Release Date: August 22nd 2025. Record Label: RidingEasy Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl
Blackhole - Tracklisting
1.Don't Need You
2.Life Too Late
3.BLACKHOLE
4.Bring You Down
5.City Witch
6.Shallow Earth
7.My Mind (Is Getting Heavy)
8.Free
Members
Adam - Drums
Daniel - Guitar/Vocals
Bobcat - Bass
Review
Blackhole is the debut full length album from HÖG a band who specialise in Sleazy, Grimy and an aggressive Street Level style of Doom/Stoner Rock. The added use of Proto-Metal, Punk Rock and Heavy Rock attitudes all lends itself with HÖG being more obsessed with the formative years of Seventies Heavy Metal than today’s more streamlined sound. Though,HÖG do immerse themselves with modern day Psychedelic and Fuzz Rock surroundings from time-to-time.
If you like bands such as Motorhead, Saint Vitus, Black Sabbath, Budgie and Blue Cheer then HÖG are sure to impress with their hybrid style of grimy HEAVY RAWK & ROLL. The attitude is pitched at the right level with the elements of Proto-Doom and Garage Rock being played at the right level on tracks such as Don’t Need You, Life too Late and Blackhole. The vocals from Daniel vary from grizzled Doom Rock/Metal to a more free flowing Blues Rock energy to add extra SPICE to the record.
HÖG play a high amount of screeching moments on this record which could easily be considered as Speed Metal in places with a frenzied Punk Rock atmosphere allowing some classic musical shredding appearing from the whole band. Daniel’s guitars dominate the seedy landscape with Adam’s drums and Bobcat’s bass adding a whole level of destructive HEAVY METAL tone which becomes heavier and faster with each passing track.
I can see why RidingEasy Records signed HÖG to their impressive roster. As HÖG play like their lives depended on it and stick with that classic Seventies Proto-Metal/Doom Rock formula which has allowed RidingEasy Records to continuously release great records over the years. HÖG do become more driven by a classic HEAVY METAL sound that drifts between the Seventies and Eighties scene with great appetite on tracks such as Bring You Down, City Witch and Free containing some of my favourite moments with the music being superbly heavy and a super fresh creative approach.
There are some sublime “quieter” Classic Rock moments that allows HÖG the perfect chance to bask within their low-key melodies and prove they have a great ear for subtle Blues Rock passages which allows each band member to fully shine through with superb musicianship of the highest order to the closing stages of the record.
Blackhole also sees an OCCULT ROCK vibe appearing on City Witch that feels full on MOTORHEAD going down the OCCULT DOOM route with its stripped back production values that makes it worth the album purchase alone.
HÖG’s debut album is a mighty collection of great tracks that’s primed for sheer entertainment. The record is not the most original sound but what HÖG do so well is to inject their own personality into their music which leaves a lasting impression with its PISSED OFF attitude that will have you coming back time and time again.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to RidingEasy Records for the promo.
Blackhole is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via RidingEasy Records
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