Ivy Gardens - Death Of Don Valley (Album Review)

Release Date: August 29th 2025. Record Label: Paper Cut Recordings. Formats: CD/DD

Death Of Don Valley - Tracklisting

01 Burn For Murder - 2:03

02 Eye Witness - 2:51

03 Burden - 3:08

04 Guiding Hand - 6:18

05 Frozen Limbs - 5:15

06 Gearth - 2:29

07 Astray - 4:57

08 Bliss - 8:59

09 Golden - 7:07

Members

Joe Zandwyk: Drums, Vocals, Samples

Sebastian Hogg: Organ, Piano, Synth, Samples

Andrew Blackborow: Guitar, Vocals

Review

Canadian Experimental Doom/Stoner Metallers Ivy Garden sophomore album Death Of Don Valley leans heavily into the Math Rock/Post-Hardcore style of creative movement compared to their 2024 debut album Goon. There are pockets of Doom, Sludge, Stoner, Noise and Punk Rock aggression which they made themselves known on that record here but the band have a fearless creative attitude which sees the band playing music influenced by the likes of BOTCH, CAVE IN and EYEHATEGOD.

Death Of Don Valley is a darker, bleak and less hopeful record than Goon with Ivy Gardens growing into a new style of MISERABLE based Doom/Stoner Metal with intense pockets of Weirdo Gonzo Rock forming with a high amount of intense grooves and instrumental solos appearing. The added use of Organ, Piano and Synths is another peculiar touch with the record having a stunning approach into Sixties and Seventies Psych Rock that is built within the opening tracks of Burn For Murder, Eye Witness and Burden. 

The sludgy atmospherics sees Ivy Garden strip further away from the safety cushion of modern day Stoner Rock they achieved with Goon that’s been replaced by a highly experimental Sludge Rock/Metal style with a stripped back Doom & Gloom atmosphere which takes a “SLEDGEHAMMER” approach with the vocals and different vocal styles that dominate the musical landscape.

There is a mid-noughties Progressive Sludge Metal sound that develops within the standout fourth track of Guiding Hand that does have elements of Mastodon, Pink Floyd, Rush and The Doors at the best of times. Freakishly heavy and clever as hell with Ivy Garden overlapping into different areas of Classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal with a twisted sense of morality fully brewing within this track and the rest of the album.

There are still moments of straight up Stoner Rock/Metal sounding grooves but it’s mostly delivered with Ivy Garden’s new found vicious creative appetite that becomes even more experimental whilst still keeping a unique style of melodic and riff-fuelled heaviness on tracks such as Frozen Limbs, Gearth, Bliss and Golden. Though, this record may take a few listens to fully understand what Ivy Garden achieved with Death Of Don Valley. 

Throw in a lot of glitchy soundclips, ambient noises and psychedelic rhythms that are wonderfully refreshing and quite disturbing to hear at times. The sudden appearance of Grind/Electronic beats that fans of GENGHIS TRON will no doubt richly appreciate, is a welcome left-field turn which feels like GOON and DEATH OF DON VALLEY have been released by two entirely different bands. The end result is LIGHT & DAY with Death Of Don Valley impressing the most with Ivy Garden demonstrating a new found musical maturity and intelligence that wasn’t shown in Goon. I love GOON as it’s a fantastic Stoner Rock/Metal record. This is a different experience altogether.

The end result is that Death Of Don Valley is a wonderfully eccentric, off-beat and demented slice of Sludge/Stoner Metal that demands your full and undivided attention.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Asher Media PR for the details.

Death Of Don Valley is available to buy now on CD/DD via Paper Cut Recordings.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

GIGANTUM - GIGANTUM (Album Review)

Release Date: September 06th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Gigantum: Tracklisting

1.Monkey King 06:10

2.For All My Friends 05:38

3.Forever Dreaming 07:02

4.Brain Haze 08:36

5.Rock Box 03:38

6.Necron99 08:48

Members

Mia X – Vocals/Bass

BlareNBitch – Guitar/Vocals

Mark Lüntzel – Guitar/Vocals

Chase Manhattan – Drums

Review

Gigantum's self-titled debut album is a loving homage to Grunge, Doom, and Stoner Metal with the band perhaps feeling more comfortable with their classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal sound that appears on the record as well. Gigantum play a rough and ready sounding style of music which sees the band play aggressive Doom/Stoner Metal with flashes of Psychedelic melodies and Punk Rock flair.

There’s also a distinctive Speed Rock and Garage Rock atmosphere that appears within the main core of the record which allows Gigantum to have a LOUD and BRASH personality that shines throughout the whole record especially with the three vocalists that appear here. Lead Vocalist/Bassist Mia X gets the fair share of the vocal action with superb support from BlareNBitch and Mark Lüntzel. The album has a stripped back approach within the production and recording techniques used but it’s quite fitting for the sublime style of music that the band play here.

Some of the songs are quite lengthy and a couple of them lose focus but it doesn’t take long for Gigantum to pull out a solid rhythm to bring the excitement back to the record especially on tracks such as Monkey King, For All My Friends and Brain Haze. The rhythm section courtesy of Mia X on Bass and Chase Manhattan on Drums provide an excellent foundation for BlareNBitch and Mark’s sublime guitars to provide the monolithic style of Doom/Stoner Metal that Gigantum become masters at on the later stages of the record.

The album even veers towards Progressive based sounds on the lengthier tracks whilst keeping with that Punk Rock/Garage Rock ethic which keeps every moving along at a cracking pace. If you dig bands such as Red Fang,Clutch, FU MANCHU and the mighty Black Sabbath then Gigantum take influence from those great bands but do their own great take of Hard Rock with a rollocking street level approach heard both within the lyrics and instrumental sounds.

At the end of the day, Gigantum have released a no-hold barred “NO FUCKS GIVEN” attitude that will no doubt strike a chord with the jaded Doom/Stoner Metal fan currently out there.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Asher Media PR for the promo.

Gigantum Self Titled debut album will be released on Digital Download from Friday 06th September 2024.

Links

Linktree | BandCamp

Grunge/Stoner Rockers NEVER ELECTED Unveils Provocative Video For Single “Hate Breeds Hate” Off “Turbulent” Out Now!

 

Left to Right - Dr. T - Bass, Wesley Meyer- Drums, Sujit Kumar- Vocals, Altan Aydin - Guitar

Photo Credit - Rahul Mukerji

Never Elected, a deadly grungy rock group from Washington DC, USA has recently re-released their album “Turbulent” this past April and are stoked about the reception that they’ve gotten so far from it. Now they have a music video for the single “Hate Breeds Hate” that shows off their proactive politically charged lyrics and grungy rock riffs. Reflecting on the band's journey, Altan Aydin shares:

“Somewhere between hard rock from the late 80s and the early 90s grunge era, our music delves into the turbulent times of our vocalist's life. The reactions from our live performances range from pure exhilaration to deep emotional resonance, a testament to the raw honesty embedded within our songs.”

Formed by Sujit Kumar and Altan Aydin, both fueled by a shared passion for grunge and rock n' roll, Never Elected has evolved into a powerhouse ensemble with Dr. T's melodic bass riffs and Wesley Meyer's driving force on drums. Despite facing challenges brought on by the pandemic, the band persevered, showcasing their resilience by recording and releasing two singles/music videos during this unprecedented time.

With plans to embark on a tour to promote their upcoming album release, Never Elected invites audiences to join them on a journey of introspection and exploration. They are recommended for fans of Guns N Roses, Soundgarden, and Foo Fighters.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Hate Breeds Hate” below for this cool premiere

 

“Turbulent” was released on April 19th, 2024, and is available on https://neverelected.bandcamp.com and Spotify.

Track Listing:​

1 - All Rise - 4:56
2 - Hate Breeds Hate - 4:20
3 - It's Over - 4:06
4 - So Damn Easy - 5:04
5 - Time - 3:55
6 - Stab Me - 3:41
7 - Voice Inside - 5:09
8 - Tolerance Broken - 4:26
9 - All My Life - 2:15
10 - Death Complaint - 5:56
11 - One Of These Days - 4:00
Album Length: 47:52

Never Elected is:

Sujit Kumar – Vocals
Altan Aydin- Guitars
Dr T – Bass
Wesley Meyer - Drums

More info: NeverElected.com

Thanks to Asher Media for all of the info.

Doom/Sludge/Stoner Rockers GIGANTUM Show Off Their Doomy Rock Stylings With New Single/Video For “Necron99” From Upcoming New Album

GIGANTUM Show Off Their Doomy Rock Stylings With New Single “Necron99” - Debut S/T Album Out Sept 2024

L-R - Mia X – Vocals/Bass, BlareNBitch – Guitar/Vocals, Chase Manhattan – Drums, Mark Lüntzel – Guitar/Vocals. 

Photo Credit Mariana Fiel

Gigantum, the innovative hard rock band from Los Angeles, USA continues to experiment with the genre norms as they release their second single “Necron99” from their upcoming self-titled debut album slated to hit online retailers on September 6, 2024. Following the successful launch of the single “Monkey King” last month, this new track delves deeper into the band’s eclectic influences and creative synergy, offering fans another taste of what’s to come. 

Vocalist/bassist Mia X comments on the single:

“A lot of the songs are about conversations that we have at practice. Necron99 came about when Mark told us about this movie he was really into and wanted us to check out called, WIZARDS. After watching it, I went down a rabbit hole to learn more and when he started playing the riff that is now Necron99, I started thinking about the importance of what the movie was portraying.”

“Necron99” has a very heavy, doomy industrial feel that takes the listener into darkness. Gigantum works collaboratively, coming up with riffs that bounce off each other, and in each track, the different ideas and musical influences of the musicians can shine through. The result is an EP that is as complex as it is compelling, offering listeners a glimpse into the band's creative process.

“Necron99” could be considered the modern-day “War Pigs” and is recommended for fans of Fu Manchu, Mastodon, and Red Fang.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Necron99” via its premiere below thanks to the cool folks over at Asher Media PR

Due out on September 6th, 2024, Gigantum's self-titled album is available for pre-order at https://gigantumband.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:​

1. Monkey King – 6:11
2. For All My Friends – 5:38
3. Forever Dreaming – 7:02
4. Brain Haze – 8:36
5. Rock Box – 3:38
6. Necron99 – 8:48

Album Length: 39:52

More info: https://linktr.ee/gigantumband

Thanks to Asher Media PR for all of the info.

Gnarwhal - Altered States (EP Review)

Release Date: May 24th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Altered States: Tracklisting

1.Tides 03:31

2.The War / Nothing More 06:36

3.From Her Hands 03:46

4.Altered States 03:19

Review

Canadian Sludge/Stoner Rockers Gnarwhal return with their new EP Altered States which fis quite different to their excellent 2023 debut album which has a more Punk Rock and Psychedelic based sound which comes surprisingly early on the stunning opening track of Tides.

Tides has a rough and ready Progressive sound with a subtle Sludge Rock swagger and trippy Psychedelic sounds. The vocals are quite raw with a classic Heavy Metal energy to them. There’s slight influences to bands such as The Sword and Mastodon on this track with Gnarwhal still developing their own sound with a subtle Alt Rock flow being added to standout from the crowd.

Second track The War / Nothing More sees Gnarwhal drift into Psych Rock territory with the band using familiar sonic trajectories used by bands such as King Buffalo and Howling Giant which allows the band to slowly become part of the Post-Stoner world. There is a haunting Doom Rock attitude that appears on the later stages of the track with Gnarwhal’s usual blend of Sludge/Stoner Rock dominance leading upto heavy pounding sounds. The final moments of the track slowly builds up to an exciting and aggressive climax which can only be described as Mastodon playing Punk Rock heavy jams.

The final two tracks of From Her Hands and Altered States are where Gnarwhal bring the Sludge Metal identity of their music to the forefront with some of the heaviest and freshest grooves on the entire EP. The record is still bound by that vibrant Punk Rock influence with the band adding more layers of Sludge/Stoner Metal aggression.

I have to say for an EP, Altered States is a different beast compared to Gnarwhal’s debut album. This one sees the band take more bolder and braver creative choices with their music that pays off handsomely for Gnarwhal with Altered States being a much better record. I’m hoping to hear more of this style of music from Gnarwhal on future releases.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Asher Media for the promo.

Altered States is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Yellowknife's GNARWHAL Get Ready For A Stoner Sludge "War / Nothing More" With Latest Single Off Upcoming EP “Altered States” Out May 2024

From the far reaches of the Canadian North in the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife's award-winning (Best New Single at the 2022 Music NWT Awards) Gnarwhal are bringing forth their doomy stoner sludge rock sound to the masses with their forthcoming EP "Altered States" due out on May 24th, 2024.

Unveiling singles "Tides" and the EP's title tracks over the last few weeks, the quartet is getting ready with their latest peek at the release with "The War/Nothing More", which is actually two songs that the band wrote at completely different times and thought they would work well stitched together.

Guitarist Benji Straker comments:

"I wrote The War shortly after we finished recording our first album. At that same time, I was writing music for my Hughes project EP so lyrically and thematically it fit right in line with that. Once I finished it, I actually released it as an acoustic solo version on the EP, Here I Am. The Nothing More demo was written shortly after and musically it was inspired by my classic post-hardcore/punk influences. I think Refused would be the main driver of the rhythm on this track."

Vocalist Mark Kilbride adds:

"In Nothing More, I am fond of the lyric: “Shed your skin to make it”. This part relates to putting in the work day in and day out, wanting something so bad you are willing to do anything just to grasp it. Pushing your own boundaries, knowing you put the time and effort into your vision. “Whole again you can’t fake it”: Being authentic. To be whole this character has to believe in this process and be present in his delivery of the songs."

Listen to "The War / Nothing More" at https://youtu.be/IOTBEVpGFlE

​

The band's sophomore record, “Altered States” promises to deliver a diverse and introspective musical journey in which the band artfully navigates the realms of heavy alternative fuzz rock and progressive metal, creating a sound that is uniquely their own.

"We hope our progression as a band and as songwriters appeals to our fans and listeners. The Altered States EP is a bit darker and maybe heavier than our first one. Conceptually and thematically, the songs on the EP fit together better as a package and we hope this is conducive to a front-to-back experience for listeners." says Srtaker.
​
Recommended for fans of Kyuss, Mastodon, and Elder, “Altered States” is due out on May 24, 2024, and available for pre-order at https://gnarwhalband.bandcamp.com​

Previous singles

Lyric Video - “Altered States” - https://youtu.be/yLtXbxLuFrY​

Lyric Video - “Tides” - https://youtu.be/ix726UB1FKU​

Track Listing:​
1. Tides (3:37)
2. The War / Nothing More (6:36)
3. From Her Hands (3:46)
4. Altered States (3:19)

More info: Gnarwhalband.com | Facebook.com/gnarmusic | Instagram.com/gnarwhalsounds

Thanks to Asher Media for all of the info.

Ape Vermin - Andormedas Colossus (Album Review)

Release Date: May 17th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Andromedas Colossus: Tracklisting

1. Obliteration Imminent - 5:12

2. Colony - 7:00

3. Solaruss - 5:30

4. Pulse Driver - 3:47

5. Mining The Colossus - 8:06

6. Signal Transmissions - 2:45

7. Motherlode - 8:32

8. Awakened - 3:17

9. Unearthing the Artifact - 7:43

10. Return to Andromeda - 7:57

Band Members

Guitarist/Vocalist - Brett Lee

Drummer - Seth Lynn

Bassist - Jared Edge

Review

Adromodes Colossus sees Ape Vermin return in a big way from their acclaimed 2021 EP release Arctic Noise and six years since their debut album. This time round Ape Vermin aim solely for the Progressive Sludge Metal sound with major Cosmic Overflows with the band blending harsh vocals and fantastical storytelling which perhaps uses Mastodon and High On Fire are creative influences here and there. With an expanding backline of sublime drumming and ferocious drumming from Seth Lynn on Drums and Jared Edge on Bass.

The opening two tracks of Obliteration Imminent and Colony has that Mastodon (Crack The Skye) heaviness with the distorted and Doom heaviness of CONAN and BEASTWARS but still being purely original with Ape Vermin’s primal and psychedelic grooves having a more muscular tone. Both tracks show different sides to Ape Vermin with a mixture of harsh and clean vocals working in perfect unison with the sludgy instrumental parts that can be quite Progressive with a deft raw-sounding Stoner Metal sound that has echoes of CROWBAR running AMOK within the excellent second track Colony. 

Ape Vermin do employ a more thrash laden supply of never ending aggressive melodies and non-stop Psychedelic beats which does offer something different compared to their previous releases and allows the band to employ that classic style of Progressive Sludge Metal that seen most bands of their day align themselves to Relapse Records back in the day. 

I mean that as a huge compliment as Ape Vermin at least weave Psychedelic and Cosmic patterns into their music which can be a more hard-hitting style of Cosmic Doom that make the next three tracks of Solaruss, Pulse Drive and Mining Colossus being some of the most mind expanding, heaviest and catchiest parts of the album. There’s still a sense of bleak nihilism and darkness hidden within the bands lyrics and overall storytelling aspect of the album which becomes quite outlandish and Thrash Metal based on this part of the album.

Screeching guitars have a slow down and stripped back sound that reminds me of Motorhead but without the Speed Metal aspect but the whole tone is there. Ape Vermin decided to switch things around within the experimental sixth track Signal Transmissions which is a long drawn out Drone based Doom/Sludge Metal offering with a hellish and nightmarish induced sound that becomes more unsettling when the song reaches its natural conclusion.

The next part of the album sees Ape Vermin return to a world of Progressive Sludge, Thrash Metal, Groove Metal and Psychedelic Metal that all collide for a collection of tracks that move across the multiple areas of distorted gloomy pastures and melodic instrumental grooves. The vocals from Brett Lee are impressive throughout and he employs a variety of different styles that feels like Ape Vermin have multiple vocalists on the whole album.

Out of the final batch of tracks - Motherlode, Unearthing The Artifact and Returning To Andromeda is where Ape Vermin really coming into their own creative vision with complex musical structures and progressive melodies woven in with a first rate narrative which leads to mighty impressive results for the band to become more known for within the scene.

Andromedas Colossus is an intense and bleak Progressive journey into the darker depths of Doom, Sludge and Thrash Metal which has an a wholly original Cosmic sound which should hopefully allow Ape Vermin to build up a fearsome and bigger reputation within the underground Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene.

Ape Vermin have delivered a bone-crunching album that pulls no punches with it’s fearless attitude and exploration into SONIC and PSYCHEDELIC manipulation of the highest order.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Asher Media PR for the promo.

Andromedas Colossus will be available to buy on Digital Download from Friday 17th May 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

APE VERMIN Release Intergalactic Sludge Single “Awakened” Off Upcoming Album “Andromedas Colossus” and Tour Dates

Ape Vermin, the formidable 3-piece act hailing from the depths of Valdese, North Carolina, USA, is gearing up to conquer the cosmos with their latest sci-fi-infused album “Andromedas Colossus” on May 17, 2024, with a US tour to follow the release. Your journey into otherworldly realms begins with their new single “Awakened”, which guitarist/vocalist Brett Lee comments on:

“My personal favorite. We’re back, and we’re making up for lost time. Hell has come back to life. The Colossus is awake, prepare for your imminent obliteration. “Ten thousand years, through portals of time. Awaken this hell, Your world will be mine. Destroyed to extinction by hellish invention, made up for lost time, Hell has come back to life.”

In “Awakened”, sludge metal meets thrash in fine form. Double bass so crushing it could cause another world war. Guitar leads reminiscent of Dimebag Darrell and Kerry King in their prime and enough low-end to destroy planets.

Since its inception in 2017, Ape Vermin has pledged to push the limits of its craft, blending colossal riffs with amplifier worship and masterful percussion. “Andromedas Colossus”, promises to be a tour de force, featuring ten tracks of unique and exciting metal. Building upon the foundation laid by their acclaimed releases - the 2021 “Arctic Noise” EP and the 2018 “Sonic Monolith” LP; “Andromedas Colossus” sees Ape Vermin usher in a new chapter of their intergalactic saga; it is recommended for fans of High on Fire, Crowbar, and Mastodon.

Listen to “Awakened” below or over at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Chku6Ir64​

Album pre-order - https://apevermin.bandcamp.com/​

Track Listing:​

1. Obliteration Imminent - 5:12

2. Colony - 7:00

3. Solaruss - 5:30

4. Pulse Driver - 3:47

5. Mining The Colossus - 8:06

6. Signal Transmissions - 2:45

7. Motherlode - 8:32

8. Awakened - 3:17

9. Unearthing the Artifact - 7:43

10. Return to Andromeda - 7:57

APE VERMIN - Riders of the Damned Tour Dates:​

5/17 - Spartanburg, S.C - Ground Zero

5/19 - Tampa, FL - Brass Mug

5/21 - New Orleans, LA - The Goat

5/22 - Houston, TX - Black Magic Social Club

5/23 - Fort Worth, TX - Haltom Theatre

5/24 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger

5/25 - Laredo, TX - Cold Brew Rock Bar

5/26 - Austin, TX - Valhalla

5/28 - El Paso, TX - Rockhouse Bar & Grill

5/29 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock

5/30 - Phoenix, AZ - Blooze Bar

6/1 - Richmond, CA - Baltic Kiss

6/2 - Reno, NV - Alturus Bar

6/4 - Salt Lake City, UT - International Bar

6/5 - Casper, WY - The Gaslight Social

6/7 - Ridgeway, CO - The Sherbino

6/8 - Denver, CO - Hermans Hideaway

6/12 - Asheville, N.C - The Odditorium

***More Dates to be added***

More info: Facebook.com/ProgressiveDoom | Instagram.com/ape_vermin_official

Thanks to Asher Media PR for all of the info.