Besvärjelsen - Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem (Album Review)

Release Date: August 28th 2026. Record Label: Magnetic Eye Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem - Tracklist

1.The Greatest Sin

2.Accelerating Hearts

3.Battles

4.Counting Flies

5.Drifters on a Quiet Stream 

6.The Mountain

7.Pulse

8.Interlude

9.Didn't Come to Party 

10.Black Wave

11.Oblivion

Members

Lea Amling Alazam – vocals

Staffan Vinrot – guitars, vocals (& accordion, violin, keys, keyed fiddle)

Andreas Bajer – guitars, vocals

Erik Bäckwall – drums

Marcus Lindqvist – bass

Review

Doom/Stoner Metallers Besvärjelsen return with their third full length album Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem and the band are on FIRE exploring their own great style of Forest Rock. A great take on the standard Desert Rock sound but Besvärjelsen add a grounded Mountain Rock vibe into their music. It’s not exactly Appalachian based but it’s fuelled by NORDIC passion. 

Besvärjelsen transform their music into a heavier dimension which comes across very early on within the excellent batch of opening tracks of THe Greatest Sin, Accelerating Hearts and Battles which is one of the strongest collections of tracks I’ve heard to open an album within a very long time. As Besvärjelsen fully set the scene for the album with massive stadium sized grooves and heartfelt vocals to match. The real standout from the very start is the emotional delivery from Lea Amling Alazam who has never been better with excellent support from Staffan Vinrot and Andreas Bajer along the way. 

The album does have a gloomy Grunge and Sludge based aspect which remains grounded and brilliantly heavy with flashes of Psychedelic Doom showing you that Besvärjelsen mean business with levels of that intense “Forest Rock” transforming into a great style of Meditative Doom Metal with echoes of Classic Blues Rock and vintage Hard Rock giving way into a subtle Heavy Metal presence. 

There’s levels of great distortion and amplified feedback with instances of pure soul that develops into wonderful sounding instrumental sounds that even bring a foreboding style of Prog Metal into the mix that channels the likes of Mastodon and Baroness along the way. One of the other main things that stands out on the record is the exquisite and emotionally charged lyrics which pull no punches throughout the album perhaps on tracks The Greatest Sin, Battles, Drifters On A Quiet Stream, The Mountain, Didn’t Come To Party and Oblivion. 

Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem is everything you want and wholly expect for a modern day Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal record. As on this form alone, Besvärjelsen can easily aim for the same great heights that King Buffalo and Howling Giant have achieved recently. This record has that similar type of emotionally charged and uplifting energy those bands are known for. 

Besvärjelsen are continuously finding new ways of developing their own great blend of Heavy Psychedelic music with some detours into Sludge Rock, Shoegaze and Occult Metal which gives this album a highly unexpected and sometimes slightly unorthodox style. This is one of my favourite things about the whole album as you don’t know what to expect with certain individual sections of the record. 

I’m ashamed to say this is my first time reviewing Besvärjelsen on the blog and I have no excuse for missing their other two superb records as they’re bloody brilliant in their own right as well. However, Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem is the record that sealed the deal for me. This record has a fearless attitude that allows the band to deliver one of the best Heavy Psychedelic records of the year. 

Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem is an absolute joy to fully experience with it’s non-stop style of classic tracks throughout. Besvärjelsen have delivered the goods with this album and I recommend to everyone to add this to your record collection at the very earliest opportunity. 

Awesome. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to All Noir PR and Magnetic Eye Records for the promo.

Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Magnetic Eye Records.

Links

www.facebook.com/besvarjelsen
www.instagram.com/besvarjelsen

https://besvarjelsen.bandcamp.com/

Doom/Heavy Metallers EARLY MOODS Announce Third Album READY FOR THE GRAVE. Produced By Toshi Kasai (Melvins, TOOL). Pre-Order Available Now

Elements of the past, present, and future coalesce within the spell cast by Early Moods.
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The Los Angeles band channel the sludge-born spirits of seminal doom metal and beckon them to attack even faster with a jolt of NWOBHM guitar-craft and a twist of thrash attitude. The quintet—Alberto Alcaraz [vocals, keys], Oscar Hernandez [guitar], Eddie Andrade [guitar], Elix Felciano [bass], and Chris Flores [drums]—transfix with otherworldly transmissions of cosmic and catchy heaviness.
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After years of meticulously shaping a signature style, they clearly and confidently perfect their vision on 2026’s Ready For The Grave.
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“Our sound is more honed,” notes Elix. “We’ve found our identity. I think it takes a couple of albums for most bands. This record isn’t too far removed from what we’ve done in the past, but the songwriting has certainly matured. You can hear the chemistry. You can feel the mood changes in specific songs and all of the dynamics. It’s really alive.”
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During 2026, they recorded Ready For The Grave at Cyan Sound Studio with producer Toshi Kasai [Melvins, Tool]. He invariably inspired them to level up.
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Pre-order - Early Moods - Ready For The Grave from RidingEasy Records

Listen To Early Moods - Ready For The Grave

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

BLACK ROYAL - Finnish Death-Sludge Quartet Return with New Single and Album on M-THEORY AUDIO

Following the release of their critically acclaimed 2022 album Earthbound, Finnish death-sludge powerhouse Black Royal return with their crushing new single, 'Drown the Seaweed', the first taste of their forthcoming album Abyssian, due this October via M-Theory Audio.

Continuing to refine their devastating blend of sludge metal and the icy ferocity of Scandinavian death metal, Black Royal have forged a sound that is both punishing and immersive. Often described as a collision between Crowbar and Entombed, with Behemoth and Mastodon waiting in the wings, the band deliver a sonic assault that balances crushing heaviness with cinematic atmosphere.

Formed in Tampere, Finland in 2013, Black Royal have established themselves as one of Finland's most formidable heavy acts. Following two acclaimed EPs, their 2018 debut Lightbringer earned widespread praise and appeared on numerous year-end lists thanks to its giant riffs and primal groove. Their sophomore album, Firebride (2020), further sharpened the band's identity, combining suffocating heaviness with memorable hooks and dynamic songwriting. With Earthbound (2022), their first release through M-Theory Audio, the band reached new creative heights, delivering a confident record that balanced aggression with melody while showcasing their continued evolution.

Speaking about the new single, the band explain: "‘Drown the Seaweed’ was born from the idea of crafting something ethereal and weightless – a sonic landscape that drifts like morning mist across a quiet summer lake. As the track unfolds, it dives deeper, with the C section and guitar solos pulling the listener beneath the surface into darker, more immersive waters. The result is a beautifully melancholic piece, balancing atmosphere with a memorable, hook-driven chorus that lingers long after the song fades."

Drawing inspiration from the ancient mystery and power of water, the song explores the world beneath the surface. A realm long associated with fear, reverence and unseen forces. Calm seas and violent storms can prove fatal, serving as a reminder that nature demands respect and that those who underestimate its power may face a cruel fate.

Atmospheric, cinematic and steeped in myth, 'Drown the Seaweed' is accompanied by a striking video created by Markus Vähäaho of RAW•ART Creations, featuring actress Julia Koskimies. The track was recorded with producer Arttu Sarvanne at Studio Watercastle, mixed by Jussi Kulomaa at Metal Mixing and mastered by Jaakko Viitalähde at Virtalähde Mastering. Written by Black Royal, the single encapsulates the band's vision, embracing crushing heaviness, evocative melody and immersive atmosphere in equal measure.

With Abyssian set for release this October, Black Royal continues to push deeper into darker, more atmospheric territory while expanding an already formidable sonic palette. 'Drown the Seaweed' offers a powerful first glimpse of the album's scope and ambition, reaffirming the band's position as one of Finland's most compelling and uncompromising heavy acts.

New album Abyssian is out 30th October 2026 on M-Theory​ Audio | Pre-Order

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Web | Instagram

Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for the details.

Vordermann - Feeding On Fireworks (EP Review)

Release Date: August 27th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Feeding On Fireworks - Tracklist

Ego Gland

The Salem Shake

Something Sacred Something Terrible

Members

Alex Bennett - Synths

Peter Hill - Guitars

Matthew Jones - Percussion & Vocals

Philip Malpass - Guitar & Vocals

Joe Palmer - Guitar & Vocals

Review

Feeding On Fireworks is the next exciting chapter from Alt-Rock/Post-Rock/Sludge Rockers Vordermann who released their acclaimed debut EP Feeding On Flowers back in March 2025. Vordermann continue with a similar musical and creative scope outlined on that great release with uplifting Doom-Pop surroundings that once again demonstrates a wealth of musical influences ranging from TORCHE, HUM, MASTODON and THE MELVINS.

The record opens with gloriously uplifting and easy going track Ego Gland which has a soulful Psychedelic Post-Rock energy where the sludgy guitars form a sweet natured drive with superb vocals to match. This is a song that has different areas of HEAVY ROCK forming with Vordermann moving into slightly Ambient based waters with a sudden influx of PELICAN based melodies being played on fthe later stages of the track before returning to the Post-Stoner Rock grooves that are being used for the first time.

Second song The Salem Shake is a slightly different vibe with Vordermann adding a Post-Doom vibe with little traces of Gothic imagery especially with the vocals and eerie synths. You can even detect some classic ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) and King Crimson melodies forming and even the vocals aligning themselves to the arena of Seventies Prog Rock. Though, Vordermann like to tease with audience expectations before laying down their usual blend of fast-paced Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs that have a certain Space Rock momentum to them.

The final track "Something Sacred Something Terrible" opens up with the legendary “Can You See Texas On Your High Horse” speech from the classic TV series - True Detective which sets up the gloomy scene of this track. The song has a stripped back presence with sludgy semi acoustic guitars that offer a despairing style of Americana, Country and Doom-Pop soundscapes which is some of the best music I’ve heard from Vordermann yet. The track is unapologetically solitary before the band explore the finer details of the Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal landscape that also offer the heaviest, finest and most intense sounds on the whole EP.

Feeding On Fireworks is an excellent and even better follow-up to their stunning debut EP which sees Vordermann mature into better songwriters and storytellers which bodes well for their future releases. I’m hoping their next release is their debut album as this EP is too damn short and I wanted to hear more music from this hugely talented outfit. 

If Vordermann continues with this musical journey and keeps creating superb records as Feeding On Flowers and Feeding On Fireworks then these guys are on the right path for a very distinguished and highly rewarding career within the underground scene and beyond.

Words by Steve Howe

Feeding On Fireworks will be available to buy on digital download from all good digital stockists from August 27th 2026.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | Beacons

Exclusive Album Premiere Of Doom Metallers OBSERVERS New Album THE EMERALD

The Emerald is the second album from Martin Kennedy's instrumental metal project, Observers. The Emerald's instrumental post-metal was inspired by the primeval forests and hidden portals of the cover art by visionary art pioneer Gilbert Williams, one of Kennedy's favourite artists. Once again mixed by Joe Haley of Australia's Psycroptic, the album is equal parts crushing guitars and atmospheric soundscapes, reminiscent of Kennedy's ambient rock project All India Radio.

Observers' debut earned widespread acclaim, including selection on NPR's New Music Friday, a Wild One pick on ABC TV's Rage, and praise from critics around the world. Prog magazine hailed it as a "glorious instrumental reimagining of 2001: A Space Odyssey," while Distorted Sound called it "a sprawling space-metal epic." Steve Kilbey of The Church simply declared it "sounds brilliant," and Sea of Tranquility "Spacey and doomy" 3 stars.

Thanks to the amazing folks over at Good Boy PR you can hear the album in full with this exclusive album premiere.

The Emerald is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

The Headless - Cast Into The Firmament (Single Review)

Release Date: August 11th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Cast into the Firmament - Tracklist

Cast Into The Firmament

Members

Andy Lenox — vocals, guitar, keys, production, visuals

Gary Behling — guitar, vocals, keys

Phil Danne — bass

Jay Gauthier — drums, photography, video

Review

Cast Into The Firmament is the latest single from Alt-Metal/Shoegaze Metallers The Headless who make music similar to the likes of HUM, SOM, Failure and Superheaven. However, there’s a lot more depth to The Headless as they channel sounds inspired by Faith No More and Baroness. The music is quite euphoric with a gloomy Grunge and Space Rock aspect emerging when you least expect it.

Joining The Headless on this cosmic journey is Madison McConnell of War on the Horizon fame who provides excellent low-key and emotionally engaging vocals. The Headless have said there’s a hidden easter egg hidden within their music the band are leaving for the listeners to fully decode. Well, I can’t say what the Easter Egg is and that’s perhaps a mystery unsolved by myself though I’m happy to be told what this is. As this gives the song quite a clever and mysterious quality which you don’t really come across.

The Headless transform into Post-Doom explorers on the later stages of the track which feels like HUM jamming with THE CURE. The song is mostly melodic with it’s ethereal Post-Rock sound but when The Headless move over into their aggressive Alt-Metal identity then some heavy grooves are played out of nowhere which has a slight Sludge Rock menace to them.

Cast Into The Firmament is a great track bursting with real progressive ability which fans of the Grunge, Doomgaze and Alt Metal communities will absolutely adore. I’m not sure if The Headless have an EP or full length album being prepped for future release but I’m highly intrigued and slightly a little bit excited on where they go from here.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Italian Stoner Rock Trio HUMULUS unleashes new single "Standing in the Sun" new album “Smuggler’s Cave” out this fall on Ripple Music!

Italian Psychedelic Stoner Rockers HUMULUS share the second track taken from their forthcoming new album "Smuggler's Cave", due out this October 9th on Ripple Music.

Stream new Humulus single Standing in the Sun 

Smuggler’s Cave marks HUMULUS’ fifth LP and their second outing with vocalist/guitarist Thomas Mascheroni. Following 2023's Flowers Of Death, the band spent two years traversing Europe’s stages, and it was in the cracks between tours that the improvisations for this record took root. True to form, the band returned to the rehearsal room for marathon sessions, capturing hours of raw interplay, isolating the sparks and forging new songs from the embers.

On this album, those riffs hit harder and land with greater certainty than before, yet HUMULUS’s sonic hallmark remains intact: a deft pivot from rhythmic, classic stoner crunch into more psychedelic and introspective depths. As always, lyrics arrived after the music, with the title track serving as a thread for the rest of the record, leading the listener through mysterious settings, tales of wizards, cemetery dreams, damned souls and the shade of dark forests. A high-voltage delivery that fills the air with electricity and will compel anyone who worships at the altar of Dozer, Truckfighters, Lowrider, Greenleaf. Don't miss the previous single Rise and Fall!

It will be released on October 9th on LP, CD and digital, with preorders available now from Ripple Music.

New album "Smuggler's Cave" - Out October 9th on Ripple Music (LP/CD/digital)

Humulus is an Italian psych-stoner power trio formed in Brescia, Italy in 2009. Born from the heavy lineage of Kyuss, Karma to Burn and Orange Goblin, they quickly built a reputation across southern Europe with their crushing debut on Go Down Records.

A lineup shift in 2015 flipped the script. New frontman Andrea Bellicini pushed the band into trippier, more dynamic territory through longer songs, richer atmospheres and a sound that outgrew stoner orthodoxy. The years that followed saw Humulus touring non-stop with European festival runs (Freak Valley, Desertfest Belgium, Up In Smoke), and a string of acclaimed LPs that veered from doom-laced riffage to sprawling psychedelic meditation. Another mutation came in late 2022 with the arrival of Thomas Mascheroni, reigniting the band’s chemistry and leading to a fresh creative burst. They hit the road again, sharing stages with heavyweights like Colour Haze and Monkey3, while steadily forging new material.

When founder Giorgio Bonacorsi stepped back in 2026, the remaining core members enlisted Fabio Giacomini to complete the lineup and write their most ambitious work yet, to be released in the fall 2026 on Ripple Music.

Humulus links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Ripple Music links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.