply subversive album you wouldn't initially expect.

Chosen One is another must have and superbly produced album from Thunder Horse.  

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo. Chosen One is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl from Ripple Music.

Links: 

OfficialFacebook | BandCamp

Thursday 18 March 2021

Zac Crye Releases New Lyric Video For LOOK OUT ABOVE From His Forthcoming New Release.


Zac Crye is releasing his new EP - All The Same - on April 16th. You can watch the exclusive lyric video for the excellent new song Look Out Above.


The Lowdown about Zac Crye

This ain’t no obsession, this is possession of my soul.” A blatant warning from the track “Possession,” off of Zac Crye’s debut, 2013 ep, “Three Finger Lid”.

Now Zac is back, dropping his sophomore release on April 16th, "All The Same" - a five track stoner rock EP with psychedelic elements to accent. Solely composed and recorded by Zac, this recording is a full demonstration of his musical fortitude and songwriting prowess that takes you deep within the realm of Zac Crye! The album will be released on Bandcamp April 9th and all other platforms on April 16th.

Pre-order available here: https://zaccrye.bandcamp.com/album/all-the-same

In addition, Zac will be releasing a video for the title track "All The Same" on February 12th. The teaser clip can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ibc-Up2ucBA&feature=share

Zac adds - "I've been making songs this way in my home-studio for years, and this is the first time that I've taken the process into a legit studio. I had such a good time making the album, I'm already in the studio recording the follow-up EP."

Links


Thanks to Keith at Infecting Cells PR for all of the details.

An Interview With BRANT BJORK - Discussing his new band STONER

The Stoner Rock world was possibly excited when two of it's most legendary and iconic musicians Brant Bjork and Nick Olivieri announced in late 2020 they had formed a new band called STONER.

The pair last played together in the short-lived VISTA CHINO project. This time the guys are joined by Brant's regular drummer Ryan Güt for this project.

STONER will be making their debut live performance on Saturday 20th Match 2021 when they perform for the final Live In The Mojave Desert performance which has been happening over the last couple of months. With performances by the likes of Earthless and Nebula impressing fans already.

I caught up with Brant recently where we discussed the formations of STONER and the future plans for the band.

Hi Brant. Thanks for doing this interview. How you doing today.

Hello. I'm doing good. Doing really good. No problem. Always good to catch-up.

How did the band come together.

Nick called me up and wanted to jam. So we got together and we were having a blast and this felt right. It was cool all of us playing together. Felt like we were kids starting out again just playing for the fun of it without any outside pressure.


We all put our musical influences into this via original jam sessions. This feels like a mixture of Punk Rock, Metal, Blues Rock and Hard Rock. Some stuff we’re already known for and some stuff that will surprise and hopefully entertain people.


Why the name STONER and how you come up with it.


That’s all down to Nick. He just came up with the name saying let’s not complicate things let’s call the band STONER. And that was that.


DId you feel calling your band STONER was having a good laugh at yourselves or just calling what it is.


That’s exactly the reason. It’s what we think is STONER ROCK. When I was growing up a STONER was a person changing the rules and being rebellious. Doing your own thing and being different to the mainstream. KYUSS is considered Stoner Rock but I never originally considered ourselves as a Stoner Rock band. We were just young kids playing music that we wanted to play and hear. And I’ve luckily made a career and a living from playing music which I’m ultimately grateful for. 


What’s it like for you performing in a new band. As it’s been a long while since you performed drum duties for VISTA CHINO and performed with Nick as well.


It’s been nothing but fun and I’ve had a blast playing with Nick and my drummer Ryan Güt. I wanted to do something different and STONER allowed me the opportunity to do this. This project feels right for me especially during the pandemic. It feels good vibing new ideas off Nick who is one of my closest friends and I can’t wait to perform these new songs to a live audience. As I feel these songs deserve to be heard by a live audience.


Photo by Miroslav Peric

What can we expect to hear from your Live Performance on Saturday


Just 3 friends playing the music they love that they created in lockdown during this pandemic. Everything was put together at the last minute and I’m hoping our fans enjoy this new musical project we call STONER.


This is one of the most enjoyable bands I’ve been part of. As I’m playing with my friends and our public debut performance in a very unusual circumstance.


We’ve never done this kind of performance before and it’s so very new to us but we wanted to play music again and this is the next best possible way to folks to hear our music.


How did you become involved with this Live concert performance


This was all arranged at the last minute. We were asked do you want to do this live performance. We agreed but then were told “Well good but you needed to leave about 5 minutes ago.”


So it was very-paced and a bit of a blur in places but we got it all done.


We performed in the desert back in October 2020 and it was a good way to get our creative energy out that was built up during the pandemic. We played a cool set and it was good playing these new tunes in sort of a new setting for us all. It was also nice being part of an actual band again. As it’s also been that long for me being part of a band such as this. We hope our fans enjoy this performance and hopefully more shows that will be coming from us in the future.


There have been some fallouts and bad experiences since we’ve performed that set. That’s the music business for you. You perform something good with your close friends and then something bad happens. But l want the fans to view our live performance and the other bands involved. As they all played great sets. 


Sorry to hear you've had issues from being involved with this project or performance.


Yeah. It happens. We have this really cool band that we wanted to share with the world and then something negative appears for us to deal with. However, you move onto the next challenge and that's what we're doing. We continue to make music and hopefully our fans will enjoy this and come along for the ride.


What are the long term plans for STONER. Is this a one-off performance or a full time project.


This is a full time thing. We’ve got long term plans for STONER and the music that we create. We’re booking tour dates for 2022 onwards in Europe and possibly in the United States.


Those plans are in the hands of our booking agents but we’ve been told the pandemic should be under more control next year and more areas will be open up for live performances to happen.


Will that be festival dates or your own tours.


It’s a mixture of both. Mostly festival dates but we will be doing our own shows at small intimate venues. Though I don’t know the full schedule. As I said before, that's in the hands of our booking agents. Though, I’m looking forward to getting back to performing live.



What influenced you all when recording new music as STONER or originally jamming together.


People can expect a mixture of solid hard-rocking tunes with a bit of everything thrown in. Punk Rock, Hard Rock, Blues and Stoner Rock. It’s got that manic RAMONES raw energy with stuff you know what to expect from us all. It’s pure STONER RAWK…..


The pandemic has put a stop to our lives in some way but it’s probably harder for you being a musician and your job relies on you performing live.


It’s been both a blessing and a downside. Downside being that I’m not active that I normally am and I do miss performing.


However, I’ve spent amazing time with my family as I have two young boys who are 9 and 10 years old. I’ve gained some wonderful memories and experiences with my family that I probably wouldn’t have experienced if I was constantly on the road. 


STONER is working with Heavy Psych Sounds again. It’s cool Nick and yourself are continuing your excellent working relationship with Gabe. Was that an easy decision for you all to make and how did you hook-up with Heavy Psych Sounds.


I’ve extended my contract with Gabe at Heavy Psych recently. As it’s been a wonderful experience and Gabe is on the same page as myself both creatively speaking and music-wise. So it was an easy decision to make. It’s a funny story but Nick told me all about Heavy Psych Sounds. As they just released all the Mondo Generator reissues and I was impressed by the reissues and I asked Nick who did all this. Nick advised it’s a great guy called Gabe at Heavy Psych Sounds over in Italy.


I only knew then of Gabe being in Black Rainbows as they supported me once when I played an Italian date. I had no idea he started a record label. So it started from there and I’ve been blessed having my recent new albums released and some of my old albums being reissued on vinyl thanks to Gabe at Heavy Psych Sounds.


Have you been working on any new solo material during the pandemic.


Yeah. I have. I’ve been working on a number of different projects. One is a new solo record which I’m looking forward to releasing. I’ve also been working on a “Rock Opera” set around the Vietnam War which I’m pretty excited about. 


It’s your birthday this Friday. Happy birthday Brant. You got any exciting plans.


Thanks man, Really appreciate that. Just spending time with my family. All I can do at the moment which I’m always eternally grateful for.


I want to say thanks for your time. It’s always an honour talking to you and catching up with you. Looking forward to hearing STONER in all it’s STONER ROCK GLORY.


Thanks Steve. Thanks for interviewing me. Take care.


Words by Steve Howe and Brant Bjork


You can pre-order to view STONER - Live At Mojave Desert here.


Thanks to Mona at All Noir PR for arranging this interview. Thanks to Brant for taking the time out to talking to me.

Links

Tuesday 16 March 2021

ALASTOR (RidingEasy Records) share first single from triumphant forthcoming album 'Onwards and Downwards


Swedish rock band Alastor share the first single from their forthcoming album Onwards and Downwards today via Metal Injection. Hear and share "Death Cult" via Metal Injection. (Direct YouTube and Bandcamp.)

Excelsior! It’s the hail of yore that one should go ever onward and upward. And so, fittingly Onwards and Downwards is the occultist Swedish band Alastor’s clever call to arms… and also a reflection of our collective dark state of mind these days.

“If our last album Slave to the Grave were about death, this record is more about madness,” says guitarist Hampus Sandell. “You can look at the whole record as one person’s gradual slip into insanity. An ongoing nightmare without end. It also sums up the state of the world around us as this year has clearly shown.”

Alastor is heavy doom rock for the wicked and depraved. Drenched in heavy, distorted darkness and steeped in occult horror that will make your skin crawl and ears cry sweet tears of blood, the band is revitalized in 2021 with meticulously crafted songs and new drummer Jim Nordström bringing a hard-hitting and precise energy. 


“It’s a more focused record but at the same time it’s more personal and naked. More raw emotion and pain,” Hampus says. The band recorded the album with the help of Joona Hassinen of Studio Underjord, who has helped with mixing since their ”Blood on Satan’s Claw” EP in 2017. Christoffer Karlsson of The Dahmers also assisted with overdubs and encouraged the band to demo the material early on, aiding in the album’s more deliberate and tighter feel.

From the first note of opener “The Killer In My Skull” the guitars are far thicker and out front than ever, and Nordström pummels the snare and kick like a young Dave Grohl. Bassist/vocalist Robin Arnryd’s chorus-drenched voice soars above it all like a one-man choir, at times harmonizing beautifully with shimmering Hammond organ notes. Nary a moment is wasted on the droning navel-gazing of lesser bands. Particularly, the driving anthem “Death Cult” which sounds like it would fit comfortably on QOTSA’s Songs For The Deaf, though there’s considerably more heft here. The title track pays its due to the Devil’s tritone in a marvelously woven framework of intertwining melodies befitting the album’s theme of descent into madness.

The quartet released its epic 3-song debut album Black Magic in early 2017 via Twin Earth Records, followed by the 2-track “Blood On Satan’s Claw” EP on Halloween the same year. Joining forces with RidingEasy Records in 2018, Alastor summoned the 7-track hateful gospel Slave To The Grave, which was packed with dynamic twists and turns, and funereal girth. It was met with considerable praise, setting the stage for the band’s greatest step onward (and upward… or downward, depending on your preferences.)

Onwards and Downwards will be available on LP, CD and download on May 28th, 2021 via RidingEasy Records.

Artist: Alastor
Album: Onwards and Downwards
Label: RidingEasy Records
Release Date: May 28, 2021

01. The Killer In My Skull
02. Dead Things In Jars
03. Death Cult
04. Nightmare Trip
05. Pipsvängen
06. Onwards and Downwards
07. Lost and Never Found

On The Web:

Lazer Beam - S/T (Album Review)


Release date: April 09th 2021. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Lazer Beam – S/T – Tracklisting


1.Sink Or Swim
2.In The Moonlight
3.Don't Tell
4.Sno Burn
5.You Drive Me Crazy
6.Take Me Home
7.Damn The Reptiles
8.Silver
9.Adam & Eve


Members

Lucust French – All Instruments
Chris Hughes – Percussion


Review

Lazer Beam is the new project from Burn Thee Insects member – Lucust French – and it’s an off-beat version of Desert Rock, Grunge, Psychedelic Rock and Stoner Rock. This album sees Lucust French show his love for bands such as QOTSA, KYUSS and even Alternative Rock bands such as Arctic Monkeys.

The album is a weird offering of many different styles held in the Psychedelic Rock world with the lyrics having a more lyrical effect along with the music that allows the album to offer a more nomadic style of Psychedelic Stoner Rock.

Opening song – Sink Or Swim – is basically a twisted Pop song wrapped up in Punk/Grunge and Stoner riffs and Lazer Beam have a blast playing a twisted style of music that moves nicely between the distorted FUZZ and almost NOISE ROCK sensibilities. Though, the Stoner Rock aesthetics is what will impress you the most but the sweet-natured vocals from Lucust are quite soothing despite the rebellious lyrics.

Second song – in The Moonlight – opens with a more Speed Punk influence being heard first before Lazer Beam move into familiar Fuzz Rock/Doom-Pop grooves. The turbo-charged riffs has a certain early-QOTSA feel and you can hear a direct Josh Homme influence on this song. The lyrics and vocals especially and that’s a very cool thing to hear.

Third song – Don’t Tell – is a more grizzled Desert Rock number with the band growing ever more confident with their “hybrid” sound. The song is quite fast-paced with the different styles of music that remain here. The Psychedelic Poppy moments allow the band to play some cool guitars that have a certain “Grunge” feel to them.

The album contains 9 songs and each allow Lazer Beam to show a different style of Stoner Rock for the majority of the album. The album is quite rebellious which I’ve mentioned before but it also has a sweet-natured atmosphere and that’s down to the stunning vocal performance from Lucust and fantastic lyrics held on the album.

Other cool songs to check-out are: Sno-Burn, You Drive Me Crazy, Damn The Reptiles and Silver. These songs are the ones that I enjoyed the most as Lazer Beam feel more confident with themselves and play some of the heaviest and best sounds of the album right here.

Overall, this is a fantastic and wonderfully off-beat record that impresses with it’s wild and vivid ideas from start to finish.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for the promo. The album will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from April 09th 2021.


Monday 15 March 2021

OLDE - Pilgrimage (Album Review)


Release date: March 19th 2021. Label: Seeing Red Records / Sludgelord Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl 

Pilgrimage – Tracklisting

1.Pilgrimage
2.A New King
3.Medico Della Peste 
4.In Defiance
5.The Dead Hand
6.Depth Charge
7.Under Threatening Skies
8.Wastelands

Members

Greg Dawson & Chris Hughes | Guitars
Doug McLarty | Vocals
Ryan Aubin | Drums (and two fiery guitar solos)
Cory McCallum | Bass

Review

Pilgrimage is the new album from Canadian Heavy Sludge Rockers – OLDE – who come out all guns blazing on this release with a heavier and different release compared to their previous albums. Moving away from their earlier “Stoner Metal” sound and more further in to the land of Sludge Metal with the band balancing Progressive Doom/Sludge ideas that has slight “High On Fire” flavour. This allows OLDE plenty of opportunities to play “fast and loose” with the standard rules of Doom/Sludge Metal and rewrite them in their own aggressive style.

Opening song – Pilgrimage – first half of the song is a superbly played Psychedelic Instrumental track with a Post-Doom/Post-Sludge metallic atmosphere being created at first before Doug’s impressive vocals come in and fully take over. The music has pinpoint accuracy with it’s heavy sludge riffs with an early “High On Fire” edge being noticed between the different styles of music that OLDE employ here.

Second song – A New King – has a more “Crust” vibe with the gloomier aspects of OLDE shining through this early on with this song. OLDE are unforgiving with everything contained in this song. Lyrics and Vocals offer a bleak sense of the world with the pulsating riffs having a blackened approach to them. The song also offers moments of THRASH grooves with a not so subtle 80s sounding Psychedelic and Progressive Rock being heard as well. It shouldn’t really work but OLDE will keep listeners entertained and on-board with their adventurous blend of Doom/Sludge Metal. VOIVOD fans will be interested to know that Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain appears on this song.

Third song – Medico Della Peste – which translates as “Plague Doctor Mask” well according to Google and you would assume this would see OLDE go full on DOOM METAL. However, this song is perhaps the most catchiest and addictive song on the album with OLDE playing a modern blend of NOLA grooves splashed with a spice of Classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. 

Fourth song – In Defiance – is another track where OLDE fuse Psychedelic Metal with their own style of Doom/Sludge Metal for perhaps one of the best tracks on the album. The music is quite epic in places with a world-weary vocal performance from Doug with OLDE playing a more Progressive and Post-Metal style of music towards the later stages of the song.

OLDE continue to impress even more on songs: The Dead Hand and Under Threatening Skies. With perhaps some of the heaviest parts on the album on these two songs alone.

OLDE have delivered a superbly heavy and entertaining album that is without doubt their best album to date. The overall sound of the album is excellent with OLDE’s very own Greg Dawson producing, mixing, mastering and recording the entire thing. He does a first-rate job in making OLDE new album quite contemporary in places but still thoroughly modern as well.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Pilgrimage will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Seeing Red Records (USA) and Sludgelord Records (Europe) from March 19th 2021. 

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp