Astral Kompakt - Goldader (Album Review)

 

Release Date: November 22nd 2024. Record Label: Tonzonen Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Goldader - Track Listing:

1.Pirsch 06:24

2.Goldader 07:41

3.Welwitschie 05:14

4.Batavische Träne I 05:04

5.Batavische Träne II 05:11

6.Ruin 04:48

7.Levitas 06:19

Members

Marc - Bass

Julian - Drums

Roniel - Guitar

Review

Instrumental Stoner Rock outfit Astral Kompakt weave their own sense of creative sensibility for their highly inventive debut album Goldader which sees the band add layers of Psychedelic Fuzz with the cosmic style of Stoner Rock/Metal the band have at their disposal. There’s a jagged Progressive movement that appears within their music that’s quite jarring to hear when you first listen to the album, though this becomes one of the most powerful aspects of the record.

With a flamboyant style of Post-Rock and Ambient Rock appearing from time to time which allows the more mellow and quieter parts of the album to truly shine which comes into great effect on the exquisite opening track of Pirsch. The sound can be described firmly as Sludgy Space Rock at the best of times with Astral Kompakt adding a massive weight of trippy Instrumental sounds that gives the band quite a dynamic flair which sets the scene for the rest of the album.

Second track Goldader is quite a left-field track with the band employing a fusion of Jazz, Psych, Post-Rock and Desert Rock sounds for a more smoother style of music which only lasts for a few moments before Astral Kompakt return to their dominant Psych Stoner Metal sound. There’s a hidden FUZZ ROCK agenda lurking in the background which gives an extra crunch of HEAVY VOLUME even within the quieter moments. 

One of my favourite underground producers and performers Jan Oberg (EARTHSHIP and GRIN) adds his  masterful production and recording talents by producing, mixing and recording the whole thing. This adds another level of heaviness to the mix which makes the record sound even better especially within the more experimental and dynamic passages that Astral Kompakt play on the later stages of the record.

Third track Welwitschie is pure Cosmic and Space Rock chaos with Astral Kompakt once again playing their own blend of trippy Psychedelic movements with intricate Prog Rock beats that’s spliced with a thrilling Sludge Metal dynamic. This allows this to be one of the standout tracks on the album with the band excelling mostly on the slower parts of the song which brings a muscular drive to the whole album.

For the next two tracks Astral Kompakt offer a heavy two part musical opus entitled Batavische Träne I and Batavische Träne II that sees a more straightforward  style of Doom/Stoner Rock appear with the band still allowing themselves the time to develop some well executed experimental Progressive moments along the way. The abstract Sludge Rock swagger once again is kept very low key and only appears when the time calls for it. The Post-Rock sensibilities of the album sees the band play a subtle style of Jam based Instrumental Rock/Metal with superb Cosmic Rock grooves throughout.

The final two tracks of Ruin and Levitas once again sees Astral Kompakt play with a intriguing stop/start approach with moments of Cosmic fluidity having a slightly Post-Doom and Post-Rock perseverance which is perhaps the heaviest parts of the whole album especially on the sublime final track of Levitas. 

Goldader is a wonderfully poetic record with flashes of true originality appearing throughout whilst remaining true to the core sounds of the underground Instrumental Stoner Rock/Metal scene. I’m going to have to say this is my favourite instrumental album I’ve heard this year and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Give this album a chance and you’ll no doubt be surprised by what you hear.

Awesome. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Creative Eclipse PR for the promo.

Goldader is now available to buy on DD/Vinyl via Tonzonen Records.

Links

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/astralkompakt
Bandcamp: https://astralkompakt.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/astralkompakt
Facebook: https://facebook.com/astralkompakt
Label: https://www.tonzonen.de

Heavy Psychedelic Act AAWKS Release New Single "The Figure"

AAWKS Unleashes "Celestial Magick," the First Single from Their Highly Anticipated Album

Canadian heavy psychedelic rockers AAWKS are back with a vengeance, releasing the spellbinding new single "Celestial Magick" from their upcoming album On Through The Sky Maze (due March 21, 2025, via Black Throne Productions). Watch the haunting music video for "Celestial Magick" HERE.

A six-minute journey through fuzz-drenched riffs, ethereal harmonies, and crushing grooves, "Celestial Magick" captures the band’s unique blend of heavy, occult-infused psychedelia. "Celestial Magick" dives deep into Norse mythology, vividly depicting a village preparing for an attack from Naglfar, the ship of the dead. AAWKS weaves a tale that is both mythic and existential, embracing mortality as a gateway to transformation. With evocative lyrics, thunderous rhythms, and entrancing guitar work, the track showcases the band’s signature sound: melodic yet punishing, cosmic yet grounded.

Kris Dzierzbicki (vocals/guitar/synth), on the inspiration behind the track: “This song explores humanity’s rituals and symbols of death, viewing mortality as both an ending and a doorway. It’s about resilience in the face of inevitability and the universal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. We wanted to create something that felt timeless yet immediate, a journey through space and time with riffs as your guide.”

"Celestial Magick" is the first taste of On Through The Sky Maze, the band’s most ambitious project to date. Featuring nine tracks and a guest roster of talented collaborators, the album promises a bold evolution of AAWKS' sound.

About AAWKS:

Hailing from the mysterious foothills of Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie Ontario Canada, AAWKS make heavy-psych, stoner-doom music. They mix melodic songwriting with pummeling riffs and grooves and their music is as influenced by newer bands such as MEPHISTOFELES, MONOLORD, WINDHAND and the MELVINS as it is by classic rock bands like BLACK SABBATH, PINK FLOYD and DEEP PURPLE. They explore fantastical themes of the occult and spin tales of mind expansion and spaced out exploration of the multiverse. AAWKS released their debut full length album (((((HEAVY ON THE COSMIC))))) in June of 2022 on Black Throne Productions which landed at #2 on the Doom Charts that month.

AAWKS is:

Kris Dzierzbicki (guitar/vocals)
Roberto Paraíso (guitar)
Randylin Babic (drums)
Ryan “Grime Pup” Mailman - bass/vocals

Links:

Official Website: https://www.aawks.ca/
Bandcamp: https://aawks.bandcamp.com/
E-Shop: https://blackthroneproductions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAWKSBAND
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aawksband/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/aawks666?t=
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aawksmoters5367?si=PRuQ8KhWsS6U62Hu
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6APXsZmC9JDy6xkLoZtlaS?si=ktoCktZpQy29OFVynIk4TQ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/aawks/1605497877
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aawksband?_t=8r19mV6ZZEj&_r=1

Thanks to C Squared Music for all of the info.

Houston Doom Rockers WARLUNG share first track off new album "The Poison Touch"; due out February 14th on Heavy Psych Sounds.

Houston's premium occult heavy rock merchants WARLUNG are set to return with their new album "The Poison Touch", to be released on February 14th through Heavy Psych Sounds. Check out their brand new single via Doomed & Stoned now!

"This song is an ode to classic sci-fi, this song warns against the destructiveness of human nature. It’s an interpretation of the Law Giver’s sacred scriptures from The Planet of the Apes lore."

 Watch Warlung's new video via Doomed & Stoned "29th Scroll 6th Verse" or below

”Their upcoming fifth studio release "The Poison Touch" delves deeper into atmosphere while maintaining the gritty undertone that defines these doom rock specialists. From start to finish, the listener is blasted with in-your-face, hard-rocking energy while simultaneously feeling like a hauntingly beautiful experience. Capture the essence of WARLUNG's live sound, this new offering keeps exploring new realms, serving as both a continuation and evolution of their occult-laden style.

As stated by Doomed & Stoned editors: "Warlung’s forthcoming 8-tracker is bursting with energy, made immediately recognizable by the distinctive two-vocalist approach of axemen George Baba and Philip Bennet that deliver some truly effective choruses, with delicious guitar harmonies, hell-yeah solos, and poignant riffs, backed by the stalwart and inventive rhythm section of Chris and Ethan Tamaz."

It will be issued in various colored and black vinyl editions, CD digipack and digital on February 14th, with preorders available now from Heavy Psych Sounds Records.

New album "The Poison Touch" - Out February 14th on Heavy Psych Sounds - Pre-order

TRACKLIST:

1. Digital Smoke
2. White Light Seeker
3. Mourning Devils
4. Spell Speaker
5. Holy Guide
6. Rat Bastard
7. The Sleeping Prophet
8. 29th Scroll, 6th Verse

WARLUNG is a Texas band formed by longtime friends and brothers in 2016. Their sound is an ode to classic rock and modern metal, mixing heavy riffs and catchy melodies with a psychedelic twist. After self-releasing their debut album “Sleepwalker” in 2017, they quickly gained a cult following around Texas, opening for bands like Wo Fat and Dead Meadow. The band seemed to accept that they don’t have to stick to traditional themes and goes for more epic storytelling, helping to further expand their sound.

They wasted no time and returned to the studio to release “Immortal Portal” in 2019, becoming a local favorite to support bands such as High Reeper and King Buffalo. WARLUNG promoted their unique sound by playing notable events such as SXSW, Stoner Jam, End Hip End It Fest, Lone Star Unleashed and Ripplefest. They are renowned for their pneumonic rage, utilizing elements of true doom, stoner rock and occult-driven blues.

After signing with Heavy Psych Sounds to release “Optical Delusions” in 2020 and “Vulture’s Paradise” in 2022, WARLUNG embarked on their first European tour in early 2023. Their wicked riffs, dream-like vocals and sinful solos subdue the listener into a deep state of fantasia. They most recently appeared on stage at festivals such as Desert Rock Fest, Seismic Summer, and Heavy Psych Sounds Fest, sharing the stage with High on Fire, Truckfighters, Bongzilla, Weedeater, Windhand, and Brant Bjork.

WARLUNG is:

George Baba - Guitar/Vocals
Philip Bennett - Guitar/Vocals
Chris Tamez - Bass
Ethan Tamez - Drums

WARLUNG links

Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram ⎜ Spotify

HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS links

Website ⎜ Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram

Moss Valley - Creature (Single Review)

Release Date: November 22nd 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Creature - Track Listing:

Creature

Members

Zara Huxley (Vocals/Bass)

Jack Stanley (Guitar)

Jake Lafferty (Drums)

Review

Grunge/Stoner Rockers Moss Valley return with their new song Creature and it’s a more self-assured track compared to their debut single Beyond. As the band play a faster style of music that focuses more on the Grunge side of life with a subtle Desert/Stoner Rock swagger. The band even starts to develop a more aggressive Punk Rock sound which comes mostly through the excellent vocals from Zara Huxley.

Moss Valley experiment on the later stages with small hints of Alt Rock and Shoegaze appearing within the brief two and half minutes runtime of the track. With the lyrics being mostly within the OCCULT DOOM arena, Moss Valley once again play music that defies musical conventions and create their own catchy and fast-paced style that is perhaps strongest when they play a weirdly intoxicating mixture of Desert Rock, Grunge and Punk Rock

Creature once again allows Moss Valley to impress with the technical and songwriting ability that will no doubt allow the band to build up a loyal and dedicated following within the underground scene once they’ve released their debut EP or full length album in the near future.

Moss Valley is a band to most definitely look out for in 2025 and beyond.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | Linktree | Instagram

WARPSTORMER - WARPSTORMER (Album Review)

Release Date: November 29th 2024. Record Label: London Doom Collective.: CD/Cassette/DD/Vinyl

WARPSTORMER - Track Listing:

1.Black Herald

2.Oracle 

3.Cursed, Cold

4.Beyonder – i. A Cry Towards the Light; ii. Ash & Rust

5.A Liar's Crown 

6.Fester

7.The Edge of Time

Members

Richard J Morgan – voice

Simon Doggett – bass, voice

Adam Davies – guitar

James Loh – drums

Review

Heavy Metal Riff Merchants WARPSTORMER create one hell of a racket with their self titled debut album which comes with an ALL GUNS BLAZING attitude that throws a classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal ferocity into the mix. Taking inspiration from bands such as Baroness, High On Fire, Mastodon and Thin Lizzy.

The album has a heavy Psychedelic charge that transforms into a barrage of non-stop THRASH grooves with a hint of Progressive Metal attitude which comes off in spectacular fashion with tracks such as Black Herald, Oracle and Cursed, Gold setting up the scene.

There’s also a slight Orange Goblin vibe appearing within some of the lyrics and vocal passages that WARPSTORMER uses on the album. However, the demented classic Thrash Metal energy is the main driving force for the band to explore the heavier areas of the Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal stratosphere.

The band have a deep reliance on Science Fiction and Fantasy themes on the album which appeared on their acclaimed 2022 debut EP. This time round, WARPSTORMER have honed their songwriting skills to absolute perfection which allows the album to be completely outrageous and way OVER THE TOP like a great classic HEAVY METAL album should be.

Teaming up with the GOD LIKE technical genius of Wayne Adams to co-produce the album who also doubles down on mixing, recording and mastering duties. This winning creative combination has delivered one of the catchiest and riff-fuelled debut albums you’ll likely to hear in 2024 with aggressive and abrasive melodies being played at wonderfully LOUD levels. 

The subtle use of SONIC and PSYCHEDELIC scores adds a level of Post-Stoner attitude to the album that Mastodon would be proud to call their own especially within the standout fourth track Beyonder. The track has moments of deep PROGRESSIVE clarity that sees a rush of non-stop sludgy guitar solos that moves into different areas of Thrash, Doom, Heavy Metal, Sludge Rock and then all the way back to the centre ground of STONER METAL mayhem.

The album is being released by rising UK Underground label - The London Doom Collective who’ve been on a roll recently this year releasing acclaimed albums by the likes of OLD HORN TOOTH, TROY THE BAND and ERRONAUT. This is a great fit for both parties to both establish themselves further within the wider underground Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal scenes.

The later stages of the album keeps up with the fast-paced Thrash Metal trajectory with that intense Sludge/Stoner Metal sound that adds a more aggressive Progressive energy into the musical landscapes with daring Psychedelic textures and subtle levels of distorted movements. Though, you’ve gotta admire WARPSTORMER’s use of classic HEAVY METAL guitar shredding that comes straight from the 1980’s and given a modern day STONER METAL makeover on tracks such as A Liar’s Crown, Fester and The Edge Of Time.

WARPSTORMER’s debut album is quite a wild ride and one that only becomes a better album with each subsequent listen. If you miss the early days of High On Fire and Mastodon then WARPSTORMER is here to answer your call. As they’ve delivered an outrageously epic slice of Stoner Metal carnage you’ll find very hard to beat and one that perfectly can easily be ranked as one of the standout debut albums of the year.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Sheltered Life for the promo.

Warpstomper S/T debut album is available for pre-order now on Cassette/DD/CD/Vinyl via London Doom Collective

Links

WARPSTORMER on Bandcamp – warpstormer.bandcamp.com
Twitter – x.com/warpstormer
Facebook – facebook.com/warpstormer
Instagram – instagram.com/warpstormer

Stoner Rockers GODZILLIONAIRE Premiere New Song 3RD STREET SHUFFLE From Upcoming New Album DIMINISHING RETURNS

Godzillionaire rocks for the wounded soul.Fronted by legendary singer, poet, and artist Mark Hennessy from grunge-band also-ran Paw, Godzillionaire is known for creating focused music equal in ferocity and lovelorn sensitivity, and for bringing raging, emotionally intense live performances. Hennessy is joined by Ben White (guitar), Michael Dye (bass), and Cody Romaine(drums) as well as vocals, in creating music with focus and intention, rooted in human experience.

The band first received worldwide attention with the inclusion of songs "Absolute Zero" and "Excommunication" in the film "They Come Knocking" (part of Hulu's "Into the Dark" series) at the request of director and long-time supporter Adam Mason (video director for Alice in Chains, Cradle Of Filth, and others). 

Leanne Ridgeway of Riff Relevant writes of their last album Negative Balance that it is the “aural sanctuary I’ve been waiting 20 years forsomeone to build...after repeated listening, I find myself entranced and compelled...nearly an hour ofenchantingly heavy and light moments blended into thoroughly encompassing storytelling.”Negative Balance, released in Apr 2020, was ranked #14th best album of the year by the staff of New Noise magazine and #50th in their readers' poll, ranked #13 in Guitar Part magazine's staff picks for best albums of 2020, and was featured in John Gist's Doom Charts 2020 Favorites.

The upcoming album Diminishing Return$ sees the band exploring new, intriguing, yet familiar sonic territory,perhaps the most eclectic release of their career. Join them, won't you please?

Godzillionaire is:

Michael Dye - Bass, Synth, Vocals

Mark Hennessy - Vocals

Cody Romaine - Drums

Ben White - Guitar, Synth, Vocals

Also featuring:

Chris Copp -Vocals on “Astrogarden”

Chelsy Larson & Lauren Mayhew - Vocals on “Common Board, Magic Nail”

Lizz Weiler - Vocals on “Unsustainable”

Recorded by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound, Shawnee, KS,and by us in various living rooms in Lawrence, KS. 

Mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound.

Mastered by Slade Templeton at Influx Studios, Bern, Swz.

Photos & art layout by Jason Dailey

We're beyond excited to premiere the stunning new single 3rd Street Shuffle from the new album "Diminishing Returns" out January 17th on Ripple Music

Ripple Music · Godzillionaire - 3rd Street Shuffle

Thanks to the cool folks over at Purple Sage PR for arranging the premiere.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Magick Potion - Magick Potion (Album Review)

Release Date: November 08th 2024. Record Label: RidingEasy Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Magick Potion - Track Listing:

1.Fever Dream 05:36

2.Empress 04:03

3.Love With A Wizard 05:54

4.Chateau Nights 06:15

5.Never Change 03:38

6.Pagan 04:03

7.Ultraviolet 03:20

8.Wild Perfumes 05:57

Members

Dresden Boulden on Guitar and Vocals

Triston Grove on Bass

Jason Kendall on Drums

Review

Magick Potion are blasting full speed onto the scene with their self-titled album, boasting an impressive and nostalgic nod to the late 60’s and early 70’s. The band wears their influences on their sleeves and it’s evident in the songs as you hear a plethora of bands from the bygone era. Not only are the songs themselves steeped in the vein of classic rock in style and composition, so too is the production, truly taking the listener back in time. 

I can promise that you will hear the many bands that have influenced Magick Potion along their musical pathway as they are scattered across the album. In fact, they will put a smile upon your face when you make the connections. Magick Potion are convincing in their efforts to revamp the sound of the past. The thing is, they never truly rip-off anyone, they make it all their own with a fresh take upon proto-metal, heavy rock, and psychedelic ideas in a spectacular fashion. 

Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Dresden Boulden, bassist Triston Grove, and drummer Jason Kendall, the power trio from Baltimore have created a spellbinding formula with this release. The vocals obviously differ from the more upbeat songs to the slower ones, ranging from the higher register voice cracks on ‘Fever Dream’ to lighter more reserved moments such as on ‘Pagan’. 

Proto-metal blues-based rock guitar riffs with just the amount of fuzz indigenous of the time warp Magick Potion demonstrate fill the album, as do the hammer-on riffs, and string bending guitar solos. ‘Empress’ is an example of the band dipping their toes into the blues, while ‘Never Change’ is a proto blast from the past. 

‘Love With A Wizard’ flaunts the surging bass lines and sliding of the strings, though the album is full of impressive bass playing as it weaves and walks throughout the album. The drums are amazing. I love the style of playing, and the sound of the kit. I believe on a few occasions I even heard some timpani being played. Just listen to the percussion on my favorite track ‘Chateau Nights’ if you need further confirmation of the complexities and talent of Mr. Kendall. 

I’ve always felt the flow of an album is especially important and this one has that special type of movement, as it never stagnates, never losing the listener along the way. You could easily believe this was released in ’70 or ’71 and you could file it between any vintage albums of that period. Though the heavy underground retro scene may not be as populated as it was five or ten years back, Magick Potion has conjured up the evidence that it has never truly disappeared, nor will it. 

Words by Jon McGough

Thanks to RidingEasy Records for the promo.

Magick Potion self titled album is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via RidingEasy Records

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram