Dee Calhoun - Angry Old Man (Album Review)

Release Date: July 18th 2025. Record Label: Black Doomba Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Angry Old Man - Tracklisting

1.A Last Cold Kiss 05:04 video

2.Angry Old Man 05:56

3.Voodoo Queen 05:04

4.A Piece From The Shoulder 05:44

5.Rise Up To March 04:15

6.Give Up The Ghost 04:20

7.VVitch (A Chant) 05:24

8.K*ll A M*ther F*cker 05:18

9.The Damned Human Race 08:27

Members

Dee Calhoun - Everything

Review

Dee Calhoun is back with his latest solo album Angry Old Man and for the uninitiated, Dee is considered a bit of a legend within the underground Doom Metal scene thanks to his stints with the legendary band IRON MAN and the excellent Spiral Grave. Dee Calhoun has been focusing upon his solo records for quite some time now blending Americana, Country, Doom, Blues, Stoner and Southern Rock but all told in a highly fashionable Acoustic Rock way.

Dee is also an acclaimed writer over the last few years and he’s got real talent and credibility with how he writes his lyrics that deal with some pretty dark themes even when they branch over into Horror and Fantasy though this record is mostly based on his own observations with the world.

Angry Old Man is quite an in-depth and highly involving record with Dee Calhoun once again used stripped back musical techniques to generate a gloomy and down-trodden atmosphere which some of the most well known figures of the underground scene have used for their own solo material such as WINO and Steve Von Till.

The AMERICANA and DOOMED OUT COUNTRY BLUES is a big aspect on how this album fully moves along at a cracking slow-to-mid pace. The whole record oozes gloomy atmosphere with Dee being quite political throughout but he does offer some superb wry and humorous sly commentary on certain parts of the album.

The music is quite abstract with ghostly sounds and twangy guitars reminding me of Johnny Cash at the best of times especially on tracks such as A Last Cold Kiss, Angry Old Man, Voodoo Queen, Rise Up To The March and K*ll A M*therF*cker. You can detect echoes of other vocalists that have perhaps shaped Dee’s musical knowledge but it’s his forthright confessional style that shows you what a damn fine storyteller Dee has ultimately become. 

Some parts of the album do become DOOM-FOLK obsessed in places but the solitary Americana and Roots based sound keeps things grounded. You can even detect a sense of MONSTER MAGNET gloomy rhymes in certain instrumental melodies that has a slight passing resemblance to the opening intro of SPACE LORD but that could be just me looking way too much into things.

The political message of Angry Old Man runs deep especially with today’s political climate and fucked up turmoil going on in the world and Dee Calhoun becomes more rebellious on the later stages of the record with Dee perhaps taking political cues from Neil Young is no bad thing at all. 

Angry Old Man is another forthright, bleak and outstanding release from Dee Calhoun who is perhaps in the best creative form of his life at the moment and that’s saying something especially with the career that Dee has lived through and ultimately achieved. 

Words by Steve Howe

Links

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Exclusive Album Premiere Of Mika Häkki's Stunning Solo New Album Mørker

In the darkest of times you have to look at the dark straight to its core and pick apart the strains and see what makes it tick. ”Mørker” continues on the path that ”Vemod” started. Looking back, looking in and forward. Trying to embrace the darkness while finding your place in it.

”Mørker” was recorded at LÜXFÄLLAN Studios, produced by Kristoffer Ragnstam. All songs written by Mika Häkki, but guests on a few songs were Klas-Henrik Hörngren on keys, Krister Selander on bass and Kristoffer Ragnstam on drums and backing vocals. I’ve really found a great way to work in the studio with Kristoffer Ragnstam that is both creative and fun. Bouncing ideas and trying out different solutions on the go.

Thanks to the kind folks over at Majestic Mountain Records we're excited to premiere the whole album ”Mørker” ahead of it's official release this Friday.

Mørker will be available to buy on digital download via Majestic Mountain Records from Friday 11th April 2025.

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Mika Häkki - Mørker (Album Review)

Release Date: April 11th 2025. Record Label: Majestic Mountain Records. Formats: DD

Mørker - Tracklisting

1.Take This Light Away 

2.When You're Old

3.Time Stood Still

4.Couch Anthem 

5.Make No Sense

6.Another Reason To Stay

7.Weighted Daze

Members:

Mika Häkki

Review

Mørker is the new album from Mika Häkki better known as the powerhouse bassist from Doom Metal Heavyweights MONOLORD and this is Mika’s second full length album. Mika’s musical style is quite different to his MONOLORD colleagues with a mixture of Heavy Atmospheric sounds and Composed Laidback melodies which showcase a fine style of Classic Rock, Folk, Americana, Country, Psych, Prog and Post-Rock appearing throughout. 

There is a deft touch of Psychedelic and Sonic experimentation within the album with Mika’s superbly Folk-ish vocal style which traverses through the Soft Rock and Hard Rock elements that Mørker expertly handles. The lyrics are quite insightful and hopeful with deep emotional meaning with Mika hitting upon some dark strands of Gloomy based Rock on songs such as Take This Light Away, When You’re Old and Time Stood Still.

Mørker works best when the 1970’s based haunting melodies and experimental Prog Rock sounds merge instances of Americana, Folk and Psych Rock with Mika keeping a sullen guitar sound as his main instrument of choice. It’s to Mika’s credit that everything sounds real and quite organic with a wide range of musical influences being used mostly from the 1970’s and 1980’s Soft Rock scene but there’s still a small murmur of Post-Doom surroundings appearing from time-to-time. 

Mika is joined by the following guest musicians on the record for a few songs: Klas-Henrik Hörngren on keys, Krister Selander on bass and Kristoffer Ragnstam on drums and backing vocals. They all play splendidly especially during the heavier and darker moments of the album with some trippy and heavy hazy sounds that I didn’t expect.

Other standout tracks include: Couch Anthem, Another Reason To Stay and Weighted Daze.

There is a deeper reliance on Progressive sounds especially on Another Reason To Stay and Weighted Daze. Though Mørker has a few hidden surprises throughout with flashes of Distortion and Fuzz being injected into the mix. I’m pretty certain you can hear echoes of Post-Punk and Gothic Rock within Mika’s instrumental delivery at times but that could be an oversight on my behalf, whatever the sound I originally heard, it’s downright original and offers some of the heaviest and freakiest grooves on the album.

Mørker is an absolute delight with Mika firing on all musical cylinders to create an album which is an absolute delight to listen to and showcase a completely different side to his MONOLORD persona. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Sheltered Life and Majestic Mountain Records for the promo.

Mørker will be available to buy on digital download via Majestic Mountain Records from Friday 11th April 2025.

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

An Interview With Creston Spiers

I'm quite honoured to interview today's guest - Creston Spiers. Creston was the lead guitarist/vocalist for Legendary Sludge Rockers - HARVEY MILK. I was a later starter to discovering HARVEY MILK but I became an instant fan of the and bought all their studio output and wished I had the chance to see the band in action.

Creston is about to release his brilliant new album - Brown Dwarf - which will be released on 4th December 2020 .

I was quite pleased when Creston agreed to do this interview where we discuss the making of the album and the future of HARVEY MILK.

Hi Creston. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you today.

I'm doing well today. I have a few hours of tutoring scheduled for later. that's how I make ends meet these days. my wife and I just moved back into our home in Athens and we're happy about that.

How you coping with the crazy stuff going on in the world. Are you quite daunted or excited about releasing your new album Brown Dwarf.

I wish I could say I was coping well with the crazy stuff going on in the world but my patrons could tell you otherwise. truth is I haven't written a note of new music since the lockdown began except one 3-minute instrumental that just came out. I'm hoping that's going to change once I set up my new music room here in Athens.

I am very excited about Brown Dwarf being released on vinyl. I hope that Jem and the others is at We empty rooms records have a successful release. I'm also excited that people will get a chance to have a product they can hold in their hands and put on their shelves. that's something that I've not really been able to offer through patreon, so I'm very thankful to my patrons for making this music possible and to Jem for allowing it to be released in physical form

We are here to talk about your new solo album – Brown Dwarf. And what an album that is. What can people expect from that record. As it’s quite different to your last album.

I'm going to go ahead and assume that by my last album you mean MMXVII, the first vinyl release from we empty rooms. The last album, MMXVII, had much more of an anthology/eclectic feel to it. there were two orchestral pieces, a country tune, straight up pop tune, as well as heavier things. I think Brown Dwarf as a record hangs together better. there is a theme and a feel and a sound to the record. I also think the actual collection of tunes is the strongest I've ever produced.

All this music, by the way, was originally recorded and released on my patreon page. They weren't recorded as records per se, at a single recording session. they were recorded one at a time over a number of months to meet the obligation I made to my patrons, who pay me a subscription fee for my new music.

Did you record this album during lockdown or was it recorded earlier than that.

Before. Actually, this record is different than the others in that these songs were recorded pretty much in sequence, over a number of months in 2018. This vinyl release will be the first time this music has been available to anyone but my patreon subscribers.

Was this an easy or hard album for you to write and record for compared to your debut album.

I would say that this record was easy to record. the songs came out quickly and smoothly right in a row. I have no explanation for that. I've been lucky. The three and a half years since I started my patreon page has been a very creative and prolific time for me (up until recently). my deal with my patrons is one new piece of music a month in exchange for their $3/month subscription, and I'm happy to say, so far, that I've been able to surpass that by a wide margin. Six new, full-length, professionally mastered LPs have been released on my page, as well as various cuts that have not been mastered or anthologized.

I love the many different styles of music you’ve included on this album. It has pretty much for everyone. Heavy riffs, Weird noises and fantastic quirky ideas from the start. You recorded and performed by yourself. Was that the idea to record the album entirely by yourself.

Yeah the stuff I do on patreon is pretty much done all by me. I play all the instruments, write all the music, blah blah. There have been a few guest appearances. Stefanija Giric, a patron, played some beautiful violin on “37 Fine Lines,” the first song of my new record, The Goodbye Waltz. me and Stevie teamed up for a while and I he appears on a few of the songs on the patreon page. speaking of Steven Tanner, of course

I love the “lo-fi” sound of your solo records. Makes the record more real. How would you describe your solo albums in your own words.

I would say that the new music, at least the rock music, on patreon (there’s a lot of orchestral music, too) would actually fall right in the middle between the Pleaser style Harvey Milk and the slow and heavy Harvey Milk. literally if you could put them on a number line the new music would be like right in the middle it's very song-oriented, 70’s- style rock, with hooks, but slower and heavier. I think Harvey Milk fans would really like it. I don't think it's quite as challenging as Harvey Milk’s music: no one's going to think you're cool for listening to it.

But I think the tunes are up to scratch and the performances are at least fresh And the Lo-Fi quality that you're talkin about, although it's not necessarily intentional, I certainly haven't spent a whole lot of time trying to produce refined recordings! I mean there's so much beauty and magic in “Come On In My Kitchen,” and what, that was recorded on like a tin can on a spring, right? so I guess it is true that I'm not overly concerned with High Fidelity in my recordings, but they aren't demos either. I take my time to get good sounds, good balance, and of course Kyle does a wonderful job mastering them and making them sound like real records!

Why did you call the album Brown Dwarf. Any particular meaning.

I should tell you that Brown Dwarf is not just the name of the record, but also the name of the project or band, so to speak, although I’m the only one who appears on the recordings. I do have a real live band: Andy Pope on bass and backing vocals, and Brandon McDearis on drums, both friends of mine and local Athens musicians. we've been practicing and working out the songs from patreon, especially the ones on brown dwarf. we've gotten pretty good. the songs stand up pretty well with a three piece

I like the name I guess for the same reasons I liked Harvey Milk. it's a real thing - I mean brown dwarf is an astronomical term for a type of star - but it also has kind of a funny sound to it as if you could be talking about an African-American little person. so I just thought it had a ring to it was kind of funny.

What influenced you when writing and recording the album. It has the perfect mixture of upbeat and slightly gloomy based songs.

Mostly I was just trying to write catchy tunes that had interesting changes in them. I only had one rule: don't be afraid of pretty! I guess I was just trying to write new classic rock

If the pandemic ever gets under control, will you be making touring plans for the record. Or is that too early to tell.

I would say that playing live is not really a priority for me. I definitely enjoy playing with Andy and Brandon and we will play live if the opportunity presents itself, but it's okay with me if it doesn't

What comes first for you when recording new music. Lyrics or Music.

I have to admit that my process for writing has changed a lot. I guess because I've been trying to set up a sort of “factory.” really I didn't realize how difficult it would be to put out new music every month! So what I do is start with the drums, and I'll basically make up a song on the drums. Then I get a good structure going and layer-by-layer put a harmonic progression and melody on. then always, always the lyrics are the very last thing. I hate writing lyrics. it's always a struggle. every once in awhile a song like “Now, Come Blue Skies” off the new record, will come right out immediately like in one sitting. but that's definitely the exception to the rule.

As I mentioned earlier I've had I guess what you would call writer's block since the whole pandemic scare began in late March. I'm hoping to break that soon. I've got a brand new computer, a brand new music room and hopefully a lot of brand new ideas coming! so to all my patrons out there: you know how I feel about you. I’m just hoping to send you some good stuff soon

I became of aware your music obviously through HARVEY MILK but I was a late follower to the band. I only became aware of you back in 2008 when I listened to Life…. The Best Game In Town. Instantly fell in love with that album and the other albums you’ve released with Harvey Milk. I read on Wikipedia recently that you see this as the band’s worst album. Is that true. Or is it bullshit on Wikipedia’s part. If it is true. Why do you think that of the album. As it got some major praise from fans and critics alike.

No I absolutely think that's our worst record. my wife says I'm biased against it because it was a dark time for me, but I don't: we didn't have the songs going in. It was the first and only time we'd ever decided to record a record without having anything to record! and as far as I'm concerned the tunes are just not up to Snuff. there's too much filler and not enough original material to justify a long playing release, to me. I think Special Wishes is our best record. I think they're all pretty good. Life is the only one I think, of the six that we produced, that just doesn't make the grade

What is he current status with Harvey Milk. Are you guys still touring. Any plans for a new album in the future.

No I don't think Harvey Milk will play together again. we all still get along great and we're all still friends but it's just not even on the table I don't think anyone has any real interest

Looking back with your time with HARVEY MILK, is there anything that you would change with the band.

I wouldn't sweat so much

Thanks for doing this interview. Before you go, do you have any words of wisdom that you want to say to your fans.

you bet:

Distrust the government.
Avoid mass media.
Fight the lies.
Always love never fear.

Words by Steve Howe and Creston Spiers

Thanks to Jem at WeEmptyRooms for arranging this interview and for Creston Spiers for taking the time out to do this.

Brown Dwarf will be available to buy on DD/Vinyl via Creston Spiers and WeEmptyRooms for the Rest Of The World form December 4th 2020.

Links

Patreon | BandCamp

Creston Spiers - Brown Dwarf (Album Review)

Date Released: 4th December 2020. Label: Creston Spiers / WeEmptyRooms. Format: DD/Vinyl

Brown Giant - Tracklisting

These Eyes Are Crying

Snake On Grass

Cut Back Off The Lights

I’ll Do Anything You Want Me To

If I Can Dream

We Win

There’s A Hole In The Bucket List And I’m On Fire

Of The Bees

Life Is Mine

Springtime Bye

Review

Brown Dwarf is the 2nd full length solo album from Creston Spiers better known for his work with legendary Sludge Rockers - Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk were known for their loud, abrasive, experimental and downright catchy style of music that fused different sounds such as Grunge, Sludge, Noise Rock, Doom and Stoner Metal This saw the band release a wide range of different and acclaimed albums throughout their recording career.

Brown Dwarf sees Creston Spiers play to his musical and creative strengths whilst still offering a similar outlook heard within Harvey Milk but this allows Creston to try his hand at different things such as Americana and Southern Rock with even a pop sensibility being heard on the album. Though, Brown Dwarf does have its fair share of heavier moments and becomes an even better record because of this.

The album is quite lo-fi with Creston recording and playing everything by himself though the album is mastered by his old friend and Harvey Milk member Kyle Spence. The production of the record does have a true “Punk Rock” spirit and attitude which it oozes from the start. The songs are a wild bunch of different songs with the majority of them sounding very different each other. Parts Americana, Country Rock, Psych Rock and Sludge Rock being the main sounds contained on the record.

Brown Dwarf is a mixture of downbeat and upbeat messages but it’s all undeniably fun with the opening songs of These Eyes Are Crying, Snake On Grass and Cut Back Off THe Lights setting the scene for a highly unusual record with Creston in commanding form with the superb vocals he lays down on the record. The instrumental work is fantastic and instantly draws you in with Creston having a warm and dominant presence with whatever style of music he puts his mind to.

Later songs such as: If I Can Dream, We Win, Of The Bees and Springtime Bye is where I enjoyed the album most. As the music is quite heartfelt, delightfully heavy with the dark Americana and Pop inspired sounds having quite a potent effect against Creston’s sublime vocals. 

If you’ve heard Creston’s acclaimed debut solo album MMXVII then you will hear a different kind of album from Creston and it’s good to see he’s prepared to release something different and not rest on his laurels.

Brown Dwarf is one of the best solo records I’ve heard this year if not the best. As it’s a thrilling and highly original piece of work that can be quite demanding to listen to but one that will leave a huge smile on your face.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Jem at We Empty Rooms for the promo. Brown Dwarf will be available to buy on DD/Vinyl via Creston Spiers and WeEmptyRooms for the Rest Of The World form December 4th 2020.

Links

Patreon | BandCamp

​The Pilgrim - .​.​From The Earth To The Sky And Back (Album Review)

Release date: November 06th 2020. Label: New Heavy Sounds. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

​.​.​From The Earth To The Sky And Back – Tracklisting

1.Mexico '84 04:18
2.Sitting Down On The Porch 02:45
3.Obsessed By The West Part I, II, III, IV 06:06
4.Lion 04:17
5.Fool Around 03:51
6.Riding The Horse 03:52
7.Cuba 02:11
8.Secrets In The Kingdom 03:14
9.I'm Just Scared 03:32
10.Solitude 04:07
11.At Your Door 03:15
12.Sounds Of The Night 04:10
13.Space And Time 01:22
14.Waiting For The Sun 03:31

Members

GABRIELE FIORI - ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRIC GUITARS, VOCALS,BANJO, BASS, KEYS, SYNTH, PIANO, TAMBOURINE, MARACAS

FILIPPO RAGAZZONI - DRUMS, PERCUSSIONS

RYAN LEE - PEDAL STEEL ON OBSESSED BY THE WEST PART IV, AND ON RIDING THE HORSE

Review

I’m surprised that The Pilgrim are back with a new album so fast after their last effort which was released in May 2019. As the main creative force behind The Pilgrim is Gabriele Fiori. The genius behind Black Rainbows who released their brilliant new album Cosmic Ritual Supertrip earlier this year and Gabriele runs the awesome record label Heavy Psych Sounds. I wouldn’t think that Gabe would have the time to release another record under The Pilgrim moniker. Though, here we are with their new release - “​.​.​From The Earth To The Sky And Back”

The album offers 14 tracks of Alt-Country, Psych Rock, Stoner Rock and Folk Rock goodness played mostly in a semi-acoustic environment. If you were a fan of their debut album then this one is even better. As the album feels like it has more focus to it and the songs have a lot more meaning to them.

The 70s Influences come shining through on the excellent 2 opening songs – Mexico and Sitting Down The Porch. There is a laid-back and cool sounding atmosphere which allows the listener to forget about the outside world troubles and immerse yourself into a much happier place with Gabe’s excellent country based vocals. This is far from removed you can get from Black Rainbows and that’s a good thing.

The Pilgrim is on a musical journey of the rural heartlands and wastelands of America and that is told through the next hour or so with The Pilgrim shining a light on their musical influences of 60’s and 70’s Alt-Country and Americana based music.

Maybe the album feels slightly too long but at least by 2 or 3 songs but The Pilgrim have aimed big for this release and it works superbly well with a clutch of breathtaking songs you can easily fall in love with.

Highlights include: “Obsessed By The West Part I, II, III, IV”, Lion, Riding The Horse, Solitude, Sounds Of The Night and Waiting For The Sun. As these songs have the most addictive grooves to them and the ones I personally enjoyed the most.

This album is more expressive and fairly more experimental than the last album The Pilgrim released. Though, it’s a much better record in so many different ways. This is a journey worth taking with The Pilgrim over and over as it’s a quality sounding album from start to finish.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR and All Noir for the promo.

...From The Earth To The Sky And Back” is available to buy now be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds.

Links: 

Facebook | BandCamp

Moonbow - Volto Del Demone (Album Review)

Release date: August 28^th 2015. Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD

Volto Del Demone: Tracklisting

1.Devils Floor 04:21

2.Take Me Home 04:43

3.Volto Del Demone 04:57

4.The Wait 03:47

5.Memories Ahead 04:09

6.Mission 35 02:51

7.One Way to Die 03:49

8.Face of the Demon(ft.HANK 3) 05:20

Band Members:

Matt Bischoff-Vocals

David McElfresh-Guitars

Ryan McAllister-Bass

Steve Earle-Drums

Review:

Moonbow released a superb debut album – The End Of Time - back in 2013 which picked up some minor acclaim. Two years later the guys are back with their second album - Volto Del Demone. Moonbow could of picked up where their debut album left off but the guys have released something different. As their second album is an acoustic slice of Americana fused take on Stoner Rock.

It's still got the familiar trapping of Blues Fused Hard Rock/Stoner Rock from the debut album but Moonbow now offer a more psychedelic and stripped back approach to their music. Fiddles, violins are mixed superbly well with the normal musical instruments the band play so well. Opening track – Devil's Floor – is a blues heartfelt romantic stoner rock number for all you outlaws out there. Moonbow open your mind to new musical possibilities especially when they blend Country/Americana with some finely played Stoner Rock riffs.

Second track – Take Me Home – is more of an blues rock style fable with traces of grunge appearing here and there. It's very dark and mysterious especially with the dark lyrical content and Matt's vocals. It's a slow-paced anthem which strikes the perfect balance between semi-acoustic rock to the heavier stoner riffs that appear towards the end of the song. Fans of Alice In Chains will find a lot to admire here especially with Matt's vocals.

Third track – Volto Del Demone – has a classic Western film soundtrack feel to it though it's still very psychedelic at times. Yet again the music is very slow-paced which only adds to the atmosphere. This track can be classed as one of the albums stand-out tracks as the different vocal styles compliment each other very well.

The rest of the album keeps to the same ideas and rhythms as the first few songs as Moonbow have crafted a stunning set of songs that world weary, emotional and heartfelt all at the same time. Other great songs to check out are – The Wait, Memories Ahead, One Way To Die and Face Of The Demon.

Wait until you hear Face Of The Demon as Moonbow collaborate with perhaps the most legendary Hard Rock/Country Rock Outlaw himself – HANK 3. The song is a strange affair with trippy psychedelic noises, far eastern chimes, Americana based guitars and HANK 3 on fine demented form.

Moonbow could of released another album that sounded like The End Of Time. And people would still of enjoyed it. But Nope, Moonbow said - TO HELL WITH CONVENTION!!! - They decided to release an album with such emotional depth and intriguing ideas that one listen is never enough. I think Volto Del Demone will be considered Moonbow's definitive album and one even themselves will find very hard to beat. I hope I'm wrong but I cannot see the guys topping this fantastic effort.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Mona at Platinum PR for the promo. Volto Del Demone is available to buy on CD/DD now.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp