Unbelievable Lake - I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream (Album Review)

Release Date: June 13th 2025. Record Label: Cursed Monk Records. Formats: CD/DD

I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream - Tracklisting

1.I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream 41:22

Review

I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream is the latest sonic expedition from Heavy Psych Sludge Rockers Unbelievable Lake who are a new band for me. Their blend of Psych, Prog, Drone, Sludge, Post-Rock, Krautrock, Ambient and Soundtrack scores allows the band to fully sell their highly original sound to an unexpected audience such as myself. 

The record starts slow and draws you in with slowly played instrumental passages, electronica sounds and glitchy beats which allows Unbelievable Lake to play moments of beautiful Psych Rock movements before playing a heavier destructive Sludge Rock force that comes out of nowhere.

Inspired by the likes of OM, Pink Floyd, SLEEP, Hawkwind, Neurosis, CAN and SWANS can be heard through this epic singular forty one minute track with the excellent Drone Rock vocal delivery that drifts into existence when the need calls for it. There is a stripped back atmosphere that can be heard within the recording techniques used for the album which gives I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream a truly haunting and organic sound where they cross over into the Space Rock vortex with a real force of Sludge Rock magnitude on different parts of the album.

I started to wonder why Cursed Monk Records released this album as it doesn’t feel like their usual style of music. As that great label normally releases heavier, seedier and filthier records compared to I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream but after experiencing this great album for the past few weeks now I can understand why they released this great record.

Some folks will probably walk away from this great album without fully experiencing for themselves as the HEAVIER and AGGRESSIVE moments take time to fully form and appear. However, it’s the quieter and more outlandish soundscapes that Unbelievable Lake impressed me the most. The album takes a more thoughtful and daring creative approach with nuanced ambient sounds and chill out Post-Rock / Krautrock environments for the majority part of the album.

Everything goes BAT-SHIT crazy with fucked up SLUDGE METAL grooves appearing around the twenty five minutes mark. There’s the SWANS aspect coming into play which firmly pushes I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream into Experimental Rock/Metal territory.

Overall, I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream offers a deliciously heavy, aggressive and brilliantly FRENZIED experience which is perhaps better suited to the more experienced fan of Avant Garde and Experimental music with some thrilling moments of Doom and Sludge metal being played along the way.

Words by Steve Howe

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Ken Wohlrob - The Conclusion (Single Review)

Release Date: February 14th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

The Conclusion - Track Listing:

The Conclusion

Members

Ken Wohlrob - Everything 

Review

The Conclusion is the new song from Ken Wohlrob who is better known for his work with Northern Heretic and End Of Hope. This is Ken moving away from his Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal persona by playing a style of Ambient, Drone and Post-Rock which is delivered by a haunting cinematic theme. The song is deliberately slow but you expect this style as it’s firmly rooted within the realm of Drone music.

Ken calls this music “Soundcape” and it’s a very cool description. This song is more about mood and melody than relying on riffs. The song does remind me of the classic film Blade Runner as it has a retro-futurist outlook in places especially towards the end of the track. The Conclusion won’t be for everyone but if you’re looking for Chillout music then The Conclusion is the track for you. It can be quite gloomy in places with a subtle Post-Doom sound appearing from certain angles. 

There’s a lot to enjoy here and I’m looking forward to hearing more from Ken’s solo work in the future. 

Words by Steve Howe

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AMNABYS - Hollow Mirage (EP Review)

Release Date: November 29tth 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Hollow Mirage - Track Listing:

1.SUBJECT 1 07:09

2.SUBJECT 2 05:16

3.SUBJECT 3 08:11

Members

Chris G (bass)

Danny M (guitars)

Harry A (Drums)

Review

Hollow Mirage is the debut EP from UK Doom/Stoner Metallers AMNABYS who play a low down dirty style of distorted grooves and downtuned beats influenced by the likes of SLEEP, Electric Wizard, Black Sabbath and Belzebong. The atmosphere is mostly powered by a subtle seedy WEEDIAN atmosphere with the band making good on their creative promise of playing thick drone rhythms and subtle ambient textures. AMNABYS throw the added measure of DOOMADELIC soundclips along the way especially within the powerful opening track of SUBJECT 1.

The EP is quite a dark and unflinching style of Doom/Stoner Metal and whilst it’s not the most original sound that hasn’t stopped AMNABYS delivering a disturbing journey into the darkest and filthier depths of the underground WEEDIAN scene.

There is perhaps some early-era Electric Wizard riff worship going on but the band demonstrate their willingness to experiment with their music and add levels of hallucinogenic Drone Metal surroundings especially within the Psychedelic passages that comes mostly through the epic rhythm section of Harry A on Drums and Chris G on Bass respectively. Chris G on guitars has a mean outlook with the thick heavy sludgy guitars that perhaps delves even further into the Drone Metal masses especially on the subsequent tracks of SUBJECT 2 and SUBJECT 3.

AMNABYS play a vivid style of Rock and Metal throughout their debut EP which lasts around twenty minutes in length. There’s plenty of riff-centric moments to slowly head-bang along to though Hollow Mirage is perhaps at its most strongest and strangest when the punishing HEAVY DOOMED OUT sounds take over for a more aggressive vibe. Another aspect I enjoyed was AMNABYS great use of Ambient themes and Psychedelic movements that aims for a slightly warped SPACED OUT dynamic which will perhaps become a more central theme on their future releases.

Hollow Mirage is quite rough around the edges especially with the production values but it works superbly well for the overall tone that AMNABYS manage to deliver throughout the whole EP. With that said, Hollow Mirage is an exciting EP with the band proving they’re most definitely a band to give a damn about and to keep an eye on in the future. 

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

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PIA ISA - Dissolve (Album Review)

Release Date: June 28th 2024. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Dissolve: Tracklisting

1. Transform

2. Into the Fire

3. Dissolve

4. One Above Ten Below

5. New Light

6. Emerald

7. Tide

8. Drown or Float

Members

Guitars, bass & vocals by Pia Isaksen

Drums by Ole Teigen

Additional guitars provided by Gary Arce

Review

Heavy Psych/Drone/Doom Rock Soloist PIA ISA offers her new album Dissolve which is a long and deliberate slow journey into the Doomgaze or Dronegaze side of PIA’s music which she expertly delivered within her outstanding 2022 release Distorted Chants. PIA made a welcome return this year with the new album from Heavy Psych/Doom/Stoner Rockers SUPERLYNX which made a mighty impression with the underground scene.

Dissolve is a record that’s quite emotionally distant compared to Distorted Chants with epic Psychedelic beats that becomes quite NOMADIC with Drone Metal rhythms and the epic instrumental passages provided by Ole Teigen and Gary Arce just like the previous record. PIA adds a more personal touch with the lyrics throughout the album with the mood being quite reflective and eerily unforgiving at the same time.

Whilst Dissolve is a heavy record, the whole sound can be quite Post-Rock or Folk Rock in places but the overall creative sound is levelled between ice-cold Drone Rock and heavy Doomgaze atmospheres which draws areas of Psych, Sludge and Stoner that are quite abstract with PIA allowing her delicate vocals to lead the whole musical journey. The sound is quite reminiscent of 90’s Alt Rock, Desert Rock and Shoegaze surroundings that has a thrilling TANTRIC quality within certain parts of the album.

Standout tracks include: Transform, Into The Fire, Dissolve, New Light, Tide and Dream Or Float. 

Though, I consider this album to be one epic track broken down into individual chapters with PIA, Ole and Gary knowing the right time to play a sludgy groove that brings extra aggression to the mix and build upto exciting style of instrumental DOOMGAZE jams to slowly lose yourself in.

Dissolve allows PIA ISA to deliver another outstanding record that isn’t afraid to challenge genre expectations and reward the listener with a vastly superior slice of DOOMGAZE that’s haunting, refreshing and quite breathtaking to lose yourself in.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.

Dissolve will be available to buy on DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records from Friday June 28th 2024.

Links

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Musician/Solo Artist To Check Out - Jon Watkins

Jon Watkins is a Composer/Guitarist from Montreal, Quebec who creates Ambient/Experimental music that draws in other areas of music such as Drone, Electronica, Psychedelic and Post-Rock especially on his latest superb release You Can' Go Home Anymore. This album is the perfect gateway into Jon's haunting creative vision that he's created on many of his subsequent releases which are held on his BandCamp page.

If you like minimalist music with an experimental and abstract edge than Jon Watkins is a solo artist you should definitely check out. Jon's music conveys so many moods despite the solitary feel of it all and the lack of many instruments doesn't stop Jon for creating a superbly engaging release especially on his latest release. The music can be quite cold and unforgiving in places but it can also be warmhearted and uplifting as well.

Check out Jon's music and you'll be surprised what you hear.

Links

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codeia - to be elevated beyond the crumbling skies (Album Review)

Release Date: July 31st 2021. Record Label: Narshardaa Records. Format: DD/Vinyl

to be elevated beyond the crumbling skies - Tracklisting

1.mercury feathers 28:27

2.DIGITAL ONLY BONUS TRACK: shrouded in feathers (mercury feathers reconstructed by auvikogue) 29:23

Members

Denis S. (Bass, Vocals)

Timo L. (Drums)

Markus L. (Guitars)

Review

“to be elevated beyond the crumbling skies” is the new release from German Cinematic Post-Rockers/Post-Metallers codeia and this record sees the band branch out from their earlier releases with mature themes and heavier vocal imagery. With their earlier releases, codeia remained firmly on the Post-Rock landscape to build their Ambient based Doom/Sludge progressive sounds but this sees the band come kicking and screaming into the Sludge/Post-Metal arena. With a Neurosis/ISIS/Cult Of Luna approach being the main style of play for the album.

There’s only one epic almost 29 minute song (mercury feathers) and codeia are experimental throughout with the different guises and styles held on the record. Haunting and equally demanding with a dark groove that journeys throughout almost every part of the “Post-Whatever” style of heavy music. The ambient textures and clean vocals bring a Justin Broadrick or Godflesh attitude to the mix.

The second song shrouded in feathers is a digital bonus only song and remixed, sorry I mean reconstructed by auvikogue. It’s a totally different take from the original song. This version is more Drone, Psych, Ambient and Industrial based. There are no heavy grooves at all. This song really has been deconstructed down to the bare elements of codeia’s sound with auvikogue giving an almost upbeat makeover to the darker original. 

“to be elevated beyond the crumbling skies” is a bold, daring and superbly put together release with codeia establishing themselves as one the best upcoming Experimental Post-Metal bands around. 

Words by Steve Howe

“to be elevated beyond the crumbling skies” is available to buy on DD/Vinyl via Narshardaa Records now.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp 

Nero di Marte - Immoto (Album Review)

Release date: 24 January 2020. Label: Season Of Mist. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Immoto - Tracklisting

1. Sisyphos

2. L'Arca

3. Immoto

4. Semicerchi

5. La Casa Del Diavolo

6. Irradia

7. La Fuga

Members

Sean Worrell - vocals, guitar

Francesco D'Adamo - guitars

Andrea Burgio - bass guitar

Giulio Galati - drums, perc

Review

Italy’s Nero Di Marte knocked me off my feet with both their previous albums, ‘Nero Di Marte’ and ‘Derivae’. They had the world by the balls and the talent to match it, but then…nothing! Everything involving the band went quiet to the point I thought they were no more. But the occasional update on their website would eventually appear stating new music was in the works and songs are being written etc etc…only for more silence to ensue. Finally though, words filtered through that their new, third, full-length was completed and ready to be released. Naturally, I was beyond stoked that the old beast was back but would they be able to build on their former glory? Hell, fucking yes, and then some! Therefore, read on as I’m salivating over Nero Di Marte’s triumphant return with the brand new wax, ‘Immoto’.

One significant change occurred during the six years Nero Di Marte worked on the new platter. Drummer Marco Bolognini left only to be replaced by beast-man Giulio Galati and in hindsight, what a revelation he is. Because the way the band plays on ‘Immoto’ it requires a skin-basher with eight arms and inter galactic powers to pull it off! Another change is the shift the band has gone through musically. The crushing metal from before is still present and even more in your face. However, they have incorporated slower, metaphysical and dreamlike parts and interwoven with the intensity from the heaviness, the music on hand is other-worldly, expansive and absolutely amazing. Picture the band playing on top of an erupting volcano with no abandon, while adding dollops of Neurosis and death metal into the fray and keeping it experimental and trance-inducing, and you’re pretty damned close what ‘Immoto’ sounds like.

‘Sisyphos’ goes through so many different emotions and basically captures the whole essence of this album. It’s slow, introspective and trippy only to explode into full on death metal, the drums in particular, with Steve Von Till-like vocals, all while switching back and forth between tempos. Sounds schizo? It isn’t, in fact it’s rather brilliant! ‘L’Arca’ is more evenly paced, at a mid-tempo level. At the same time Nero Di Marte keep a dream-like feeling which elevates the song to something very, nay, extremely good. ‘Immoto’ starts off with soft almost whispered voices. Sean’s vocals sounds so haunted and tormented. Minimalistic musically, kind of tribe-like and hypnotic it envelops and carries me off into the farthest reaches of my mind. Reflective and soul searching and inspiring. Goes full tilt towards the end…amazing! ‘Semicerchi’ keeps in line with ‘Immoto’ by offering a wonderful feeling of being in a trance and floating as well as keeping the instrumentation minimalistic. Half spoken whispered lyrics which definitely heightens the out-of-body sensation. A slightly faster second half which gradually fades out into wondrous worlds.

‘La Casa del Diavolo’ is dark and foreboding with a sense of impending doom. After a couple of minutes or so, the fury is unleashed. Not brutally fast but the pace is upped and the band crushes before weaving back and forth tempo-wise. ‘Irradia’ is how I imagine floating in space would be like. Soothing, calming and inspiring while watching and observing everything around you in new light. Brilliant! Closer ‘La Fuga’ is chaotic and intense, yet perfectly balanced and cathartic; you can’t really ask for more! The band throws down the gauntlet and tears it up and it is bloody fantastic!

Bentornato Nero Di Marte! You’ve been missed but with this brilliant return, in the shape of ‘Immoto’, order has been restored in the world. Emulating and surpassing their previous excellent records, this is the perfect example on how a band grows the proper way. Slight changes and even better musicianship all while retaining the traits that made you, is the way to go. And Nero Di Marte does it so well. Don’t miss out in this album, or band, people. This is a must in everyone’s life. Mille grazie gentiluomini!

Words by Håkan Nyman

Thanks to Katy at Season Of Mist for the promo. Immoto is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Season Of Mist now.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Lush Worker - Cygnus (Album Review)

Release date: January 7th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Cygnus - Tracklisting

1.Planetary Transit 10:31

2.Simultaneous Stellar 10:46

3.Double-Star System 14:23

Members

Mike Vest - Everything

Review

Cygnus is the new album from Avant-Garde Musician – Mike Vest – who is better known for being part of bands such as BONG, 11PARANOIAS, Drunk In Hell, Blown Out and most recently OZO which I reviewed the other day for their debut album SATURN.

As you can see Mike keeps himself busy with many different projects that features many different elements from the Hard Rock/Metal Spectrum. This album is from Mike’s alter ego – Lush Worker – and this one is more of a Drone/Ambient Project with twisted vibes of Psychedelic Rock, Noise and Distorted Sounds. The album is quite different to Mike’s other projects but still has Mike’s wickedly entertaining creativity running throughout each of the 3 songs.

Mike always pushes the boundaries of what can be described as Psychedelic music and Cygnus is no different. I may prefer his more “Guitar” orientated projects to Lush Worker but this is still an engrossing and almost surreal take on Drone/Ambient Metal. Therapy music this ain’t.

This is a dark, brooding, unforgiving and cold audio experience and each song can be quite unsettling to listen to at times. Though, I suppose that’s the point with this record. To make the listener feel uncomfortable and Mike does that ease. The loose “Psychedelic” noises have a gloomy feel to them and you cannot be impressed what Mike has achieved with Lush Worker.

This is the 22^nd release that Mike has released under Lush Worker and there are lots of many great releases to check out from his extensive discography. I can’t go through each and every one but there is some stunning releases to choose from. Not all of them are Drone/Ambient style music. Some of them are Experimental Psychedelic Rock that will surprise you in many ways. Check out 2019’s fantastic release Immunosuppression for another style of music from Lush Worker.

My advice for Lush Worker is check out many releases that you possibly can and see how far you get. You have 22 releases to choose from. Also Mike’s other cool and infamous projects as well.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Sūrya - Solastalgia (Album Review)

Release date: July 26th 2019. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Solastalgia – Tracklisting

1.Anthropocene 09:17

2.The Purpose 08:55

3.Fenland 02:30

4.Black Snake Prophecy 07:32

5.Saviours 05:06

Members

Raquel - drums

Greg - guitar

Mark - bass

Bartek - guitar

Review

Solastalgia is the new album from UK Doom/Post-Metal collective Sūrya and it’s a socially aware and emotionally driven album taking influences from Neurosis, Russian Circles and Fall Of Efrafa. The album doesn’t hold back in creating a bleak and sombre mood that’s quite emotionally draining. For me that’s a sign of a truly forward thinking album.

Solastalgia runs for 35 minutes across 5 songs that blend Post-Doom Metal grooves with progressive Post-Metal sounds with haunting Psychedelic and Ambient based textures that allow Sūrya to fully maximize their overall presence on this album. Some of the songs start real slow before building upto a heavier and threatening sound that captures the “Doom and Gloom” of Post-Metal like Pelican and Russian Circles used to back in the day.

The instrumental work is near flawless with the members of Sūrya all proving their work on the deep complex sounds they have written on songs such as Anthropocene, The Purpose and Black Snake Prophecy. The album does veer into Post-Black Metal territory a few moments and it’s good to hear Sūrya explore their more extreme sounds on the album.

Solastalgia won’t be for everyone and I think that works to Sūrya’s favour. As the band can take more bolder risks and decisions with their music and that shows on Solastalgia. The album takes no prisoners despite it’s short running time and actually leaves you wanting more.

Overall, Solastalgia is one of the boldest and most socially aware Post-Metal albums I’ve heard in a long time.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Mona at All Noir PR for the promo. Solastalgia is available to buy on Cassette/CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records now.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp