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

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

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

Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to BORRACHO for all of the details.

Finnish Heavy Rock Trio MONSTERNAUT unleashes new track "Drain"; new album "Approaching Doom" out March 27th on Heavy Psych Sounds

Finnish heavy rock and metal trio MONSTERNAUT present a driving second excerpt taken from their upcoming third full-length "Approaching Doom", to be released on March 27th through Heavy Psych Sounds.

Stream Monsternaut's new single Drain

Drifting away from the fuzzy stoner rock of the early days, their third album "Approaching Doom" showcases a darker, more metallic and uncompromisingly stomp-inducing sound, with a production leaning toward the grit and weight of early 90s heavy and song themes that add an extra layer of tension beneath the grooves. The songs took shape over several years, during which the arrival of a new drummer opened the door to more adventurous rhythms and riff ideas, pushing the band into new territory while staying true to their roots.

Recorded to analog tape with no digital editing, this new album sees Monsternaut fully locked in and hitting harder than ever, marking a confident new chapter in their story. Don't miss their previous single and title track Approaching Doom!

New album "Approaching Doom" - Out March 27th on Heavy Psych Sounds

Monsternaut is a stoner metal trio from Finland, formed in 2012 by guitarist Tuomas Heiskanen and bassist Perttu Härkönen. Fueled by the grit of Fu Manchu, Corrosion of Conformity, and Down, the band deals in heavy grooves, hard hitting riffs, and hooks built for pure head banging. On stage, Monsternaut keeps it loud, tight, and straight to the point, delivering a high energy set with no filler.

After two early demos, the band released their self-titled debut in 2016 through Heavy Psych Sounds, followed by "Enter the Storm" in 2018. They hit the road across Europe and later crossed the Atlantic for shows in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, backing up their reputation as a live band worth witnessing.

Drummer Patrik Kuitunen joined after the second album, bringing new rhythmic fire and pushing the music toward bolder riff ideas. That momentum led to "Approaching Doom", their heaviest album to date, recorded entirely on analog tape with no digital editing and capturing Monsternaut as they are: loud, raw, and locked in. Notable Finnish producer and sound engineer Anssi Kippo, known for his extensive work with Children of Bodom, also added valuable expertise to the sessions and strengthened the process. Set for release in 2026 through Heavy Psych Sounds, "Approaching Doom" shows the band tighter, darker, and more focused than ever.

Monsternaut is

Tuomas Heiskanen - Guitars / Vocals
Perttu Härkönen - Bass
Patrik Kuitunen - Drums

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

Struck/Down - Queue For The Cure (Album Review)

Release Date: February 20th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Queue For The Cure - Tracklisting

1. "One Last Drag"

2. "Keep Your Chin Held Why"

3. "The Slog"

4. "Don't Be Like That"

5. "A Queue for the Cure"

6. "This Tall to Ride"

7. "Who Stole The Sun?"

8. "Low"

9. "Leach"

10. "Eat the Fear, Drink The Worry"

Members

Linden Twyman: vocals

Pete McLarney: lead guitar

Ian Spurrett: rhythm guitar

Will Mihr: bass

Tommy Rogers: drums

Review

Queue For The Cure is the second full length album from Groove/Stoner/Thrash Metallers Struck/Down who fuse modern sounding metallic elements against a classic style of Thrash and Groove Metal. The band are influenced by the likes of Mastodon, Metallica, Lamb Of God and GOJIRA though there’s some Grunge based movements appearing amongst the HEAVY METAL carnage. The album still finds the time to lay down the STONER METAL groundwork with epic flash beats and thrash grooves that soon transform into areas of Progressive Metal and Classic Hard Rock.

With the band emerging from the UK Underground scene there’s some added extra levels of “STEEL” and “PURE GRIT” that develops within the opening tracks of One Last Drag, Keep Your Chin Held Why and The Slog which aims for maximum HEAVY METAL DEDICATION. The vocals from Linden Twyman feel inspired by the classic style of metal vocalists with nods to James Hetfield being the most common place. However, there’s some vocal changes channelling areas of the Alt-Metal and Southern Metal scenes. This may be myself going way off base but I'm sure I detected even a COHEED & CAMBRIA vibe developing within the more dramatic parts of the record and if I’m completely wrong then I apologise to the band for that oversight.

The record is quite punishing with how fast Struck/Down actually play with the ferocious beat-downs and thrash grooves that’s heard throughout Queue For The Cure. However, they excel the most within the progressive sounding aspects which allows the band to play even more technical musical passages which leads up to some of the stunning and barnstorming melodies and rhythms the record has to offer.

Queue For The Cure has an excellent and highly welcoming style of “OLD SCHOOL METAL” whilst allowing Struck/Down to further embrace their modern sounding influences on tracks such as Don’t Be Like That, A Queue For The Cure, Who Stole The Sun and “Eat The Fear, Drink The Worry”. Struck/Down show a fine eye for musical detail when they start using Psychedelic and Post-Whatever musical effects which was a welcome surprise. 

This isn’t perhaps the most original “HEAVY METAL” album you’ll likely hear but Struck/Down know what works for them and they deliver a record that should be considered every “HEADBANGER’S” dream album with almost every style of Groove, Thrash, Stoner and Prog Metal aspect wonderfully covered throughout. The album is superbly intense with an epic style of melody which will have you rocking out to in full agreement. 

Overall, Struck/Down have released a superbly produced record that allows them to play to their absolute musical strengths whilst punishing the listener with an intense musical workout. 

Words by Steve Howe

Queue For The Cure is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl now.

Links 

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify

Purple Lung - Mystic Vision (Album Review-

Release Date: February 13th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Mystic Vision - Tracklisting

1.Blademaster 04:10
2.Annihilation of Time 03:03
3.Digging Up Snakes 03:20
4.Beware the Bog Witch 05:47
5.The Watchful Eye 03:12
6.Mystic Vision 03:56
7.Hum of the Ancients 03:55
8.Swallowed by the Sea 05:48
9.Desethos, The Starved 05:28
10.Dreamwalker's Lament 05:30

Members

Max Schmitt - Bass

James Jaskolka - Drums

Simon Beierle - Guitars

Toni Pennello - Guitars, Vocals

Review

Mystic Vision is the debut album from Doom/Stoner Metallers Purple Lung who focus upon weaving psychedelic, gothic and proto-metal elements into their music. There’s also a soulful quality emitting from lead vocalist Toni Pennello’s voice which has a level of grittiness and classic hard rock passion which allows the lyrics to flow naturally throughout. The music is powered by waves of modern day Psychedelic Stoner Metal melodies with a slight Sludge Rock presence that is quite full-on and fast-paced which you hear from the very start through tracks such as Blademaster and Annihilation Of Time.

You can hear elements of Black Sabbath, Windhand, The Obsessed and The Sword within Purple Lung’s sound but they play with an aggressive style of Blues Rock and Punk Rock which allows the album to be quite grounded with also a street level attitude forming along the way. The band aren’t afraid to employ a classic style of Hard Rock and NWOBHM within certain stages of the album before switching back into a modern day metal band with even areas of Thrash Metal appearing. This is a band not afraid to call upon classic eras of Heavy Metal and adapting that creative vision into a sublime style of Doom/Stoner Metal.

There is also a great style of storytelling starting to form within the lyrics on tracks such as Digging Up Snakes, Beware The Bog Witch, Mystic Vision (which is a very trippy and surreal style of Psych, Drone and Eastern Melodies), Swallowed By The Sea and Dreamwalker’s Lament. These are my favourite tracks on the album where Purple Lung fully come into their own and really start to express themselves naturally with wicked vocals and classic gloomy melodies starting to form within the music. Another strong aspect of the record is how Purple Lung instantly draws you in quite quickly with each individual track and the level of OCCULT and GOTHIC surroundings is absolutely thrilling to experience especially within the more slow-paced moments which allows the whole band to fully shine throughout.

There’s a lot going on within Mystic Vision but Purple Lung are quite adept allowing that “CLASSIC” style of ROCK & ROLL to fully transform into a richer, heavier and aggressive sound with the sublime lyrics telling some EPIC stories along the way. Sure, they can be outlandish at times but Purple Lung fully sell the whole story thanks once again to the dynamic lead vocals from Toni Pennello. Though, the whole band impresses not only on a technical level but also musically with some first rate musical passages being played from the very start.

Production values are excellent with Mystic Vision having some brilliantly powerful sonic dynamics that Purple Lung always plays to their advantage but also allowing the listener to enjoy every step of this wicked sounding journey. 

Purple Lung pulls out all the stops here by releasing a debut album that offers first rate entertainment with all the chills, thrills and spills you could ever want from a record such as this.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

BandCamp | Instagram

Drone/Doom/Stoner Metallers Release New Video For MONASTERY OF THE SEVEN AGES From Their New Album BRAHMAN

Drone/Doom/Stoner Metallers BREATH release their epic new music video for Monastery of the Seven Sages from their recent acclaimed album BRAHMAN.. 

The band says this about the video:

"Monastery of the Seven Sages peers into a distant proto-bronze age landscape obscured by the fog of time. The power and bond of ‘as above so below’ is conveyed through filmmaker Erik Meharry’s vision for our music video. His inspiration from the song birthed a whole outline of Lynchian depth that made us all too eager for him to be at the helm.A song following steps like Oannes, looking to the wild horizon of space and Earth and finding connection."

Brahman is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records.

Links

https://www.facebook.com/Breathpdx
https://inbreath.bandcamp.com/