SWAMP COFFIN ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM 'DROWNING GLORY’ - RELEASED 27th SEPTEMBER (APF RECORDS) / SHARE VIDEO FOR ‘KNOW YOU’RE WORTHLESS'

On 29th September 2021, the day before the launch of debut full-length Noose Almighty, Swamp Coffin bass player Martyn White attempted to take his own life. Following his treatment and recovery, shortly before the album's release in November that year, Martyn's father and vocalist/guitarist Jon Rhodes' mother-in-law both passed away within hours of each other.

This is the backdrop to which Swamp Coffin started to write their heaviest, most powerful songs yet. Now the band are back with their crushing new album, ‘Drowning Glory’. The writing process was triggered by one conversation - "this band is f*cking cursed".

The songs on Noose Almighty and 2019 EP Flatcap Bastard Features were motivated by the tragic death of vocalist/guitarist Jon Rhodes' brother in law in 2017, on the day their first demo was to be recorded, and the house fire 9 months later that left him and his family homeless.

The topics those records covered, mens’ mental health, grief and disenchantment, are built on and explored further than ever before on ‘Drowning Glory’, the lyrical content as honest and uncompromising as the riffs they're set to. Jon explains,

"It feels like a relief to be getting Drowning Glory out in to the world. This album finally puts to bed a lot of the grief and trauma that has hung over this band since it's inception. The fact we've done it with the best songs we've ever written is the icing on the cake.

It took a year from the release of Noose Almighty for us to even think about writing more music. The anger that fuelled both that album and the Flatcap EP just wasn't there, everything that happened in late 2021 just left me numb to the idea of writing songs. Taking some time off really allowed my feelings to stew and when the motivation was finally there, all that pain I'd suppressed came flooding out. Memories of events from the last eight years, that I thought I'd come to terms with, all suddenly resurfaced and I think that's evident in how relentlessly heavy these new songs are.”

The riffs are bigger, the grooves heavier and lean further in to their death metal and hardcore influences. This is a band baring their souls in a way only they know how - fuzz, volume and screaming, as demonstrated with first single ‘Know You’re Worthless’. Jon adds,

"Know You're Worthless came together fairly early in the writing process but we knew straight away it had to be the album opener. Six minutes of filth, chugs and pinch harmonics. Lyrically it revolves around the question of when some people say "Know your worth" are they really saying "Know your place". The government, your job, abusive family or partners, anyone who might want to hold you down for their own gain. This song is basically telling those people to get f*cked."

Watch the video now: https://youtu.be/Dp60kH-EPq4

In the nearly three years since the release of Noose Almighty Swamp Coffin have gone from strength to strength. By bringing their downtuned sludge misery to stages across the country, the Rotherham sludge trio have recruited members to their Bastard Club along the way, opening for the likes of Obituary, Crowbar, Conan and Bongzilla and laying seige to Bloodstock, Doomlines and Reality Unfolds.

Now the architects of The World's Slowest Wall Of Death have returned with seven slabs of uncompromising, emotional metal.

‘Drowning Glory’ is released on 27th September via APF Records. Pre-order the album now – https://www.apfrecords.co.uk/albums/drowning-glory

Swamp Coffin live dates w/ A Horse Called War:

12th September - Rotherham, The Bridge Inn/The Hive
13th September - Leicester, The Metal Monocle
14th September - London, The Dev
21st September - Birmingham, Dead Wax Digbeth

Links

https://www.apfrecords.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/swampcoffinband
https://www.facebook.com/apfrecords

Thanks to For The Lost PR for all of the info.

Deville - 20 YEARS (Album Review)

Release Date: August 09th 2024. Record Label: Sixteentimes Music. Formats: DD/Cassette

20 YEARS: Tracklisting

1.Dust 

2.The Hand That Feeds

3.Lava

4.What Remains

5.Serpent Days

6.Deserter

7.Pigs With Gods

8.Gold Sealed Tomp

9.Wrecked

10.Rise Above

Review

Swedish Psych Stoner Metal legends DEVILLE celebrate their 20th Anniversary in epic style with their new album 20 YEARS. The band have gone through their hugely impressive back catalogue where they’ve picked their most famous tracks or the “HITS” shall we say and included two new tracks. A track called DUST and a cover of NIN classic The Hand That Feeds.

DUST is the track that opens this excellent greatest hits package with and DEVILLE bring a fresh perspective to their trademark Fuzz/Doom/Stoner Metal grooves with a slight GRUNGE and PSYCHEDELIC aspect appearing. There’s a sublime Alt Rock atmosphere that allows the fast-paced and sludgy guitars build up a dynamic rhythm which is quite anthemic and hook orientated. The vocals are solid throughout with perhaps a Commercial Hard Rock appeal being added which DEVILLE are quite adept at providing.

The second track is the stirring cover of The Hand That Feeds. It would have been cool to see DEVILLE choose a heavier, darker and despairing offering from NIN but The Hand That Feeds is perhaps the perfect track that falls in with the overall journey of 20 YEARS. The cover is more muscular, aggressive and fast-paced with a kinetic Post-Punk energy compared to the original. Not wholly different but allows DEVILLE to deliver their own superb sounding cover.

The rest of the album sees DEVILLE selecting a mean collection of choice cuts that shows the band have been releasing a string of superbly written and hard-hitting anthems such as Lava, What Remains and Serpent Days. Each track shows a snapshot of what the Swedish Psych/Fuzz/Desert Rock/Stoner Metal scene sounded like at that specific moment in time. As you have moments inspired by KYUSS, FU MANCHU and Monster Magnet but with that Swedish Stoner Metal grit and vibrant Psychedelic energy which can be quite DOOM based.

Other standout tracks include: Deserter, Play With Gods, Wrecked and Rise Above. 

DEVILLE undoubtedly had a challenging time on what tracks to include from their extensive discography and they could have included other tracks for their great albums. However, this doesn’t stop 20 YEARS being a perfect representation of what DEVILLE have become today compared to their early years and that’s one of the legendary bands to emerge from the Swedish Stoner Metal scene.

20 YEARS could act as the perfect gateway into the world of DEVILLE for the casual fan and still act as a wonderful record for their dedicated fan base to add to their record collections.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to The Metallist PR for the promo.

20 YEARS will be available to buy on DD/Cassette via Sixteentimes Music from Friday August 09th 2024.

Links

http://www.deville.nu
http://www.facebook.com/devilleband
http://www.youtube.com/devilleband
http://www.instagram.com/devilleband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/29xpUzbL2gwBW0VuHU26G8?si=wrQaMyq1SJyzro50Li6INQ

Italian Stoner Rockers BOZOO Sign to Argonauta Records; New Single Out Now

Italian Stoner Grunge Rockers BOZOO have inked a deal with Argonauta Records for their self-titled debut, to be released in Autumn.

Today the band release their new single "Skizzen" which you can listen to below:

Founded in 2019, Bozoo is an Italian stoner band that represents the intersection of the musical minds of Marco Benedetti, Francesco Bardelli, and Alessandro Lucarini, determined to carve out their space in the music scene. Over the years, the group has defined its characteristics with the goal of creating uncompromising music, drawing inspiration from the genre's roots.

Bozoo's music is a fusion of influences, where classic stoner seamlessly blends with acid grunge and alternative rock, giving life to a harmonious exploration and a sound that reflects the raw and authentic essence of the movement. Heavy riffs, sharp bass lines, and powerful drums form the foundation of a sonic experience that unfolds without frills. Bozoo's live performances are characterized by evident energy. On stage, the group fully immerses itself in its music, conveying an authenticity that resonates with the audience. There's no room for artifice or embellishments—only the music and the pure essence of the live performance.

Their previous EP, "Three Heads," is representative of the band's initial studio production phase. Each track has been meticulously crafted to capture the dreamlike essence of the group, providing a direct dive into the heart of their creativity. The new album, self-titled "Bozoo," breaks away from the dreamy concept of the first, offering a unique and powerful experience.

The band aims to pull the listener into a sharp and unforgettable sonic journey, where the strength of the riffs blends with the ruthlessness of emotions. With roots firmly planted in the sound culture, Bozoo is ready to assert its presence on both national and international levels. Listening to Bozoo is an authentic and unapologetic experience, a total immersion into the true essence of stoner rock.

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/bozooband
https://bozoo.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for all of the details.

Void Witch - Horripilating Presence (Album Review)

Release Date: July 26th 2024. Record Label: Everlasting Spew Records. Formats: CD/DD/Cassette

Horripilating Presence: Tracklisting

1.Grave Mistake 06:23

2.Second Demon 03:53

3.Malevolent Demiurge 08:36

4.Supernova Of Brain And Bone 07:23

5.Thousand-Eyed Stalactite 06:07

6.Horripilating Presence 06:26

Members

Luke - Throat & Fundament

Nic - Voids

Jason - Vibes

Adrian - Impact

Review

Horripilating Presence is the hard-hitting debut album from Texas, US, Death/Doom Metallers Void Witch that ultimately excels within its harsh and extreme environments with the band switching to araas of Sludge Metal, Death Metal and Doom Metal with relevant ease. The music is constantly aggressive and fast-paced which allows Void Witch to embrace new sounds and progressive textures within the whole album.

The vocals from Luke focus upon Death/Harsh/Guttural Growls but they’re brilliantly clear and understandable which I didn’t expect. The record as you would expect hits upon bleak topics such as Death and Religion with a few gloomy OCCULT undertones that took me by surprise. Void Witch played some epic classic Hard Rock Twin Guitars reminiscent of Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy along with which was a truly inspired choice. 

Fans of Hooded Menace and Coffins will find much to enjoy and devour especially on tracks such as Grave Mistake, Malevolent Damage and Supernova Of Brain And Bone. Each of the six tracks that make up Horripilating Presence have their own individual story, creative journey and different styles of Death/Doom Metal that fuse other areas of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal with a deep sensitive Psychedelic style appearing on the most inspired moments on the album.

The record is quite unforgiving with it’s focus upon the harsh realities of life and death which become more transparent towards the later stages of the record where Void Witch bring a brooding Progressive Death/Doom style to the mix on the final two tracks of Thousand-Eyed  Stalactite and the classic sounding title track Horripliating Presence. That track alone has the creative tone and feel of a classic and sinister HORROR MOVIE which allows the record to end on a highly satisfying conclusion.

Void Witch are a technically brilliant and highly impressive band with superb instrumental passages and guitar solos bound by the extreme sounds of the Death Metal scene which is elevated by the added use of the Doom Metal genre.

Horripilating Presence is perhaps one of the most impressive and outstanding debut releases of Death/Doom Metal that I’ve heard in quite some time. This is something special indeed and if you like your Doom Metal on the more extreme side then accept no substitute as VOID WITCH are the real deal.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

GODZILLA IN THE KITCHEN Back at Wacken Open Air 2024

GODZILLA IN THE KITCHEN are returning to the Holy Ground. Now it's official! The 3 psych rockers will return to Wacken Open Air for the 3rd time in a row in 2024. Together with the wild horde of the Wasteland Warriors, they will heat up the Wasteland.

Leipzig heavy psychedelic rock band GODZILLA IN THE KITCHEN will be back gain at Wacken Open Air in 2024 after their appearances in 2022 & 2023. After their Future of Mankind tour for their 2nd album EXODUS (released under Argonauta Records) they come back strengthened and with their new Drummer Thiago Presto to the land where rock and metal flow. Supported by the fire shows and the ambience of the Wasteland, an audiovisual spectacle is offered for the fans and those who want to become one.

With a refreshing mix of melodic recognizability, rhythmic complexity and heaviness, these guys are setting new standards in the underground.

If you're still not convinced, you can check out the band's live album "Live at Break Out" beforehand and then come to the Wasteland.

You can find the band's playing times here: https://www.wacken.com/de/programm/running-order-gesamt/#/order-gesamt/#/

GITK:

https://www.godzillainthekitchen.de
https://godzillainthekitchen.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/godzilla_in_the_kitchen/
https://www.facebook.com/GodzillaInTheKitchen/
https://www.youtube.com/user/GodzillaInTheKitchen
https://www.argonautarecords.com

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for all of the info.

King Zog - Second Dawn (Album Review)

Release Date: July 31st 2024. Record Label: Rue Morgue Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Second Dawn: Tracklisting

1.Scelestic Dusk

2.Rat King 

3.Hollow Man Blues

4.Creep On

5.Madagascar Tree

6.Brute Beast

7.Aruna, Sunmonger

8.Second Dawn

Members

Daniel Durack (vocals/guitar)

Connor Pitts-West (guitar)

Martin Gonzalez (bass)

Sean Ryan (drums)

Review

Aussie Doom/Stoner Metallers King Zog return with their new album Second Dawn and have similar creative elements to legendary acts such as Electric Wizard, Goatsnake, Black Sabbath and The Obsessed. However, King Zog manage to add their own trendsetting sound to the mix by adding heavy pounding THRASH grooves that remind me of METALLICA in places especially within the early stages of the album appearing on tracks such as Scelestic Duck, Rat King and Hollow Man Blues. 

The record has a seedy and violent FUZZ ROCK undertone with a classic Proto-Doom structure allowing King Zog to AIM HIGH with an abundance of highly original grooves and trippy instrumental jams. The band add elements of classic guitar shredding which moves the record through the golden age and heyday of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal whilst being opening for a sinister Post-Doom and Post-Sludge feel that comes shining through their intense fantastical lyrics and superb vocals by Daniel Durack. 

With their 2017 critically acclaimed debut self-titled album a distant memory, King Zog have perhaps reinvented themselves both creatively speaking and offering a heavier and sonic induced journey that allows Second Dawn to be an engaging and brilliantly produced affair. The instrumental solos channel that legendary BLACK SABBATH and ELECTRIC WIZARD way of life with overlapping distorted vocals and bombastic lyrical themes on other great tracks such as Creep On, Madagascar Tree, Brute Beast and the stunning title track Second Dawn.

The later stages of the record sees King Zog becoming more CINEMATIC and PROGRESSIVE with their music. As the sound has longer drawn out DISTORTED and PSYCHEDELIC movements which adds a sludgier undergroove to the whole record. Second Dawn may feel under-produced to some.

However, this allows the record to have a cerebral and threatening presence that resonates into some mighty fine FUZZED UP aggression and twisted SONIC energy before King Zog ends the album with a highly satisfactory conclusion whilst still leaving the listener begging for more seductive tracks to haunt them with.

Second Dawn is quite the statement of intent from King Zog who will no doubt not only be making major waves within the Aussie Doom/Stoner Metal scene but also perhaps within the global scene at the same time.

This is an absolute BEAST of a record for KING ZOG to slay audiences with and is an album with the “WOW FACTOR” that is simply unmissable.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Viral Propaganda PR for the promo.

Second Dawn will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Rue Morgue Records from Wednesday 31st July 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Doom/Sludge Metal/Hardcore Collective Y Releases New Song/Video For New Single LUOLA

This single showcases Y's raw and heavy sound with a tough DIY attitude. The song captures dynamic excitement and unpredictability, reflecting the unique creativity of Markus, who performs guitar, drums, and vocals simultaneously during live recordings. "Luola" tells a brutal story of how a familiar and safe place can turn into a "cave" of anguish and suffering, where even death seems more attractive than continuing down a hopeless path.

Recorded purely live to capture the authentic atmosphere and dangerous tension, "Luola" exemplifies Y's commitment to breaking musical rules and pushing creative boundaries. Influenced by bands like Eyehategod, Melvins, Conan, Black Cobra, and Pantera, Y's music offers a unique blend of heavy, sludge, doom, and hardcore elements.

Line-up:

Markus: Guitar, Drums, Vocals

For Fans Of: Eyehategod, Melvins, Conan, Black Cobra, Dopefight, Pantera, Electric Wizard, Sleep, Down, High On Fire, Sepultura, Iron Monkey, Boris, Cathedral, Grief

Links: https://linktr.ee/y.noise

Thanks to Against PR for all of the info.

Gods & Punks - Death (Album Review)

Release Date: July 26th 2024. Record Label: Electric Valley Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Death: Tracklisting

1.Slowburner 05:47

2Loss of Reality 05:16

3.The Night of a Thousand Days 05:01

4.Decerebration 05:18

5.The Space Between Spaces 05:38

6.Archimedes' Screw 05:32

7.Black Box 06:56

Members

Alexandre C. - Vocals

Pedro C. - Bass

Rodrigo B. - Guitars

Gabriel S. - Drums

Review

Gods & Punks are shaping up to be one of Brazil’s finest Doom/Stoner Metal bands with their latest offering Death which sees the band take a heavier and ferocious sound with the constant shift to a gloomier identity. The album touches upon areas of Prog Rock and Psych Rock with a Proto-Doom atmosphere which sees influences from bands such as Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus and even Deep Purple with some of Alexandre C’s classic sounding vocals.

Opening track Slowburner opens with a huge SABBATHIAN sound which remains for the whole majority of the track but Gods & Punks play classic Psych Rock reminiscent of Pink Floyd. There’s a never ending approach of flashy Proto-Metal guitar solos and sullen Psychedelic sounds with a strangely soulful Stoner Rock determination that allows the song to be quite daring in all the right places.

Second song Loss Of Reality has a certain flow of 1980’s Hard Rock imagery with a Post-Gothic element which allows Gods & Punks to weave a melodic Psych Doom passage into their music with the Prog Rock structure coming into play on the middle section of the track. The vocals retain a sense of urgency to them with a deeply emotional core being felt from Alexandre C’s vocals yet again. 

Third track The Night Of A Thousand Days sees Gods & Punk deliver a more FUZZED UP sound which promises huge sounding SLUDGY grooves that have a meaty and muscular presence. The sound can be quite aggressive, down-tuned and mean spirited in places but it’s one of the standout tracks allowing the band to give the record’s minimalistic sound a fabulous OCCULT METAL texture. The song is played at a fabulous slow-to-mid pace that allows the FUZZ ROCK vibe to crackle with a certain DEVILISH quality throughout.

Fourth track Deceleration opts for a seedy Blues Rock delivery which moves into PENTAGRAM and BLACK SABBATH territory and throws in a sinister modern day Stoner Metal appetite. The whole song feels like it was written for a classic 70’s Horror, Thriller or Slasher movie with how the whole story plays out within the decidedly creepy lyrics and Alexandre C’s Occult Rock based vocals. Pedro C, Rodrigo B and Gabriel S impress even further with some dynamic instrumental passages of their own making on Bass, Guitars and Drums respectively. 

The final three tracks of The Space Between Spaces, Archimedes’s Screw and Black Box may not have the same creative “WOW” factor as the first half of the album. However, Gods & Punks still conjure up some brilliantly observed Doom/Stoner Metal sounds that flirts dangerously between classic 1970’s Proto-Metal energy and aggressive modern day gloomy expressions especially within The Space Between Spaces and Black Box.

Death is Gods & Punks most subversive, highly surreal, outlandish and brilliantly entertaining record to date that puts them firmly in the driving seat of becoming one of the finest Doom/Stoner Metal bands from the Brazilian underground scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Qabar PR for the promo.

Death is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Electric Valley Records (Europe) and Glory Or Death Records (USA).

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Gavial Haze - Gavial Haze (Album Review)

Release Date: July 26th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Gavial Haze: Tracklisting

1.Propane Kid 07:55

2.Acid Freak 05:19

3.Lords of Wastelands 06:41

4.Trainwreck 04:51

5.Since We're Out of Jail 06:37

6.Purple Bird and the King 08:12

7.Jet Fuel 05:18

8.Terraform 08:14

Review

I needed to take a break from setting up a YouTube channel so I reached for one of my favorite new albums, this excellent instrumental face melter from Gavial Haze. Beautifully blended psych, 70's jams and stoner rock, Gavial Haze’s new album (self titled) is a powerhouse. On Gavial Haze’s Facebook page they describe themselves as Instrumental Psyched Fuzz Stoner Rock from la Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It’s a pretty damn good description. Unfortunately I have not been able to find out much information on the band's personnel, so look for an update with that information in the future. 

I got to preview this one before its release on July 26th and this album kept me glued to my speakers for multiple listens, quickly gaining a spot on my heavy rotation list in a week that included new music from Black Capricorn, Orange Goblin, Shun, GRID and several other ridiculously good albums (also looking at you King Botfly!). Released during a storm of amazing new music, definitely be on the lookout for this one.

I love instrumental albums. I love how I get to let the music direct my mind and fill it with whatever imagery strikes my little brain's fancy. Sometimes I get a “space” feel from a band like monkey3, or maybe a more desert/western feel like in El Supremo’s Signor Morte Improvvisa. This album was no different. It has an overall post apocalyptic feel, but it definitely feels like a story. The record is spacey psych rock in parts, metal in other places and just pure hard rock wailing in other sections. Gavial Haze is never boring, that's for sure. A varied landscape of guitar driven madness, this album is infinity listenable. As for my interpretations, I kinda let the song titles fuel my hallucinations so let me tell ya how it went for me…

Propane Kid. Is he/she building a machine? Maybe a car or a ship? Are there post apocalyptic fuel issues ala Mad Max...or is this a tribute to generator parties and their influence? In my head Propane Kid is a character in a fast paced story. Gavial Haze provides much drama with changing tempos and heavy guitar intertwined with thoughtful and introspective passages. Propane Kid is hard desert rock guitars over a psych landscape. The song feels like busy desolation, a frantic tribe readying for an incoming attack or catastrophic climate change. There is preparation and building represented by the tempo and song structure, so much building is going on in my mind when I listen to this track; it's like one of those infinite fractal videos built for tripping. This got me immediately in the mood to check out the rest of the album!

Acid Freak... this guy's been baking in the hot desert sun for a while now...and he's probably seeing God. Despite the name, this is a hard rocker, not a spacey psych trip. There is a feel of Swedish desert fury on this track. Perhaps inspired by bands like Dozer, Kal-El, or even Truckfighters, Acid Freak is a hard driving track. This one has some nice metal riffs and tones. It seems like Acid Freak has seen a lot and has a story to tell about it, a pretty rough story but told beautifully through solid instrumental performances by each player. The guitar work is stellar. This guy is a player! 

A bit of a heavier approach in the 3rd song at the beginning...Lords of Wastelands beckons at being a grim post apocalyptic warning. I don't know about you but I'll take a pass on surviving any kind of Apocalypse, thank you. It just seems like it's gonna take a lot more effort than my old body is capable of. However, I love the songs of the post nuclear/famine/environmental world breakdown. That some heavy stuff, metal as fuck. But, like all things, there are grey areas in life and in this song as well. Lords of Wastelands, in the midst of its turmoil, has a beautiful soft middle section which gives the track depth and storytelling without words. It's really a beautiful change in the texture of the track and you wonder if maybe these Lords just might have everyone's best interests in mind. I mean we can hope, right? Great song crafting here, I can listen to this track over and over again (and I have).

Trainwreck. The song starts soft but soon speeds off down the rails in a wonderful way. Twists and turns, tempo and layering changes. This album is incredibly consistent in its tones, themes and presentation. This track is a good example of that consistency. No filler on this album, which can be a difficult goal for an instrumental album to obtain. This rocks all the way through, always keeping my attention and filling my head with wonderful tones and psychedelic imagery. I guess since on this track it appears the Acid Freak and Propane Kid may now be free from incarceration they have time for a nice thick deliberate desert jam. The heavy rhythm section deepens the feel, laying down a badass drum-bass combination that takes this song to the next level of heaviness while retaining it's storytelling and attention to moving the album forward and not drifting off into meaningless noodling. 

The Purple Bird and the King, when I first read the title I wondered if the king and his bird would be hunting down the boys, ole Acid Freak and Propane Kid. In my interpretation this song sounds more like they are in it together, or maybe the King is giving aid like Obi-Wan and Yoda helping out Luke Skywalker. Obviously, I'm taking some liberties (and maybe some mushrooms - jk) with my interpretations but that is what I like about an album like this. I prefer to listen without seeing any music videos or reading about a new album, so on my first listens I can just let the songs take over my mind and lead me places that the band maybe didn't even suspect people's imaginations may carry them off to. The riffs here are satisfying and have an awesome metal tone that is accessible to the psych rock and low desert punk ears out there. The Purple Bird and the King really does sound like the bad guy has the upper hand, that classic moment and dismay in movies or literature where all seems lost but also where hope is found.

Jet Fuel. Acid Freak and Propane Kid combine for what seems like a climactic ending or perhaps an end to the current drama. This is perfectly placed. A brash rocker that precedes the finale on the album, the heavy riffs, thunderous guitars are epic in scope. Gavial Haze uses this song to build tension, releasing and building that tension over and over again. Nice metal riffs and quick pacing will bring you to your feet here. Once again, excellent quality drumming, pounding out galloping metal rhythms give this track something a little extra extra. This is a satisfying rock drama! 

The finale, Terraform, it's like a new beginning at the end of the album. Hard and fast in the beginning, slow and introspective in the middle...this is another intelligent, well crafted song. Terraform is beautifully performed by every member of the band. This is heartfelt and simply gorgeous in its more mellow passages. I enjoy the direction and focus of these jams, nothing wasted, all killer etc. The guitar tones really fit the mood swings of this tune. Energetic drumming propels the songs into ruckus energy in its heavier moods and the bass keeps everything perfectly inline throughout the proceedings. This track is Cream-like, maybe harkening a bit to Tales of Brave Ulysses in parts of this final ripper. So good!

This is an impressive album by Gavial Haze. I assume we will have more to come from these guys, I sure hope so at least. I would love to see these songs live. This album has a wonderful retro jam streak while retaining a modern desert/psych rock feel. I have this on heavy rotation for a reason. Gavial Haze’s self-titled album is just so good!

Words by S Patrick Brooks

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram