Undertong - UNDERTONG (Album Review)

Release Date: June 25th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

UNDERTONG - Tracklist

1.God's Gaze 06:00

2.Black Mass 04:50

3.Lost in Neverland 06:09

4.Rosetta 05:20

5.Cosmic King 06:47

6.Under the Tongue 06:34

7.Spaceship Crashing 08:32

Lineup

Marek Holeček - Vocals

Jakub Adamčík - Guitars

Daniel Chorouš - Bass

Piettro Torchio - Drums

Review

Undertong is a Psychedelic Stoner Metal band from Prague, Czechia. They explore the heavy Psychedelic elements of the Space Rock domain as the band also deliver fine amounts of Grunge, Sludge and Doom Rock within their self-titled album. The record has massive amounts of Cosmic Doom that flirts with a modern day aspect of Psychedelic Stoner Rock with grungy soundscapes allowing Undertong to develop a heavier fuzzed out sound.

With a great fusion of Truckfighters and FU MANCHU fuzz rock grooves and some classic Soundgarden vibes appearing within the early stages of the record. Undertone are onto a real winner from the excellent opening track of God’s Gaze with the lyrics being quite grounded and slightly fantastical when the need calls for it. The vocals from Marek Holeček have their own distinctive style that moves along the lines of Stoner Rock, Hard Rock and full on DOOM within the heavier moments. They’re not overly produced either with Marek’s delivery being quite Punk Rock sounding which gives Undertong’s music a subdued creative vibe to them. 

You can hear flows of Ambient Post-Rock within the quieter moments with the sludgy guitars keeping up the appearances of that Cosmic Doom flavour which moves to different levels of AMPLIFIER DISTORTION and drowning in FUZZY REVERB on tracks such as Black Mass, Lost In Neverland, Rosetta, Cosmic King and Spaceship Crashing being the real highlights of the album. However, all the tracks are superb with their own distinctive spiced out flavour. Undertone are fully committed in delivering their own great take of this Heavy Psychedelic journey with outbursts of Stoner Metal aggression with slight detours into Post-Rock, Shoegaze and mellow Grunge soundscapes. 

The instrumental work is deeply rich in variety with areas of Prog Metal developing in the later stages of the album but still keeping of the overall mission of delivering CLASSIC SOUNDING sounds of the Nineties Heavy Rock/Metal scene whilst not afraid to add modern Stoner Rock home comforts along the way. The whole record does have a stripped back production process which allows Undertong to project their true creative selves to whoever listens to this great album.

There is some wicked SONIC creativity being used here where Undertong use levels of gloomy distortion as a weapon of choice to entice listeners with. This gives the album a proper Sludge Rock and Cosmic Doom atmosphere that reaches fever pitch within the brilliant final two tracks of Under The Tongue and Spaceship Crashing that adds a pure cinematic energy to the whole journey.

Undertong’s debut album is superb as the band deliver a thrilling Space Rock odyssey that will surprise, delight and brilliantly entertain you in equal measure. 

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Canadian Doom / Sludge DESTROY MY BRAINS Prepare to Unleash "WILT" - The Final Chapter of Their Trauma‑Forged Five‑Album Saga; Streaming Singles "OCI" and "Decontribute"

Destroy My Brains - L-R - Rob - Bass, Jarret - Vocals, Guitar, Chase - Guitar, Jadan - Drums

From the frozen prairies of Lloydminster, Canada, doom/sludge cult Destroy My Brains unleash "WILT" on August 14th, 2026, the catastrophic final chapter in their long‑planned five‑album saga. Beginning with "Worthless" (2018), followed by "InsignifiCan't" (2020), "Lifeless" (2020), "Tormented" (2022), and now culminating in "WILT" (2026), the band has executed a conceptual arc conceived from day one, each release carving deeper into their signature themes of self‑destruction, trauma, and sonic decay.

“We already picked the titles of the albums so that all the first letters would spell WILT,” says vocalist/guitarist Jarret
​
​Destroy My Brains deal in corrosive, melting, abhorrent, Crowbar‑worshipping sludge, and WILT drives that identity straight into the ground. The album hits with pounding grooves, chugs heavy enough to buckle steel, soul‑removing drums, and vocals that scorch everything in their path. Rather than reinventing themselves, the band sharpened their already‑lethal formula, each member pouring their own darkness into the record until it becomes a collective collapse. Frontman Jarret pushes deeper than ever, turning "WILT" into both a sonic beating and a personal exorcism.

“We didn’t reinvent anything. We sharpened, hardened, turned it up louder… and put some of the darkest, most meaningful lyrics we have ever done. I got deep inside to a place of furious hate and pain… trauma I caused myself and others… self-destruction, dying, drug/alcohol abuse, and hatred towards others leading to their ultimate ruin,” adds Jarret.

"WILT" unfolds as a seven‑part descent into psychological collapse and sludge‑soaked extremity, each track carving out its own form of emotional and sonic violence. It opens with OCI, a claustrophobic portrayal of OCD spiraling into anxiety, compulsion, and eventual institutionalization, before shifting into Burn the Virgin, a ritualistic Walpurgisnacht sacrifice story that moves from eerie melody into suffocating doom. Decontribute serves as the band’s manifesto of societal decay, embracing personal ruin with lines like “YOU CAN WATCH ME, FALL APART… I DECONTRIBUTE TO REALITY.” 

The album sinks deeper with Avulsion, the bleakest and most doom‑laden track, using the imagery of bodily tearing to mirror lifelong psychological torment. Downgrade drags listeners through punk‑rooted sludge about manipulation, overdose, and satanic delusion, while Spill confronts childhood violence and emotional shutdown, ending with the devastating admission “I CAN’T FEEL, I DON’T FEEL, I WON’T FEEL, ANYTHING EVER…” Finally, the 11‑minute title track Wilt stands as the album’s tragic apex, confronting the wounds of child abuse and opening with the harrowing line “YOU DESTROYED THE CHILD WITHIN ME.” 

Together, these songs form a cohesive, crushing exploration of trauma, degradation, and the darkest corners of human experience.

"WILT" is Destroy My Brains at their most evolved, most hateful, and most emotionally devastating. “We are pleased to degrade and devolve you while you take in our sonic displeasures,” comments Jarret.

Destroy My Brains is currently streaming two singles, "OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder)" and "Decontribute," in lead-up to the release of "WILT", with a third, "Downgrade," being revealed with a music video in the coming weeks.

Listen at the following links:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/67kJ5QtfRsT22WZpIZ2NKu​

OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ5BJsJeI8g​

Decontribute - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4BZ4tET6r4​

Recommended for fans of Eyehategod, Crowbar, Buzz-oven, Acid Bath, and Electric Wizard, the album pre-order for "WILT" (release date August 14th, 2026) is available at https://destroymybrains.bandcamp.com/​

Track Listing:​

1. OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder) - 4:32
2. Burn The Virgin - 10:30
3. Decontribute - 7:28
4. Avulsion - 7:08
5. Downgrade - 5:14
6. Spill - 9:30
7. Wilt - 11:40

Album Length: 56:03

More info: https://linktr.ee/destroymybrains​

Thanks to Asher Media for the details.

LA Heavy Rock Outfit GALE FORCES Returns With New Single and Video “Diviner” on August 5

Los Angeles-based heavy rock outfit GALE FORCES returns Wednesday, August 5 with its powerful new single, “Diviner,” accompanied by an official music video directed by Arturo Baston.

Dark, searching, and intensely physical, “Diviner” pays homage to the energy of self-reckoning and reflection while acknowledging that profound personal change often requires wisdom and guidance from outside ourselves. Its lyrics express an opening of the heart and a return to one’s true, childlike self, while the music wails and groans as GALE FORCES continues to explore the heavier reaches of its sound.

“This song was inspired by my partner asking me to open my heart and become more vulnerable in our relationship, which was a scary but liberating experience that has allowed for a fuller expression of feelings and fears,” explains frontman Jade Devitt. “One can observe from personal experience the need for this on a wider human scale. The world needs more heart right now.”

“Diviner” is the band’s first release to feature new drummer Dylan Howard, who replaces former drummer Isaac Carpenter (Guns N’ Roses). Howard makes an immediate impact, bringing a forceful and dynamic presence to a track driven by pummeling percussion, distorted guitars, and an atmosphere that shifts between confrontation and catharsis.

The accompanying video, directed by Arturo Baston, blends otherworldly animation and symbolism with the band’s live performance, captured by Los Angeles videographer Manny Valenzuela. The visual stars Sara Veilleux as the dancer-diviner at the center of the song’s journey toward openness and transformation.

Fronted by singer and songwriter Jade Devitt, GALE FORCES has developed a sound rooted in the raw power of ’90s alternative rock while drawing from post-punk, shoegaze, hardcore, and heavy psychedelic music. “Diviner” pushes those influences into an even more visceral space, balancing punishing weight with a hopeful belief in renewal.

What others have said:

“Gale Forces continues to mine the spirit of ’90s Seattle underground while seeking out a modern edge which never lets go of heavy elements.” — Wildfire Music + News

“Gale Forces will connect with those who favor heavy alternative rock that lives on the edges of hardcore punk. Bursting with pummeling percussion, stinging riffs, distortion-soaked breakdowns and thick bass, the songs give Devitt’s vocals a cry-into-the-void quality, with his lyrics aspiring to a certain grandiosity as they range from doomy to hopeful.” — Buzzbands.LA

“Delivers post-punky angular rhythms, lush shoegaze textures, muscular stoner rock riffs, anthemic choruses, and the type of guttural power seen in punk cryptids like Iggy Pop.” — RockNLoad

“Diviner” arrives Wednesday, August 5 on all digital platforms.

Pre-Save “Diviner”: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/galeforces1/diviner

GALE FORCES Online

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galeforces/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063781082359

Gale Forces is:

Jade Devitt- vocals, rhythm guitar
Gabe Van Benschoten - lead guitar
Peter Forslund- bass
Dylan Howard - drums

NEUROSIS x FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE Short Film Created By Young Voices Of The Blackfoot Nation Featuring “We Are Torn Wide Open” And “Mirror Deep” Premiered As Fire In The Mountains Gathering Begins

Watch the FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE x NEUROSIS short film now playing HERE.

FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE is proud to present an original short film created in collaboration with the legendary NEUROSIS, bringing together their music, storytelling, and young voices of the Blackfeet Nation.

At the heart of the project is the extraordinary work of filmmakers Jason Nix and Bobby Cochran, whose vision, creativity, and unwavering dedication transformed an ambitious idea into a powerful cinematic experience. Through countless hours of travel, filming, editing, and collaboration, they captured not only the breathtaking landscape of Blackfeet country, but the spirit of the people who call it home. Their artistry is a visual testament to the strength and power of this community.

The production also reflects the remarkable contributions of four amazing Browning Public Schools students who were deeply involved throughout every stage of the project. These incredible students served as actors, production assistants, location support, creative collaborators, and storytellers, working shoulder-to-shoulder with professional filmmakers and musicians. Their creativity, commitment, and lived experiences helped shape each aspect of the film, making it an authentic expression of youth leadership and community collaboration.

The film is set against two emotionally powerful tracks from NEUROSIS’ An Undying Love For A Burning World – “We Are Torn Wide Open” and “Mirror Deep.” It tells the story of four young people from Browning confronted by a malevolent spirit, expertly played by the wildly creative Sim Schildt. Rather than facing this darkness alone, these protagonists ultimately confront the entity and find strength through connection and a sense of belonging, demonstrating FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE's core belief that our greatest protection against suicide can be one another.

Director and founder of Firekeeper Alliance Charlie Speicher states, “The film serves as both an artistic collaboration and a reflection of FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE's mission to reduce suicide by strengthening the protective factors that sustain life. Through authentic human connection, we believe hope grows stronger when we stand together. This project represents what is possible when internationally respected artists, visionary filmmakers, educators, students, and the Blackfeet community unite around a shared purpose. We are deeply grateful to NEUROSIS, Jason Nix and Bobby Cochran; our student participants - Haley Running Crane, David Fast Buffalo Horse, Reb Pollock, and Paul Medicine Horse; "dark entity" Sim Schildt; Larry Ground and Lee Little Mustache, and everyone who helped bring this vision to life. We hope this film reminds viewers that even in our darkest moments, we are never meant to walk alone. Keep the fire burning.”

NEUROSIS’ Steve Von Till adds, “We are humbled and honored to have our music associated with the mission of FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE and deeply moved by the collective work of tall involved. We have always believed that this emotionally intense underground music has provided us with a sense of purpose, community, and has been a creative outlet to help us make sense of our place in the world. We stand with FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE in their mission to build connection, celebrate resilience, and strengthen protective factors against suicide.”

Watch the FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE x NEUROSIS short film now playing HERE.

To learn more about Firekeeper Alliance and their mission visit their website here: https://firekeeperalliance.org/`

Photo Credit: Jason Nix and Bobby Cochran

Links

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BANDCAMP

Thanks to Neurot Recordings for the details.

Sergeant Thunderhoof - Kickstarter for the next album coming next week!

Kickstarter Launching Next Wednesday!

A quick heads up for Sergeant Thunderhoof fans and friends. Next Wednesday we will launch a Kickstarter campaign for the new album. This will be your chance to get exclusive items not available at any other time, and also get your name immortalised in the finished album for eternity! Click the link below to go to the launch page where you can follow the project so you get notified the moment it goes live.

Links

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

Stay Dead - Beneath The Weight Of Worlds (Album Review)

Release Date: July 24th 2026. Record Label: Ripple Music. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Beneath The Weight Of Worlds - Tracklist

1. Empty Pages

2. White Noise (feat. Troy Sanders)

3. Electric Mistress (feat. Matt Pike)

4. Chrysalis (feat. Eryka Fir and Aiwass)

5. What Happened To Rock N' Roll

6. Fever Dog (Original cover)

Lineup

Ryan Garney – Vocals

Rusty Miller – Lead guitar

Blake Carrera – Guitars & synths

Christopher Borrelli – Bass

Kenny Shillingburg – Drums

Review

Stay Dead is the latest supergroup to emerge from the Heavy Underground scene who are made up of members from High Desert Queen, Hollow Light and Fear The Victor, However, that only tells half the story with guest appearances from legends such as Matt Pike and Troy Sanders. You also have appearances from Eryka Fir (Coma Hole) and AIWASS along for the ride. Stay Dead’s debut album Beneath The Weight Of Worlds is quite a complex, brooding, philosophical and emotionally charged statement of the human condition.

The record blends levels of Doom, Sludge, Stoner Metal, Prog Metal and Psychedelic elements with some detours into areas of Post-Rock, Thrash, Space Rock and Groove. This is a very multi-layered record from the very start with influences ranging from Mastodon, High On Fire, ELDER and NEUROSIS with also the band’s members ever present musical projects. Lead vocalist Ryan Garney seems to be everywhere these days and that’s a good thing where he can shine a light to his incredible vocals once more. 

Ryan leaves the musical heavy lifting to his colleagues and famous friends where they all brilliantly succeed in laying down pummelling grooves that will give your body a tough physical challenge whilst rewarding your mental wellbeing when everything is said and done. The whole record relies on hard-hitting lyrics and intense vocals which come alive through tracks such as Empty Pages, White Noises, Electric Mistress and Chrysalis. 

Beneath The Weight Of Worlds does have a grimy and sludgy exterior where the Post-Doom and Post-Stoner thematics work amazingly well with the intense gloomy melodic moments. The most hard-hitting track has to be the excellent second track White Noise which really does touch upon some tough themes which gives Stay Dead a more vindictive appearance than you initially realise until you hear the actual song which leaves you on a more hopeful message.

The flashes of Post-Whatever and Psychedelic melodies is a great way for Stay Dead to introduce a natural way of creative storytelling with the guest appearances of their friends to find common ground to play great music with. The majority of the album is emotionally wrought with complex grooves allowing Stay Dead to align themselves more closely to the likes of Pallbearer and YOB but with a distinctive Hard Rock quality keeping everything grounded.

However, I will say my favourite aspect or track of the album is Stay Dead’s insane and gloriously entertaining cover of the classic track Fever Dog. Fever Dog is from the classic movie Almost Famous. A classic movie directed by Cameron Crowe which was inspired by his early days in the Seventies working for Rolling Stone Magazine and being shown the seedier side of the Heavy Rock scene from the legendary bands of the day. If you haven’t seen the movie then I implore you to watch it now. Watch both versions, the theatrical cut and the even better director’s cut.

Within that movie, there’s a fictional band called Stillwater whose “famous” track “Fever Dog” is played throughout the movie. That song was written by Nancy Wilson of the band Heart and film director Cameron Crowe. This track is pure Seventies HARD ROCK excess but Stay Dead give this a slamming modern day Sludge Rock/Stoner Rock makeover which stays true to the original. (Apologies for the slight historical lesson there. Almost Famous is one of my all-time favourite movies).

Beneath The Weight Of Worlds is how a “supergroup” should deliver their debut album with its fearless attitude and non-stop supply of impactful grooves from start to finish. The legendary record label Ripple Music is releasing this album so you know this is going to sound great. As Ripple Music never put out a bad record within their entire lifetime. 

As we say sometimes in the United Kingdom, Beneath The Weight Of Worlds is the “MUTTS NUTS” or “DOGS BOLLOCKS”  which means outstanding, top-quality, or one of the absolute best things out there. Well, you get the picture!!!

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

Beneath The Weight Of Worlds is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music. 

Links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Monkey Ham - Hound With No Name (Single Review)

 

Release Date: July 24th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Hound With No Bone - Tracklist

Hound With No Bone

Review

Hound With No Bone is the latest single from Grunge/Stoner Rockers Monkey Ham. The band have been going for quite a while and released an excellent EP called Pulled The Trigger back in 2022. They’ve released a couple of songs over the last year or so which continues a similar style of music as Hound With No Bone. The song is quite grounded with Monkey Ham delivering a great blend of Doom, Grunge, Hard Rock, Psych and  Blues Rock that’s all lovingly wrapped in a fast-paced Stoner Rock package.

If you’re a fan of the likes of CLUTCH, Black Sabbath, QOTSA and Soundgarden then you’ll know what to expect with Monkey Ham conjuring a great riff-fest for you to fully explore. It’s not the most original but Monkey Ham has this where it counts and that’s the RIFFS. The sound is upbeat and never tries to explore areas of Progressive melodies. This is good old fashioned music which is packed full of Stoner Rock goodness whilst delivering a great style of Classic Hard Rock with some spicy Psych Rock and Blues Rock soundscapes along the way.

The vocals are superb as well which gives this an soulful attitude from start to finish. Monkey Ham knows how to have a real good time and I’m hoping there’s more great songs being released in the near future. As they have their own “winning formula” of writing great music that will stay with you for a long time. 

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | share.amuse.io | open.spotify.com