Old Heathens - Celestial Decay (EP Review)

Release Date: September 18th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Celestial Decay - Tracklisting

1.Kepler 186F 05:56

2.Broken Bones 08:34

3.Epitaphs Carved in Light 01:56

4.The Stream 07:17

5.Buried Deep 07:59

Members

Seed - Drums

Gibbo- Bass and backing vocals

Paul - Guitar

Ben - Guitar, Synths and Vocals

 

Review

Celestial Decay is the debut EP from Aussie Doom/Stoner Metallers Old Heathens that brings old-school Doom Metal energy and merges it with that sublime modern day Psychedelic Stoner Metal attitude. This is the best of both worlds that allows Old Heathens to feel inspired by the likes of KYUSS, Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus, Baroness, ELDER and King Buffalo. The use of different sounding Post-Stoner melodies can be quite dramatic in places but offers a thrilling style of Seventies Proto-Metal surroundings which can be quite COSMIC inducing especially within the outstanding opening track Kepler 186F.

That track is named after Kepler-186f is an Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting within the habitable zone of the red dwarf star Kepler-186 that was discovered in 2014. This is good to see Old Heathens merge Science Fact and Science Fiction into a highly aggressive style of music that sees some MASTODON and BEASTWARS based melodies throughout the EP which comes into focus on the excellent second track of Broken Bones.

Old Heathens start to weave tales of Science Fiction and fantasy with a classic style of Stoner Metal with small outbursts of Prog Sludge Metal with sublime Post-Doom sounds that fans of King Buffalo and Howling Giant will truly appreciate. The vocals from Ben are superbly delivered with an intense clean performance at the best of times which impress the most on Kepler 186F, Broken Bones and The Stream. 

The final two tracks of Broken Bones and The Stream allows Old Heathens to embrace their Post-Doom, Proto-Metal and Psychedelic Stoner Metal roots but also delves into areas of Stadium Rock melodies which are superbly original in places. Production values are superb with Old Heathens demonstrating a keen ear for epic instrumental passages and the odd foray into Eighties HEAVY METAL GUITAR SHREDDING along the way. 

When everything is said and done, Old Heathens have released a superbly entertaining and pulsating debut EP where I could easily see these guys be signed by the likes of Ripple Music, Majestic Mountain Records and Magnetic Eye Records if they keep making great records such as in the future. 

Words by Steve Howe

Links

LinkTree | BandCamp

Fuzznaut - Resistant Spirit (Album Review)

Release Date: October 17th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD

Resistant Spirit - Tracklisting

1.Intro 

2.Resistant Spirit

3.Spacerock

4.Sufferlove 

5.Earbleeder

6.Defiant Prayer

7.Wind Doula

8.BRKN

Members

Emilio Rizzo - Everything

Review

Resistant Spirit is the latest sonic excursion from Drone/Doom/Stoner Metal outfit FUZZNAUT which travels into distorted soundscapes which are packed with intense melodies and certain Doomgaze equations holding everything together. The record is beautifully understated but with a sense of clever aggression which appears throughout the whole album. 

The songs have similar structures but Emilio Rizzo (the creative mastermind) behind FUZZNAUT still allows himself every perfect opportunity to venture into new realms of Droned Out Doom Metal with a subtle Post-Stoner atmosphere reminding me of TORCHE and FLOOR in many ways. 

FUZZNAUT’s main musical and creative strengths is how they amplify their music into soulful Psychedelic levels of distorted FUZZ, Post-Metal and Progressive textures whilst adding a fulfilling Stoner Rock/Metal quality into the record especially on tracks Resistant Spirit, Spacerock, Sufferlove and Earbleeder. The sense of down turned grooves and gritty amplified sludgy guitars is highly original especially for an instrumental record such as this. 

FUZZNAUT does feel inspired by the likes of SUNN 0))), BORIS and TORCHE but there is a wonderful “POP” energy based vibe appearing in the background. The lack of vocals doesn’t deter FUZZNAUT from telling an intriguing and highly original narrative with the powerful DRONED sounds that Emilio creates and plays on the album.

The overlapping guitars and changes into Post-Metal territory become the most dominant features within the later stages of the album, becoming quite powerful and bringing the heaviest sounds on Resistant Spirit. This is my first experience of FUZZNAUT and I’ve become a huge fan of Emilio’s work that he demonstrates here and I can see him making quite a big impression within the underground scene. As this is an emotionally charged and highly rewarding experience that is simply unmissable.

This is one of the best instrumental albums you’ll hear this year to rank alongside the likes of PELICAN, MODDER, SPACE WITCH and BIRDS OF NAZCA. 

This is an essential album to own. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Hexjakt - Monolith (Single Review)

Release Date: October 01st 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Monolith - Tracklisting

Monolith

Members

Hampus Henningsson: guitar/vocals

Toni Åkerman : bass/vocals

Dan Nordin: drums

Review

Sludge/Stoner Metallers Hexjakt return with their latest single Monolith from their upcoming new album and follows a similar sound captured on their acclaimed self-titled EP that was released earlier this year. This one has a heavier tone compared to their debut release with Hexjakt adding a massive Psychedelic and Cosmic sound to their music. Monolith taps right into the legendary Swedish Sludge/Stoner Metal underground scene that touches upon grooves played by the likes of CONAN, MONOLORD and HIGH ON FIRE

There are flashes of NOLA and SOUTHERN METAL sounds that build within the later stages of the song and that thrilling COSMIC energy develops into a sense of DOOMED OUT paranoia where the music becomes slightly down-tuned and distorted along the way. Monolith lasts over six minutes but Hexjakt never outstays their welcome with great vocals selling the whole superb creative vision throughout. 

The production values have improved greatly since their debut EP with Hexjakt aiming for bigger and better things and Monolith is the first sign that their upcoming debut album could be the start of something special for them. Until then, Monolith is a great way to spend six minutes of your life and be treated to some outstanding Sludge/Stoner Metal sounds that leave you wanting to hear more!!!

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Metal Devastation PR for the details..

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Stoner Metallers ROBOT DEATH MONKEY Release Kick-Ass New Song/Video For BEER MACHINE

Scottish Prehistoric Volume Dealers, Robot Death Monkey have just self released their new single and music video for their song 'Beer Machine'

Hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland the power trio have been playing big riffs since 2010 following in the same vein as Red Fang, Fu Manchu & Orange Goblin. Shaun Forshaw (Bass & Vocals) used to work at a brewery when he discovered he much preferred drinking large quantities of beer rather than brewing it and this is where the idea of the song came from.

The music video was filmed by ex RDM guitarist Steve Ingle who captured the booze fuelled raucous energy of Scotland's hardest band.

The single is available on bandcamp for pay what you want and on all major streaming platforms.

Links

Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | open.spotify.com | new.express.adobe.com

Birds Of Nazca - Pangaea (Album Review)

Release Date: October 03rd 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats:CD/DD/Vinyl

Pangaea - Tracklisting

1.Batagaïka

2.Gang Rinpoché 

3.Racetrack Playa 

4.Man Pupu Nyor

5.Incahuasi

6.Riftus...

7....Pangaea

Members

Guillaume - Guitar

Romuald - Drum

Review

Pangaea is the second full length album from Psych/Doom/Stoner Rockers Birds Of Nazca who are a highly talented duo specialising in all things HEAVY with a moody sideline in Post-Rock and Post-Metal heaviness. There’s a spirited Cosmic Sludge Rock sound always bursting out the seams which allows Birds Of Nazca to become a much heavier duo that you initially realize. Imagine if Mars Red Sky, Pelican, Weedpecker and Russian Circles joined creative forces then this is the end result. 

The band are purely an instrumental band but still manage to project an intriguing story within their music which is told through powerful Psychedelic landscapes and Ambient Post-Rock soundscapes which superbly comes to life on the splendid opening tracks of Batagaïka, Gang Rinpoché and Racetrack Playa setting the scene for fans of desolate Desert Rock/Metal grooves. The music can be quite progressive and choppy in places but that’s part of the charm with the band creating a destructive and minimalist Space Rock theme throughout the album.

There’s a classic sense of nineties Desert/Stoner Rock melody hidden behind the more forceful and aggressive movements where you can even hear traces of KYUSS, OOTSA and YAWNING MAN within the later stages of the record. Birds Of Nazca are quite adventurous by exploring impactful melodies and joining them with a thoughtful Post-Rock attitude on tracks such as Man Pupu Nyor, Incahuasi and the beautifully explosive final track of ….Pangaea.

Pangaea is a record that dares to show it’s LIGHT vs DARK side throughout which makes it quite a highly bold, stylish and supremely melodic record. My favourite aspect of the album is where Birds Of Nazca strip back from their Desert/Stoner Rock surroundings and dive head right into the Sludge/Post-Metal aspects of their music. As everything becomes more real and quite grounded even with the COSMIC flow takes centre stage. 

The instrumental passages are played brilliantly by Guillaume (Guitar) and Romuald (Drum) that sees them have a “WORLD BUILDING” and “PLANET DESTROYING” energy to their music which is perhaps the most breathtaking part of Pangaea that I will ultimately take away from the listening to the record.

Pangaea is everything you want from a first rate Instrumental Doom/Stoner Metal record and one that ranks alongside albums by the likes of PELICAN, MODDER and SPACE WITCH as being one of the best and most definitive Instrumental Rock/Metal albums of the year.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Birds Of Nazca and NRV Promotion for the promo.

Pangaea is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Nordic Doom Ascends: SKOGSKULT Unveil Occult-Drenched Video and Album on BONEBAG RECORDS

Skinwalkers, rituals, and mysterious gatherings... the Umeå-based quartet’s riff-filled debut arrives this December on Bonebag Records

Skogskult’s self-titled debut will be released on 5th December 2025

Taking cues from classic doom bands like Sleep, Acid King, and Electric Wizard, as well as contemporary acts like Monolord and Telekinetic Yeti, Bonebag Records is thrilled to announce the debut album from rising stars, Skogskult.

Formed in 2022 in Umeå and featuring members of underground bands Från Mars, Scitalis, and Never Recover, the Swedish doom quartet mark their path toward the album with new single 'Turs'. Produced by Cavern Deep and Bonebag Record’s own Max Malmer, ‘Turs’ is the second of three singles – following ‘Pakten’ earlier this year – that delves deep into Nordic mythology and arcane mystery. The track tells the story of beings rising from their slumber, bringing destruction as forests fall and mountains bleed. With Swedish lyrics and heavy, fuzz-driven guitars, ‘Turs’ continues to build the atmosphere that defines Skogskult’s sound.

Drawing on imagery of Skinwalkers, Norse burial rituals, and occult gatherings, Skogskult channel the dark traditions of doom and stoner rock into a fuzz-filled vision of darker days to come.

“I had the fortune of catching one of their first shows and signed them on the spot,” explains Malmer. “It was so great to see that there were young, local musicians getting into the stoner doom genre. Since discovering them we've produced an entire album together. Hopefully this new single will give everyone a sense of what they’re all about.”

Skogskult’s self-titled debut will be released on 5th December 2025 via Bonebag Records. Watch the video for ‘Turs’ below:

Skogskult:

Samuel Nordström – Guitar
Albin Kroon – Bass
Simon Rosengrim – Vocals
Alexander Söderlund – Drums

Track List:

1. Lyktans Låga
2. Turs [Listen]
3. Jag Ger Mig Av
4. Pakten [Listen]
5. Sol
6. Snöblind

Artist: Skogskult
Release: Skogskult
Record Label: Bonebag Records
Release Date: 05/12/2025

Format: CD/Digital/LP

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for the details.

M.E.L.T. - Innervate / Obliterate (Album Review)

Release Date: October 03rd 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats:CD/DD/Vinyl

Innervate / Obliterate - Tracklisting

1.Innervate / Obliterate

2.Ride 

3.Chemical Warrior

4.Cut It Up

5.Tranquilized 

6.2000 Years

7.Empire of the Swine

8.The Spire

9.Krakatoa

10.Mass Grave 

11.Gnomeskull

Members

Joey Troupe - Guitar/Vocals

James May - Bass Guitar/Vocals

J.J. Young - Drums/Vocals/Percussion/Theremin

Review

Proto-Metal/Stoner Metal outcasts M.E.L.T. return with their latest album Innervate / Obliterate and it’s even weirder than their acclaimed 2023 album Replica Of Man which completely blew my mind with its epic shifts into different COSMIC arenas. M.E.L.T. continues with that style but offers a weirder, heavier and experimental mix of Fuzz Rock, Prog Rock, Proto-Metal, Doom Metal and Stoner Rock based freakouts. The band channels the likes of Black Sabbath, Monster Magnet, FU MANCHU, Ty Segall and even PRIMUS on this record alone.

The album has a similar fast and loose narrative as Replica Of Man with the band moving into multiple different areas of creative storytelling with aggressive amounts of vibrant energy appearing with the classic Proto-Metal sounds. M.E.L.T. have a moody swagger moving through the golden era of HEAVY RAWK ‘N’ ROLL starting from the Sixties right up to the modern day scene. The record is fully at its best when they hit upon the musical stride and legendary sounds of Seventies Heavy Metal and the Nineties breakout Stoner Metal scene. 

M.E.L.T. could have easily lost themselves with the multiple different sounds and outrageous melodies which becomes only stronger, braver and beautifully twisted throughout. The record perhaps leans into classic LED ZEPP, MONSTER MAGNET and FU MANCHU territory on the second half of the record but this is one great album that has eleven killer tracks offering different styles of music to impress listeners with.

Sure, it can be all over the place and way over the top but it’s M.E.L.T.’s dedication to the FUZZ ROCK cause that allows the sublime musical passages offer a gateway into another DOOMEDELIC DIMENSION where the freakouts become heavier, aggressive and brilliantly soulful. 

The vocals from all three members all offer a different contrast to each other and you begin to realise that Joey, James and JJ are all trying to OUT DO each other whenever the opportunity arises. The majority of the vocals are part of the OLD SCHOOL of Rock Music with elements of Garage Rock and Proto-Doom being the main definitive of choice from M.E.L.T. 

Standout tracks on the album for me are: Innervate / Obliterate, Ride, Chemical Warrior, Tranquilized, Mass Grave and Gnomeskull. The vibrant and twisted amounts of Space Rock energy allows a sordid and twisted Sludge Rock atmosphere to appear with the destructive Psychedelic melodies becoming heavily distorted at the same time. 

Innervate / Obliterate is a delirious, dangerous and hypnotic slice of Psychedelic Stoner Rock which sees M.E.L.T. once again releasing another outstanding record to add to their impressive back catalogue.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Nate Cross Media for the promo.

Innervate / Obliterate Pangaea is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl.

Links

Website: https://www.meltyourself.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/abandcalledmelt
X: https://twitter.com/abandcalledmelt
IG: https://www.instagram.com/meltyourself/
Bandcamp: https://abandcalledmelt.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gzPFf6sEdQT9BQzsjHUVY?si=8Jc_8fMrTL6Ov75NEZkiVA

Doom/Drone/Post-Metallers P+A+G+E+S Unveil Debut Single & Video “Shine On” from Forthcoming album “No More Can Be Done”

Cape Town’s doom, atmospheric noise, drone, and sludge post-metal trio P+A+G+E+S emerge from the shadows with the release of their debut single and video Shine On, the first glimpse into their highly anticipated debut album No More Can Be Done (out 25th October), recorded with producer Simon Ratcliffe at Sound and Motion Studios in February 2025.

Carved from the same crushing bedrock as the album, “Shine On” strikes with a different force—driving and deliberate while retaining the band’s signature weight. “We wanted to contrast the album with something a bit more driving, while adhering to the overall weight of the rest of the tracks and to be strong against vile oppression,” explains the band.

Lyrically, the single distils a mantra of resilience: “When the clouds come to cover, let the light shine through.” “The message is simple but powerful,” they add. “It’s about strength in the face of adversity and oppression.”

The accompanying video unfolds as a ritual of fire and transformation—an alchemical act of destruction and regeneration. A paper doll serves as the vessel for change, embodying both fragility and intention. “This ritual is a symbolic metaphor for simple things we can do in reality to break fascist necks—like who you give your money to, as a small example, to challenging bigotry as a bigger one,” says the band.

No More Can Be Done is a stark, slow-burning monolith of existential dread, geopolitical despair, environmental decay, and raw emotional weight—yet it carries a glimmer of perseverance in a collapsing world. Since 2017, drummer Caitlin Mkhasibe, bassist Frank Lunar, and guitarist/vocalist/sound artist helo samo have honed their sound from post-rock/noise roots into a heavier, dissonant, and deliberately crushing territory.

“Grief and the depressing state of the world were big inspirations,” says the band. “We wanted to create something that embodies that state and cast a light on things that are often hard to address—while writing music we would want to hear ourselves.”

The album unfolds like a descent into shadow: chaotic noise mutating into industrial rhythms, fragile symphonics, and suffocating dissonance. Vocals delivering simple, spectral mantras designed to resonate through repetition.

Follow P+A+G+E+S

Instagram | YouTube

Thanks to Plug Music Agency for the details.