Doom/Prog/Punk project Caprahed (Phil Howlett of Lucifer's Fall, etc) to unleash new album Empire, a 30 min. single-track behemoth

Caprahed was formed in 2022 in Adelaide, Australia as an entirely solo project by Phil Howlett (Lucifer’s Fall, Solemn Ceremony, Zlórtcht, Rote Mare & Devils Victim (coming soon!)) as a vehicle for recording anything and everything a little bit different or strange that doesn’t fit in with the other more traditional projects mentioned.

The first self-released self-titled Caprahed came out in 2023 and was a mix of Doom, Punk and more alternative influences.

The second album and current release (January 2025) titled Empire is a single 30 minute track which could be described as a mix of Doom, Punk, Alternative and a kind of primitive Prog. The usual more traditional doom influences plus something like Sonic Youth, Voivod and maybe even King Gizzard.

The artwork for Empire is by long term collaborator Sean Wiskin. Caprahed the band is based entirely upon the coming of goatmen from a parallel universe who use a machine of six pillars and a crystal humanoid skull to generate a portal through to our world, the power being generated through the draining and enslavement of the collective mind of humanity. The debut album began the story and the second album focuses on humanity’s fight back against the EMPIRE.

Caprahed is a purely studio project with the only current long term intention being to release further material.

Caprahed - Empire

Album out January 20th, 2025
Self-released (CD, Digital)
Adelaide, Australia
FFO: Cathedral, Sonic Youth, Voivod, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Recorded by Phil Howlett
Artwork by Sean Wiskin

Caprahed is Phill Howlett

Tracklist:

Empire (30:26)

Four Song Version (Parts I-IV):
I. Phase IV (6:28)
II. Masters And Slaves (10:12)
III. The Rebellion (8:50)
IV. Until The End (5:11)

Links:

Bandcamp | Facebook

Thanks to Good Boy PR for all of the details.

Jon McGough Reviews His Favourite Album Of 2024 - GJENFERD: GJENFERD (Album Review)

Release Date: May 07th 2024. Record Label: Apollon Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

​Gjenferd - Track Listing:

1.High Octane 03:51

2.Starless 07:17

3.Burning Soil 04:43

4.Restless Nights 05:07

5.Beneath The Wave 04:03

6.All That Remain Is Haze 07:57

Review

​How does one go about choosing their album of the year? Do you whittle your list down at the last minute? Do you stress over the thought of picking between album number one vs album number two? Well not me, I usually know when I hear the album that it is something special. Last year it was DeWolff’s ‘Love, Death and In Between’, an album I found quite refreshing and original with its take on 70’s rock and soul. In 2022 my mind was blown away with the progressive rock classic from Birth, easily album of the year for me. In 2020 I heard the debut album from Kryptograf, without a doubt, top slot. Which leads me to my pick for this year.

I did the time jump and mentioned Kryptograf because there’s a connection to my pick for 2024. This year for me it is Gjenferd with their self-titled release. Upon first hearing this album I was very much suspicious of the singer sounding quite familiarly like the singer from Kryptograf. I even posted a blurb on Gjenferd’s Bandcamp that states “Imagine fellow Norwegians Kryptograf but with heavy keys.” Turns out my suspicions were valid; it is in fact Vegard Bachmann Strand on guitar and vocals. Joined by Jakob Saervoll on keys/vocals, Samuel Robson Gardner on bass, and Hans Uhre on drums, and what a glorious ‘noise’ they create! 

Gjenferd weave their magic through six rockin’ tracks of Hammond organ wizardry, thick guitars, endless groove, and vocal harmonies, all the while showing their outstanding musicianship and skill in songwriting. Blending prog, 70’s rock, and proto-metal with modern heavy psych and stoner-doom it’s a combination of sounds that Gjenferd has nailed, accomplishing something truly special. It’s a fresh take on what can be done, a step up from some of the ordinary sometimes staleness within the scene. Though the album may take inspiration from various outlets, it’s never recycled or uninspired, but rather a glowing beacon of originality. 

Gjenferd kicks things off with the rock anthem ‘High Octane’ which puts audio to the visual of the album cover, a careless free spirit riding the open road with unavoidable death breathing down your neck. It really has that feeling to it, and when the Hammond organ kicks in from the count off you are completely held hostage by it through the entirety of the song. Not that new music can’t have an organ in it, but with Gjenferd it brings a certain vintage aspect to the ensemble. The Stoner-Doom infused ‘Starless’ introduces the infatuating dual vocal harmonies that are flawlessly executed on this slower tempo track. In fact, the vocals are one of the stars of the album. Their weight is heavy, the gravity of them pulls you in and soon you’ll be singing ‘The city’s crumbling, oh can’t you see? The sky is starless, to me...’

Gjenferd blends proto-metal guitar riffs with classic rock styled melodies with ease. Just as ‘Starless’ did before, ‘Burning Soil’ is another track where the vocals take center stage. Feelings of despair and longing are delivered through a wistful chorus of emotions. Great songs create great albums, a simple concept in theory, though this group of Norwegians take such knowledge pushing it even further with their song-smithing and artistry. 

‘Restless Nights’ starts off in an Uncle Acid manner before shifting into a Moody Blues styled 70’s rock progression. Take note of the exceptionally fluid bass guitar, it’s constantly in motion and as the volume lowers on the verses, it becomes a real highlight and point of focus.

The track ‘Beneath the Wave’ sounds as such, with a heavy underwater effect on the vocals. Like a storm coming to fruition the song eerily builds adding layer by layer, instrument by instrument. The pinnacle point being a flurry of keys followed by a tempest of notes in the form of a raging guitar solo.

 The funkiest song on the album without a doubt is ‘All That Remain is Haze’, with the locked in groove between the bass and drums in a rhythmic union driving the course. Even as the song goes into a long winding bridge filled with keys and guitar, the rhythm section holds it all together. It all comes crashing back down to the captivating chorus, that, as you should know by now, Gjenferd are experts at.

Gjenferd fulfills what any album of the year should, a major re-playability factor, gratification to the listener, and ticking all the boxes of this guy’s personal tastes. 

Words by Jon McGough

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Outlaws Of The Sun - Top 70 Albums Of The Year For 2024

Here it is folks. My favourite Top 70 Albums Of The Year For 2024.

This was perhaps the hardest year for myself putting this list together as there's a joint Number One album which is a first for me. So technically speaking there's 71 albums that I've chosen. 

I want to thank you all for reading the blog on a daily basis and letting me air my views on releases within the world of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal.

Huge Thanks to Frazer Jones at Desert Psychlist for his never-ending support and words of encouragement. Matthew Thomas, Marty Harvey and Gizmo for having my back throughout the year.

Thanks to the awesome contributions from Håkan Nyman, Jon McGough and S Patrick Brooks for their superb reviews and contributions to the blog this year.

Honourable mentions and thanks to Edd JR Saylor, Todd Stealey, Steve Rodger, Mel Lie, Doomcakes, Doom Charts Crew, Stevie Reek, James Marshall and Bill Goodman for their support as well.

I must also give a shout out to the Bands, Labels and PR Reps who helped me be aware of albums or bands that I may have missed.

Check my list out for the best sounds I've heard all year.

1.Old Horn Tooth - Mourning Light

1.Sergeant Thunderhoof - The Ghost Of Badon Hill



2.Elephant Tree / Lowrider - The Long Forever

3.FU MANCHU - The Return Of Tomorrow



4.High On Fire - Cometh The Storm

5.Psychlona - Warped Vision



6.Slomosa - Tundra Rock



7.Orbiter - Distorted Folklore



8.Acid Mammoth - Supersonic Megafauna Collision



9.Orange Goblin - Science, Not Fiction

10.Anciients - Beyond The Reach Of The Sun



11.SUNDRIFTER - An Earlier Time

12.GRIN - Hush



13.1000Mods - Cheat Death



14.CLEEN - Excursion

15.UFOMAMMUT - Hidden



16.Brant Bjork Trio - Once Upon A Time In The Desert

17.Skraeckoedian - Vermillion Sky

18.Hashtronaut - No Return

19.Kalgon - Kalgon

20.Blue Heron - Everything Fades

21.Cranieum - Point Of No Return

22.Barbarian Hermit - Mean Sugar

23.EARTH SHIP - SOAR

24.DÖ - Unversum

25.Deserts Of Mars - Dead Planet Exodus

26.VOLUME - Joy Of Navigation (a trip through the eternal unknown)

27.Vessel - The Somnifer

28.10000 Years - All Quiet On The Final Frontier

29.Astral Kompaqt - Goldader

30.Abrams - Blue City

31.ZOLLE - Rosa

32.Troy The Band - Cataclysm

33.Clouds Taste Satanic - 79 A.E.

34.Low Flying Hawks - Makebelieve

35.Wormsand - You, The King

36.Spirit Mother - Trails

37.Foster Mother - Echo Manor



38.Caffiene - The Threshold

39.Valley Of The Sun - Qunitessence

40.Ape Vermin - Andromedas Colossus

41.Dust Lord - Teethcutter

42.ERRONAUT - The Space Inbetween

43.The Freak Folk Of Mangrovia - Tales Beyond The Firmament

44.Soft Sun - Daylight In The Dark

45.RIFFLORD - 39 Serpent Power

46.King Bastard - From Whence They Came

47.POHL - Mysteries

48.Lucifer Giant - Lucifer Giant

49.Red Mesa - Partial Distortions

50.Elk Witch - Azimuth

51.Slowenya - The Wild Inevitable



52.Vokonis - Transitions



53.Sonic Wolves - III



54.Mountain Of Misery - The Land



55.Goat Major - Ritual



56.Melvins - Tarantula Heart



57.HIJSS - Stuck On Common Ground

58.Tigers On Opium - Psychodrama

59.O Zorn! - Vermillion Haze

60.Mr. Bison - Echoes From The Universe



61.The Obsessed - Gilded Sorrow



62.Desert Suns - Edge Of The Sky



63.Various Artists - Deep Seven Vol 1



64.Atareth - Passage - The Welfare Sessions



65.Torso - Brain Cells

66.Star Beast - Star Beast

67.Sonolith - III

68.Temple Smoke - Monolithic Evolution

69.Borehead - Vita Est Morte Est Vita

70.The Black Flamingo - An-nûr

Greek Psychedelic Rockers NAXATRAS share first track off upcoming new album "V", out February 28th on Evening Star Records.

Greek psychedelic rock powerhouse NAXATRAS announce the release of their anticipated fifth studio album "V" on February 28th, and unveil the hypnotic cosmos-coveting new single "Spacekeeper" on all streaming platforms today.

Listen to new single "Spacekeeper" at this location 

Naxatras has spent over a decade forging a distinctive presence in the hard psych scene. With four critically acclaimed albums under their belt, they have evolved from a predominantly jam-oriented band into one that balances spontaneity with deliberate craftsmanship. This transformation is the natural result of years of touring, artistic exploration, and a steadfast commitment to their unique sound.​

In the band’s ever-present mindset of constant experimentation and evolution as a creative process, bits and pieces of ideas and patterns were brewing, waiting for the right time to surface. Now, those fragments have come to life, enriched by the band’s matured approach to songwriting. With a line-up that includes a keyboardist and an expanded percussion arsenal, Naxatras has embraced a multi-layered production, blending their analog warmth with a newfound clarity and complexity.

Their new album "V" represents a bold leap forward. The ingredients of the Naxatras sound have been multiplied and their influences broadened, incorporating not just the classic touchstones of 70s progressive rock but also world music and electronic elements, delivering songs that are both tightly constructed and daringly expansive.​ "V" balances the direct and the adventurous, taking listeners on a journey that is as grounded as it is cosmic. Exploring the saga of the world of Narahmon with the introduction of the Spacekeeper as a new chapter in their mythical lore, the album’s concept narrative reflects a band at the height of its creative powers, pushing boundaries while crafting music that resonates deeply.​

This is more than an album: it’s a defining moment for Naxatras. With their vast array of influences and years of expertise converging, "V" signals a new chapter, reaffirming their place as one of the most visionary acts in the progressive rock landscape.

NAXATRAS - New album "V" - Out February 28th on Evening Star Records (LP/CD/digital)

Bandcamp preorder | Shop preorder

TRACKLIST:

1. Celestial Gaze
2. Spacekeeper
3. Numenia
4. Utopian Structures
5. Breathing Fire
6. Legion
7. Sand Halo
8. The Citadel

Hailing from Greece, Naxatras has been a powerhouse in the world of modern psychedelic rock since their inception in 2012. With a signature sound steeped in the warm, vintage vibes of the '70s, their music weaves together groovy rhythms, dreamy melodies, thunderous riffs, and beautifully captivating guitar solos.

Naxatras recorded their self-titled debut album in 2015 at Magnetic Fidelity, with renowned engineer Jesus I. Agnew leading the process. Embracing a fully analog approach, the album was recorded, mixed, and mastered using analog equipment, with all tracks performed live in just one day. Naxatras quickly became a landmark release in the genre, earning widespread critical acclaim and cementing its place as one of the best-selling albums in its field. In 2016, Naxatras unveiled their second full-length album "II" alongside a new EP. The momentum continued in 2017 with the release of their single "All the Stars Collide Into a Single Ray" and the recording of their third full-length album, once again embracing fully analog, live recording techniques. "III" debuted in 2018, followed by a live album capturing their electrifying, sold-out performance at Athens' iconic venue Gagarin 205.

For their fourth album "IV" (2022), Naxatras expanded their sonic horizons by bringing multi-instrumentalist Pantelis Kargas on board to enrich their sound with keyboards and synthesizers. The artwork, a stunning creation by longtime collaborator and friend Chris RW, continues the artistic partnership that has visually defined all of their releases. The band has developed a reputation for high-energy live performances, combining elements of psychedelic/progressive rock, stoner, funk, jazz, electronic and eastern music with a trippy video wall to accomplish full stimulation of the senses. They have gone on numerous tours and performed in most European countries, including distinguished festivals such as Desertfest, Ozora and Dunajam and a tour in Australia.

Naxatras have always managed to maintain their independent DIY ethos while the production value of their albums, music videos and merchandise is consistently top-notch. Their highly original works exist in a universe of its own, both conceptually and aesthetically.

NAXATRAS is

John Delias - Guitar & Vocals
John Vagenas - Bass & Vocals
Kostas Charizanis - Drums & Percussion
Pantelis Kargas - Keyboards & Synthesizers

NAXATRAS links

Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram ⎜ Youtube ⎜ Spotify

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

Some Pills For Ayala - ...and we leave the planet? (Album Review)

Release Date: December 14th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

​.​.​and we leave the planet? - Track Listing:

1.YOU ARE DEAD 04:05

2.COUNTING CLOUDS 04:04

3.I AM RIGHT 04:33

4.THE PILOT KNOWS... AND WE LEAVE THE PLANET? 05:10

5.NO THIRD EYE 06:24

6.THIS IS WHERE WE STAND 03:47

7.BE AWAY 03:42

8.LAST ChANCE 06:34

Members

Néstor Ayala Cortés - Everything

Review

​..​.​and we leave the planet? is the new album from Some Pills For Ayala which is the solo project from Néstor Ayala Cortés better known for his work with the Chilean Doom/Fuzz/Stoner Metal band At Devil Dirt. Some Pills For Ayala have released a few other records before this one and I’m quite late to the party of enjoying Néstor’s great style of Fuzz, Grunge, Doom, Psych, Stoner, Drone and Acid Rock that he created for this project alone.

There’s a similar creative structure and sound to At Devil Dirt but with a more refined Drone Rock appetite which reminds me of early era QOTSA with the flirtatious blend of anthemic Stoner Rock that oozes 1990’s appeal and credibility. There’s a certain mainstream flare to Some Pills For Ayala which is quite radio friendly in places but Néstor adds that classic underground and seedy style of Fuzz, Doom and Space Rock musical surroundings which comes fully into play on tracks such as: You Are Dead, Counting Clouds and I Am Right. 

With a record called …and we leave the planet?, you would expect full on Space Rock explorations but to Néstor’s credit he keeps the mood moving along at a cracking pace where there’s a great sense of fun to be had especially with the vocals moving from areas of 1960’s Psychedelia right upto the modern day. The production values are quite LO-FI where the record is most definitely part of the underground DIY scene and I wouldn’t have this any other way. This gives the album a more dangerous quality where anything goes but still having a delicious and wicked sounding POP edge.

The standout tracks of the record have to be The Pilot Knows… And We Leave The Planet?, No Third Eye and Last Chance with Some Pills For Ayala perhaps aiming for a heavier and progressive sound whilst keeping in with the addictive blend of music heard on the previous tracks. Some Pills For Ayala becomes quite trippy and abstract with the subtle Acid Rock melodies that appear on the second half of the record. Néstor even finds the time to add an aggressive form of Doom Rock which brings a whole level of destructive FUZZ into the mix.

..​.​and we leave the planet? is quite a refreshing and highly original record where nothing as it seems with Néstor having a chameleon like quality to his entire performance throughout the whole album. I would call this record a tour-de-force performance from Nestor, as not only did he play everything on the record but he mastered, engineered, recorded and produced everything himself. Like he says on his BandCamp page for this album - “By the way, the whole album was made by a human being, there is no fucking AI in this work.”

AMEN to that and that’s even more reason to listen to this brilliantly entertaining album.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Desert Suns - Edge Of The Sky (Album Review)

Release Date: December 18th 2024. Record Label: Glory Or Death Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Edge Of The Sky - Track Listing:

1.Sweet Sorrow 06:17

2.Luck of the Draw 05:26

3.Real Eyes 06:46

4.Daisy Chain 05:42

5.Fata Morgana 07:34

Review

Edge Of The Sky is the new album from Doom/Stoner Rockers Desert Suns who play with a gloomy and fuzzy aesthetic to their music with sludgy surroundings. There’s influences from bands such as QOTSA, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden at times on this record which allows Desert Suns to have a more mature outlook to their music especially with the lyrics written for the album.

The record can be quite foreboding at times with a sudden shift to GLOOM & DOOM melodies and down-tuned  grooves with the opening track Sweet Sorrow allowing Desert Suns to move from one distorted realm to the next. The psychedelic passages are quite forceful with a stunning mix of instrumental solos and highly DOOMEDELIC movements allowing the vocals to have a classic style of Grunge movements to them.

Desert Suns continue with the winning Grunge/Doom/Stoner hybrid formula crafted within Sweet Sorrow for the remainder of the record with the Alice In Chains influence being the main dominant theme on tracks such as Luck Of The Draw, Real Eyes and Daisy Chain. However, the band remain quite content exploring a seedy and spectacular style of Fuzzed Up AMPLIFIER FEEDBACK sounds that matches the ferocious Psychedelic and Cosmic energy that builds upto heavy amounts of guitar reverb whilst still being part of the Doom/Stoner Rock scene.

Edge Of The Sky lasts for around thirty minutes and it’s quite a compact record but it’s perhaps the perfect length with Desert Suns providing a great style of classic sounds and modern day atmospherics especially on the later stages of the album. With 2024 finally drawing to a close, it’s always great when a band makes a late challenge for grabbing a place on those inevitable Album Of The Year lists and Desert Suns have just done that for me with this superbly entertaining album.

If you’re in the mood for a record that explores the 1990’s Grunge, Doom and Stoner Rock scenes but adding a refreshing modern Sludge Rock swagger then Desert Suns are the band for you. Edge Of The Sky is an absolute blast from start to finish and quite easily considered Album Of The Year material.

Words by Steve Howe

Edge Of The Sky is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Glory Or Death Records.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

DRUNKEN CROCODILES Sign with Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records and Announce First Single with Official Music Video!

The roar of the swamp is back! DRUNKEN CROCODILES, the Heavy Psych/Stoner/Sludge trio from Italy, are thrilled to announce their signing with Octopus Rising, a trademark of the renowned Argonauta Records, marking a new chapter in their fiery journey through the underground music scene.

Formed in 2012, the band carved their place in the heavy music landscape with two experimental EPs and relentless live performances. By 2016, their lineup stabilized, sharing stages with iconic acts and refining their unique sound. In 2019, their debut album, "OUT OF BARREL", hit the shelves under Too Loud Records, delivering 11 explosive tracks packed with raw energy and deep emotion, followed by a memorable Eastern European tour.

After a brief hiatus due to lineup changes and the pandemic, founding member Elia Borelli (vocals/bass) reignited the project in late 2021, joined by Federico Pardini (guitar) and Simone Silvestre (drums). Together, they crafted a new sound, blending the psychedelic allure of Stoner Psych with dynamic, analog-driven compositions.

The band's highly anticipated new album, "AEGONY", is set to release in Spring 2025 via Octopus Rising / Argonauta. Recorded during Summer 2024, these six new tracks redefine their sonic identity. The band embraced pure analog recording techniques—no reamping, no triggers, no pitch correction—to deliver an authentic, unpolished experience, staying true to their roots and rejecting the pressures of the Loudness War.

Fans won’t have to wait long to get a taste of the album. DRUNKEN CROCODILES have just dropped their first single and official music video, setting the tone for this new era:

DRUNKEN CROCODILES prepare to unleash their unrelenting sound, bringing their alcohol-fueled, hard-hitting style to new heights.

Stay Drunk, Stay Crocodiles!

INFO:

https://www.facebook.com/DrunkenCrocodiles
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.