Blunt Knife Castration - Blood & Oil (Album Review)

Release Date: February 27th 2026. Record Label: Remorseless Records. Formats: CD/DDl

Blood & Oil. - Tracklisting

1.Miasma

2.Gunshot Selfie

3.Degeneration

4.Lone

5.Guilt Pig 

6.Swallow

7.Play Victim 

8.Blood & Oil

9.Menial Mutt

10.Coward

11.Skinny Fingers

Review

Blood & Oil is the devastating and brutal second album from Sludge Metal collective Blunt Knife Castration where you can tell by both the band name and album title that this is going to be a brutal time. As the band focus upon playing violent Sludge Metal sounds that’s paired up with traces of Doom, Noise, Grind, Crust Punk and Experimental beats. Influenced by the legendary Eighties Video Nasties Scene from the UK and other violent extreme acts of the same time, this record is not for the faint hearted but Blunt Knife Castration know hows to play a punishing blend of Sludge Metal with a lot of heavy grooves and soundclips into the mix.

Coming across a heavier, filthier and more intense version of fellow UK Doom/Sludge Metal collective TORSO, but this time round Blunt Knife Castration causes more devastation and musical carnage with extreme blasts of Sludge Metal running amok. The Crust Punk vibe comes into play very early on within the tracks of Miasma, Gunshot Selfie and Degeneration.

From that moment the record never lets up with the music being quite unsettling and extremely uncomfortable especially with the harsh vocals and screams leading the way. However, there’s a sense of twisted melody and aggressive vision that fully begins to sell the dark creative vision of the whole album. You start to experience strands of Thrash, Groove and Blackened Stoner Metal starting to form which reminds me of acts like WHORES, EYEHATEGOD and CHAT PILE along the way. 

There’s a lot to break down on the album with Blunt Knife Castration playing at a thousand miles per hour which gives a highly dangerous and violent intensity that left my hearing exposed at the best of times so maybe I’m showing my age with this record. Though, it’s still a highly intoxicating mix of Crust Punk, Doom, Thrash and Sludge Metal that puts a refreshing spin on such a highly volatile time if you grew up in Eighties Britain when the Video Nasties scene was in full flight. 

Other great tracks to check out are Lone, Guilt Pig, Swallow, Play Victim, Coward and Skinny Fingers which is where the heaviest, thickest and sickest grooves appear. There’s also a lot of great humour and tough real life scenarios to experience with the bands lyrics within these tracks with Blunt Knife Castration being quite subversive with the whole storyline that they’ve created for Blood & Oil.

The record is a punishing experience and won’t be for everyone but if you’re into this particular style of Sludge Metal then you’re going to be in your element as Blood & Oil fully delivers in the riffs department and more so with its breathtaking style of Extreme Metal. The added layers of GRIME and FILTH is the icing on the cake with Blunt Knife Castration perhaps setting themselves as a FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH in the next few years for the UK Sludge Metal scene if they keep making great records such as this in the near future.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Good Boy PR for the promo.

Blood & Oil is available to buy now on CD/DD via Remorseless Records.

Links 

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Lord Centipede - Centipede II: Electric Boogaloo (EP Review)

Release Date: February 27th 2026. Record Label: Morbid And Miserable Records / Wyrd Byrd. Formats: CD/DD/Tape/Vinyl

Centipede II: Electric Boogaloo - Tracklisting

1.Dumb As Fuck 03:10

2.Shitstorm of Stupidity

3.Wolf Witch

4.Dawn of the Troglodytes

5.Sword of Conan

Members

Samir Asfahani

Justin O'Neill

Ian Harris

Review

Lord Centipede returns with their latest EP - Centipede II: Electric Boogaloo which is another gleefully violent mix of Doom, Sludge, Stoner, Thrash, Crust Punk and Crossover Metal. This is their first release in over twelve years with the band not losing sight of what made their 2014 debut album such a fantastic release.

The EP never waivers from its pissed off Sludge/Stoner Metal energy calling upon sounds first laid down by the likes of HIGH ON FIRE, METALLICA, MOTORHEAD and FISTULA. Vocals are mostly screamed at you from a very close distance with that pissed off classic style of HEAVY GROWLS but at least they’re clean based and quite easy to understand.

Centipede II: Electric Boogaloo lasts under twenty minutes with Lord Centipede playing through a wide range of FILTHY grooves that sees the band play a stripped back style of music with a classic Eighties Heavy Metal aesthetic holding everything together. The lyrics are fuelled by slightly anarchic THRASH METAL and CRUST PUNK environments which only adds to the delicious and violent fun the record contains throughout. 

Lord Centipede slows things down here and there within the EP which gives the listener a small rest before they return to their dominant turbo charged sounds. It’s not the best sounding EP I’ve heard but it gives the record a more quintessential underground feel which should impress OLD SCHOOL METALHEADS the most  especially on tracks such as Dumb As Fuck, Shitstorm Of Stupidity and Sword Of Conan.

It’s perhaps best not to overthink or over-analyze this record as it’s mostly built on filthy HEAVY METAL dynamics with LORD CENTIPEDE’s sole intent is to ENTERTAIN and ROCK THE FUCK OUT. Though, there’s some classic Blackened Stoner Metal energy that Lord Centipede demonstrates on the later stages which made me “LOSE MY SHIT” in genuine excitement. 

Centipede II: Electric Boogaloo is an absolute blast from start to finish with Lord Centipede in great form throughout. If you want a record that gets straight down to the business of bringing pure HEAVY METAL carnage and chaos then this is the record for you.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Morbid And Miserable Records for the promo.

Centipede II: Electric Boogaloo is available to buy now on Digital, CD and Cassette via Morbid And Miserable Records.

Vinyl Record will be released by Wyrd Byrd.

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Garage Psych Rockers THE LORDS OF ALTAMONT share new video off upcoming "Forever Loaded" album. Full European tour announced!

Los Angeles garage psychedelic rockers THE LORDS OF ALTAMONT have teamed up with Vive Le Rock Magazine to present their high-octane new single and video "Get Out Of My Head", taken from their eighth studio album "Forever Loaded" on Heavy Psych Sounds Records. The band will be touring Europe extensively this spring in support of the new release.

️ Watch new video "Get Out Of My Head" below:

️

For nearly three decades, The Lords of Altamont have been the unwavering high priests of garage-punk fury and psychedelic swagger. Their upcoming eighth studio album "Forever Loaded" is the loudest and most ultimate testament to their enduring reign, a ten-track sacrifice to the true altar of rock 'n' roll.

Forged in the dive bars and digital back-alleys of a worldwide recording process, "Forever Loaded" takes you on a trip through vice-enhanced, riff-propelled heights and the sweat-soaked, concrete-floor depths of their live origins. From the first needle drop to the last decaying chord and organ keys, the album is a masterclass of grit and power, cementing LOA's legacy of chaos and communion. Dope Forever, Forever Loaded. 

Check out their latest single and video for Got A Hold On Me!

The Lords Of Altamont on tour:

30/04 - France - LILLERS, L’ABATTOIR
1/05 - France - AMBERIEU, LES TRIPLETTES SOCIAL CLUB
2/05 - Italia - BOLOGNA, HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS (TPO)
3/05 - Italia - TORINO, HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS (EL BARRIO)
4/05 - France - MARSEILLE, LE MOLOTOV
6/05 - France - MONTPELLIER,  SECRET PLACE
7/05 - Spain - BARCELONA, FESTIVAL IN SOMNI (UPLOAD)
8/05 - Spain - MADRID, GRUTA 77
9/05 - Spain - SADA, TOULIÑA POP FEST
10/05 - Spain - BURGOS, LA RIVIERA
11/05 - Spain - SANTANDER, ROCK BEER THE NEW
12/05 - Spain - ZARAGOZA, CREEDENCE
13/05 - Spain - PORTUGALETE, GROOVE
14/05 - France - PARTHENAY, DIFF’ ART
15/05 - France - NANTES, LE FERRAILLEUR
16/05 - France - PARIS, LA MAROQUINERIE
11/06 - France - ROUEN, FURY DEFENDU
12/06 - France - ST GILLES, ROCKSEA
13/06 - France - LAVAUR, ROCK&CARS FESTIVAL
10/07 - Belgium - GIERLE, SJOCK FEST
16/07 - France - ST THONAN, BAG NOZ
17/07 - France - VITRÉ, VERY ROCK TRIP FESTIVAL
18/07 - France - PÉRIGUEUX, LET THERE BE ROCK
14/08 - France - CHAMBERY, BRIN DE ZINC
15/08 - France - FREJUS, HELL’S WEEK 
19/08 - Sweden - MALMO, MEDLEY
20/08 - Norway - HALDEN, SISTE REIS PUB
21/08 - Sweden - SUNDBYBERG, ENCORE
22/08 - Denmark - VORDINGBORG, GUTTER ISLAND FESTIVAL

New album "Forever Loaded" - Out April 10th on Heavy Psych Sounds (LP/CD/digital)

The Lords Of Altamont bring forth raw rock and roll fury birthed from the ultimate end to the era of peace and love. What was billed to be the “Woodstock of the West“, the infamous Altamont Free concert on December 6th, 1969 was highlighted instead by heavy drugs, motorcycle chains and brass knuckles and later punctuated with shoving matches and fistfights. This palpable sense of bawdy foreboding resulted in four births, four deaths and extensive property damage.

While the hippies had been grooving and mellowing out in the Bay Area, the forefathers of the Lords of Altamont were playing high energy rhythms in the beer-soaked venues of Detroit and the dingy clubs along LA’s Sunset Strip. Mid-60s London RnB shares equal space with the scruffy 70s NYC Bowery among the influences of The Lords also. They take their other cues from kids banging out primitive riffs on cheap guitars all across the USA in garages alongside chopped bikes and American v-8 muscle, lingering exhaust fumes mixing with sweat to conjure the rare elixir of real rock n roll.

The story of the band who would come to be known as The Lords Of Altamont gets a proper start in late 1999. A son of Southern California and a veteran of the SoCal music scene, Jake Cavaliere - with numerous bands and projects from garage to punk dating back to the late 80s under his belt - enlisted fellow motorcycle rider and bandmate of the intro/surf sensation The Bomboras, Johnny DeVilla. Besides holding their first show at the legendary venue The Garage in Hollywood, high points include touring as the support act for their primitive rock n roll idols The Cramps, infamous rock gods The Who as well as counting the late Michael Davis of the MC5 as a past member.

Through personnel changes featuring an incredible roster of talent, and various adventures over the past 25 years, The Lords of Altamont continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. Jake Cavaliere, along with his assemblage of gritty and talented personalities, continues to captivate audiences with unparalleled hard-driven performances the world over.

The Lords Of Altamont is

Dani Sindaco — Guitars & Vocals
Jake Cavaliere — Organs & Vocals
Barry Van Esbroek — Drums & Vocals
Rob Zimmermann — Bass & Vocals

The Lords Of Altamont Links

Official | Facebook | Instagram | BandCamp

Heavy Psych Sounds links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Youtube

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

Doom/Stoner Metallers Sons Of Ghidorah New Album In The Works, New Single “Raining Fire” Out Now

Argonauta Records proudly welcomes back Sons of Ghidorah, the cosmic heavy rock force formed in 2014, who today announce their long awaited return with a brand new album currently in the works. To mark this powerful new chapter, the band has released their explosive new single and official video “Raining Fire”, available now: 

Since their formation, Sons of Ghidorah have carved out a distinctive sonic identity, wandering the galaxies and shaping a dynamic and uncompromising sound that blends the crushing weight of doom, the fuzz driven energy of stoner rock, the raw attitude of punk and the massive impact of heavy rock. Their music channels cosmic atmospheres, relentless riffs and intense rhythmic drive, forging a sound both immersive and devastating.

At the core of the band stand the psychic cosmonauts Mark Giuliano, Christopher Konys and Michael Lillard, now joined by fellow space travelers Greg Fenlong on guitar and Lou Barrese on lead guitar. Together, the expanded lineup pushes Sons of Ghidorah’s sound into even heavier and more powerful territory, delivering a renewed creative vision and an overwhelming sonic experience.

“Raining Fire” offers a first glimpse into the band’s upcoming material, showcasing thunderous grooves, towering walls of distortion and a relentless cosmic energy that defines their evolving musical direction. The track stands as a bold statement of intent, reaffirming Sons of Ghidorah’s commitment to crafting unique and powerful heavy music.

Further details about the forthcoming album will be revealed soon.

Stay tuned for more updates.

https://www.facebook.com/SonsofGhidorah
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

https://sonsofghidorah.bandcamp.com/

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.

GNARWHAL - Lucid Machines (Album Review)

Release Date: March 19th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Lucid Machines. - Tracklisting

1.Wherewithal 

2.Lucid Machines

3.Hollow Frames

4.Ancient Veins

5.Circuits

6.Binary Dreams

7.Left To Mend

8.Static

9.Fleeting Currents

10.Mimic

Members

Mark Kilbride (vocals)

Benji Straker (guitar and vocals)

Jeremy Straker (bass and vocals)

Layne Rybchinski (drums and percussion)

Review

Lucid Machines is the latest album from Sludge/Stoner Rockers Gnarwhal who embrace an Eighties heavy New Age sensibility within their music which gives the record a whole contemporary sound. Though the thrilling Sludge Rock aspect allows Gnarwhal to keep within the modern day Psych/Post-Stoner movement that’s perhaps the most popular sound within the underground scene. Adding ice-cold Post-Rock themes against a dominant gloomy atmosphere which really comes alive thanks to the epic rhythm section laid down by Jeremy Straker (Bass) and Layne Rybchinski (Drums / Percussion).

 This allows Benji Straker’s guitars to operate through a maze of Prog Rock/Metal sounds with an epic cinematic Sludge Rock score reminiscent of the likes of WEEDPECKER, HOWLING GIANT and KING BUFFALO with shades of YOB appearing just for good measure. The vocals are impressive throughout with lead vocalist Mark Kilbride being helped along the way by great work by Jeremy and Benji providing back up vocals.

Lucid Machines works best when Gnarwhal start thinking outside of the box and start developing areas of music such as Doom, Shoegaze, Alt Metal, Post-Punk and Noise Rock leaving you fully immersed with the excellent melodies that are formed throughout the album.

Just to make this record more offbeat I detected other influences as diverse from The Cure, HUM and even Duran Duran. Though, that may just be me thinking too much of what’s going on with the whole album especially on the standout tracks of Wherewithal, Lucid Machines, Hollow Frames and Circuits which make up my favourite parts of the whole album though the second half is equally as good.

Gnarwhal always feel they’re on the cutting edge of developing a highly original sound of their own with intricate Ambient sounds, Electronica Beats and distorted levels of FUZZ.

The lyrics are wonderfully insightful, telling the dangers of technology and the resistance that we all must become part of and the global emerging threat of A.I. Though, if fans are just here for the music then the record fully delivers on that score with a ferocious Sludge Rock/Metal sound starting to become more dominant with heavy moments of Doom, Stoner Rock and Psych Rock vying for complete control.

Other great tracks to check out are: Binary Dreams, Left To Music and Fleeting Currents that sees Gnarwhal once more fuse highly atmospheric landscapes with that bombastic style of Heavy Psych and Sludge Rock they captured perfectly at the very start of the album. Lucid Machines never plays out the way you expect with this being quite a forward thinking and riff-fuelled musical adventure. 

Gnarwhal have released an outstanding record that will no doubt become a major favourite with almost everyone who listens to the album. It’s simply that great.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Gnarwhal and Small Fry Music for the promo.

You can buy Lucid Machines now on Digital and Vinyl from this link, 

Links 

http://gnarwhalband.com

http://facebook.com/gnarmusic
http://instagram.com/gnarwhalsounds
https://gnarwhalband.bandcamp.com

Exclusive Song Premiere Of Sludge/Post-Metallers WE FOLLOW THE EARTH New Song SIRENS From Upcoming New Album FOAMDRINKER

We Follow the Earth is a sludgy doom band that will occasionally lean into a post-metal sound. Located in Winston Salem, North Carolina, the core of their sound is built on slow, crushing riffs, ever present soul shaking bass, and aggressive, strained screams.

Started as a solo project for Matthew Crotts, with his brother, Robert Crotts, offering to write the concept story and lyrics for the debut album “Lightbearer” in 2023. Shortly after releasing the debut album, writing started for the 2nd concept album “Extinct”, which was recorded/engineered by Jamie King and released in March 2024.

This new album, “Foamdrinker”, takes the listener on a journey through a world that is, for unknown reasons, stuck in a perpetual winter. Facing extinction, our characters are willing to go to any lengths to survive, but dangers beyond the ice lurk in the depths of the ocean and within ourselves. The struggle to overcome these challenges that we are presented with, both the external and the internal superstitions about how we think the world should work from the crux of this story. How we balance selfless acts against selfish ones can save or doom the world.

Thanks to the amazing folks at Desert Bloom PR, we're excited to premiere the debut single and video for SIRENS from the upcoming new album - FOAMDRINKER.

Album credits:

Matthew Crotts – Vocals, guitar
Josh Burton – Guitar
Jason “Buddha” Myers – Bass
Matthew Pickard – Drums
Robert Crotts – Story/Lyric writer
Engineered by Jacob Beeson
Mastered by Esben Willems (Studio Berserk)

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Thanks to Desert Bloom PR for all of the details.

BORRACHO - Eternos (EP Review)

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

Eternos. - Tracklisting

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

Members

Steve - Guitars, synths, keys & vocals

Mario - Drums & percussion

Tim - Bass & backing vocals

Review

Doom/Stoner Metallers BORRACHO release their latest record Eternos which is a covers EP where the band pay homage honoring five beloved friends and musical influences who have passed on over the years. This is a great collection of tracks honouring Dave Sherman (Spirit Caravan), Rev. Jim Forrester (Foghound), Will Mecum (Karma To Burn), Bruce Falkinburg (The Hidden Hand) and Robert “Strings” Dahlqvist (The Hellacopters). BORRACHO bring their legendary style of Streetwise Doom/Stoner Metal to some classic tracks whilst remaining true to the original versions.

Sometimes the sound is more aggressive, heavier and more sludge obsessed compared to the originals especially with the excellent vocals as well. However, BORRACHO pulled off a masterclass performance on all of the tracks especially on Fang, Keep On Shovelling and Twenty Nine. The music is superbly contained with BORRACHO allowing each of the individual tracks to have their own sound and feel which perfectly captures the bands that they’re paying huge respect to with Damyata and A Heart Without A Home being actual new tracks that I haven’t had much experiences with. Though, I can see why the guys have picked these tracks. 

Eternos has excellent production values throughout with BORRACHO maintaining that seedy underground style which has served them well throughout their own epic career. After delivering a standout album in 2025 with OUROBOROS, it’s good to see the band trying something different with Eternos whilst giving something back to the Doom/Stoner Metal scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

BORRACHO links

Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram