Friday, 20 February 2026

SLOMOSA ANNOUNCE LIVE IN BERGEN — LIMITED RECORD STORE DAY RELEASE- 2 LP Trans Red and Black.


Norwegian rock powerhouse Slomosa will release a special live album, Live in Bergen, on Record Store Day, capturing the band’s sold-out hometown show in December 2024 at USF Verftet.

Pressed as a limited-edition double LP in a gatefold sleeve, Live in Bergen showcases Slomosa at full force in front of a hometown crowd — raw, loud, and uncompromising. The album was mixed and mastered by Eirik Marinius Sandvik, preserving the intensity and atmosphere of the band’s legendary live performances.

Live in Bergen will be available exclusively through Record Store Day and distributed by Apollon Records. Quantities are strictly limited. We'll only print 2500 copies. And this one time only.

You can buy it from Border Music-https://www.bordermusic.eu/ in the Nordics (Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden) and from Plastic Head https://www.plastichead.com/ for the rest of the world outside the Nordics including their partners such as Cargo (Germany) and Seasons of Mist (France).

Slomosa are:

Benjamin Berdous - Vocals/guitar
Marie Moe - Vocals/bass
Tor Erik Bye - Guitar
Jard Hole - Drums
+ guest on this hometown gig their producer
Eirik Marinius Sandvik- guitar , keys and other instruments

Discography:

Slomosa (2020, Apollon Records)
Tundra Rock (2024, Stickman Records)

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram



Desert Storm - Buried Under The Weight Of Reason (Album Review)

Release Date: March 06th 2026. Record Label: Heavy Psych Sounds. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Buried Under The Weight Of Reason - Tracklisting

1. Newfound Respect

2. Shamanic Echoes

3. Woodsman

4. Cut Your Teeth

5. Rot To Ruin

6. Carry The Weight

7. Dripback

8. Law Unto Myself

9. Twelve Seasons


Members


Matthew Ryan - vocals

Ryan Cole - guitars

Elliot Cole - drums

Andrew Keyzor - bass guitar


Special guest:


Chris White - guitar


Review


English heavy hitters Desert Storm are back and I couldn't be happier. I've followed the band for some time now and it's been a pleasure watching them go from strength to strength. They've always delivered the goods with their fantastic blend of doom, stoner, heavy metal and sludge. And nothing has changed on their new album 'Buried Under The Weight Of Reason', well actually two things have occurred. One, the songs are better than ever and second, Desert Storm have dialled down on the sludge part. At least to my ears they have but I could be very wrong. Regardless, the new album is bloody brilliant, and then some!


The album begins with 'Newfound Respect' and it's bottom heavy, slow, lurking and no nonsense. Add Matthew Ryan's brilliant raspy voice to the equation and the song is right in your face. All this before they hit the stratosphere in the second half. 'Shamanic Echoes' follows  and moves within the same sphere as its predecessor but is more hypnotic and transcendent in all its heaviness. 'Woodsman' is ethereal, mind-expanding and spacey for the most part until bone-breaking sections are infused perfectly. Mid-tempo yet crushing 'Cut Your Teeth' is relentless in its approach but at the same time mesmerising. 'Rot To Ruin' comes on sinister, eerie and trippy. A strange but alluring mid-section allows the band to go full tilt and from then on they move back and forth. 


'Carry The Weight' is a soft, short instrumental guitar-driven beauty where the guitars are wonderfully layered. Acts as the perfect segue in to the much faster second half which kick-starts with 'Dripback'. It is one of the fastest songs on the album as the band holds nothing back adding punk flavour into the mix. Bloody fantastic! 'Law Unto Myself' picks up right where 'Dripback' left off tempo-wise but is more metal and with great guitar harmonies almost akin to Thin Lizzy...another great composition. Pounding almost tribal-like drums leads the way until the chorus, that is. Spacey vocal harmonies take over in those parts before reverting back to the heaviness.


Throughout this powerful and brilliant album Desert Storm utilizes gradual build-up within their songs to great aplomb. In doing so, they create great visuals and emotions which in turn enhances the sound immensely and it was already great prior. As a listener and a fan it is so rewarding to hear a band who constantly evolves without losing themselves. And that's what Desert Storm does with each new album. Brilliant stuff, gents!


Words by Håkan Nyman


Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.


Buried Under The Weight Of Reason is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds.


Links 


Linktree | BandCamp


Doom/Stoner Metallers FROGLORD Announce Sixth Full Length Album LOWER & SLOWER


Bristol Swamp Doom Collective Froglord release their sixth full-length album, Lower & Slower on 4 March 2026.

Recorded live in a single studio take, Lower & Slower reimagines six fan favourites from across the band’s catalogue in crushing, funeral-paced form. Everything is tuned deeper, slower and heavier a raw, immersive descent into the swamp.

The album briefly steps aside from the ongoing Tale of The Froglord saga to revisit tracks such as They Came From Saturn and Green Inferno, culminating in a colossal, sludge-soaked rendition of Black Sabbath’s Iron Man.

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.

For fans of Conan, Monolord and Weedeater, Lower & Slower captures the band at their most primordial and uncompromising.

Pre-order and stream here:

www.froglord.org
https://froglord.bandcamp.com/album/lower-slower-vol-1

Members

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

Links


LinkTree | BandCamp | BigCartel


Thanks to Neon Leopard Promotions for the details.

Goatsmoker - E.R.I.S. (Album Review)

Release Date: March 20th 2026. Record Label: Vinyltroll Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

E.R.I.S. - Tracklisting

1.Cursed

2.Waiting

3.Gods of Gunzilla

4.Entropy Reigns in Silence

5.Dakhma


Members


Andreas Krohn - Guitars & Vocals

Magnus Ohmsen - Guitars

Alex Falkesgaard - Bass

Ole Kaspersen - Drums

Lasse Flaaten Husmer - Backing Vocals on Dakhma


Review


Danish Doom/Stoner Metallers Goatsmoker return heavier, bleaker and even more sludgier with their intense second album “E.R.I.S.”. The band laid down this groundwork within their stunning debut album “E.O.T.A.” back in 2022. Though, this time round the grooves are thicker with an extra dangerous level of FUZZED OUT DOOM to match the seedy surroundings of the whole album. According to the PR blurb, the album’s title “refers to the track Entropy Reigns in Silence, and to Eris, the Greek goddess of strife” which gives the record a sense of mysterious gloomy landscape for Goatsmoker to expand into areas of Psych, Post-Metal and Sludge Metal.


Goatsmoker have perfected their own style of “LOW & SLOW” and “AMPLIFIER DISTORTED” attitude which is off-set by some lean and mean harsh growls throughout. Influenced and powered by the likes of Electric Wizard, SLEEP, CONAN and Black Sabbath, the album is still quite grounded which you’ll experience within the stunning opening track of Cursed. There’s a small essence of OCCULT DOOM appearing in the background with the slowly played melodies transforming into mammoth slices of Post-Metal brutality with some trippy Psych Metal sounds emerging from the darkness.


Goatsmoker wisely switch musical allegiances and sounds throughout the album whilst keep with that newly found aggressive Psychedelic and Down-Tuned FUZZ METAL sound that gives this record a vibrant and downbeat sound which comes into full focus on tracks such as Waiting and Gods Of Gunzilla.


These two tracks feature monolithic and gigantic instrumental moments where the music has a soaring Drone based effect with the story having some outlandish themes whilst keeping superbly grounded at the same time. The vocals from Andreas Krohn are hugely versatile and I’m surprised he can still sing after all the high HARSH notes he subjects himself to. They’re absolutely intense and perhaps some of the best harsh vocals I’ve heard in a very long time.


There are a few parts on the album you could call Post-Rock or Post-Stoner where Goatsmoker play a stripped back style of music with shades of straight up Hard Rock appear with a subtle Sludgy environment for the band to have “FUN” and let loose with looser and riff driven score. The final two tracks of Entropy Reigns In Silence and Dakhma sees Goatsmoker amplify the VOLUME levels even further with Progressive themes appearing and creating some of the most haunting and gloomy sounds on the whole album.



I didn’t really want to do a song-by-song review for this record as it’s best to listen to this album as one whole conceptual piece that’s wisely been broken down into individual chapters. Things do become more experimental within the second half of the record with the album almost going into more extreme waters with both the vocals and instrumental passages. However, there’s a thrilling Psych Doom/Stoner Metal aspect that keeps Goatsmoker fully going over to the dark side.


E.R.I.S. is a phenomenal record that’s boosted by first rate production values that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Goatsmoker may have just opened the door to a more exciting future for themselves as this album is simply unmissable.

Words by Steve Howe


Thanks to Audible PR for the promo.


E.R.I.S. is available to buy now on Digital Download and Vinyl via Vinyltroll Records.


Links 


Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Fjords - Gehenna (Album Review)

Release Date: February 16th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Gehenna - Tracklisting

1.Virgilio 02:53

2.Inferno 13:51

3.Purgatorio 05:10

4.Paradiso 10:55


Members


André Figueiredo (Drums)

Rafael Borges (bass)


Review


Gehenna is the debut album from Doom/Shoegaze/Stoner Metallers Fjords who I originally featured back in April 2020 when I reviewed their debut self-titled EP. That release showcased what a dangerous style of Doom, Stoner, Fuzz and Prog  music the band created within an entirely Drum and Bass duo structure. Fjords continues with that wicked setup but applies a Shoegaze and Noise Rock element to their music with the band delivering a sublime Doomgaze energy into their music.


Things do get extremely chaotic and superbly weird with Fjords adding electronic beats, glitchy noises and certain “computer game” based sound effects which aligns the band more closely to the likes of Genghis Tron in places. The album opens with the fairly straightforward Virgilio which has a standard Punk Rock/Noise Rock which allows Fjords to set the musical groundwork and framework for the album. There is a sullen sludgy delivery which keeps within the bands “LESS IS MORE” delivery with a certain KOWLOON WALLED CITY influence being heard for the first time.


Second track Inferno is perhaps where the real fun and damage starts with Fjords starting to explore their “real” Doomgaze and Progressive themes with those different sound effects and electronic beats I mentioned previously. FJords have more time to play with here as the track runs for almost fourteen minutes and it’s an epic style of different musical genres all vying for complete creative control. There’s still a great sense of warped melody bursting throughout the seams of Doom, Noise, Industrial. Electronica, Sludge and Progressive movements. The vocals are way out of control and more settled for a Punk Rock and Noise Rock environment but they get the job done. Inferno is delightfully crazy but somehow it brilliantly works for a surreal style of musical entertainment. 


The final two tracks of Purgartario and Paradiso offer over sixteen minutes which sees Fjords once again experimenting with their sound that remains highly original and wonderfully unpredictable but still delivers wave after wave of riff-driven instrumental rock/metal. The nightmarish and vivid creative aspect is another highlight with Fjords unlocking unsettling DOOMED OUT and INDUSTRIAL grooves which have a certain “twisted” identity to them but the band always find a way of delivering intense music that will have you on the edge of your seat.


Gehenna is a complex and highly vivid album that is probably meant for a cult and niche audience within the underground scene. The album is best described having a non-linear structure with Fjords going into multiple different directions with each passing moment but that’s what makes the album truly work and fully stand out.


Fjords dare to be different and release an album that needs your full undivided attention. This won’t be for everyone but if you have the time and willpower then Gehenna can only be described as a highly original and fucked-up musical experience of the highest order. 


Words by Steve Howe


Links 


LinkTree | Facebook | BandCamp


Norwegian rock'n'roll unit BONG VOYAGE to release debut album "Hedonistic Hard Rock" on Ripple Music this spring; new single available now!


Oslo rock'n'roll quintet BONG VOYAGE have signed to Ripple Music for the release of their debut album "Hedonistic Hard Rock" this May 8th, and stream the first single "Large and In Charge" on all platforms today!

Those who want respect, give respect. You might see Bong Voyage as a problem: they're not, they are the solution. The solution to all of life's hardships. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Respect the hustle and listen to “Large and in Charge”. It's time to stop guessing and start messing.

 Go all the way rock'n'roll with Large and In Charge 

So you think you’ve heard rock? Well, not like this! Bong Voyage are finally ready to release their super highly anticipated debut album, Hedonistic Hard Rock, in cahoots with Ripple Music. This album is a larger-than-life tribute to the very music that made your mom fall in love with your dad, and your friends fall in love with your sister. This album will take you from the dirtiest dive bars to the ring of Uranus, and everything in between.

Hedonistic Hard Rock is pure sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll incarnate, inspired by the true hedonists from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘00s - the pioneers of pure overindulgence. Join Bong Jovi, Abuse Springsteen, Elton Bong, Bong Iver and Kim Bong Chill committing all the seven deadly sins, through the nine circles of hell, and back into-a-gadda-da-vida, baby!

New album "Hedonistic Hard Rock" - Out May 8th on Ripple Music (LP/CD/digital)


TRACKLIST:

1. Saturday Rite Special
2. Large and In Charge
3. UFOria
4. One Hundred Million Billion Beers
5. Escape Prison Planet Earth
6. Outer Space Freebase
7. Enabler
8. Wizard of Ozlo
9. In Possession

Bong Voyage blasted into the Norwegian heavy rock scene after releasing a bunch of independent singles, which instantly made them the most exciting new band in town. Their motley crew consists of known offenders from established acts such as Håndgemeng, Suncraft, and Buskas. They are a bunch of road-worn greasers who want to make a living playing rock ‘n’ roll. Give in to the beer pressure and lose yourself to hedonism — this is the perfect soundtrack to your next bender. As the Bong-boys say: live bong and prosper!

Bong Voyage is

Charlie Ytterli = Vocals
Simen Andersen = Guitar
Kim Grannes = Guitar
Tobias Paulsen = Drums
Asbjørn Halsten = Bass

Bong Voyage links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Ripple Music links


Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

Exclusive Premiere Of Doom/Stoner Metallers BORRACHO Stunning New EP: ETERNOS: A Tribute EP Celebrating Fallen Brothers of the Underground


Washington, D.C. — Veteran heavy rock trio Borracho is proud to announce the release of Eternos, a deeply personal EP of cover songs honoring five beloved friends and musical influences who have passed on, out February 19, 2026. The first single, “A Heart Without a Home,” is out now, with preorders and early access available at borracho.bandcamp.com.

Borracho — stalwarts of the stoner/doom and heavy rock scene who released one of Doom Charts 2025 top 15 records Ouroboros in August — take a heartfelt approach on Eternos, transforming five hand picked tracks into a collective tribute rooted in reverence, memory, and shared passion.

“These guys weren’t just friends, they were individuals we looked up to and inspired us.” writes the band in the Eternos liner notes. “We decided that the best way to pay homage to them is to let the music do the talking. So let’s all raise a glass and celebrate their contribution to the cosmos. And while these giants have left this plane their music is eternal.”

The five carefully curated tracks on Eternos are each dedicated to the memory of a departed artist whose work shaped the band’s musical journey:

Fang (Spirit Caravan) — in memory of Dave Sherman
Keep On Shoveling (Foghound) — in memory of Rev. Jim Forrester
Twenty Nine (Karma to Burn) — in memory of Will Mecum
Damyata (The Hidden Hand) — in memory of Bruce Falkinburg
A Heart Without a Home (The Hellacopters) — in memory of Robert “Strings” Dahlqvist

Eternos will be available worldwide across all streaming platforms, digital download, and in CD format. Preorders are now open via Borracho’s Bandcamp page (borracho.bandcamp.com).

However, thanks to the amazing BORRACHO, you can hear the whole record in full with this exclusive premiere.


Don’t miss Borracho on the road supporting the new record on the east and west coasts, including appearances at the Mojave Experience and Knights of Doom festivals.

Feb 21 - Lucky 13 Saloon, Brooklyn NY w/ Sun Voyager, Guts & The Crooked Skulls (EP Release show)
March 11 - Metro Gallery, Baltimore MD w/ The Obsessed & Foghound
March 18 - The Escondite, Los Angeles CA w/ Sonic Blossoms
March 19 - Tower Bar, San Diego CA, w/ Nebula Drag & Space Wax
March 20 - Mojave Gold, Yucca Valley CA for Mojave Experience
June 21 - Cafe 611, Frederick MD for Knights of Doom

BORRACHO links


Thanks to BORRACHO for all of the details.