Moonstone - Arc Of Mycology (Album Review)

Release Date: November 05th 2025. Record Label: Interstellar Smoke Records. Formats: Cassette/DD/Vinyl

Age Of Mycology - Tracklisting

1.A New Dawn 02:49

2.Crooked One 05:03

3.Glorious Decay 06:46

4.This Barren Place 08:08

5.Disco Inferno 04:53

6.Primordial 03:31

7.Age of Mycology 13:45

Members

Wiktor Kozak - Bass

Jan Maniewski - Guitars/Vocals

Volodymyr Lyashenko - Guitars

Bartek - Drums

Review

Age Of Mycology is the third full length album from Doom/Stoner Metallers Moonstone and sees the band expand their music to bring in a heavy and stylish form of Proto Metal amongst their well known blend of psychedelic heaviness from the underground scene. Moonstone are truly tapping into the Prog Rock/Metal lifestyle with a whole album based on the scientific study of fungi which is the definition of Mycology. Though, Moonstone offers a unique Post-Punk, Gothic and Post-Doom twist with the musical compositions that traverse the listener into their dark world.

I would call this a pure WEEDIAN album with Moonstone playing an abstract style of Stoner Metal with over the top vocals and subtle switches to Post-Punk surroundings. If you like the musical teachings of bands such as CANDLEMASS, SAINT VITUS and TROUBLE then Moonstone inject that classic level of heaviness into their music with some thrilling modern influences being added along the way. The lyrics are seedy, grimy and beautifully organic at the same time with Moonstone playing different styles of Doomed Out Stoner Metal with a heavy reliance on Classic Hard Rock rhythms within the first half of the record.

The opening tracks of A New Dawn, Crooked Dawn and Glorious Decay shows a Proto-Doom based creatie theme merging from the darkness with lead vocalist Jan Maniewski’s vocals revelling with his classic DOOM METAL approach which is superbly theatrical but quite demonic at the same time. The instrumental parts are quite grounded with only Progressive themes only appearing at the right time to provide a few spills and chills along the way.

There are some epic YOB and PALLBEARER influences being felt within the later stages of the record on tracks such as The Barren Place, Primordial and the epic final track Age Of Mycology. These influences were heard on their celebrated 2023 record Growth which was a dark magical opus in itself but this one sees Moonstone transform into Proto-Doom masters with perhaps a slight debt of gratitude to Type O Negative. Though, that could be my ever cautious imagination playing tricks on me.

Moonstone dominates the Doom/Stoner Metal landscape with eerie tales of Post-Winter blues with the starling subject matter of studying FUNGIS and causing untold damage to humanity. Yeah, the main creative outline and story of the record is wholly outlandish but perfectly taps into the OCCULT ROCK aspect that Moonstone superbly splices into the action along the way.

Age Of Mycology is an impressive record on all levels with the storytelling aspects, technical ability of the band themselves and sublime production values making this record superbly original throughout. Moonstone bring a different sound, swagger and sense of originality to the underground Polish Doom/Stoner Metal scene that ultimately leaves you fully rewarded with every listen.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Moonstone for the promo.

Age Of Mycology is available to buy now on CD/Vinyl via Interstellar Smoke Records and Cassette/DD/Vinyl via Moonstone BandCamp Page.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

SOFTSUN - Eternal Sunrise (Album Review)

Release Date: November 07th 2025. Record Label: Heavy Psych Sounds. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Eternal Sunrise - Tracklisting

1.Sacred Heart 07:33

2.A Hundred And Sixteen 08:06

3.Anywhere But Here 04:53

4.Sleep The Day Away 06:25

5.Abandoned Lands 05:29

6.Cremation Sunlight 08:28

Members

Guitars: Gary Arce

Bass and vocals: Pia Isaksen

Drums: Robert Garson

Review

Shoegaze/Desert Rock/Psych Rockers SOFTSUN return with their sophomore album Eternal Sunrise which comes almost exactly a year after their critically acclaimed debut album Daylight In The Dark. This is the band formed by Pia Isaksen (PIA ISA, Superlynx) and Gary Arce (Yawning Man, Fatso Jetson, Big Scenic Nowhere). This time round they’re joined by Robert Garson on drums for a record that continues their Psychedelic, Ambient and Trippy journey into the legendary sounds of the Desert.

With a more emotionally charged Shoegaze element at its central core with Pia’s exquisite vocals leading the way. There are elements of Yawning Man and Superlynx that you can hear everywhere with the legendary sounds of the Californian Desert merged with the emotionally charged Post-Rock and gloomy sounds of the Norwegian scene which appeared on their debut album.

The record is quite reflective with intense lyrics allowing SOFTSUN to perfectly capture that Gloom & Doom sound with a sudden shift in slowly played Shoegaze melodies with a haunting Progressive charge that never feels rushed or aggressively delivered. The opening tracks of Sacred Heart, A Hundred And Sixteen and Anywhere But Here offer twenty minutes of superbly captured movements of Shoegaze with a lingering sense of adventure with the music slowly transforming into beautiful areas of Dream Pop surroundings. 

SOFTSUN can be quite heavy and beautifully dynamic whenever the mood calls for it with screeching doomed out guitars and epic cinematic drumming that leads into classic strands of YAWNING MAN based Desert Rock. Though, Pia’s vocals keep everything real with an affectionate and highly involving vocal performance that has moments of classic Nineties Alt-Rock attitude throughout. 

Eternal Sunrise is equally uplifting and deceptively bleak with moody sonic passages forming with a surreal Dreamlike and ethereal quality. There’s some Post-Punk dynamics heard within the later stages of the record but merged with the surreal charm of the Desert Rock landscape with SOFTSUN never afraid to experiment with their overall sound on tracks such as Sleep The Day Away and Cremation Sunlight. 

There are a lot of overlapping Ambient, Sonic and Psychedelic creative themes which gives Eternal Sunrise a different sound and energy compared to their debut album. I called that album “a truly majestic work of art” last year. However, this is an even better album with SOFTSUN delving into more aggressive and bolder areas of music whilst still remaining superbly close to that superb record. 

Eternal Sunrise is an outstanding example of merging different sounds into a highly captivating style of music that leaves you in a euphoric and truly uplifting state of mind. There are not many albums that you can describe as absolutely gorgeous but you can apply to this incredible record. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Eternal Sunrise is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds.

Links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Italian Psych Rockers ABISSI Reveal "Paramagia" Full Album and New Single "Madama Cristina"

Italian psychedelic heavy rockers ABISSI reveal the full details of their new album Paramagia, set for release on January 30th 2026 in CD and digital formats via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records. To celebrate, the band shares the second single Madama Cristina, now available on all digital platforms.

With Paramagia, ABISSI return with a record that feels like a sonic altar, where the weight of rock collides with liquid visions, occult tensions, and melodies sharp as glass. The guitars pull the listener into a hypnotic state, shaping a sound that is heavy, ritualistic, alive. Born in Milan, Paramagia channels the urban intensity and creative flow of the city, presenting the band’s own idea of what rock should be: physical, visionary, vibrant.

ABISSI formed in 2018 in Milan. The project was shaped by Francesco Menghi (former frontman of Veracrash), Luca Ibba (ex-ODE), and Agostino Marino (Little Pig). The lineup later welcomed bassist Alessandro Stranieri, whose new wave and goth background helped refine the group’s evolving identity. Their music, sung in Italian, blends psychedelic heavy rock with influences that move through stoner, doom, alternative, grunge, noise and new wave.

The band first introduced their world with the single Interzona in 2020. Their debut album, Oltre, followed in 2022. In 2025, ABISSI released the single Pizzo, offering the first glimpse into this new chapter. Now, with Madama Cristina, they open the gates wider, inviting listeners deeper into Paramagia.

Tracklist - Paramagia

1 Funerale in Messico 3:20
2 Pizzo 2:01
3 Le Chiese 3:59
4 Grabovoi 3:52
5 Sequenze 2:35
6 Cemento 3:43
7 Madama Cristina 3:07
8 3424 3:37

Paramagia is a journey into luminous shadows, a space where ritual rhythm meets dreamlike expression. More news and preorder information will follow soon.

Listen to Madama Cristina here: https://song.link/abissi_mc

INFO:

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

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.

Sonic Command - Book I (EP Review)

Release Date: October 31st 2025. Record Label: Self Released.. Formats: DD

Book I - Tracklisting

1.Commandment I 08:05

2.Commandment II 07:45

3.Commandment III 11:11

Members

Pug - Bass

Rog - Guitar

Terry - Drums

Review

Book I is the debut EP from Instrumental Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers Sonic Command who bring a stripped back and dirty energy to their music. The production values are quite LO-FI in places but Sonic Command excel at playing distorted AMPLIFIER melodies with violent levels of FUZZ METAL that’s injected into the final mix.

Sonic Command aren’t re-inventing the scene but they’re playing good old-fashioned Instrumental Doom Metal that does have some exciting mid-tempo changes along the way. As for the most part of Commandment I they play a subtle slow-to-mid pace sound that a certain SLEEP and BLACK SABBATH energy trying to burst out. However, towards the end of this track, Sonic Command become a more thrilling and exciting prospect when they switch to a meaner, heavier and faster style of music which sees an epic slice of HIGH ON FIRE, MASTODON and BLACK TUSK based influence emerging that becomes one of the strongest parts of the whole EP.

The LO-FI surroundings become more welcoming with Sonic Command playing that aggressive and melodic style of Doomed Out Sludge with distorted FUZZ ROCK movements being wholly progressive on the final two tracks of Commandment II and Commandment III.

With a heavy reliance of SONIC DISTORTION and AMPLIFIER FEEDBACK which offers a heavy reverb flow emerging within these two tracks alone. There’s a sudden outburst of Psychedelic rhythms appearing when you least expect it which allows Book I to be a superbly entertaining record with the band making a damn fine impression throughout.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Void Sinker - Creatures (EP Review)

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

Creatures - Tracklisting

1.Kraken 21:15

2.Naga 24:58

Members

Guglielmo Allegro - Everything

Review

Creatures is the new EP from Drone/Doom/Stoner Metal collective Void Sinker and follows the same sonic trajectory as their recent album Echoes From The Deep. The sound is perhaps heavier and riff-orientated with elements of Sludge and Post-Metal making an aggressive appearance on different stages of the EP. The EP lasts for around forty five minutes spread across two tracks which allows Guglielmo Allegro to spread his Drone Metal creative ideas and thoughts against a backdrop of murky rhythms and aquatic vibes that holds everything together.

The added use of Ambient and Oceanic sounds is most definitely influenced by Void Sinker’s previous record with a fast-paced narrative leaning into some heavy thick SLUDGE METAL grooves with a distinctive Psychedelic rhythm emerging from behind the scenes. Both tracks of Kraken and Naga are superbly constructed and played throughout with different levels of distorted sounds and aquatic soundscapes perhaps inspired by the likes of SUNN 0))), Mastodon and Neurosis for that extra level of Prog Metal heaviness.

The production values have a stripped back appeal which is quite different to Void Sinker’s previous recorded efforts. Everything sounds more urgent with the overlapping sludgy guitars perhaps being too soulful at times though the Drone Metal passages is where the real power lies for Guglielmo Allegro to prove once more why he’s one of the underground scene’s most impressive creative minds currently out there. 

The last record was quite a bleak and pitch-black affair but Creatures returns to a more action packed sound first heard within Void Sinker’s earlier releases. There are moments of Post-Black grooves that merge the areas of Doom Metal and Sludge Metal into a more ethereal and monolithic tone that is simply beautiful to fully witness at times. If creating SONIC and AMPLIFIER DISTORTED melodies was ever considered an art form then Void Sinker would be in a league of his own.

Creatures is another epic sounding record and stylish effort from Void Sinker that should allow Guglielmo Allegro to expand his “CULT” appeal even further within the underground scene.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

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