Indian Post-Metal Quintet DIRGE Return with Doom Laden Video for ‘ENDLESS NIGHT’

This month, Dirge return with a brand-new single, the monolithic ‘Endless Night’ – the first taste of new material from their forthcoming album, set for release later this year.

Since forming in 2014, the band have continually pushed the sonic envelope. Fusing doom rock, metal and psychedelic sludge, they’ve become a formidable presence in India’s underground scene, touring alongside contemporaries such as Primitiv, Shepherd, Bevar Sea and Djinn & Miskatonic, opening for major international acts like Ulcerate and Defiled, and appearing at festivals including Bangalore Open Air and Control Alt Delete in Mumbai.

Using their post-pandemic downtime to write and record the follow-up to 2018’s Ah Puch, their critically acclaimed 2023 self-titled album marked a striking evolution. Where their debut drew on the sweeping imagery of Mayan myths and South American jungles, Dirge looked inward and offered a devastatingly personal statement while still reflecting on the world at large.

Their new single, ‘Endless Night’, traces a slow psychological descent into despair, where emotional erosion and existential weight shape a suffocating inner world. As rich in atmosphere as it is in riffs, the track sees Dirge pushing beyond the boundaries of their established sound into darker, more immersive territory. It was once again produced by the band alongside long-time collaborator Apurv Agrawal (Pacifist, Cowboy & Sailor Man, Honey’s Dead) at Island City and Blue Cassette Studios.

Watch the video for ‘Endless Night’ below and keep your eyes and ears peeled for news about their new album very soon!

Video Credits:

 

Directed & Edited by Smriti Thakur

DOP – Purab Mukherjee

Colour Correction and Grading – Sahil Satish Amin

Artwork & Logo – Anoop Bhat

 

Audio Credits:

 

Produced by Dirge & Apurv Agrawal Recorded at Island City & Blue Cassette studios

Mixed by Apurv Agrawal

Mastered by Brad Boatright (Audiosiege)

Dirge on Bandcamp | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for the details.

Californian Sludge Veterans -(16)- release noisy Scorpions cover off upcoming "Forgeries Vol 1, (1972-1984)" album on Heavy Psych Sounds; European & UK tour announced!

Santa Ana, California sludge metal veterans -(16)- drag the anthemic metal of Scorpions through the mud with their raucous cover of "Can't Get Enough", premiering now on Metalsucks. Their upcoming 11th album "Forgeries Vol 1, 1972-1984" will be released on May 1st via Heavy Psych Sounds, followed by an extensive European and UK tour.

 Hear their sludgy Scorpions cover with Can't Get Enough

There comes a point in every band’s life when originality stops being a virtue and honesty takes the wheel. On their 11th long-playing record: Forgeries 1972-1984, -(16)- return to the impulse that first dragged them into loud rooms and bad ideas: the urge to steal what we love and make it semi-unrecognizable through devotion. "We have partnered with Heavy Psych Sounds Records to release a collection of covers that function less as homage and more as a possession to be given away," says the band. The artwork, rendered by the ever-amazing Marald van Haasteren, completes the ritual, iconic, unsettling, and unafraid.

"We’ve always believed that a great cover is not mimicry but revelation. It’s finding a song that's already lived inside you since youth and letting it crawl out, bruised and changed." From the early ’90s onward, -(16)- have treated covers as translations rather than as replicas, acts of tribute and emulation, filtered through distortion, fatigue, and lived experience. "These are songs that taught us how to stand, how to fall, and how to keep going," they add. "In our collective head, this album exists because these songs demanded it. Because they screamed copy me, and we listened. In the end, Forgeries 1972-1984 stands as both a thank you note and a theft, a reminder that all music worth a damn is borrowed, broken, and passed on between friends."

The selections on Forgeries 1972-1984 span eras and attitudes, unified not by genre but by necessity. Each track is a document of obsession, of influence absorbed and re-expressed without permission. The first volume will be issued on LP, CD and digital on May 1st, with preorders available via Heavy Psych Sounds.

*** -(16)- - European Tour 2026 ***

01.05 PT Barroselas - SWR Metalfest
02.05 IT Torino - HPS Fest
03.05 IT Bologna - HPS Fest
04.05 IT Genova - Trinità Live Club
05.05 IT Milano - Legend Club
06.05 IT Pescara - Scumm
07.05 IT Roma - Traffic Live Club
08.05 NO Oslo - Deserfest
09.05 ***OPEN SLOT***
10.05 FR Marseille - Le Molotov
12.05 ***OPEN SLOT***
13.05 DE Göppingen - Gaststätte Zille
14.05 ***OPEN SLOT***
15.05 CH Winterthur - HPS FEST
16.05 UK London - Desertfest
17.05 ***OPEN SLOT***
18.05 ***OPEN SLOT***
19.05 NL Amsterdam - Toekomst muziek
20.05 DE Bielefeld - Forum
21.05 ***OPEN SLOT***
22.05 DE Dürrröhrsdorf - GockelScream
23.05 CZ Brno - Kabinet Muz
24.05 ***OPEN SLOT***

New album "Forgeries Vol 1, 1972 - 1984" - Out May 1st on Heavy Psych Sounds - Pre-order

TRACKLIST:

1. Can't Get Enough – Scorpions
2. Nausea – X
3. Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll – Blue Öyster Cult
4. Rotten to the Core – Rudimentary Peni
5. Mother Mary – UFO
6. Tragedy – Bee Gees
7. Bloodstains – Agent Orange
8. Beat My Head Against the Wall – Black Flag
9. St. Vitus Dance – Black Sabbath
10. Foreign Policy – Fear

Formed in 1991 in Santa Ana, California, 16 stylized as -(16)- emerged from the Southern California skate scene. The original lineup featured Bobby Ferry (guitar), Cris Jerue (vocals), Ben Clark (bass), and Jason Corley (drums). Initially called *15*, the band quickly rebranded after discovering another group with the same name. Drawing influence from 7 Seconds, Bad Brains, Metallica, and the Amphetamine Reptile roster, -(16)- developed a sound that helped define both their early years and the sludge subgenre itself.

Their 1993 debut, Curves That Kick, arrived on Pushead’s Bacteria Sour and was followed by a Japanese tour and shows with Slayer. Drop Out (1996) and Blaze of Incompetence (1997) followed, with Phil Vera joining on guitar. After a 1998 U.S. tour with Grief and the 2002 release Zoloft Smile, the band toured the U.S., U.K., and Japan before entering a hiatus in 2004 amid personal struggles.

Reforming in 2007, -(16)- signed to Relapse Records for Bridges to Burn (2009), followed by Deep Cuts from Dark Clouds (2012). With Bobby Ferry now on vocals, the San Diego–based lineup of Alex Shuster (lead guitar), Barney Firks (bass), Dion Thurman (drums) released Lifespan of a Moth (2016), Dream Squasher (2020) and Into Dust (2022) to critical acclaim. Heavy touring across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, plus major festival slots, cemented their reputation for intense, connecting live performances.

In 2025, -(16)- released Guides for the Misguided on Relapse Records, which was named one of Decibel Magazine’s Top 40 Albums of the Year. That same year, the band headlined a three-week European tour and later performed select shows in California with Acid Bath, High on Fire and Fu Manchu.

In 2026, the band partnered with Heavy Psych Sounds to release Forgeries 1972–1984, a covers album spanning influences from Black Flag to the Bee Gees. That May, they return to Europe for a tour that includes Desertfest Oslo and London, as well as the Italian and Swiss Heavy Psych Sounds Festivals. With a legacy built on resilience and constant reinvention, -(16)- continue to evolve and captivate audiences, affirming their lasting relevance in heavy music.

-(16)- is

Bobby Ferry - Guitars / Vocals
Alex Shuster - Lead Guitar
Barney Firks - Bass
Dion Thurman - Drums / Percussion

-(16)- links

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp

Heavy Psych Sounds links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Youtube

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

North Carolina Doom n' Roll duo SIXYEARHEX will release their new single "Original Sin" on all major streaming platforms March 10.

North Carolina Doom n' Roll duo SIXYEARHEX will release their new single "Original Sin" on all major streaming platforms March 10.

Known for blending sludgy stoner-doom riffs with soaring rock melodies, the band continues to carve out their signature heavy yet hypnotic sound. SIXYEARHEX has been steadily gaining ground with their fusion of dark alternative rock, post-grunge atmosphere, and doom-laden groove.

"Original Sin" explores the idea that humanity was never inherently broken, challenging the long-standing narratives of guilt and inherited flaw. Through crushing guitars, driving rhythm, and haunting melody, the track delivers a defiant meditation on identity, belief, and the stories we've been told about ourselves.

The single offers another glimpse into the evolving sonic landscape SIXYEARHEX is building as they move toward their upcoming full-length album.

"Original Sin" will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and all other streaming platforms March 10.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

French Psychedelic Doom Lords OCCULT HAND ORDER share eerie first single off new album "Meaningless Monuments"; out April 17th on Totem Cat Records

French psychedelic doom conjurers OCCULT HAND ORDER return with their new album "Meaningless Monuments" this April 17th on Totem Cat Records, and unveil the eerie and mystique-laden first video and single "Novo Mesto" on all platforms today.

 Get in a trance with new Occult Hand Order single Novo Mesto 

Lyon-based trio Occult Hand Order crafts a heavy and introspective sound at the crossroads of doom, post-rock and ethereal soundscapes. Their music balances crushing weight and cosmic elevation, ritualistic tension and introspective drift.

With Meaningless Monuments, the band delves into themes of apocalypse, inner collapse and the search for meaning. Darker, slower, and more cinematic, the record unfolds through long, hypnotic structures where massive riffs meet meditative, atmospheric passages. Occult Hand Order emerges as a sonic ritual: a journey through inner ruins, a quest for what remains when everything falls apart.

About the new single, the band says: "Novo Mesto acts as a catharsis. The song evokes purification through hardship, pain washed away by time and the elements, and the idea that destruction and rebirth are intimately linked. Between fatalism and acceptance, it questions what remains after chaos, and how experience transforms those who go through it. Fire and rain become symbolic forces, both destructive and regenerative."

OCCULT HAND ORDER "Meaningless Monuments" - Out April 17th on Totem Cat Records

Pre-order from March 9th at this location

TRACKLIST:

1. Bledow
2. Brno
3. Mollerussa
4. Novo Mesto
5. Gerlach

Formed in the French city of Lyon in 2018, heavy psychedelic trio Occult Hand Order marry the crushing weight of doom with an ethereal cosmic drift, all lifted by soaring vocal harmonies that conjure arcane rituals and otherworldly mysticism.

After a striking self-titled debut in 2019, the band teamed up with the aptly named Interstellar Smoke Records to unleash The Chained, The Burned, The Wounded. The EP was hailed by critics, and the roar from the underground blasted open the doors to Europe’s finest stages, where the trio now stands, locked in and levitating. They're now ready to propel their unique soundscapes into outer space again, with the release of their sophomore album Meaningless Monuments on Totem Cat Records this spring.

Occult Hand Order links

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Youtube

Totem Cat Records links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

Radian - Subterfuge (Album Review)

Release Date: March 20th 2026. Record Label: El Burno Records, and Third House Communications. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Subterfuge - Tracklisting

1.Toothless Wolf 04:52

2.Spiraling Ash 04:48

3.Fathom 10:02

4.Ethereal Thirst 07:09

5.William 05:57

6.Subterfuge 04:58

7.Fluidity 02:56

Members

Corey Staley – vocals

Mike Burns – guitars

Carly Allman – bass

Derek Vaive – drums

Review

Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers Radian are back with a vengeance with their outstanding new album Subterfuge. Radian sounds like a new band reborn with a revised lineup since their 2022 record Discordian. The next chapter of the band’s evolution sees the band inject more melody and aggression into their music whilst keeping that winning Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metal sound that made their first two records such an absolute delight. The vocals from Corey Staley move between different heavy Progressive Metal themes with clean and harsh vocals combining for a stunning tour-de-force of modern day Sludge Metal.

The album itself is a concept album which you can read about below

“Set in a reimagined, modern-day Egypt – one that never fell to Roman conquest – Subterfuge tells the story of a man willing to do whatever it takes to protect his home, his people, and his culture from a cabal of overlords bent on erasure for personal gain. While rooted in a reimagined history, the album is riddled with comparisons to contemporary society: exploitation, manufactured collapse, and rebellion in the face of systems designed to consume rather than sustain.”

There may be influence from the lies of MASTODON, HIGH ON FIRE and NEUROSIS behind that story but Radian makes this their own vivid level of storytelling by combining modern day themes that feel very relatable in today’s uncertain times. The music itself is a mixture of Psych, Ambient, Sludge, Doom, Stoner and Progressive grooves with a stunning sense of mysticism and grounded reality which also feels inspired by the likes of YOB and Shrinebuilder at times.

The record never waives from portraying some harsh realities with soulful lyrics when matched against the sludgy Prog Metal textures that’s layered with intense Psych Metal imagery especially on the tracks Toothless Wolf, Spiraling Ash and Fathom within the first half of the album.

Radian play a stunning style of pure full-on Sludge/Stoner Metal that moves into Post-Metal territory but they also show a new found maturity when playing a subdued Post-Doomed Out style that adds a calming Post-Rock influence on the epic third track Fathom which is my favourite track on the album.

As stated earlier, Radian has a new line-up altogether compared to their last record with only Mike Burns as the only original member left. This feels like a band reborn with each member injecting their own personality into Radian’s core identity and overall sound which mostly comes into full effect on tracks such as Fathom, Ethereal Thrust, William and Subterfuge.

These tracks allow the band to move into other musical domains such as Punk and Hard Rock which gives their music a richer, heavier and fuller sound whilst keeping their Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metal dynamics intact. 

Subterfuge is perhaps Radian’s standout record where they have delivered their first undeniable “classic” record and I’m a huge fan of what they’ve released with their previous two albums. Though on Subterfuge it feels like they’ve found the “WINNING” creative formula they can move forward and make a real name for themselves within the underground scene. When the music and story fully hits hard then there’s no stopping RADIAN expanding and defining their own musical legacy with intense music that will leave you breathless at times.

The production values are off the scale which isn’t surprising when you consider the talent behind the scenes who helped make this record. Subterfuge was recorded and engineered by Mike Burns and engineered the album, except for the bass which was recorded by Brian “BeZo” Zorich. Sanford Parker at Hypercube (Voivod, Darkthrone, YOB) mixed the album and mastering duties were handled by Collin Jordan at Boiler Room Mastering (Ministry, Eyehategod, Spirit Adrift). 

Subterfuge is a record that has it all. It’s an undeniably brilliant and thrilling sonic fuelled experience that leaves you wanting more and perhaps that little bit excited to see what the future holds for RADIAN. This is a genuine ALBUM OF THE YEAR contender. It's as simple as that!!!

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Earsplit PR for the promo.

Subterfuge is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via El Burno Records, and Third House Communications.

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Gjenferd - Black Smoke Rising (Album Review)

Release Date: March 06th 2026. Record Label: Apollon Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Black Smoke Rising - Tracklisting

1.Crimson Rain 

2.Bound To Fall 

3.Black Smoke

4.Calling Your Name

5.Attergangar

6.The Thrill 

7.Stillferd

8.The Silence

9.Ride On

10.Spread Like Wildfire

Members

Vegard Bachmann Strand, guitars , vocals

Jakob Særvoll, keys, vocals

Samuel Robson Gardner, bass guitar

Sivert Kleiven Larsen, drums

Review

Black Smoke Rising is the second album from Proto-Doomsters Gjenferd who build their music on a huge wave of Seventies Rock and Pure Hard Rock nostalgia. There’s a massive influx of Blues, Psych and Stoner Rock melodies though the band are perhaps inspired by the likes of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Blue Oyster Cult with modern day bands such as GHOST and Uncle Acid. There’s less theatrical pomp with Gjenferd who solely focus on Classic Rock romanticism appearing through the lyrics and subtle Progressive sounds that appear throughout.

Opening tracks Crimson Rain and Bound To Fall both do a sterling job in creating the musical boundaries that Gjenferd play on the record. The Blues Rock grooves are the dominant theme within ppening track Crimson Rain with a classic Seventies Rock drive developing that solely relies on Proto-Rock vibes with the great vowels from Vegard Bachmann Strand and Jakob Særvoll adding an extra level of maturity to Gjenferd’s music.

Second song Bound To Fall sees a subtle Post-Doom and Psych Stoner Rock energy starting to emerge before Gjenferd return to their Proto-Doom and Classic Rock ways. The music does become instantly louder and perhaps modern which shows that Gjenferd aren’t afraid to inject that “modern day” sound into their music that mostly comes from the jagged rhythm section and freaky guitars.

The next part of the album sees Gjenferd add areas  of “SPICE” into their music with eras of music combining for a thoroughly original sound with that grounded Blues Rock aspect selling the whole creative vision especially on tracks Black Smoke and Calling Your Name. 

The trippy Organs and Keyboards add a subversive style of Occult Rock to become part of the action. This first part of the album is “HEAVY” but I wouldn’t class this as “HEAVY METAL” but one more closely aligned to “HEAVY ROCK” or “DOOM ROCK”. Though, that doesn’t stop Gjenferd pushing their music ever closely to the edge of HEAVY METAL with a fantastic sludgy environment that appears mostly on Black Smoke..

The second half of Black Smoke Rising offers a slightly different musical trajectory with Gjenferd moving into the era of Eighties Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Tracks such as The Thrill, The Silence, Ride On and Like Wildfire combine classic hooks and proto based melodies once more with a truly convincing storytelling aspect that appears through their superb lyrics.

There’s a sudden shift of Prog Rock awareness that continues to develop but Gjenferd always have some mighty fine creative tricks up their sleeves to inject a refreshing style of Classic Rock and current Psychedelic musical swagger within the final two tracks of Ride On and Like Wildfire.

The majority of the tracks on the album are superbly structured with excellent production values giving Black Smoke Rising a refreshing “RETRO” feel that makes you feel this album could have easily been recorded and released anytime over the last 50 years of Heavy Metal whilst still being quintessentially modern.

Black Smoke Rising is a resounding success on every level and if you’re a longtime fan or dedicated follower of Classic Hard Rock records then Gjenferd will no doubt impress the HELL OUT OF YOU!!!.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Gjenferd and Apollon Records for the promo.

Black Smoke Rising  is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Apollon Records.

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Unique Heavy Psych Project MONKEYS ON MARS - with Monkey3 & Mars Red Sky - to unleash new music video "Hear The Call".

Photo credit: Liss Eulenhertz

French-Swiss supergroup MONKEYS ON MARS - gathering all the musicians from psych/prog bands Mars Red Sky and Monkey3 - have unveiled their 13-minute music video Hear The Call.

The project is kicking off an extensive tour this month. All dates but France below.

Directed by Seb Antoine, new video "Hear The Call" is made up of images taken from the movie 'Time Machine' (1960) and live footage shot by Seb Antoine and Antoine Duclos at Westill Festival in France on October 2025. We find ourselves immersed in an apocalyptic, retro-futuristic, and slightly offbeat World, which will serve (among other things) as a setting for a series of live shows.

On stage, three bands will be performing during 2 hours: Monkey3, Mars Red Sky and Monkeys On Mars. What to expect? A Mars Red Sky show featuring Monkey3, followed by a Monkey3 show featuring Mars Red Sky, followed by the Monkeys On Mars show. Mars Red Sky and Monkey3 will be kicking off the night randomly as Monkeys on Mars will always be closing. No break!
­

TOUR | Tickets

16.04.2026 WINTERTHUR [CH] Gaswerk
17.04.2026 LAUSANNE [CH] Docks
18.04.2026 MILANO [IT] Legend - unique date in Italy !
19.04.2026 MUNICH [DE] Backstage
20.04.2026 DRESDEN [DE] Chemiefabrik
21.04.2026 BERLIN [DE] Neue Zukunft
22.04.2026 HAMBURG [DE] Kent
23.04.2026 NIJMEGEN [NL] Doornroosje
24.04.2026 HAARLEM [NL] Patronaat
25.04.2026 KARLSRUHE [DE] P8
10.07.2026 ERFURT [DE] Stoned From The Underground

The Lowdown

MONKEYS ON MARS is more than a simple collaboration, it is a bold fusion of two heavy psych/prog forces. Self-titled EP delivers two expansive space-prog journeys, clocking in at 11 and 13 minutes. The music perfectly blends their dreamlike yet dark soundscapes. Monkey3 bring kraut-infused effects and convincing heavy riffs to Mars Red Sky's tortured melodies. 

All carried by a pachydermic rhythm section: two drums, two basses. “Seasonal Pyres” showcases the crystalline voice of Mars Red Sky's frontman Julien Pras while “Hear The Call” is entirely instrumental. 'Monkeys On Mars' was recorded by Guillaume Desboeufs (Monkey3) at The Missing Link Studio (Lausanne, Switzerland) and Benjamin Mandeau (recording and mix) at Cryogene Prod Studio (Bègles, France). Mastering by Alexis Bardinet at Globe Audio Studio in Bordeaux, France. 

The record dropped on October 17th 2025 through Mrs Red Sound at the following formats: vinyl, CD, digital.

Links

Instagram | BandCamp | Official

Thanks to Shake Promotion PR for the details.

FROGLORD - Lower & Slower - Vol 1 (Album Review)

Release Date: March 06th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Lower & Slower - Vol 1 - Tracklisting

1.They Came From Saturn (Lower & Slower)
2.Road Raisin (Lower & Slower)
3.Green Inferno (Lower & Slower)
4.Die By The Slime (Lower & Slower)
5.Ecocide (Lower & Slower)
6.Swamp Boogie (Lower & Slower)
7.Iron Man (Lower & Slower)

Members

Vocals - Froglord
Guitar - Caudata
Bass - Bufo
Drums - Anura
Backing vocals and slime - Herman

Review

Doom/Stoner Metal Amphibian Metal Overlords FROGLORD return with their latest offering called Lower & Slower - Vol 1. This album sees the band take time away from expanding their acclaimed “Tale Of The Froglord” saga and revisit some old classics and fan favourites from their impressive back catalogue.

Froglord recorded this album in one take which offers a more rawer, aggressive and slightly downbeat take compared to the original versions. This is the type of album that easily falls under the category “WHAT YOU HEAR IS WHAT YOU GET” and perhaps is the closest representation to the actual LIVE VERSION of Froglord.

The record is soaking in almost FUNERAL DOOM and DIRGE RIDDEN FILTH throughout the album with a murky down-tuned energy being emitted from the speakers. The opening tracks of They Came From Saturn and Road Raisin allows Froglord to setup the violent metropolis of down-tuned Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal vibes with some truly outlandish and bombastic vocals leading the way.

The whole thing crackles with intense recording techniques where the FUZZY surroundings are brutally melodic with Froglord creating massive walls of volume that sometimes pays homage to the likes of ELECTRIC WIZARD, BLACK SABBATH and CONAN.

This album is perhaps best considered a celebration of Froglord’s highly impressive musical legacy which they’ve achieved in such a short space of time where the band first came into existence in 2020. There’s also a great point for this album as Froglord doing the following for their favourite charity:

Importantly, this release carries a strong charitable focus.

• 100% of digital proceeds
• 50% of physical and merch profits

will be donated to the Waterfowl & Wetland Trust (WWT), supporting their mission to restore 100,000 hectares of wetlands by 2050. Environmental advocacy has always been woven into Froglord’s mythos, and this release channels that ethos into direct action.

My favourite parts of the album are perhaps the tracks Green Inferno, Die By The Slime and Swamp Boogie. As these are my actual favourite tracks from the whole Froglord back catalogue. Though, every track is simply put BRUTALLY STUNNING or STUNNINGLY BRUTAL with the riffs always being played LOUD and THICK to the best of the band’s technical and musical ability.

With the album being recorded in one take, the production values aren’t the best but only works to Froglord’s favour as this is about as real Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal music you can possibly get. What can I say about their brilliant cover of the BLACK SABBATH track IRON MAN.

It’s an iconic song that’s been performed from just about everyone and Froglord put their own spin on this track with perhaps a more violent and slime ridden tone without them compromising the message of the original version especially within these FUCKED UP times with the self proclaimed “PRESIDENT OF PEACE” kicking up a total shit storm in the Middle East.

Anyway, I digress. Lower & Slower - Vol 1 proves why FROGLORD are without doubt one of the most unique and original bands currently within the UK Heavy Metal scene. And with this being listed as Volume 1, we can expect more releases within the same vein, though it will be a hard act to follow by beating this great record.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Neon Leopard Promotions for the promo.

Links

LinkTree | BandCamp | BigCartel

Mollusk - Cursebreaker (Album Review)

Release Date: March 02nd 2026. Record Label: Liar Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Cursebreaker - Tracklisting

1.Trapped in a Cave 04:59

2.Azathoth 04:18

3.Two Things 02:59

4.Human Suffering 03:03

5.Cast a Spell 03:28

6.Apostle 05:47

7.Apostle (Instrumental) 06:35

Members

Hank Rose - Guitar + Vocals

Adam O’Day - Drums + Vocals

Review

Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers Mollusk release their third album Cursebreaker and we’re lucky that this record was ever released. Mollusk has had quite the experience since starting to record this album back in 2017. Their BandCamp blurb for the album explains this further which I’ve outlined below:

The Cursebreaker story:

The first iteration was recorded in 2017-2021, but it didn't sound right and the files kept getting corrupted. We used these as demos for the next step. We have since gotten them to sound good, but they still don't sound like what we wanted to release.

The 2nd session was recorded in 2071-2024, but the engineer had a mental break and refused to give us our music. This is our friend, who produced Children of the Chron, 2012-2017. We wish him the best. There are roughly 18 demo tracks that will eventually be put up online for free.

The 3rd time's a charm I suppose. We recorded a combo of songs from both previous sessions in our rehearsal space (our DIY Venue The Lair) to make Cursebreaker. This will be the first album we press on vinyl in our 15 years as a band.

So, let's get down to this. Is Cursebreaker a good album? Yeah, it’s excellent but it’s still not perfect with the album being quite fractured and disjointed in places. However, what Mollusk has managed to pull off from these sessions is nothing but a miracle with the brutal sounds they’ve created within that time.

If you dig bands such as CONAN, HIGH ON FIRE, MASTODON, PRIMITIVE MAN and EYEHATGOD then Cursebreaker covers similar ground as those bands with Mollusk playing a brutal LOW & SLOW style of Doomed Out Music that gets behind the scenes of the grimy Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal surroundings.

The vocals from both Hank Rose and Adam O’Day are superb with both of them providing a muscular and gruff style of vocals that’s perfectly suited to the underground Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal scenes. There’s a lot of FUZZY REVERB from Mollusk where they explore every possible advantage of their DISTORTED creative environments.

The instrumental passages are laced with bleak melodies and subtle mood swings that you can experience from almost every aspect of the album.

However, there’s some intense musical melodies that develop on different parts of the record with Mollusk chewing the musical scenery with absolute demented relish. The lyrics are quite bleak and nihilistic which is perhaps influenced by the whole experiences of releasing this album along the way.

The standout tracks are: Trapped In A Cave, Azathoth, Human Suffering and both versions of Apostle, especially the instrumental version which was a rather great touch from the band to include.

Cursebreaker is a bleak and quite subversive record that perhaps works more convincingly as a down-tuned Sludge Metal record with flashes of Doom Metal and Stoner Metal holding everything together in the background. Hopefully, the next record from Mollusk won’t be another long wait as these guys have real talent and I want to hear more pissed off songs from the band in the near future.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Bristol’s Progressive Sludge Quartet URZAH announce Sophomore Album ‘A Tranquil Void’. Released 5th June 2026 on APF Records

‘A Tranquil Void’ Cover Art (Credit: Putra Satria Nugraha)

Formed in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, Urzah’s intensely collaborative and productive writing process was immediately evident, leading to the quick release of self-titled EPs ‘I’ (2020) and ‘II’ (2022). These laid the foundation for Urzah’s unique brand of ‘progressive sludge’. Inviting comparisons to Neurosis, DVNE, Mastodon and Elder, their forward-looking sound combines the abrasive elements of punk and post-hardcore with atmospheric post-metal passages and soaring melodies.

Urzah’s vision of ‘Earthen Heaviness’, combining oppressive darkness with moments of transcendence and cosmic awe, was realised on their critically acclaimed debut LP ‘The Scorching Gaze’ (2024, APF Records). The band’s sonic world draws on both the intensely personal – rage, loss, grief and self-doubt – and a profound awe and vulnerability in the face of the celestial and natural worlds, framing visceral human struggle within vast cycles of death, decay and rebirth.

Since their debut, Urzah has refined their live shows across the UK, playing festivals and headline shows, and sharing stages with a diverse roster of heavy bands including Bongzilla, Tuskar, Mastiff, Greenleaf, OHHMS and Dopelord, as well as progressive atmospheric bands such as Hidden Mothers, Underdark and Nadja, demonstrating their strong cross-genre appeal.

Now the band are set to release new LP ‘A Tranquil Void on 5th June 2026 via APF Records. The record marks a defining moment for the band, following up their critically acclaimed debut ‘A Scorching Gaze’ (2024, APF) with an even more assured, mature and ambitious full-length. Conceptually, ‘The Scorching Gaze’ and ‘A Tranquil Void’ function as a visual, musical and thematic diptych; where their debut burned brightly with the rage and destruction of an erupting volcano, their new LP captures the cathartic, contemplative still that follows.

‘A Tranquil Void’ draws inspiration from both personal introspection and awe in the face of the vast cosmos. Lead single ‘Infernal Star I’ reflects on the power of memory and connection to cast light in the darkness of a vast and uncharted universe. Listen to the track now:

https://lnkfi.re/teVrV8bO or below

‘In the Mouth of the Wolf’ examines forgiveness and personal healing, while ‘Hunter in the Veil’ explores cycles of death and renewal through grand elemental imagery, while other tracks grapple with overcoming grief (‘The Call Beneath’), rejecting apathy for aspiration (‘At the Mouth of the Cave’) and creating art and meaning in spite of adversity (‘Bark & Branches’).

Across 8 tracks, ‘A Tranquil Void’ pushes Urzah’s sound even further, combining brutal riffs, complicated meter and searing guitar tone with deeper explorations of space, dynamics and atmosphere, incorporating folk influences and drones built from cello and guitar. 13-minute album closer ‘Entwined, Twisted Roots of Chaos’ sees Urzah at their most ambitious; across multiple interlocking sections, enriched by guest vocals from friends in the Bristol scene, the song builds from a haunting whisper to a planet-obliterating roar.

Credit Naomi Jane Photography

ALBUM TRACK LIST

1. At the Mouth of the Cave
2. The Call Beneath
3. Infernal Star I [Lead single]
4. Infernal Star II
5. Bark & Branches
6. In the Mouth of the Wolf
7. Hunter in the Veil [2nd single]
8. Entwined, Twisted Roots of Chaos

Recorded at Stage 2 Studios, Bath, in November 2025, the LP was produced, mixed and mastered by Josh Gallop. Cello was provided by Luke Clemenger, with additional vocals from Dave Cook (Empire of Dust), Chris Wilson (Row of Ashes) and Victoria Bourne (The Spark’s Desire). The album artwork was created by Indonesian artist Putra Satria Nugraha.

ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY, EXCHANGE BRISTOL – 25th July 2026

To celebrate the release of their new album, Urzah are hosting a launch party at Exchange Bristol (main room) on Saturday 25th July with special guests HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN, MOUNTAINSCAPE and DEAD SPACE CHAMBER MUSIC.

Urzah are proud to be part of Bristol’s thriving and diverse music scene, so this specially curated line-up is intended to showcase the best cutting-edge, genre-defying and progressive heavy music.

This immersive, atmospheric and crushingly heavy night will feature experimental gothic doom from Dead Space Chamber Music (Bristol), soaring cinematic post-metal from Mountainscape (Reading), crushing atmospheric post-metal from Hundred Year Old Man (Leeds), and brand-new material from Urzah’s long-awaited sophomore album ‘A Tranquil Void’.

LIMITED EDITION ‘SUPERNOVA’ VINYL VARIANT – https://apfrecords.co.uk/albums/a-tranquil-void

To celebrate Urzah’s new album, APF Records will be offering a limited-edition vinyl. The ‘Supernova’ variant features a blue and white burst, evoking the celestial vortex of the LP artwork.

Please note: Pre-orders from 3rd March via the APF Records website and from 6th March via Bandcamp.

URZAH LIVE:

Saturday 28th March - Hitchin, Club 85
Saturday 23rd May - Bristol, Loco Klub (Temple of Doom festival)
Friday 29th May - Bath, The Bell
Wednesday 10th June - Portsmouth, Edge of the Wedge
Thursday 11th June - Brighton, The Pipeline
Friday 12th June - Kent, Poco Loco, Chatham
Saturday 13th June - London, The Devonshire Arms, Camden
Friday June 26th - Newport, McCann's Rock N Ale Bar
Sunday June 28th - Torquay, Arena
Saturday 25th July - Bristol Album Launch Party, Exchange
Saturday 1st August - Chelmsford - Bay Days Festival

URZAH ARE:

Ed Fairman - Vocals / Guitar
Tom McElveen - Vocals / Guitar
Dan Bradley - Bass
James Brown – Drums

Links

Urzah website and socials
APF band profile

Thanks to For The Lost PR for the details.