Austrian Sludge Doomsters TARLUNG Sign with Argonauta Records; New Single Out Now

Austrian sludge doom masters TARLUNG sign with Italian powerhouse Argonauta Records for the release of their upcoming full-length “Axis Mundi”, set to arrive on January 30, 2026 on vinyl, CD and digital formats. Active since 2013, TARLUNG have carved their name deep into the European underground with a colossal, low-tuned sound that blends crushing heaviness and bleak atmospheres. Partnering with Argonauta marks a new and exciting chapter for the Vienna-based trio, pushing their sonic intensity even further.

The new album Axis Mundi was recorded once again at DeepDeepPressure Studios and features artwork by Alex Eckman-Lawn. Following their acclaimed releases Beyond the Black Pyramid (Black Bow Records) and Architect (2021), Axis Mundi captures TARLUNG at their most punishing and immersive yet.

To celebrate the signing, the band reveals the first single “Static Noise” https://song.link/tarlung_sn.

“Do you hear? Hear it all? A new noise emerges. ‘Static Noise’ is the first single from our upcoming album ‘Axis Mundi’. We are thrilled to present the latest version of TARLUNG, harder and more brutal than ever.”

Over the years, TARLUNG have shared stages with EyeHateGod, Conan, Suma and Saturnalia Temple, touring across Austria, Germany, Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Slovenia, and appearing at festivals including Doom Over Vienna and Stoner Doom Festival Katowice.

For fans of EyeHateGod, Crowbar, Weedeater, Iron Monkey, Dopethrone, Thou and Grime, Axis Mundi delivers an unrelenting dose of sludge-infused doom that demands to be felt as much as heard.

INFO:

https://www.facebook.com/tarlungband

https://tarlung.bandcamp.com/track/static-noise-2
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.

The Vintage Caravan - Portals (Album Review)

Release Date: September 26th 2025. Record Label: Napalm Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Portals - Tracklisting

1. Philosopher

2. Portal I

3. Days Go By

4. Portal II

5. Here You Come Again

6. Current

7. Give And Take

8. Portal III

9. Crossroads

10. Alone

11. Portal IV

12. Freedom

13. Riot

14. Electrified

15. Portal V

16. My Aurora

17. This Road

Member

Oskar Logi Agustsson - electric guitars, vocals, acoustic guitars, flute

Alexander Örn Numason - bass guitar, backing vocals, synth, farfisa

Stefan Ari Stefansson - drums, backing vocals, percussion

Guests:

Mikael Åkerfeldt - vocals 'Philosopher'

Eybor Ingi Gunnlaugsson - vocals 'Crossroads'

Tomas Jonsson - hammond organ 'Days Go By', 'Portal II', 'Give And Take' and 'Alone'.

Valdis Eiriksdottir - backing vocals 'Riot', 'Give And Take' and 'Alone'.

Review

Everything has it's time and place and everything happens for a reason as is the case of The Vintage Caravan. This Icelandic trio has been around for a while now and have kept busy in the process but for yours truly they have moved in my periphery and have been elusive. That is until their new album 'Portals' came out at the tail-end of September. From the moment 'Portals' emanated from the speakers for the first time The Vintage Caravan had me hook, line and sinker.

There are 5 shorter compositions, all under a minute each, called 'Portals I-V' spread throughout the album acting like chapters, if you like. Don't know if I'm reading too much into it but I feel that The Vintage Caravan tells of journey through life especially regarding the different stages of a relationship.

It all begins with opener 'Philosopher' to initialize this story and it's a brilliant full-on expansive ode to 70's heavy rock with noneother than Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt on vocals. The first portal brings on 'Days Gone By' which rocks even harder than it's predecessor. A wonderfully great song. The second portal features 'Here You Come Again', Current' and 'Give And Take' and moves mainly between excellent heavy rock, electric folk and electric blues.

The vocal harmonies are captivating as are the progressive touches. A new relationship is blooming and the two protagonists are feeling each other out until they decide to give it their all. In the third portal time has moved forward and our couple have reached a point of decision making, continue or step out and move on? 'Crossroads' and 'Alone'bring trippy elements along with contemplative and reflective influx which highlighted by that wonderful vocal harmonizing and sharp hook-laden riffs.

'Portal III' sees the band not holding back through the songs 'Freedom', 'Riot' and 'Electrified'. The tempos do shift somewhat although the ferocity doesn't. The Vintage Caravan are absolutely phenomenal in this section where our protagonists are going through a very rough spell. The last ”chapter” 'Portal V' begins with the wonderfully acoustic-driven 'My Aurora'. An ode from one of the protagonists to the other about the great times they had but no longer do. 'This Road' is shockful of modernized 70's heavy rock and the perfect way to end this excellent album. Going their separate ways a new journey lies ahead of the couple. 

Like I mentioned above I might have read too much into 'Portals' but the compositions speak to me this way. Regardless, The Vintage Caravan show their true class and brilliance with this fantastic recording. And I urge you all to check this band and their music out. You won't be disappointed, on the contrary!

Words by Håkan Nyman

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Saint Omen - Mysteries Of Rebirth (Album Review)

Release Date: November 05th 2025. Record Label: The Cult Of Saint Omen. Formats: DD

Mysteries Of Rebirth - Tracklisting

1.Invocation Of Rebirth [Intro] 01:00

2.Hell Money 05:00

3.Devil Eyes 04:30

4.Bone Shakin' Mama 04:15

5.Those Who Harm 04:20

6.Smokeless Fire 05:34

7.Satan Man 03:00

8.Mysteries Of Rebirth 02:21

9.Undead 04:14

10.Levitation Communion 01:13

Member

Geroni J. Saint-Hilaire - Everything

Review

Occult/Doom/Stoner Rockers Saint Omen second album Mysteries Of Rebirth is a stripped back and gloomy affair that captures the seedier and sinister tone of the Occult Rock scene. There’s amplified FUZZ and the GLOOMY acid drenched amplified sounds feels like they’ve been ripped from the seediest streets of New York imaginable which is where the band are actually from. There is a sense of dread and hopefulness with Saint Omen feeling inspired by classic 70’s Horror Movies and particularly the soundtracks by the legendary GOBLIN and John Carpenter movies.

However, there’s an aggressive HIP and STONER based sound developing behind the scenes with Saint Omen paying homage to the likes of Electric Wizard, Uncle Acid and Black Sabbath but with their own street level sound. The record doesn’t play out the way you think with Saint Omen not afraid to merge different amplified elements of distorted melodies, twisted lyrics and surreal vocal arrangements which comes into life on the excellent tracks Hell Money and Devil Eyes. 

The music itself is dominated by slow-to-mid played passages with different types of musical instruments being thrown in for good measure with the sludgy guitars and creepy synths being my favourite part that’s all played to surreal perfection by the solo mastermind of Saint Omen - Geroni J. Saint-Hilaire. The music becomes slightly more over the top with Bone Shakin’ Mama that sees a Lou Reed / Iggy Pop influence coming through within the vocals and some classic Eighties HEAVY METAL guitar shredding with the edgy lyrics make this perhaps the most subversive and standout track on the album.

Saint Omen captures the “SHOCK ROCK” aspect of his music down to a fine art which sees the record become even more groove centric and the Occult Rock themes fully taking charge on the later parts of the record. The production values are great for the most part but there’s a few rough sounding moments but maybe that’s the point to capture a raw sounding and quite abrasive record on tracks such as Those Who Harm, Smokeless Fire and Undead.

Saint Omen injects a violent and dark energy into the Occult Rock/Metal sound which is quite daring in places especially when the music becomes slightly more theatrical but with that burst of Stoner Rock energy to keep everything grounded.

Mysteries Of Rebirth is a superbly observed slice of Occult Doom and Psychedelic Stoner Rock that has a batch of great songs to chill your bones with. The record only lasts for around thirty five minutes so it’s an action-packed record that allows Saint Omen to embrace the “CULT” lifestyle that the Doom/Stoner Metal underground scene desperately needs right now!!!

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | LinkTree

Black Sabbitch - Unrest In The Rest (Album Review)

Release Date: November 07th 2025. Record Label: Ripple Music. Formats: CD/DD/VInyl

Unrest In The West - Tracklisting

01. Wheels of Confusion The Straightener

02. A National Acrobat

03. The Wizard

04. A Hard Road

05. Lord of This World

06. Hole in the Sky

07. Children of the Grave

08. Into the Void

Member

Alice Austin - Vocals

Emily Burton - Guitar

Melanie Makaiwi - Bass

Angie Scarpa - Drums

Review

Ripple Music have taken the big step of releasing a Black Sabbath cover band live album and it's a gamble that pays off huge rewards for them especially when the band in question is BLACK SABBITCH. Black Sabbitch are one of the most premiere Black Sabbath tribute bands since 2012. If you want to see their credentials then read the blurb below:

“Black Sabbitch has transcended the typical "tribute band" label, delivering electrifying performances that honor the spirit of Black Sabbath while adding their own unique energy and intensity. Their talent and dedication have earned them coveted spots at major festivals and events, including the inaugural Ozzfiesta at the personal invitation of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, performing at Cal Jam with Foo Fighters, and playing to a crowd of 80,000 at Wacken Open Air in Germany.

The band has also headlined Psycho Las Vegas and The Maryland Doom Fest, performed on The Kiss Kruise at the request of Paul Stanley, and collaborated with artists like Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Shepard Fairey, and Peaches”

If you're endorsed by the legendary Prince Of Darkness then you must be great at what you actually do and BLACK SABBITCH fully deliver on their Live Album - Unrest In The West - that sees this great band put their own spin on classic SABBATH tracks whilst staying close to the original track as possible. The amplified and seedy Blues Rock sounds are played to an appreciative audience with lead vocalist Alice Austin doing her own thing and not trying to mimic Ozzy at all. 

Black Sabbitch blast their way through classic tracks Wheels Of Confusion: The Straightener, A National Acrobat, The Wizard and A Hard Road within the first half with a sultry and intense moody style that gives a more emotional energy to the tracks but as I said before still keeping as close as possible to the original versions. Though, that's not to say that Black Sabbitch don't experiment with their versions as the band do venture into areas of Prog Rock and Psych Rock which adds a deceptive Eighties Stadium Rock vision to the whole thing.

My only complaint is that I would have loved to hear their take on iconic tracks such as War Pigs, Iron Man, Fairies Wear Boots and Snowblind being included on this record. However, the tracks included here perhaps are better suited for Black Sabbitch to impress listeners with and when they move into areas of Jazzy interludes with brilliant individual musical performances by Emily Burton (Guitar), Melanie Makaiwi (Bass) and Angie Scarpa (Drums) allowing Black Sabbitch to be a force of HEAVY NATURE,

The second half of the record is even more impressive from Black Sabbitch just amplifying the excitement of classic SABBATH tracks Lord Of This World, Hole In The Sky and Into The Void being played to an appreciative audience. 

I’ve heard a ton of Black Sabbath covers live records but I have to say that Unrest In The West is the best I’ve heard to date. As Black Sabbitch pays love and absolute respect to the founders of HEAVY METAL whilst doing their own thing with a classic selection of tracks. The record sounds superb from start to finish that makes the listener being front and centre of the actual concert this album was recorded from.

I’m hoping Ripple Music will release more albums by Black Sabbitch in the future as this is just genuine confirmation why they’re one of the most outstanding Black Sabbath covers bands in the world right now. No question!!! 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Unrest In The West is available to buy now on CD/DD.Vinyl via Ripple Music.

Black Sabbitch links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

Ripple Music links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Oromet - The Sinking Isle (Album Review)

Release Date: November 07th 2025. Record Label: Hypaethral Records / Translyvanian Recordings. Formats: Cassette/CD/DD/VInyl

The Sinking Isle - Tracklisting

1.Hollow Dominion - 20:49

2.Marathon - 11:06

3.Forsaken Tarn 11:21

Member

Dan Aguilar: Guitar, Vocals

Patrick Hills: Drums, Bass, Synth, Backing Vocals

Review

The Sinking Isle is the second full length album from Funeral Doom Metallers Oromet who build a bleak cinematic world where they blend elements of Prog Metal, Doom, Sludge, Ambient Metal and Psych Metal against a backdrop of extended Post-Metal structures. The atmosphere still stays within the boundaries of Funeral Doom with the dreaded vocals from lead vocalist Dan Aguilar creating a depressing style of music very early on within the album.

Oromet fuse sounds from bands such as YOB, NEUROSIS, PELICAN, BELL WITCH and MOURNFUL CONGREGATION across three epic tracks which leaves you questioning how bleak does the record actually become whilst still retaining an uplifting vibe throughout the whole album. Oromet adds a world-weary storytelling aspect to their music with the lyrics portraying a sense of despair with subtle Post-Metal guitars that match the epic synths from Patrick Hills that’s one of my favourite aspects of the whole album.

The opening track Hollow Dominion is quite a subversive song with Oromet providing different areas of Funeral Doom and Post-Metal soundscapes which is quite SPACED OUT and emotionally rewarding when the more extreme passages appear. The song is quite slow for the most part but Oromet do speed things up to a regular mid-paced delivery which allows the band to add multiple levels of Psychedelic and Sonic based wonder which gives their music quite a forward thinking style. Add a mammoth twenty minute plus runtime that allows Oromet the perfect opportunity to redefine the Funeral Doom landscape in their own unique creative image. 

The following two tracks Marathon and Forsaken Tarn continue that epic Progressive and Psychedelic journey with even more intense bouts of pitch-black Doom Metal surroundings with a Post-Black Metal attitude forming within Marathon that becomes the main way for Oromet to experiment with their music to even greater effect. Despite the harsh elements and gloomy synths, Dan and Patrick never lose sight of their overall mission and that’s to provide a thrilling bleak narrative to their music but still experimenting with their music by providing some of the most original Funeral Doom songs you’ll hear this year.

The album could have easily become quite theatrical but to Oromet’s credit they keep everything real and grounded even when they inject sudden bursts of COSMIC ENERGY into their music. The Progressive flow of The Sinking Isle never waivers with Oromet playing beautiful and brutally constructed works of music that can be considered timeless and masterful at the same time.

The Sinking Isle is an absolute masterpiece that pulls no punches but still leaves you a shivering wreck and supremely hopeful at the same time. Yeah, this is perhaps the FUNERAL DOOM METAL album of the year right here. What more can I say? Add this one to your collection now. 

Words by Steve Howe

You can buy The Sinking Isle via the links below:

CD, Digital and Vinyl via Hypaethral Records 

Cassette, CD, Digital and Vinyl via Translyvanian Recordings

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Exclusive Premiere Of Doom/Sludge Metallers BORN OF PLAGUES New Single & Video For "ANGELS OF FIRE" From Upcoming New Album

Playing a brand of chaotic, cathartic death-doom that is at once familiar and all their own, Born of Plagues is a four-piece metal band focused more on crushing heaviness than genre conventions. This group of Baltimore punk/hardcore/doom veterans has pedigree across scenes and styles and doesn’t back away from letting any of their influences bleed through, as long as the result is brash and heavy.

We're beyond to excited to premiere new song and video for Angels On Fire that you can watch below:

ABOUT THE ALBUM

Written over a nearly five-year period, “Dead Endings” is a collection of complaints and commiserations that takes aim at social ills and personal woes through a lens of gothic horror and unrepentant riffage. Melding influences from Winter and Hooded Menace to Black Sabbath and Motörhead into a mix of dirge-like plodding, breakneck thrashing, and classic metallic grooves, this brute of an album never sits still for long. Its eight tracks and 55-minute runtime will feed your need for all things heavy and leave you eager for more.

WHAT'S NEXT:

Born of Plagues continues writing new songs, with plans for another full length in the next year or two. The band has several fall/winter shows planned, including the “Dead Endings” release show in Baltimore in Nov/Dec. In addition, they are in the process of booking a summer 2026 tour, focused on the US east coast.

Born of Plagues - Dead Endings

Album out November 21st, 2025
Self-released (Digital)
Baltimore, Maryland, US

Tracklist:

1. Mausoleums (9:10)
2. Silver Light (5:32)
3. Inheritance (8:05)
4. Tithe (6:50)
5. Within The Mist (1:52)
6. What Dreadful Music (7:44)
7. Of Wisdom And War (7:18)
8. Angels On Fire (7:39)

Born of Plagues is:

Austin Lunn - guitars, vocal
Mike Knauer - guitars
Tim Sheils - bass
Matt Maben - drums

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Thanks to Good Boy PR for all of the details.

River Cult - High Anxiety (Album Review)

Release Date: November 07th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD/Vinyl

High Anxiety - Tracklisting

1.High Anxiety

2.Two Sticks Left

3.To Some Soft False Place

4.Mind the Teeth

5.Fast Crash

6.Smoke Break

7.New Song 

Member

Sean Forlenza: Guitar/Vocals

Anthony Mendolia: Bass

Eli Pizzuto: Drums

Review

Stoner Rockers River Cult return after a five year absence with their latest sonic expedition of High Anxiety where the band employs a varied and vivid style of Heavy Psych, Garage Rock, Punk Rock and Space Rock melodies. The music is deeply rooted within the creative themes, ideals and styles of Sixties, Seventies and Nineties Heavy Rock with River Cult blending everything together within a stylish and aggressive musical adventure. 

There’s a cool reliance on subtle Psychedelic, Ambient and Spaced Out sounds that adds a cautionary energy to their music which is explored quite heavily within the opening tracks of High Anxiety and Two Sticks Left. The vocals from Sean Forlenza have an earnest and truthful approach which lends themselves to classic Garage Rock and Street Rock attitude with the excellent lyrics the band have written for this record alone. The album may not be as flashy, heavy or progressive as their previous albums but there’s something more honest here which allows River Cult to explore different musical avenues such as Sludge Rock, Fuzz and Distorted Amplified soundscapes. 

There is a sense of true grittiness to River Cult’s style with the band bridging the gap from Classic Rock to modern day Sludge Rock rebellion as the album progresses through the remaining tracks on the album. With a classic Power Trio stance being employed, each member has their own chance to impress brilliantly on a technical and musical level. You have Sean Forlenza on Guitar/Vocals, Anthony Medlia on Bass and the latest member to their ranks of Eli Pizzuto on Drums. Eli's outstanding performance brings a different style of drumming to his predecessor (Tav Palumbo) for this record whilst still retaining to the core River Cult sound.

You can hear echoes of The Rolling Stones, Led Zepp, The Who, Blue Cheer, Truckfighters, KYUSS and FU MANCHU playing throughout this record but this also a band adding a modern day Doom/Stoner Metal groove into their overall sound. Everything fully comes together in a big way within the standout third track To Some Soft False Place with River Cult adding a grimy psychedelic influence into the mix that results in the heaviest and destructive instrumental parts of the album forming.

Fourth track Mind The Teeth adds a subversive Blues Rock and Punk Rock energy with flashes of Post-Hardcore surroundings being felt within the lyrics and certain vocal arrangements being dominated by the Post-Hardcare landscape. Maybe that’s just my own observations but River Cult play with genre conventions here and come out on top time and time again. The end of the track has moments of major instrumental freak-outs which only adds to the surreal paranoia of the whole album.

The remaining three tracks of Fast Crash, Smoke Break and New Song continue with that style of music with RIver Cult becoming more and more Punk Rock obsessive with their socially aware lyrics. However, the music is always edging closely to the world of distorted and twisted Fuzzy Stoner Rock surroundings with the odd outburst of other musical genres with River Cult always offering a damn good time.

High Anxiety is a record that never outstays it’s welcome and it’s good to see River Cult expanding their own musical and creative horizons for a record that’s absolutely mind=blowing entertainment from start to finish.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram