Vinnum Sabbathi - Gravity Works (Album Review)

Release date: January 03^rd 2017. Label: Aim Down Sight Records / LSDR Records. Format: DD

Gravity Works – Tracklisting

1.Weightlessness 05:21

2.Early Works 11:27

3.Gravity Waves 08:26

4.Loop Quantum Gravity 09:59

5.The Probe B 08:30

Band Members

Alberto (Guitar)

Samuel (Bass)

Mico / Gerardo (Drums)

Roman (Live Samples & Synth)

Review

Acclaimed Instrumental Doom/Stoner/Spaced Out Astronauts - Vinnum Sabbathi - return with their eagerly awaited debut album - Gravity Works. Vinnum Sabbathi have been releasing a string of acclaimed singles and EP's over the years which has seen them become one of the genres best undiscovered bands. Vinnum Sabbathi play a progressive style of Instrumental Doom/Stoner Metal with the concept being firmly set around the dark reaches of Space. Gravity Works is a concept album with the music built around an intriguing story which is explained below:

Gravity Works describes the relationship between gravity and human exploration, from the state of weightlessness experienced and recorded by astronauts and the historic achievements of Russian and American scientists during the Space Age to the ultimate collapse of the entire Universe described by Asimov in "The Collapsing Universe".

The album feels like a training manual of sorts especially with the voiceover advising the listener with the many different elements and dangers of being in space. It's an exciting way to create an album as Vinnum Sabbathi make you part of the journey from the very start. Opening track - Weightlessness - is a trippy and psychedelic tale with moments of heavy doom/stoner riffs as Vinnum Sabbathi creates haunting and original sounds of their own.

Second track - Early Works - carries on with the instruction manual style voiceover. With the riffs being played at a slow distorted pace. This song has quite a cold and subtle doom and gloom approach as the song stays sombre throughout. It takes some time for the heavy moments to appear though that's down to the overall concept of the album. Vinnum Sabbathi has done their homework as you're experiencing an album that feels it's steeped in both Science Fact and classic Science Fiction.

The album is first and foremost a Doom/Stoner Metal album and Vinnum Sabbathi never forget that fact as they create some stunning riffs that pay homage to legendary bands past and present. It may take you a few listens to fully understand and appreciate the album. As you can be distracted from the distorted sounds and voiceovers spliced throughout the album.

The other tracks on the album - Gravity Waves, Loop Quantum Gravity and The Probe B - follow the same path as the opening two tracks but perhaps with more a ferocious style of Doom/Stoner sounds that sees Vinnum Sabbathi venture into heavier Sludge based grooves. The Probe B is the standout track on the album as Vinnum Sabbathi play the heaviest and fastest moments on the album. It’s a song that shows you the full power and creativity of Vinnum Sabbathi.

The production is superb as Vinnum Sabbathi build a cosmic wall of sound around you. If you're new to the world of Vinnum Sabbathi then get with the program and download this now. Gravity Works is perhaps the first must have Doom/Stoner Metal album of the year. Don't be too surprised if you see this album on a few best albums of lists come the end of the year. This is an unmissable album.

Words by Steve Howe

Gravity Works is available to Buy/Download on BandCamp now. CD will be released via LSDR Records and Vinyl will be released via Aim Down Sight Records later in 2017.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

BEARHUNTER: Five Tales of Doom (Album Review)

Release date: November 01st 2016. Label: Self Release. Format: CD/DD

BEARHUNTER: Five Tales of Doom – Tracklisting

1.The Grizzly 08:33

2.Swamp Thing 08:11

3.Witch Hunt 06:46

4.Abominable 06:16

5.Attack at Sea 09:17

Band Members:

Reid Rice - Guitar/Vocals

Dan Fisk - Bass/Vocals

Heath "The Beef" Saunders - Drums

Review:

Bearhunter’s style of Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal has a gloomy and murky psychedelic side to it. It gives their debut album an almost post-metal vibe. The album is imaginatively called - Bearhunter: Five Tales Of Doom. And that’s you get. Five tracks of pure Doom based Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs. The lyrics are handled superbly well throughout despite the bleak tales the band weave from the start.

The concept is five tales of hunting or battling certain types of bears and monsters – Grizzlies, Abominable Snowmen and Witches. You can tell this by the song-titles that the band has named their songs after. Bearhunter’s sound is very straight-forward at times but it still allows them to create some intriguing sounds of their own. The vocals are a mixture of clean vocals and death based growls. As the instrumental work is played at a slow to medium pace.

The band takes influence from a wide range of artists, as most bands do. Though Bearhunter become an exciting band in their own right on the standout track – Witch Hunt. This sees Bearhunter play a more droned out psychedelic doom and gloom odyssey with superb ice-cold female vocals merged with the heavier distorted growls.

If you’re a fan of Conan’s recent studio album then Bearhunter will no doubt haunt both your dreams and nightmares. The production is another highlight as it’s loud and crisp from the very start. Bearhunter never outstay their welcome on the album. Truth be told I wanted a couple of more songs from the band though the album runs for around forty minutes. Bearhunter: Five Tales Of Doom has a certain DIY feel to it. The vocals on Abominable could have done with work but I like the overall rough and ready approach of the entire album.

Bearhunter: Five Tales Of Doom is a superb and highly impressive album. Check it out as soon as you can.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Captains Of Sea And War - Remote (Album Review)

Release date: September 30^th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Remote – Tracklisting

1.Ny Alesund 01:12

2.Aral Tengizi 05:56

3.Socotra 07:33

4.Bemaraha 05:25

5.Assale 08:04

6.Atacama 05:36

7.Aokigahara 04:18

8.Kerman 07:26

Band Members:

Àlex Garcia / Gerard Gual / José Martinez / David Montón

Review:

Remote is the second album from Spanish Progressive Post-Rock Stoners – Captains Of Sea And War. I remember listening to their 2014 self-titled debut album and being impressed by their style of highly anthemic post-rock vibes with a heavy Stoner Rock influence. Fast forward two years and Remote is here to impress you from the very start.

Opening track – Ny Alesund – is a brief semi-acoustic post-rock interlude before the real business of heavy post-rock/stoner riffs that appear on the remainder of the album. This is a nicely played track but a stark contrast to the rest of the album.

Second track – Aral Tengizi – is where Captains Of Sea And Water create a powerful musical odyssey by combining Prog Post-Rock Riffs with a distorted psychedelic stoner rock sound. It has moments of quiet passages set against the heavir stoner vibes. The band weave an exciting tale without the need for vocals. If you're a fan of early era Pelican and Russian Circles then you will find much to enjoy here.

The instrumental work sounds fresh and exciting throughout the album. As Captains Of Sea And Water inject a fresh perspective into the world of Instrumental Stoner Rock. The production of the album is handled superbly well though there a few moments where the volume could have been turned down to get a more dramatic effect.

Remote gives you the impression that you're on a musical journey of some sort. With each song representing a chapter in that journey. Some songs are very emotional such as the excellent third track Socotra where the band add soothing vocals to the mix.

Captains Of Sea And War are very much a cinematic band as they create musical landscapes that demand your full attention. Remote is a very hard album to define as the band don't favour one genre over the other. So you end up with a thrilling and quite challenging album to listen to at times. Though it will appeal to fans of Instrumental Rock/Metal music the most.

Remote is an excellent and well rounded album that will last long in the memory.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Black Tomb - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: September 06^th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Black Tomb – Tracklisting

1.Under the Pine 06:12

2.Eyes at Midnight 05:12

3.Swine 05:14

4.Mortuary Rites 00:59

5.Draped in Flesh 08:50

6.Lust and Saturn 04:18

7.Turning Worm 04:57

8.Church on the Hill 13:25

Review

Black Tomb call themselves a New England Doom Metal Band. Though that only gives the listener a brief glimpse into their music. As the band blend Doom, Sludge, Psych, Stoner, Punk and even Death Metal onto their debut album.

It's an album built on the foundation of nightmares as the atmosphere is bleak from the start. Fans Of Cough and Electric Wizard will find much to enjoy here as opening track Under The Pine creates a heavy fuzz-laiden atmosphere with the band changing musical styles throughout the album. The vocals are a blend of doom/sludge growls with a sinister Death Metal style appearing from time to time.

Black Tomb even have the audacity to play progressive stoner metal riffs when the mood is considerably bleak. It's a pulsating style of music that sees Black Tomb playing to their strengths on the rest of the album. If you like your music on the more demonic side of life then Black Tomb are here to cater to your every need. Pitch-black vocals become more common on tracks such as Eyes At Midnight, Swine, Turning Worm and the epic final song – Church Of The Hill.

The instrumental work is what holds your attention as Black Tomb create music that shouldn't really go together. Black Tomb throw everything at you and it's too their credit you're not bored for a single second. The album itself is a brutal headbanging riff-fest that allows Black Tomb to have so much devilish fun. Some people may not hear the Stoner/Sludge based vibes but trust me as they're lurking in the background.

This album is going down a storm on BandCamp and it's not hard to see why. It's an album that has something for everyone and it's an album that should be an essential purchase for any self respecting Heavy Metal fan. If you need more evidence to check out Black Tomb, have a look who mastered it. Brad Boatright at the legendary Audiosiege.

With Halloween just around the corner, Black Tomb have released the perfect soundtrack for you to lose yourself in. My advice, Smoke Your Favourite BONG, Turn Up The Volume, as it's time to worship at the church of BLACK TOMB.

I have a feeling that we could be hearing a lot more from Black Tomb in the years to come. As they have created a devilish vision that deserves to be heard by as many people as possible.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

OAK - II (EP Review)

Release date: June 26th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

II – Tracklisting

1.Mirage 05:36

2.Against The Rain 05:41

3.A Bridge Too Far 06:30

4.Smoke 05:48

Band Members:

Vocals - Andy Valiant

Guitar - Kevin

Bass - Scott

Drums - Clinton

Review:

Psychedelic Desert/Stoner Rockers – Oak, hail from London, United Kingdom but going by this EP they could have easily grew up around the legendary Californian Desert Rock/Stoner Rock scene. As they have perfectly captured that classic Stoner Rock sound with layers of distorted Desert/Fuzz Rock.

Their new EP – II, sees Oak play a heavier blend of Stoner Rock/Metal compared to their debut EP, I which was released in November 2015. Opening track – Mirage – is a hard rocking number with Oak providing a commanding presence right from the start. The riffs have a certain Kyuss/Fu Manchu vibe to them but Oak really started to impress me when they started playing a heavier blues rock kind of sound. Andy's vocals are not your usual Desert/Stoner Rock sound as he adds a determined steel like vibe to proceedings.

Second track – Against The Rain – offers a more psychedelic doom based atmosphere that allows Oak to play a more laid-back style kind of stoner rock. It's still heavy as hell but the lyrics and Andy's vocals are more personal. Though when things become heavier it's good to hear Oak paying homage to their musical heroes whilst creating their own musical legacy.

The final two tracks – A Bridge Too Far and Smoke continue the heavy Desert/Stoner Rock sound where Andy's vocals are built upon fast-paced riffs you're never bored with. The amount of FUZZ is what holds your attention as these guys could give Truckfighters a run for their money.

A Bridge Too Far does take a little while longer to get going but that's cool as Oak experiment with their sound as they create a more slower style of music that we are used to from them. The blues based moments slow the mood right down and it can drag a little but you can never keep a great band down as Oak soon return to their fast-paced sound.

My final thoughts on II, is that Oak have delivered another well-produced EP that all fans of the Desert/Stoner Rock scene should definitely check out now. It's a much better release than their debut EP and it shows Oak show true potential for hopefully their full length album. Check this out and embrace the magical world of OAK.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Band To Check Out - DUSTRIDER

Band Members:

Keoma: Bass
Brüno: Guitar, fuzz & Synth
Krundaal: Percussions

The Lowdown:

Dustrider is an Instrumental Doom/Stoner Metal band from Roma, Italy. Dustrider play a doomier and more psychedelic version of Desert/Stoner Metal that fans of Karma To Burn will find much to enjoy here.

They released an excellent EP called Mother Engine last year which you can check out below.

It showed a band with huge potential in creating heavy psychedelic riffs with an adventurous spirit running throughout their music. Dustrider will be releasing their debut album - AstrospherE.- later this year.

Dustrider have just unleashed the first song from the album with the excellent AgarthA. A slice of heavy Doom, Desert Rock and Fuzz riffs in one spaced out trippy package. It's quite an exciting ride with Dustrider showing touches of originality throughout the song. It can be a bass heavy affair at times but gives Dustrider extra volume and weight in the noise department.

The sooner that Dustrider release AstropherE the better as you want to hear more from them. Check them out as they deserve your full attention now!!!



Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Doomed & Stoned In Asia (Album Review)

Release date: May 17^th 2016. Label: Compilation/Self Released. Released. Format: DD

Doomed & Stoned In Asia – Tracklisting

1.DauD - Lost In Sense 06:46

2.Electric Funeral - Prison's Song 04:35

3.ESRARR - The Weedsons 03:08

4.ESRARR - Witch of Darkness 03:26

5.Eternal Elysium - Circulation (Jun Kan) 06:21

6.Funeral Moth - Transience 21:59

7.Inuka - Mistress of the Void 04:04

8.Keladak - Contortionist 07:15

9.Keladak - Black Crows 05:30

10.Ksyatriya - A Gemini & Her Great Divide 12:16

11.Ksyatriya - The Human Ego Must be Obliterated for its Arrogant Reign of Tyranny - II 08:23

12.破地獄 - Maudgalyayana 07:20

13.Sigmun - Devil in Disguise 05:27

14.Sigmun - Vultures 03:56

15.silvermachine - Garden of Earthly Delights 04:53

16.silvermachine - Ecstasy's Aftermath 13:45

17.SPEEDWITCHES - Void 10:42

18.SPEEDWITCHES - Red Eyes 12:40

19.Sundays and Cybele - Waiting For You 07:33

20.Beelzebud - Durhaka (bonus track) 25:50

Band Members:

Various.

Review:

You know Doomed & Stoned are the main reason I haven't put together a compilation since my Sludgelord days. They always put out killer compilations over the past 2 years and I feel anything that I would put together would pale in comparison to their killer releases but I maybe making a comeback in that department. Watch this space.

Anyway Doomed & Stoned have put together 20 superb tracks from bands who are based in Asia. You have to hand it to Doomed & Stoned team member Zachary Painter who put this compilation together, he's done his fucking homework. He's discovered some awesome bands that I've never heard of. Zachary has written a great article on the BandCamp Page explaining how he came across these bands and why he chose them.

What you get is 20 tracks of pure heavy riffs from the Doom, Sludge, Stoner, Psych and Drone musical spectrum. I've been listening to this since last week ever since my good pal Billy Goate give me a download code. It's an action-packed compilation that will appeal to all fans of the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal world.

I will list my fave songs from this release. DauD, Eternal Elysium, Sigmun and Silver Machine are worth honourable mentions. Though how can I leave out – SPEEDWITCHES and Beelzebud with their fantastic 25 minute opus. Damn......

If you're in the mood for something different but altogether heavy from the best underground bands the Asian Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene has to offer, then you need to check this album out now. You're bound to find a few great bands to follow and perhaps buy merchandise from.

It's available on BandCamp Buy Now but you could always contribute to the mighty Doomed & Stoned cause. You know what to do....

Another awesome release from one of the best blogs currently out there. Check it out!!!!

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Band To Check Out - Shadow Witch

Release date: April 07th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Pre-Release Promo – Tracklisting

1.The Shadow Witch 03:56

2.Creeper 06:12

3.Occupy 03:38

Band Members:

Anton Van Kleek – Drums

David Pannullo – Bass/Vocals

Earl Lundy – Lead Vocals/Mellotron/Loops

Jeremy Hall – Guitars

Review:

I don't know what to call this release. It's not an EP or a demo of such. It's a pre-release promo for Shadow Witch's upcoming debut album – Sun Killer, that is due to be released later this year. Something to get people interested. Well JOB FUCKING WELL DONE. As this pre-release demo is simply fantastic. 3 songs of heavy riffs that mix Stoner, Psych, Doom, Grunge and even Classic/Retro style Rock at times.

I think the 3 songs here are actually rough mixes so they could sound very different on the final version that's released. However they do show you how talented these guys. From the heavy opening riffs of first track – The Shadow Witch, this band have a lot going for them. The vocals from Earl are impressive through out and the instrumental work is just so damn good.

I've heard these guys being compared to Graveyard, Mastodon, CLUTCH and Sabbath over the last few days. So it tells you how expansive their sound actually is. Second track – Creeper – is perhaps the most Doom Metal orientated song on offer here. It does have a slight Sabbath/Vitus vibe but with some superb blues based riffs vying for your attention.

The final track – Occupy – is my fave track that the band have released. As it's the perfect mixture of 70s Doom, 90s Grunge and a more modern day Stoner Rock sound. This bodes well for Sun Killer as this pre-release promo shows that Shadow Witch are worth giving a damn about and they've made me quite excited to hear more from them. Sun Killer can't come soon enough. Shadow Witch have huge potential here and I think we could be hearing a lot more of these guys in the years to come.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

OMMADON - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: April 8th 2016. Label: Burning World Records / Dry CoughRecords / Medusa Crush Recordings. Released. Format: DD/Vinyl

OMMADON – S/T– Tracklisting

1.OMMADON 41:39

Band Members:

David Tobin (guitar)

Ewan Mackenzie (drums, keyboards)

Review:

An ominous wailing of dense feedback announces the arrival of the latest release from lords of bleakness Ommadon and this new album in keeping with the rest of their back catalogue is short on the number of songs but long on their length. This self titled behemoth is only one song but is over forty minutes long and has many musical twists and turns along the way.

That wail of feedback creates a long intro that you keep waiting and waiting to explode before, finally, a tribal-esque drum kicks in and pounds tensely, adding to an already anxious atmosphere by pushing the listener further and further to the edge of some sort of dark aural abyss where they will get restless, apprehensive and even upset and what is happening to their ears. This is lesson in aural perseverance in the heaviest way imaginable.

In fact, to say that Ommadon's music is not only heavy but in fact crushingly heavy would be a severe understatement and there is no trace of melody here at all and this combined with the massive apocalyptic riffs that are as punishing as it gets and resonate frequently throughout. While other heavy bands can talk the talk when they say that their music is heavy but not follow it up, Ommadon really do walk the walk and only need to let their music do its far from insignificant talking, there is a sense of negativity and sheer nothingness that just can't be faked contained on this album and it sounds all the better for it.

This is primal music at its base level, the mogadon pace of the music makes it all the more menacing and the whole feeling of the record is one of utter darkness. This is not music for the faint hearted, this is music for people who want or in fact need to be pushed over the edges of sanity and sounds like the entire world collapsing in on itself and as the album ends as it began with that evil sounding feedback, a sense of relief may come over you but your ears may never be the same again.

Turn on, tune in and let the harshness of Ommadon consume you, this is the sound of musical evil incarnate and for those that can handle it, enjoy the ride.

Words by Gavin Brown

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Twitter

Mount Soma - Origins (EP Review)

Release date: April 5^th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Origins – Tracklisting

1.Nebula 09:41

2.Origin 02:47

3.Lazarus 06:30

Band Members:

Vocals/Guitar - Brian,

Guitar - Keith,

Bass - Conrad,

Drums - Aaron

Review:

Mount Soma's debut EP is slowly starting to turn some heads within the Sludge/Stoner Metal world since it's release last week. Origins is the arrival of a band you need to check out now. If you're a fan of heavy spaced out Sludge/Stoner Metal then Mount Soma is the band for you.

The EP may only last for 20 minutes or so but the band have included a ton of great ideas for you to discover. Opening track – Nebula – starts off rather slowly before exploding into heavy sonic sludge based warfare with a touch of Psychedelic Doom Metal appearing here and there. The vocals from Brian add quite a lo-fi punk edge but it works in the bands favour.

Apparently Origins was meant to be a full length album but the band decided to release it as an EP instead. I think this is a wise decision as it allows the band to keep an air of mystery around their music. Second track – Origin – is a slow-paced semi-acoustic grunge song with cool vocals once again from Brian. It has a very earthly quality about it.

Though the band return to heavier spaced out riffs on the final song – Lazarus. This is perhaps the standout track on the EP as Mount Soma create a more progressive spaced out song to immerse yourself with. It's played at a very slow pace to begin with but once the louder riffs appear the song changes into a more heavier and doomier affair.

The production could have done with more work but that shouldn't distract you from enjoying the hell out of Origins. I've heard a full length album is on the way. If that's true then that can't come soon enough as I want to hear more of Mount Soma and this excellent EP is never enough. Check this out now. It's a great start from a band with hopefully a bright future. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

HOVEN - Mule (Mini-Album Review)

Release date: March 18^th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Mule – Tracklisting

1.Dawn Of A New Age 03:26

2.Crooked Eye 05:27

3.Unmade 01:37

4.The Mule Pt 1 02:52

5.The Mule Pt 2 08:58

Band Members:

Cal, Paul, Dan

Review:

Hoven are a band from County Durham, North East Of England who have just released their superb debut mini-album – Mule. A blend of Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal with some cool touches of progressive metal appearing here and there.

It's quite a ballsy release as Hoven create sounds you may have heard elsewhere but they do it with such style and confidence you can't but help enjoying the whole volatile atmosphere the mini-album holds over you. One of the strengths of Hoven's music is their use of progressive riffs that brings back memories of Crack The Skye era – Mastodon with a few touches of NWOBHM.

I think all 3 band members all share lead vocal duties as it's very hard to tell who is the lead singer. It doesn't really matter as the vocals are superb through out. One thing I can definitely tell is that the vocals are heavily influenced by Layne Staley especailly on Crooked Eye. A progressive Sludge/Stoner/Grunge kind of song that has a hell of a lot going for it.

Mule is slightly let down by some amateurish production values at times but that's my only complaint as Hoven created an excellent record to showcase their talents. The standout song has to be the two part 11 minute title track – The Mule – that allows the band to show the world what they really can do when they put their minds to it. A progressive sludge metal journey that once again pays homage to Alice In Chains. Hoven include a cool subtle psychedelic vibe that I like to hear more of on future releases.

The mini-album may last only for 19 minutes but Hoven include a lot of great ideas and riffs for you to check out. Apparently these guys have plans to record their full length debut album. On this evidence, I will be looking forward to see how the band progress their sound on a full length record.

Until then enjoy this fine slice of Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metal. Mule is a superb release. Check this out now....

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Band To Check Out - Sarama

Release date: March 1^st 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Sarama – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Breathe 08:41

2.The Tower 06:26

Band Members

Angela Shatswell – Guitar

Robert Pennington – Guitar/Vocals

Phil Merwin – Drums

Damian Harris – Bass/Additional Vocals (Breathe)

Review:

From the depths of Oregon’s murkiest swamp crawls the mighty Sarama, offering their intoxicating self-titled release bubbling with sinister harmony and muddy, fuzzed-out goodness!

The aptly named ‘Breathe’ respires menacingly as we are plunged into the vast, dark husk of an inanimate behemoth. We descend rapidly into the seemingly bottomless chasm of this intense song as a foul draft reveals that our host is stirring. Fans of Isis and Neurosis will savour the simmering, provocative build of unstrained guitars and stodgy percussion as they swell to a climax of sonorous, humid grooves. Tasteful, understated lead worms its way through the wreathing mass of sound whilst direful bass groans delectably in the depths, beckoning us to cut our tethers and free-fall deep into the phantasmagorical world that Sarama have created.

Part two, ‘The Tower’ utilises an array of emotive sonic textures to produce a landscape awash with volcanic activity and a noxious atmosphere. Subtle, percussive guitars ricochet around a barren vale before a monsoon of tearing riffs carry a piercing, primal war cry to terraform to the land and resurrect its monstrous inhabitants with a vibrant concoction of concentrated doom. Frenzied lead work conducts the reanimating life forms in an ayahuasca induced shamanic dance amidst the tsunami as the ground cracks and mountains crumble.

Fans of Conan, Cough and YOB will find plenty to enjoy in this small but wholesome offering. The two songs on offer here are a self-contained microverse of abstract chaos and beauty. It is an epic adventure condensed into 15 minutes of suspense and brimming energy, demonstrated with the expressive poise of a high-wire tightrope walker. I was a little surprised that the diverse dynamic scope of the record didn’t bleed into its accompanying artwork, but that scarcely takes away from the quality of such a visceral piece of music.

I will be keeping a keen eye on Sarama and look forward to future releases. I would be psyched to see what they put together on a full length release!

Words by ThisHairyGuy

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Band To Check Out: HOVEN

Band Members:

Cal, Paul, Dan

The Lowdown:

Hoven's debut release; 'Mule' available now. Five filthy slabs of raging stoner rock riffs, prog-metal twists and vocals which have been known to cause minor earthquakes.

Released via their Bandcamp page hoven.bandcamp.com plus iTunes, Spotify and all digital providers everywhere from March 29th. 'Mule' is already gaining an overwhelming reaction from listeners, climbing high in Bandcamp's best selling metal categories in its first week.

Hoven from County Durham, UK are borne out of a fierce determination to break the mould and a common ground between the core duo of Cal and Paul; "The one thing we agreed about right from the beginning is groove." they say, "No matter what weird drum ideas or trippy vocals are thrown in you should be able to rock your balls off to it and have fun!" The resulting sounds are filthier than going commando in a hired tuxedo to a hot summer wedding!!!

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Sick Tapestry - Self Diagnosis (EP Review)

Release date: March 19^th 2016. Label: No Fun Intended. Format: DD

Self Diagnosis – Tracklisting

1.Where 07:13

2.Day[Light] 07:00

3.This Place 06:19

Band Members:

Jordan McNamara - Vocals, Drums

Robert Hemingway - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Noise.

James Render - Vocals, Synths

Review:

Self Diagnosis, the debut EP from Sick Tapestry is one dark twisted tale of nightmarish vocals and riffs to match. From from the ashes of cult UK Sludge/Noise/Doom riffsters – FORMES. Sick Tapestry have taken the heavier and doomier side of FORMES and forged it into something more heavier. As Self Diagnosis is quite an experimental take on all things Doom/Sludge Metal. Clean vocals and death based growls are the main order of business with the Doom/Sludge Metal riffs offering quite a theatrical vibes at times.

Opening track – Where – is pure chaos as the band explore many different genres of music such as Doom, Psych, Stoner, Sludge and even Thrash. It's a very dark and nightmarish song. FORMES were known for experimenting with their music but Sick Tapestry goes even further with some industrial style sounds appearing here and there.

Second track – Day[Light] is my fave song on the EP as the band go all out in creating doom/industrial based sounds. I can hear a slight Godflesh influence on this song though Sick Tapestry still create their own sound that's bound to win them major praise as FORMES did. The production can be very lo-fi at times but it really adds to the doom and gloom atmospherics of the EP.

Third track – This Place – opens with creepy drum solo and acoustic guitar before the heavier industrial based noises appear. Things can be quite hectic at times as the band experiment with their sound yet again. Slow-paced post-metal riffs then change into faster and heavier Doom/Thrash sounds which maybe too jarring for some to fully appreciate. My advice, just go with it as only Sick Tapestry know what the fuck is going on. Yeah, it's confusing to listen to at times but it's cool to hear the band go all out crazy on the final song.

Self Diagnosis is a dark and weird as hell EP from Sick Tapestry. The production could have done with more work and the vocals need more volume. Apart from that, Sick Tapestry have released a superb debut EP. Hopefully a full length record won't be too far away. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

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