Switchblade Jesus - Death Hymns (Album Review)

 

Release date: November 20th 2020. Label: Cursed Tongue Records. Format: DD/Vinyl

Death Hymns – Tracklisting

1.Scorched 04:22
2.Red Plains 04:36
3.Behind the Monolith 04:41
4.Death Hymns 02:37
5.Forgotten 05:54
6.Behemoth 02:31
7.The Blackened Sun 03:12

Members

Vocals/Guitars: Eric Calvert
Bass: Chris Black
Drums/Percussion/Synth: Jonathon Elizondo

Review

What the hell has happened with Switchblade Jesus. The band have returned with their new album Death Hymns and it sees the band play a more primal and aggressive style Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal. However, compared to their acclaimed debut album, the band have added a bleaker element to their music by embracing the world of Thrash Metal and in some cases fast-paced Death Metal guitars.

Death Hymns is still primarily a Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal album but don’t be surprised when the band switch gears and go for an all out extreme metal approach throughout the albums lean and mean 27 minute running time. Swtichblade Jesus still provide value for money on this release despite the short length. As the band play fast-paced riffs that get the job done of a showing band living life on the edge.

The opening two songs – Scorched and Red Plains – sees the band play sounds that early-Mastodon and High On Fire made their names with but this has a rougher exterior and more Doom/Stoner Metal orientated. The music is quite catchy and aggressive at the same time with the small Psychedelic touches having a creative flair to it all. The instrumental work is precise and reminds myself why I became a huge fan of the band in the first place.

The vocals are quite minimal on the first song and the vocals are superb when they appear. However, it’s the technical and progressive based riffs and intense drumming the band lay down on the album that grabs the attention with that classic style of Prog Sludge guitars making themselves known.

When you get on board with the new technical riff-wizardry drive from Switchblade Jesus then you can only admire the onslaught of further extreme sounds from this highly accomplished Power-Trio with songs such as: Behind The Monolith, Death Hymns and Forgotten – being played next and perhaps being the best part of the album for myself.

The vocals from Eric are ripped from the classic sounding vocals of High on Fire and Mastodon but still allowing him to put his own style on the album.

With a band coming from Texas, I always expect Kent Stump or Zach Weeks to be involved with the recording process and we have Zach involved with the recording process along with the band’s very own Jonathan Elizondo on recording and mixing duties. The other talented person involved with the recording process is Josh Maxwell. Everyone involved has allowed Switchblade Jesus to deliver an absolute MONSTER of a record.

Death Hymns is a throwback to the good old days of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal where VOLUME and AGGRESSION was key. If you miss the glory-days of early-Mastodon then Death Hymns will awake the SLEEPING GIANT in you all.

This is a colossal album even with the short running time. Don’t pass this one by. This is a must have album. Awesome stuff...

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Niels at Cursed Tongue Records for the promo. Death Hymns is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Cursed Tongue Records.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

MARIJANNAH to release new video from Upcoming Live Album

Singapore Doom/Stoner Metal band MARIJANNAH released their second full length album ‘Istanah’ on 6 December 2019 via Cursed Tongue Records. As COVID-19 cancelled all touring plans for the album in 2020, the band recorded a live playthrough of ‘Istanah’ in its entirety at The Projector, an independent movie theater in Singapore, with no crowd present.

‘Full Moon / Shapeless’, the first video and single off of ‘Istanah Live At The Projector’ will be released on 30 October 2020 on all digital streaming platforms. The full set video and album, directed by Ryan Chang (touring photographer & videographer of Grammy-winning band Ghost) and recorded by Snakeweed Studios, will be released on 13 November 2020 in its entirety.

The quartet consists of Rasyid Juraimi of Wormrot and Nicholas Wong, formerly of The Caulfield Cult. 

Marijannah released their debut record ‘Till Marijannah’ in 2018 to rave reviews. Pitchfork included it as one of their “5 Stoner Metal Highlights of 2018”, as well as a mention on their mid-year “Best Metal Albums of 2018 So Far”. The band has also been featured on multiple international sites such as Revolver, MetalSucks, Metal Injection, Noisey, BrooklynVegan, Invisible Oranges and Unite Asia. Both their full length albums have also made the annual “Best of” lists on TimeOut, Bandwagon and CVLTNation.

Marijannah is Nicholas Wong (Drums, Vocals), Rasyid Juraimi (Guitar, Vocals), “Skinny” Nicholas Ng (Guitar, Vocals) and Muhammad Azri (Bass).

Track Listing:

Bloodsucker
1966
Full Moon
Shapeless
Spiderwalk With Me
Pluto

Credits:

Nicholas Wong - Vocals, Drums
Rasyid Juraimi - Vocals, Guitar
Nicholas Ng - Guitar
Muhammad Azri - Bass

Video directed by Ryan Chang (@ryancphoto)
Recorded and mixed by Martin James Kong, Snakeweed Studios
Mastered by Dan Randall, Mammoth Sound Mastering
Single Artwork by Amos Basilo (@amos_basilo)

Psychlona - Venus Skytrip (Album Review)

Release date: August 21st 2020. Label: Cursed Tongue Records / Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Wholly Other – Tracklisting

1.Blast Off
2.10,000 Volts
3.Blow
4.Star
5.Edge Of The Universe
6.Resin
7.Tijuana
8.The Owl

Members

Phil - Guitar/Vocals
Dave - Guitar/Vocals
Martyn - Bass
Scott - Drums

Review

Venus Skytrip is the 2nd full length album from UK Psychedelic Stoner Rockers Psychlona and this sees the band perhaps more aligned to the sounds of legendary Stoner Metallers Monster Magnet in more ways than one and I’m OK with that. As this album contains many themes from that great band whilst allowing Psychlona to run away with their own crazy Spaced Out ideas.

The sublime and psychedelic artwork of Kyrre Bjurling is being used yet again as it was on their debut album, Mojo Rising and will give you a great indication on what type of journey Psychlona will take you on this album.

The opening song – Blast Off – is loud, boisterous and brings on the Space Rock theme to the forefront of their style of Psychedelic Stoner Rock Metal. The vocals are maybe not what you expect at first but have their own own addictive charm with the music being the main standpoint here. The heavy guitars are always moving on to the next level of addictive FUZZ and the classic sounding 90s Stoner Metal sound is helped along by some killer choices of soundclips spliced throughout the song. A great song to open the album with.

Second song – 10,000 Volts – starts really slowly with an almost Blues Rock atmosphere taking over whilst remaining a claustrophobic style of Stoner Rock/Metal before the heavy riffs appear. This is a slow-burning song which moves along at it’s own pace but Psychlona do play a cool and heavy style of Psychedelic Rock. The song lasts for almost 8 minutes and Psychlona try a lot of different ideas on this song. The song can be too loud at times but it’s a song that demands your patience so just go along with the crazy ride that the band offer here and you’ll be quite surprised how this song ends up.

Third song – Blow – is another great song where the band start playing a cool sounding style of Desert Rock, Psych Rock and Stoner Rock merged into one weirdly heavy style of Spaced Out Rock goodness. The trippy and surreal lyrics feel inspired both by 60’s and 90’s Psychedelic Rock scenes but with a more aggressive modern Stoner Metal atmosphere holding everything together.

By now Psychlona are in control of their own destiny and it’s good to see the band leave the more Progressive style of songs behind and opt for a more straight-forward style of Stoner Metal that harks back to the day of Kyuss, Fu Manchu and Monster Magnet with the next couple songs with Star and Edge Of The Universe.

The final three songs – Resin, Tijuana and The Owl – returns to the earlier sounds of the album with Psychlona playing the heaviest and most far-out Psychedelic songs on the album with Resin and The Owl being the standout songs on the album.

Psychlona have aimed BIG for this album and they’ve delivered an album that is BIGGER, BOLDER and BETTER than their acclaimed debut album. The band have the mighty power of Cursed Tongue Records and Ripple Music helping to release their album and that’s a thrilling combination to help the band move onto the next level of their musical careers.

This album is explosive entertainment and will appeal to all fans of the Stoner Metal spectrum.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo. Venus Skytrip will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Cursed Tongue Records (Vinyl) and Ripple Music (CD/DD) from August 21st 2020.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

PSYCHLONA Premiere New Song Edge Of The Universe

PSYCHLONA are ready to unleash their second single Edge of the Universe which you can watch below. 

New album ‘Venus Skytrip' out August 21st via Ripple Music (CD and digital) and Cursed Tongue Records (vinyl).

TRACK LISTING:
1. Blast Off
2. 10,000 Volts
3. Blow
4. Star
5. Edge of the Universe
6. Resin
7. Tijuana
8. The Owl

It was in the summer of 2015 when the embryo of PSYCHLONA first started to develop in Yorkshire, Northern England. It's only three years later that the fully formed eight-legged groove machine released their debut album ‘Mojo Rising’ on Ripple Music and Cursed Tongue Records, then defended the latter on the connaisseur stages of Desertfest London, Fuzztival Denmark and HRH Doom v Stoner Festival, along with a full European tour.

Never a band to sit back and take things easy, writing for what would become the next album began in late 2019. The four disappeared into 'The Cave' for the winter, armed with beers, kebabs and a fistful of ideas for new music and didn't emerge until the job was done in the early months of 2020.

Bleary eyed in the early morning sun and with a desire to unleash the last few months efforts onto the unsuspecting public, 2020 was starting to shape up pretty good. Performances at various events including Freak Valley Festival, plus a UK and two European tours were confirmed, recording started and then... along came the virus which threw a spanner in everyone’s works. The band pushed as hard as possible and finally completed the album by the end of April. Despite life being postponed until 2021, the new record refused to wait and ‘Venus Skytrip’ was set for an August 21st, 2020 release, once again on Ripple Music and Cursed Tongue Records.

PSYCHLONA

Website⎪Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram

RIPPLE MUSIC

Website⎪Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram

CURSED TONGUE RECORDS

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Wolftooth - Valhalla (Album Review)

Release date: May 22nd 2020. Label: Cursed Tongue Records / Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Valhalla – Tracklisting

1.Intro "The Lamentation Of Frigg"

2.The Possession

3.Firebreather

4.Valhalla

5.Fear For Eternity

6.Scylla & Charybdis

7.Molon Labe

8.Crying of the Wolves

9.The Coven

10.Juneau

Members

Chris Sullivan Guitar/ Vocals

Terry McDaniel Bass

Jeff Cole Guitar

Johnny Harrod Drums/Vocals

Review

Valhalla is the 2^nd album from Heavy Psych Stoner Rockers – Wolftooth – who made an impression with their debut album back in 2018. Valhalla sees Wolftooth continue their Stoner Metal/Heavy Metal journey with a more adventurous approach especially with the Psychedelic and Classic Heavy Metal themes that lies within the album.

Valhalla is expertly produced and superbly made record that Wolftooth play to their strengths and their love for Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath has never been stronger. The riffs come thick and fast with some epic classic sounding Twin Guitar action that ultimately seals the deal for myself personally.

Wolftooth have written better lyrics for this album though it’s still wonderfully flamboyant and OTT in the right places. The 10 songs on this album embrace the 70s/80s Hard Rock/Heavy Metal scene with genuine love and affection but Wolftooth are wise enough to fuse a Psychedelic Stoner Metal/Doom Metal atmosphere to their music and it pays off big time with a superbly entertaining album.

The opening songs Intro "The Lamentation Of Frigg", The Possession and Firebreather have a classic feel to them with some epic progressive sounds being played along the way. If you dig Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy or perhaps The Sword then Wolftooth play a similar kind of music on these songs but still maintaining their own style and creative drive.

The music is always constantly engaging with excellent vocals and lyrics to match that add to the overall flow and approach to the whole album.

Wolftooth keep up their rich creative form on the 2^nd part of the album and that’s where the album impresses the most with some of the heaviest and action packed sounds contained on this part of the album. Songs such as: Fear For Eternity, Scylla & Charybdis and Motion Lace is where I felt that are the best songs on the album with Wolftooth playing some excellent Hard Rock/Heavy Metal riffs that show how the band have progressed onto the next level from their debut album.

Wolftooth are continuing their relationship with Cursed Tongue Records for this album but they’ve partnered up with Powerhouse Record Label – Ripple Music. And those two great labels know a thing or two about releasing awesome albums and Valhalla is no exception.

Overall, Valhalla is a thunderous and thrilling album that will keep almost every fan in the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal spectrum entertained from start to finish.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR and Cursed Tongue Records for the promo. 

Valhalla will be available to buy on CD/DD from Ripple Music and Vinyl from Cursed Tongue Records from May 22^nd 2020.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

SLEEPWULF Release New Single - WIZARD SLAYER - From Their Upcoming New Album

Swedish Doom Rockers - SLEEPWULF - release their storming new single - Wizard Slayer - from their upcoming self-titled new album due for release digitally on March 6th 2020 and on Vinyl on April 10th 2020 via Cursed Tongue Records. 

You can pre-order the album here on Vinyl via Cursed Tongue Records from March 06th 2020.

Links

https://www.facebook.com/sleepwulf

https://sleepwulf.bandcamp.com/

Marijannah - Istanah (Album Review)

Release date: December 06^th 2019 (Digital) / January 31^st 2020 (Vinyl). Label: Cursed Tongue Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Istanah – Tracklisting

1. Bloodsucker

2. 1966

3. Full Moon

4. Shapeless

5. Spider Walk With Me

6. Pluto

Members

Muhd Azri – bass guitar

Nicholas Wong – drums and vocals

Rasyid Juraimi – guitar and vocals

Nicholas Ng – guitar and vocals

Review

My favourite Singaporean hoodlums, Marijannah, are back with the follow-up to their excellent debut, ‘Till Marijannah’. The new wax, entitled ‘Istanah’, is equally great in all aspects as its predecessor, any way you look at it. Even better, Marijannah are not playing it safe. It still sounds like them but a really nice strong twist, akin to Mars Red Sky, has been added and this turned out perfect. They have also gotten heavier and trippier on top of this, so naturally, ‘Istanah’ is absolutely brilliant!

Opener ‘Bloodsucker’, also the first single off of ‘Istanah’, epitomises the entire album and the change Marijannah has gone through. It explodes out of the gates being almost Death Metal…for about 75 seconds. Then the band settle in with the Mars Red Sky vibes which flows so eloquently through the songs from then on, you know what I’m talking about. Stoner rock and trippiness. Although ‘Bloodsucker’ retain more of the new-found heaviness, just listen to those riffs and the solos, man. And that earth-shattering middle section. Fantastic! ‘1966’, the second single of the album follows keeping the pace a touch slower with elegant hints towards the old Palm Springs scene. All while hypnotising and mesmerising the listener. The music envelops you immediately and doesn’t let go until you are cleansed and reinvigorated. Beautiful, indeed. ‘Full Moon’ is by and far the shortest song Marijannah has ever released. At 1.38 with only a minimalistic yet disturbing music background, this brief composition hits all the emotions there is.

‘Shapeless’ really brings the stoner metal mixed with doom. Slow, menacing, heavy and trippy it simply crushes anything in its way. It is one of those amazing songs where you can lose yourself, as long as you want to and you should, trust me! ‘Spider Walk With Me’ opens up in full punk mode before switching to something akin to Voivod playing stoner. This weaves back and forth until they drop in tempo and goes into a spaced out trippy mode. Kind of claustrophobic and disturbing but in the best possible way because music shouldn’t always be easy. It should be challenging at times and keep you, the listener, on your toes. And that’s what ‘Spider Walk With Me’ does. ‘Pluto’ is the last song out and it starts out kind of like its predecessor. Full of slow, lurking doom and stoner rock which turns into a space journey through exploding super novas during the solos. Marijannah definitely takes you somewhere new and uncharted and I am absorbing and loving every little bit of it!

Marijannah blew me away with their debut especially because the music was great but also since I knew nothing of them back in 2018. And I love it when unknown bands through me of my foundations. Again, they kind of surprised me because I didn’t know the sophomore record was in the making. As with the debut, the new wax, ‘Istanah’ simply clears the playing field letting Marijannah dominate and take control. And that’s how it should be. These guys are fantastic and deserve so much recognition, so don’t miss out people. Watch out for the Singaporean juggernaut!

Words by Håkan Nyman

Thanks to Niels at Cursed Tongue Records for the promo.

Istanah is available to buy digitally now. The vinyl will be available to buy from January 31st 2019 via Cursed Tongue Records.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Hazemaze - Hymns Of The Damned (Album Review)

Release date: November 23rd 2019. Label: Ripple Music (CD) / Cursed Tongue Records (Vinyl). Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Hymns Of The Damned – Tracklisting

1.Shadow in the Night 06:36

2.Morbid Lust 05:19

3.Thrill Seeker 05:24

4.Lobotomy 05:56

5.Solicitor of Evil 06:56

6.Green River 03:33

7.Reverend Death 03:47

8.Forever Trapped in Hell 04:11

Members

Ludvig Andersson (Guitar/Vocals)

Nils Ein (Drums)

Estefan Carrillo (Bass)

Review

Hymns Of The Damned is the new album Swedish Fuzz/Doom/Stoner Rockers and it sees the band continue their Heavy Rock/Metal journey inspired by the classic 70s Hard Rock sound. The album is quite a confident affair with the band playing addictive grooves that feel influenced by bands such as Black Sabbath and Uncle Acid but with a more addictive Fuzz/Stoner Rock sound.

Opening song – Shadow In The Night – dives head on into the Doom Metal sound with heavy grooves aligning themselves to a more threatening Stoner/Fuzz based approach. The vocals are loud, brash and full-on from the start but the music is where the magic happens with this highly talented Power-Trio proving they can play some epic riffs of their own. The band do play some finely tuned psychedelic guitar solos along the way which is quite refreshing to hear.

Second song – Morbid Lust – as you can tell from the song title carries on with the almost Occult/Doom Metal approach with a heavy bass riff opening the song before the heavy gloomy guitars take centre-stage and drive the action to the very end. The vocals are definitely inspired by 70s Classic Doom Rock/Metal with the lyrics having quite an Occult feel to them. The music can be too theatrical and classed too “Retro” at times but there is an addictive charm to it all.

Third song – Thrill Seeker – has a more “Garage Rock” feel to it with the vintage production that is contained on the song. This isn’t as polished as the opening two songs but is the most intriguing. As the band feel truly alive on this song despite the raw sound and manic energy of it all. This feels like Hazemaze have stripped everything back for a true sounding 70s Doom/Stoner Rock offering and it ends up being perhaps the best song on the entire album.

Hazemaze follow the same path for the rest of the album with the band further exploring their strangely wonderful Doom/Fuzz/Stoner Metal hybrid sound with a few dangerous Psychedelic twists and turns along the way. Songs such as Lobotomy, Solicitor Of Evil and Reverend Death sees Hazemaze selling their creative souls to SATAN himself with some epic riffs being played just for the sheer FUN of it all.

The production is handled superbly well. As it sees the band play a fine balance between 70s Doom Metal and even modern sounding Fuzz/Stoner Metal atmospherics.

If you’re looking for old-school Doom Metal thrills and spills but with a more modern approach then you should give Hymns Of The Damned a spin. As it’s quite an exciting and action-packed listen that even LUCIFER himself would approve of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage PR for the promo. Hymns Of The Damned is available to buy now via the following labels and formats:

Cursed Tongue Records – Vinyl
Ripple Music – CD

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Exclusive Video Premiere Of HAZEMAZE New Song - SHADOW IN THE NIGHT

Swedish Doom Rockers - HAZEMAZE - will be releasing their highly anticipated new album Hymns Of The Damned on November 22nd 2019 through Cursed Tongue Records and Ripple Music.

We'll be reviewing their album at a later date. Though if you want to know what to expect you can read JJ's at The Obelisk review right now.

Hazemaze and Cursed Tongue Records have allowed me to exclusively premiere the video for Shadow In The Night from their upcoming new album.



Thanks to Hazemaze and Cursed Tongue Records for the info.

You will be able to pre-order the album soon from Cursed Tongue Records and Ripple Music

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Hippie Death Cult - 111 (Album Review)

Release date: July 26th 2019 (Digital)/August 23^rd 2019 (Vinyl). Label: Cursed Tongue Records (Vinyl). Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

111 – Tracklisting

1. Sanctimonious

2. Breeder’s Curse

3. Unborn

4. Mrtyu

5. Pigs

6. Treehugger

7. Black Snake

Members

Eddie Brnabic : Guitar

Laura Phillips : Bass

Ryan Moore : Drums

Ben Jackson : Vocals/Keys

Review

111 is the new album from Hippie Death Cult and it’s quite a highly psychedelic mix of Doom Metal, Stoner Rock, Grunge and classic Hard Rock sounds. The album is quite brooding and heavy from the start with Hippie Death Cult creating a complex sounding atmosphere that is influenced by Black Sabbath and Soundgarden in places especially on the excellent opening song – Sanctimonious.

Sanctimonious sees Hippie Death Cult playing a hybrid Doom Meta/Grunge sound with the heavy atmosphere moving between Black Sabbath style heaviness and soaring Grunge melodies. Even the vocals have a slight Chris Cornell influence to them. The lyrics are very cool and allows Hippie Death Cult music to grow naturally. The listener becomes part of the action with the swirling psychedelic noises working best when the Grunge rhythms appear. This is a fantastic song to open the album with.

Second song – Breeder’s Curse – is straight up Doom/Stoner Rock song with plenty of anger and attitude to match. The riffs are loud, confident and angry from the start. You can hear a little bit of FUZZ ROCK starting to appear as Hippie Death Cult change their style of music for this song. The heavy guitars pitch the perfect balance between classic seventies Doom/Hard Rock and more modern Fuzz/Stoner Rock grooves.

Third song – Unborn – is a song lasting past the eight-minute mark and Hippie Death Cult open with a creepy and almost occult Blues Rock riff. The song takes time to fully get going as Hippie Death Cult add many different genres for a heavier and progressive sound. This is easily one of the best songs on the album as Hippie Death Cult have more fun with this song and the Doom Metal based riffs are quite direct in places. The gloomy lyrics and passionate vocals will leave you wanting more.

Fourth song – Mrtyu – is an instrumental Psychedelic Folk Rock song that is superbly played from start to finish. It’s quite soothing to listen to and is a stark contrast to the other songs held on the album. I will admit that I wanted some heavy sounds to appear on this song. Though, it’s a cool change of pace and I admire the band for including this song on the album.

Anyway, the band get back playing their usual Hard Rock/Doom Metal/Grunge based melodies on the superb song – Pigs. This song has a Classic Hard Rock feel with HDS adding a distinctive Led Zep/Aerosmith approach to their overall sound. The vocals feel inspired by Chris Cornell again and I loved how the soulful vocals soon give way for the darker and heavier progressive guitars riffs to work their magic.

The final two songs Treehugger and Black Snake are more psychedelic but Hippie Death Cult still carry on playing their addictive Doom/Grunge hybrid sound and sees 111 ending on an exciting finish.

Hippie Death Cult should be mightily proud of this release. As 111 is a richly rewarding and deeply engaging album that becomes better with each subsequent listen.

Words by Steve Howe

111 will be available to buy on Digital from July 26th 2019 and on Vinyl from August 23rd  via Cursed Tongue Records.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

SOLAR HALOS - New Album COILED LIGHT Released Today. New Video Of - THE LIVING TIDE

USA Psych/Doom Rockers SOLAR HOLAS release their first album in 5 years with Coiled LIght. The digital album is released today and the vinyl will be released May 10th 2019 via Cursed Tongue Records which you can pre-order here.

To celebrate the digital album release you can see their epic new video for the amazing single - The Living Tide - from their epic new album.

My review stated the album was - " Coiled Light becomes more of a cinematic experience and that’s down to both the fantastic production and musicianship held on the album."

"Coiled Light has quickly become one of my favourite albums this year and I’m not afraid to admit that the album will be in my Top Five Records of this year. It’s simply that good."

Coiled Light will be available to buy digitally on April 12th 2019. The Vinyl will be released via Cursed Tongue Records in May 2019.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Solar Halos - Coiled Light (Album Review)

Release date: April 12^th 2019. Label: Cursed Tongue Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Coiled Light – Tracklisting

1.The Living Tide

2.Personal Levee

3.Ground the Fire

4.River of Grass

5.Conduit

6.Coiled Light

7.Nebulas

Members

John Crouch

Nora Rogers

Eddie Sanchez

Review

They say “Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder” and that can be said for Solar Halos and their epic new album – Coiled Light. This is the band’s first album in five years and one that will be released by the cool folks over at Cursed Tongue Records. I’m a huge fan of Solar Halos debut album which was released back in 2014 and on sadly missed record label Devouter Records. It ranked as one of my favourite albums of that year.

Solar Halos are a Psychedelic Doom Rock/Metal bands with elements of Heavy Sludge and Stoner Rock woven into their heavy sound. The band are influenced by a wide range of different bands across a different spectrum of musical genres. However Solar Halos still have a heavy and stylish Psychedelic edge of their own.

Opening song – The Living Tide – soon springs to life with a heavy pulsating psychedelic doomed out sound before Nora’s vocals appear which add a slightly caustic approach and offers a reflective Doom based vibe. The music moves comfortably at its own pace that soon gives way to a heavier style of Sludge/Noise Rock progressive riffs. The gloomy atmospherics show that Solar Halos are a different band compared to their debut album. As the band are more direct with their music.

Second song – Personal Levee – offers a more personal song from the band. As the lyrics are quite heartfelt and emotional in places. However, the music is an atmospheric and gloomy experience with the layers of Psychedelic and Spaced Out Doom Rock having a soulful groove to them and having a complex rhythm to them. The song is one of the standout tracks on the album and one that leaves you wanting more.

Third song - Ground The Fire – is one of the heaviest songs on the album with Solar Halos playing a more Sludge/Doom Metal driven sound. The song can be quite cold and distant in places but it shows how Solar Halos have added more emotional depth to their music since their debut album. Expect a nightmarish trip into the darker side of Solar Halos.

Fourth song - River Of Grass – opens with an ambient and drone based riff that soon expands to a heavier gloomy psychedelic sound. The song is perhaps the bleakest and heaviest song held on the album. The lyrics and vocals once again demand your full attention. The song ends with psychedelic and ambient drone sounds leading into the next song.

The other three songs on the album – Conduit, Coiled Light and Nebulas – carry on the heavy Space Rock theme that Solar Halos build their heavy music upon. The atmosphere can be quite intense especially on Coiled and Nebulas. The music is rich and quite varied compared to the first half of the album.

The production is first rate and gives Solar Halos music quite an epic feel especially with the heavier Sludge/Doom Metal parts appear. Coiled Light becomes more of a cinematic experience and that’s down to both the fantastic production and musicianship held on the album.

Coiled Light has quickly become one of my favourite albums this year and I’m not afraid to admit that the album will be in my Top Five Records of this year. It’s simply that good.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Niels at Cursed Tongue Records for the promo. Coiled Light will be available to buy digitally on April 12th 2019. The Vinyl will be released via Cursed Tongue Records in May 2019.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Palace In Thunderland - The King Of The Empty Aeon (Album Review)

Release date: February 22nd 2019. Label: Fuzz Doom Records/Cursed Tongue Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

The King Of The Empty Aeon – Tracklisting

1. The King Of The Empty Aeon

2. Float Away

3. Vicarious

4. What Is Human?

5. This Illusion's Come Alive

6. What Is Sanity?

7. Fragments

8. What Is Reality?

9. The Word Unspoken

Members

Andy Beresky- guitar, vocals

Monte Newman - guitar, vocals

Adam Abrams - bass guitar, vocals

Matt Netto - drums, vocals

Review

Strangely I have never heard of this amazing band before. Even more so since I really like founder Andy Beresky's other band, Black Pyramid, a lot. Couldn't have gotten a better introduction to them though with 'The King Of The Empty Aeon', the band's first output in four years. It’s wonderful amalgamation of different styles and thoughts where Palace In Thunderland deftly blend it all together while creating a beautiful head trip.

Opener and the title track, ‘The King Of The Empty Aeon’ comes with loads of vocal and guitar harmonies akin to Baroness with the heaviness of Mastodon. Brave, excellent beginning. ‘Float Away’ , has a kind of a 'Major Tom' feel to it in the slower parts mixed with wonderful nods to Baroness. Melodic and haunting it leads into ‘Vicarious’. Vocally kind of punkish but with fantastic guitar harmonizing, twists, turns and neck-breaking speed, all while the rhythm section slays…wonderful! The pace is brought down on the exciting ‘What is Human?’ allowing a very insightful side to the proceedings. This despite being instrumental but oftentimes the absence of words opens up one’s mind better and burrows deep into the psyche. ‘This Illusion’s Come Alive’ keeps a mid-tempo pace for the most part, even though certain segments are bone-crushing heavy. Loads of ebb and flow kind of like if Baroness and Mastodon had a child together and I love it!

‘What Is Sanity?’ brings a lot of build-up and anticipation and acts in a way as the perfect intro to the amazing ‘Fragments’. Big tips of the hat to both Baroness and Torche and it’s in-yer-face from the get-go. Hooks and harmonies to die for reels you in while Palace In Thunderland gives no respite whatsoever. I feel so elated after this one and can only beg for more. ‘What Is Reality?’ is very short but on point as it leads into ‘The Word Unspoken’. Almost a pop feel to it – no don’t fret, people – where melody, hooks and harmonizing allows the band to take wide turns. They paint a wonderful landscape and could care less what people think. And that’s how it should be.

So glad I was introduced to this magnificent band who are somewhat of a game-changer. What I mean is that lately more and more bands are breaking free from genre rules and sandboxing. Palace In Thunderland are certainly part of this movement and it’s such a joy and pleasure to hear a band like this. Fantastic musicianship amalgamated with a care-free approach doesn’t get much better. Now I have to back track and check out their past and I can’t wait!

Words by Håkan Nyman

Thanks to Leanne at Mettle Media PR and Niels at Cursed Tongue Records for the promo.

The King Of The Empty Aeon is available to buy on CD/DD/Cassette Tape now via Fuzz Doom Records. 

The Vinyl will be released in April 2019 via Cursed Tongue Records.

Links:

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