HASHTRONAUT: fall US tour announced - Denver stoner doom trio HASHTRONAUT to take over the West Coast this fall!

Denver, Colorado's stoner doom specialists HASHTRONAUT announce an extensive West Coast fall run, to kick off in Denver this October 2nd, to spread the weedy gospel about their acclaimed debut album "No Return" on Blues Funeral Recordings.

Red-eyed at the crossroads of thunderous stoner sludge and towering doom, HASHTRONAUT daze and inebriate the riff-obsessed masses on this planet and beyond. Released in 2024 on Blues Funeral Recordings, their acclaimed debut album "No Return" is a resiny slab in the grand tradition of weed-fiend odysseys from Sleep to Bongzilla, an intoxicating and pummeling trip with a lungful of potent hook-doom and strikingly anthemic vocals, hailed as "the most perfect weedian debut album of 2024" by Outlaws of the Sun and "the next big thing in stoner metal” by Clean and Sober Stoner.

HASHTRONAUT are now set to rise from the Mile High City and descend upon the West Coast with a battery of bone-crushing riffs and earth-shaking low-end, as they announce an extensive string of shows for October. Get those bongs ready...

Hashtronaut fall US tour: October 2026:

10/2 - Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
10/3 - Albuquerque, NM - Ren's Den
10/4 - Phoenix, AZ - Linger Longer Lounge
10/6 - El Centro, CA - MEXCA
10/7 - San Diego, CA - Tower Bar
10/8 - Los Angeles, CA - The Redwood Bar
10/9 - Palmdale, CA - Transplants Brewing Co
10/10 - Berkeley, CA - Spats
10/11 - Reno, NV - The Alpine
10/13 - Sacramento, CA - Cafe Colonial
10/15 - Tacoma, WA - The Valley
10/16 - Portland, OR - Shanghai Tunnel
10/17 - Seattle, WA - Belltown Yacht Club
10/18 - Port Angeles, WA - Little Devil's Lunchbox
10/20 - Bellingham, WA - TBD
10/21 - Olympia, WA - Wild Child
10/22 - Eugene, OR - John Henry's
10/23 - Boise, ID - TBD
10/24 - Salt Lake City, UT - TBD
10/25 - Grand Junction, CO - Cafe Sol

HASHTRONAUT launched into orbit from their Denver-based Mission Control in the summer of 2020. Coalescing through a string of hazy jam sessions during the darkest days of the pandemic, the four-piece began playing live the minute they could, and it took only a few gigs to solidify their electrifying reputation in the Colorado heavy scene. With a distinct sonic identity that channels classic elements from Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy to mainstays of the modern canon like Windhand and Monolord — along with their collective love of vintage gear, walls of speakers and the sweetest leaf of all — HASHTRONAUT’s galactic tones, colossal riffs and driving rhythms have begun spreading to the farthest corners of the universe.

Keeping momentum high on the heels of a self-released EP and opening slots for icons like Pallbearer, Bongzilla and High on Fire, HASHTRONAUT released their debut LP "No Return" on New Mexico-based independent label Blues Funeral Recordings to great critical acclaim in the spring of 2024. 

Stream "No Return" at this location and get your copy via Blues Funeral Recordings!

HASHTRONAUT is

Robb Park - Guitar
Daniel Smith - Bass/Vocals
Michael Honiotes - Drums

HASHTRONAUT links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Spotify

BLUES FUNERAL RECORDINGS links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

SIGNO ROJO UNLEASHES CRUSHING NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO “I'LL SEE YOU THERE” OUT NOW VIA MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS

Karlshamn, Sweden’s underground heavyweights Signo Rojo return with a thunderous new statement in the form of their latest single, “I’ll see you there” with an accompanying musicvideo set for release on July 31, 2026 via Majestic Mountain Records .

For over fifteen years, Signo Rojo have been grinding their way through the depths of the Swedish underground, forging a sound that refuses to sit still. Blending the oppressive weight of sludge and doom with the raw urgency of hardcore and punk with a touch of 70’s progressive rock, the band has built a reputation the old-fashioned way: DIY, no shortcuts, no compromises.

With “I’ll see you there” Signo Rojo delivers a mammoth, riff-driven assault packed with spine-rattling low end and towering melodies. And in the background there is a lingering melancholy and sense of loss that shines through to complement the lyrical content.

Lyrically, “I’ll see you there” deals with grief and loss and the horror of being forced to watch someone wither away and being powerless to stop it. Something we all want to scream about at some point in our lives being made painfully clear in the crescending chorus.

Fans of Neurosis, Mastodon and Baroness will feel right at home, but make no mistake, Signo Rojo aren’t chasing anyone’s shadow. They’ve carved out their own lane and they’re driving straight through it.

In the band’s own words:

“‘I’ll see you there comes from a really personal place and even though it hurts to talk about these things, it's important. Even heavy music should be able to be vulnerable.”

Behind the scenes, the band kept things tight and true to their roots. The single was produced by Signo Rojo themselves, with mixing and mastering handled by Elias Mellberg, giving the track a raw but massive sonic punch that feels both deliberate and unfiltered.

This release continues the build up for the upcoming album that is sure to blow the roof off of the underground scene.

Stream it now on: Bandcamp | | Spotify

Release Date: July 31, 2026
Label: Majestic Mountain Records
Genre: “Progressive” Sludge Metal, Hardcore
FFO: Mastodon, Baroness, Neurosis, Entombed

Signo Rojo are:

Jonas Nilsson - Bass and vocals
Elias Mellberg - Guitar
Ola Bäckström - Guitar
Pontus Svensson - Drums

Links

Website: https://signorojo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signorojo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signorojo/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SignoRojoswe

Bandcamp: https://signorojo.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NDCT0LD3UWaTNEBoGC4er

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/signo-rojo/1449415688

PETROSA reveal new single "Viper" and announce debut album Roadburn Chronicles, out August 28 via Octopus Rising

Following the release of their first single "Revenant" and the announcement of their signing with Octopus Rising, Italian stoner/doom outfit PETROSA are back to unveil "Viper", the second single taken from their upcoming debut album Roadburn Chronicles, set for release on August 28th, 2026 in CD and Digital format via Octopus Rising, the Argonauta Records imprint dedicated to emerging heavy acts.

"Viper" is available now: https://tidal.com/album/544988885/u

Speaking about the new single, the band comment:

"'Viper' embodies one of the darkest sides of the album. It's about the poisonous relationships and destructive instincts that slowly infiltrate our lives, often without us even realizing it. Musically, we wanted the song to feel relentless yet hypnotic, balancing crushing heaviness with an atmosphere that gradually pulls the listener deeper into its world."

With Roadburn Chronicles, PETROSA deliver the definitive statement of the band's identity. Produced by Carlo Altobelli at Toxic Basement Studio in Carate Brianza, the album was recorded during an intense eight-day session between November 2024 and January 2025, preserving the raw energy and uncompromising spirit that have become central to the band's sound.

The record unfolds as an introspective journey through the human condition, exploring themes of sin, self-destruction, personal conflict, disillusionment and the constant tension between darkness and redemption. While deeply rooted in heavy, riff-driven landscapes, Roadburn Chronicles also leaves room for hope, freedom and fleeting moments of light, reflected in the album's evocative "open road" atmosphere.

Faithful to their self-defined philosophy of "Doom Carved in Stone(r)", PETROSA merge the expansive groove of stoner rock with the crushing weight of classic doom, crafting songs that are equally immersive, emotional and powerful.

Fans with a keen eye will also discover a hidden detail within the album artwork: the license plate of the blue van featured on the cover bears the exact date of the band's final day in the recording studio, a subtle tribute to the completion of this important chapter.

For fans of: Kyuss, Black Sabbath, Orange Goblin, The Sword, Dozer

Tracklist

S.U.R.E.

The Sinner
Turning Point
I For An I
Rusty Blues
Viper
Revenant
Dreamer's Sunsets
Monsters' Conceal
An Old Van And A Couple Of Beers

Roadburn Chronicles will be released on August 28th, 2026 via Octopus Rising on CD and Digital. More news will be revealed in the coming weeks.

https://www.instagram.com/petrosa_band

https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

EYE - the new band from MWWB's Jessica Ball share new single "Open Sea”

EYE, the band formed by Jessica Ball (Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard) return with a reworked heavy-psych bliss-out of a unreleased track and taster of new things to come from the Welsh heavy dark-wavers who gave us "Dark Light', an acclaimed debut album in 2024 on New Heavy Sounds (Cwfen, Shooting Daggers, Death Pill).

An ethereal dark-folk intro of clean finger-picking and Carpenter synth lulls us into a sense of false calm before Ball unleashes one of her most crushing MWWB-esque fuzz riffs. By revisiting the track Ball has now delivered one of her most memorable melodies with a huge chorus recalling Mammoth Weed in full flow - Blackwater Holylight, Faetooth eat-your-heart-out.

A stand-alone track for the time being but Jessica explains where things are going...

"The release of 'Open Sea' was quite unexpected in a way! We had initially recorded it in Foel Studios with the intention of it being on our first album 'Dark Light'. For whatever reason, it didn't make it on the album. It's a song I had written a very long time ago, and it's funny how you can favour your new material over the old stuff. I also wasn't keen on the vocal melody anymore.

Well we recently came across it again, and I decided to have a go at some new vocals with fresh ears as enough time had passed. I liked what I did, so we sent it to Chris Fielding to work his magic... What came back was a fierce track that we absolutely loved. So I'm glad it is seeing the light of day.

Since the release of Dark Light, we've been playing a few select shows and working on our live sound a lot more. I've also been writing and working towards our second album. This single (Open Sea) has inspired me to make next album a lot heavier, and bring back the riffs!”

Listen to “Open Sea” - https://cargo-independent.ffm.to/v8f0rnmxhk

EYE are also set to support label mates Crumbling Ghost, who launch their album with a show at London’s Black Heart on 7th August.

Tickets are on sale now - https://dice.fm/partner/tickets/event/bb2b9x-crumbling-ghost-four-album-release-show-7th-aug-the-black-heart-london-tickets

Follow EYE online:

https://www.facebook.com/eyeeyeeyemusic
https://eye-uk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_e_y_e_b_a_n_d

Thanks to For The Lost PR for the details.

Atmospheric post-metal/sludge trio Palegazer sign with Octopus Rising, release debut single "Imminence"

Portuguese atmospheric post-metal/sludge trio Palegazer have officially joined the Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records roster and celebrate the announcement with the release of their powerful debut single, "Imminence," available now on all digital platforms.

Listen to "Imminence" here: https://tidal.com/album/546812582/u

Hailing from Porto, Palegazer craft immersive sonic landscapes where haunting melodies collide with overwhelming heaviness. Blending the expansive atmospheres of post-metal with the crushing weight of sludge and doom, the trio has forged a sound that is both emotionally resonant and sonically immense.

Moving effortlessly between clean vocals and anguished growls, shimmering textures and monolithic riffs, Palegazer embrace contrast as the driving force behind their songwriting. The result is a deeply evocative listening experience that explores vulnerability, tension and resilience through dynamic compositions and carefully layered arrangements.

Their first single, "Imminence," offers an impactful introduction to the band's identity, unfolding through hypnotic passages before erupting into waves of crushing intensity. It is a compelling statement from a band already demonstrating remarkable maturity and a distinctive artistic voice.

The label says: "Palegazer immediately stood out for their ability to balance emotional depth with sheer sonic weight. Their music is immersive, cinematic and deeply authentic, making them a natural fit for the Octopus Rising roster. We are excited to welcome the band and look forward to introducing their music to audiences around the world."

With "Imminence," Palegazer emerge as one of the most exciting new acts in Portugal's heavy underground. Fans of YOB, Russian Circles, REZN, Deafheaven, Conan, Bölzer, Mastodon, Ahab and Bell Witch will find plenty to immerse themselves in.

More news on Palegazer's upcoming debut release via Octopus Rising will be announced soon.

https://www.instagram.com/palegazer/
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

Blasphemists Temple - Demo (EP Review)

Release Date: July 07th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD/Tape

Demo - Tracklist

1.Devil's Flies 07:03

2.Thine 09:29

3.Curse 12:38

Lineup

Alistair Quietsch - Baritone, Vocals

Neil Smith - 7 String

Leo Hancill - Drums, Drones [Track 4]

Review

Blasphemists Temple make an almighty filthy impression with their heavy use of Drone, Noise and Doom Metal with its distorted environment giving any potential listener’s hearing an extensive workout. This is quite an experience when you listen to their debut demo for the first time. As Blasphemists Temple create violent slabs of grimy Droned Out Doom Metal with punishing vocals from Alistair Quietsch which feels like they are tapping into an unknown dimension of time and space.

With this being a DEMO release, the production values and recording techniques are quite DIY based with a sludgy appetite allowing the band to fully explore their Noise Rock persona that’s beaten through a solid mix of Post-Metal and Droned Out surroundings. There’s a manic Industrial Sledgehammer being applied within the screeching instrumental passages that feels like SUNN 0))), Author & Punisher and Killing Joke all joining musical forces at times. 

The opening track of Devil’s Flies is a nightmarish test of pure endurance to see how much punishment the listener can actually take as Blasphemists Temple employ an extreme style of Drone Metal into their music and I started to fall in line and actually enjoy this sordid exercise of pure sonic terror. The music may be too cerebral or one-note for some as this record is perhaps catered for the Extreme or Experimental crowd.

Second track Time opts for a riff-centric Post-Metal sound that’s filtered through an Industrial Metal filter once more. The song is all over the place with disjointed musical movements and violent Droned Out soundscapes that capture a decaying style of music that NEUROSIS created back in the day. The stripped back Psychedelic and Noise Rock grooves adds a level of gloomy carnage which still has a sense of twisted melody to it all. The vocals drift in and out of existence where they only appear when really needed. 

The final track Curse continues in a similar fashion as the previous two tracks but with a longer time frame of around thirteen minutes to play with. However, Blasphemists Temple do operate with a standard riff-centric Doom/Sludge Metal approach where a stunning Post-Rock sound emerges from the darkness which shows a different style of creative identity from the band. This is the standout track on the album as Blasphemists Temple allows themselves the perfect opportunity to add a level of calmness into their music whilst keeping a gloomy atmosphere slightly in the background.

Blasphemists Temple’s debut release is a violent delight and should allow them to gain a devoted loyal following within the underground metal scene.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

LinkTree | BandCamp

The Wyldewood Green - Tales of The Wyldewood Green (Album Review)

Release Date: August 07th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Tales of The Wyldewood Green - Tracklist

1.Spires

2.The Mindsplitter 03:11

3.Carnaby Nights 02:18

4.Smith & Strange

5.Souvenirs

6.Maldedo

7.Tangerine Whiskey

8.The Queenmaker

9.Rude Britannia

10.Cadoi

11.Murder In The Electric Cathedral

Lineup

Marco Scarsone: Hammond A-100, Mini Farfisa, piano, guitar, bass, tambourine, maracas and shakers

Jonathan Yang: Drums

Mike Davis: Congas and bongos

Review

Tales Of The Wyldewood Green is the debut album of Heavy Psych Instrumental Rockers The Wyldewood Green and it’s one of the freakiest, psychedelic and far-out records I’ve had the pleasure to listen to this year. This record fully explores the legendary sounds of the Sixties and Seventies Rock scene where the band play music built upon the rhythms of Surf Rock, Heavy Psych, Funk, Punk Rock, Garage Rock, Blues Rock, Classic Rock, Proto-Rock and shades of Stoner Rock.

The Wyldewood Green music is driven by a funk driven Hammond and Organ instrumental score which allows the other areas of Heavy Psych to perfectly drift into your subconscious where the mood even transforms into pure JAZZ ROCK and LIZARD LOUNGE music. Though, the real musical weapon of choice that The Wyldewood Green band explores is classic movie soundtracks. As this record has a classic hipster sound with the jazzy beats and cool intricate psychedelic melodies that wouldn’t go amiss from a Sixties Heist Movie or even a kitschy rom-com. Though, the record does show it’s more dangerous side by employing a Classic Hard Rock style inspired by the likes of The Who, Deep Purple, The Doors and The Byrds. 

With some distorted Stoner-ish guitars appearing along the way, it’s good to see The Wyldewood Green are still keen to add small snippets of modern Stoner Rock soundwaves which gives Tales Of The Wyldewood Green a heightened sense of trippy realism. The album may not be for everyone but if you’re in the mood for some great Heavy Psychedelic beats and sounds that will leave your mind feeling the effects of one of the most glorious LCD trips you’ll ever take without the need for taking that powerful hallucinogenic drug.

The songs are brilliantly written with their own highly individual identity which adds a dreamlike effect on the later stages of the record with The Wyldewood Green even deploying into calmer and soulful Post-Rock swagger. The songwriting is on another level even for an instrumental record as this album does do something different with the whole Instrumental Rock template.

Standout tracks on the album are: Spires, The Mindsplitter, Carnaby Nights, Maldedo, Tangerine Whiskey, The Queenmaker and Murder In The Electric Cathedral. These are the tracks that I found the most engaging on a personal level and which impressed how daringly heavy the record becomes despite this being quite a laid back album for the most part.

Tales Of The Wyldewood Green is an absolute revelation from start to finish with the band creating and playing sounds that shouldn’t really work so well. However, here we are with a debut album that has a great MAVERICK attitude where you can really say that The Wyldewood are true originals which their debut album proves time and time again.

Words by Steve Howe

Tales Of The Wyldewood Green is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Kosmo Kraut Trio HIJSS shares new "s.w.a.n." video; new album "hijss" out September 18th on Heavy Psych Sounds!

Genre-splicing northern Italian power trio hijss teams up with The Sleeping Shaman to present their new video "s.w.a.n", taken from their forthcoming sophomore album "hijss" landing this September 18th on Heavy Psych Sounds.

Watch new video "s.w.a.n." at this location or below

"A high-octane collision of fuzzy grunge riffs, motorik rhythms, post-punk grit, and dizzying space-rock atmosphere." — The Sleeping Shaman

From Northern Italy summits through clouds and airplanes comes hijss. Stimulated by the musical instinct of band leader Lois Lane (guitar & vocals), drummer Maurice's ferocious hits and bassist and keyboardist Pan’s catchy scales, their fearless sonic explorations does not only scratch the surface but goes deep under your skin.

Drawing from grunge rock and post-punk as much as modern space rock, this boundary-free unit propels itself into the stratosphere in a giant blaze of crunch and groove. hijss hit with a fierce punk attitude, seamlessly combining their gritty riffs, pulsating basslines and kraut-infused madness with frontman Lois Lane's Wyndorf-esque croon. The outcome is their own melting pot called "kosmo kraut". Watch their latest video for vicious cycle!

New album "hijss" - Out September 18th on Heavy Psych Sounds

All three band members come from a wide musical background, yet their common denominator is without a doubt their punk attitude. hijss puts genres in the background zapping from punk over blues to space and psychedelic rock. The outcome is a melting pot called "cosmic grunge". That means whatever you want it to mean. Their debut album "stuck on common ground" was released in the spring of 2024 through Heavy Psych Sounds.

HIJSS links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Youtube

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

Sergeant Thunderhoof - Kickstarter JUST LAUNCHED!

The clock is now ticking! We have just 30 days to raise £10,000 to get the new album recorded and released. In the time it’s taken me to write this email, we’ve already surpassed 20% of the goal which is just incredible.

It goes without saying that we always appreciate your support, we truly have the best friends and supporters in this business. As many will know, we’ve done many of these Kickstarters in the past and we have always delivered on time. We will not let you down.

ST

GET INVOLVED HERE!

Links

Website: https://sergeantthunderhoof.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeantthunderhoof
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergeantthunderhoof/

Introduce Yourselves: Nominal Anomaly

What Is the Name of Your Band?

The band is Nominal Anomaly, a single individual passion project

What Is the genre of music you play?

The genre is difficult to pinpoint. Best I could offer is Grunge Metal, as their is some of that old 90's song structure with blues / rock influence. Some songs blend more into Punk Metal. I'm a conglomeration of the 90's mostly.

Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?

A buddy and myself had a band of 2 back in the late 90's early 2000s called Ark of Kaos. Never made much more than a demo tape, and ended there as people do. I quit drinking about 3 years ago, got bored with the typical drinking hobbies, and picked the guitar back up after a near 20 year hiatus. Started recording about a year later, and releasing music soon thereafter. Early 2026, released the first full album Swamp after several EP's and singles. Currently working on next year's album. Mostly just studio stuff, but a long term dream would be to play live with a band.

What can people expect from your music?

I try to write the songs with catchy rhythms, grooves, or melodies. It's fun in a metal type of way. The lyrical content is a bit here and there, building an odd background of weird lore, but mostly metaphoric to point at reality and be critical or bring emphasis to something. Swamp itself was built during a time of transition personally, so leans deeper into mental health

What is the best release that folks should check out from your band?

The album Swamp. BTW, Oblique, Therapy are a couple tracks from Swamp as a personal favorite

Where can people find you on Social Media?

www.nominalanomaly.com
https://www.facebook.com/NominalAnomaly
Nominalanomaly.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/thenominalanomaly/
https://mastodon.social/@NominalAnomaly

Nominal Anomaly - Swamp (Album Review)

Release Date: May 22nd 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Swamp - Tracklist

1.Headcold 03:08

2.BULLfrog 03:19

3.BTW 03:42

4.Crowded 03:05

5.Carnated 03:01

6.Night Sweats 04:07

7.Oblique Mass of Foundation 03:10

8.Sleepwalker 03:54

9.Soulless Shoe Sale 03:45

10.Suits 03:56

11.Therapy 03:48

12.Andone 03:16

Lineup

All music, vocals, visuals, art are done by Nominal Anomaly (NO AI)

Review

Swamp is the debut album from Punk/Grunge/Metal solo artist Nominal Anomaly who play a schizophrenic type of Heavy Rock with a distorted and frenzied underground element holding everything together. The record is most definitely a product of living through the Nineties Rock/Metal scene. The best way to describe what’s in store for you on this record is to read the recent “Introduce Yourselves” feature the band kindly contributed to.

This is quite a hard record to describe but from the Introduce Yourselves article the band state the following how to describe their music.

“The genre is difficult to pinpoint. Best I could offer is Grunge Metal, as their is some of that old 90's song structure with blues / rock influence.  Some songs blend more into Punk Metal.  I'm a conglomeration of the 90's mostly.”

The overall sound is one of pure mayhem and fucked off carnage with Nominal Anomaly inspired by the likes of PRIMUS and FAITH NO MORE as the record does go into multiple different directions. However, there’s some excellent Post-Grunge and Alt-Rock sounds along the way which reminds me of The Melvins jamming with The Pixies. The vocals are quite hardcore based with outbursts of manic punk energy which could easily be considered as the perfect soundtrack trying to escape from a mental asylum.

However, this brilliantly works with Nominal Anomaly even allowing brutal outbursts ofExtreme Metal and Grind Metal grooves to appear. One moment you’re treated to a vicious blast of Hardcore Punk spliced with Sludge, Thrash and Grind passages before the record transforms into a subtle Heavy Psychedelic and spiky Grunge Rock attitude.

Swamp does feel a bit too long at times but the sheer fun and outrageous creative momentum that’s played here on this record does have a warped sense of humour developing from the very start. The lyrics are completely off the wall and brilliantly surreal which matches the madcap energy the Nineties Metal scene used to throw at an unsuspecting audience back in the day.

The Funk Rock and Prog Metal aspects that appear on the record does become a bit overbearing in places but that won’t stop your enjoyment of this weird, wonderful and violently wacky journey that Nominal Anomaly takes you upon. You could consider an experimental record and there are moments even I don’t know what the fuck is happening but I couldn’t stop listening to this especially on tracks: Headcold, BULLfrog, Carnated, Night Sweats, Oblique Mass Of Foundation, Suits and Therapy.

These tracks are the ones I found the most enjoyment from as Nominal Anomaly does play their heart out on this release and they’re a fantastically talented individual where the music is just so bat-shit crazy and brilliantly original at the same time.

Swamp won’t appeal to everyone but if you’re a fan of the Nineties Rock/Metal scene and not adverse for this album to take you into some pretty unexpected areas of HEAVY METAL then NOMINAL ANOMALY will speak volumes to you.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

www.nominalanomaly.com
https://www.facebook.com/NominalAnomaly
Nominalanomaly.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/thenominalanomaly/
https://mastodon.social/@NominalAnomaly

Hämnd - Bortom (Album Review)

Release Date: July 17th 2026. Record Label: Superlord Recordings. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Bortom - Tracklist

1.Mörk Vind 09:13

2.Faller och Förvittrar 09:33

3.Orkan 12:14

4.Bortom 05:34

Lineup

Magnus Strigner - Vocals, Guitars

Linus Marron de Martin - Guitars

David Reby - Bass

Oliver Winther - Synthesizer

Daniel Eklöw - Drums 

Review

Bortom is the second full length album Post-Metallers Hämnd which sometimes operates with an instrumental sound as its main creative drive. There are great vocals that appear when only they’re really needed as Hämnd demonstrate their own hard-hitting style of emotionally cruising Post-Metal sounds that mixes the technical merits of Progressive Metal with elements of Ambient based Post-Rock. The record does have an “Ice-cold” vibe that all great Post-Metal records continuously strive for where you can hear influences from the likes of NEUROSIS, PELICAN, ISIS and CULT OF LUNA.

There is an element of surprise with Hämnd as they ultimately turn off the heavy Post-Metal grooves when you least expect it and transform into a meditative style of Post-Doom and Post-Rock which you fully experience within the epic opening track of Mörk Vind. The vocals continuously hold your attention even whilst they’re sung in the band’s native tongue. Though, it’s the music that’s the main attraction here with Hämnd developing an aggressive journey of different Post-Rock and Post-Metal themes throughout the album.

Hämnd plays perfectly constructed and very lengthy instrumental passages which becomes more emotionally charged with each passing track as that thrilling Sludge Metal mentality allows Hämnd to become even more brutal with their music especially on tracks such as Faller och Förvittrar and Orkan. These tracks alone allows the band to add levels of cinematic “DOOM & GLOOM” into their music whilst once again transforming their music into that classic style of instrumental Post-Metal which does remind me of Russian Circles and Pelican at the peak of their creative powers. 

Sometimes there’s an undeniable “APOCALYPTIC” or “END OF THE WORLD” presence that’s holding everything together where Hämnd do offer brief moments of hope before returning to their highly destructive and brutal style of Post-Metal. The “HARDCORE” vocals become more demanding and quite unforgiving which makes the later stages of the album truly stand out.

The added use of clever sonic experimentation which delves into further areas of Ambient Sounds and Psychedelic textures gives Borton a vivid and destructive atmosphere which allows the listener to be emotionally involved with the whole musical journey that Hämnd has created here. To make the album even more part of the Post-Metal world, the whole thing was mastered by the legendary Magnus Lindberg (CULT OF LUNA) which is only a small winning part of why this record sounds incredible from start to finish.

Hämnd have delivered a truly exceptional record which no self-respecting Post-Metal fan should be without. This album pays homage to the legendary sounds first played by the great bands of the era whilst allowing Hämnd the perfect opportunity to create highly original Sludge/Post-Metal sounds of their own making.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Bandcamp: https://hamndband.bandcamp.com/album/bortom
Youtube full album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXFAzuekAJg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5UAYC8EJi7OZ84qIz7sxNZ?si=sqbctwX2R3mltHlCpVMe2Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamndband
Instagram.com https://www.instagram.com/hamndofficial

Prepare for a cosmic journey with Sight of Theia's The Great Dreamer

Atlanta progressive metal outfit Sight of Theia is set to unleash their highly anticipated debut full-length album, The Great Dreamer, on September 4, 2026. This self-released masterpiece is packed with crushing riffs, intricate musicianship, and an immersive science fiction narrative that takes listeners on a cinematic journey through the depths of space, where humanity encounters an ancient nightmare beyond comprehension.

Originally founded by guitarist and primary songwriter Alex Buhlig, Sight of Theia has evolved through several lineup changes before solidifying its current roster with drummer Ricky Shenkman, guitarist Charles Von Kanel, and bassist Bill Pritchard. The band built a strong reputation across the Atlanta metal scene with their energetic live performances and their previous release, the Lighthouse EP. With The Great Dreamer, they embark on an ambitious new project, creating a concept album that intertwines the technical precision of progressive metal with emotional intensity. The addition of vocalist Haden Rider proved to be the missing piece, as he brought the record's story to life with his commanding vocal performance.

The result is a progressive metal experience that intricately balances technical musicianship with gripping storytelling, drawing inspiration from cosmic horror. As described by the band, “The Great Dreamer is Sight of Theia's cosmic horror themed debut album telling the story of astronauts that find Cthulhu in space.” Fans of Mastodon, Leprous, and Meshuggah will find plenty to sink their teeth into, as the band blends thunderous grooves, progressive arrangements, atmospheric textures, and haunting melodies into an unforgettable listening experience.

The tracklist showcases the exceptional talents of:

- Alex Buhlig – Guitars, Synths, Backing Vocals
- Charles Von Kanel – Guitars
- Haden Rider – Lead Vocals
- Bill Pritchard – Bass
- Ricky Shenkman – Drums, Backing Vocals

The album also features an impressive production team including:

- Mixed and Mastered by: Christoffer Borg
- Drum Engineering: John Douglass
- Guitar & Bass Editing / Bass Engineering: Alex Parra
- Vocal Editing: Corey Bautista
- Artwork: Sara Slick

With its compelling concept, towering musicianship, and expansive sonic landscapes, The Great Dreamer marks a bold first full-length statement from a band poised to make waves in the progressive metal underground. The album will be available worldwide on September 4, 2026.

Pre-Save the album here: Pre-Save
Bandcamp Pre-Order: Bandcamp

For fans of:

- Mastodon
- Leprous
- Meshuggah

About Sight of Theia:

Sight of Theia is an Atlanta-based progressive metal band that has been making waves in the underground scene with their energetic performances and intricate music. With a vision to explore cosmic horror through their sound, they have created a unique niche that resonates with fans of the genre.

Follow Sight of Theia:

Apple Music: Apple Music
Facebook: Facebook
Instagram: Instagram
Spotify: Spotify
YouTube: YouTube
Bandcamp: Bandcamp

Thanks to Metal Devastation Radio PR for the details.