Veilcaste - Hellward (Album Review)

Release Date: September 04th 2026. Record Label: Third House Communication. Format: CD/DD/Tape/Vinyl

Hellward - Tracklist

1.Embedded 

2.Chains 

3.Altar of Ecstasy 

4.Vore

5.Anchored

6.Hellward

7.Worn in Stone

8.I am the Guillotine

Members

Chris Cruz - Drums

Dustin Mendel - Vocals

T Garrett O’Sha - Guitar

John Rau - Guitar & Vocals

Gabe Whitcomb - Bass

Additional Instrumentation

Carl Byers - Keys on Altar of Ecstasy, 12 String & Feedback on Vore

Chris Cruz - Guitar Solo on Embedded

John Rau - Keys & 12 String on Anchored, Shaker on Hellward, Classical on I am the Guillotine

Review

Doom/Sludge Metallers Veilcaste return with their new album Hellward and allows the band to be closer aligned to the likes of Mastodon, High On Fire, Neurosis, YOB, Monolord and Motorhead. These are bands that allow the band to solidify their intense style of Progressive Sludge Metal which has the great style of Psych, Doom, Ambient Metal and Stoner Metal compounds for perhaps their most aggressive and catchiest album yet. 

Hellward allows Velicaste to offer a heavier style of SONIC fuelled melodies with a sprinkling of Thrash Metal madness within the first half of the record on tracks such as Hellward, Chains and Altar Of Ecstasy. The vocals from Dustin Mendel and John Rau have a great contrast to each other especially when the chanting based vocals appear. This gives Veilcaste a slight Space Rock edge with the rest of the band instantly becoming Spaced Out Riff Wizards but with an intense gloomy delivery that’s played throughout your speakers.

The lyrics are quite aggressive and have that classic HIGH ON FIRE and MASTODON energy to them with a real grounded sense to them. The use of LOW & SLOW mechanics is another great aspect that Veilcaste have been using more and more on their last few releases. This elevates their Psych Metal aspect of their sound to a heavier level of ambient awareness as Veilcaste’s music becomes more Post-Doom and Spaced Out obsessive right up to the very end.

Hellward once again undergoes a minor creative shift with a harsh Post-Metallic within the excellent standout tracks of Altar Of Ecstasy and Vore with intricate Sludge Metal rhythms being quite direct though it’s the brutality of the lyrics that make the real impression. Veilcaste pull no punches with their lyrics as you feel you’re getting knocked out by those alone and I loved when the band ventured into Post-Rock surroundings but still maintaining their Heavy Metal composure.

The second half of the album has a frenzied Post-Metal atmosphere with a real end of the world quality as Veilcaste offer a bleaker narrative with faster grooves and violent fuzzier sonic melodies with hidden distorted guitars being demonstrated on tracks: Anchored and Hellward. 

The record does become quite fantastical but it works to Veilcaste’s advantage as they bring a real classic Science Fiction and Horror aspect to the record which makes the album really standout. The duelling vocals from Duston and John feel like they’re completely battling each other for complete control on where the album is meant to go. This is thrilling and violently loud spectacle to experience with Velicaste unexpectedly adding layers of Drone and Distortion to their sound which gives Hellward quite an unpredictable quality.

Credit must also got to the other band members of Veilcaste (Chris Cruz - Drums, T Garrett O’Sha - Guitar and Gabe Whitcomb - Bass) as they also play their part in creating an absolute masterclass of modern day Doom/Sludge Metal that has a classic Post-Metal attitude bringing massive waves of destructive grooves to annihilate everything in Veilcaste’s wake.

Hellward is perhaps the album that finally allows Veilcaste to get noticed outside the confinements of the underground Heavy Metal scene and propel them onto greater things. The guys deserve this as they have delivered with their best record to date which leaves you wholly satisfied even if you are left emotionally drained and a shivering wreck when listening to this amazing album.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Third House Communications and Blood Wisdom PR for the promo.

Hellward is available to buy now on CD, Digital Download, Tape and Vinyl via Third House Communications.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

DRUIDESS announces UK tour with Morag Tong

Following their performances on the Sunday of this year's Masters of the Riff festival, two of the UK Doom Underground's standouts are going on tour together this October.

Morag Tong have been staples of the heavy music scene for a decade now, with their latest album released through Majestic Mountain Records. Drawing on a wealth of influences across the psych, sludge and doom landscapes with lyrical themes of existential wonder and the natural world.

Support for this run comes from fast-rising Newcastle Proto-metal quartet DRUIDESS, whose debut album 'Trip Meadow' has garnered strong reviews from the likes of Metal Hammer and Classic Rock.

Morag Tong + DRUIDESS

September 2026

30th LONDON – Black Heart

October 2026

1st BRIGHTON – Prine Albert
2nd BIRMINGHAM – Scruffy Murphys
3rd BRISTOL – Moor Beer
8th NEWCASTLE – Lubber Fiend
9th DUNDEE – Hidden
10th GLASGOW – La Chunky Studio

Tickets to all shows are on sale now.

DRUIDESS released their critically acclaimed fuzz-drenched debut album, Trip Meadow, arriving on June 26th 2026

Forged in Newcastle upon Tyne, home of Venom, Shearer and Greggs, Trip Meadow is an unashamed and self-proclaimed Iommi-worship with nods to the psychedelic-drenched Organ of The Doors and brief forays of Cocktail-Lounge Sax. Recorded by producer Chris Taylor at NoiseBoy Studio, the album captures the band’s live energy that has seen them make waves in the UK doom underground with appearances at Masters of the Riff, Byker Grave Festival, Tonehenge and Cosmic Vibration Festival.

Get it HERE: www.druidess.co.uk

Watch “The Forest Witch’s Daughter” Official Music Video HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKl4ZAxmSM8

And “Knightingales” Official Music Video HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgeZ7jro1ho

Photo credit: Idene Roozbayani

Find Druidess at

www.druidess.co.uk
www.druidessuk.bandcamp.com
www.instagram.com/druidessuk
www.facebook.com/druidessuk

Thanks to Palmer Turner Overdrive for the details.

Moon Destroys - OMNI (Album Review)

Release Date: September 04th 2026. Record Label: Blues Funeral Recordings. Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

OMNI - Tracklist

1.Invasion

2.Flowers 

3.My Eyes 

4.Motion Sickness

5.Kingdom

6.After

7.Sowing Stars

8.Missing Wish 

9.Nocturne

10.Lost Hearts

11.She Cried

Members

Juan Montoya - Guitar

Evan Diprima - Drums/Bass/Synth

Zachary Amster - Vocals/Guitar

Review

Sludge/Stoner Metallers Moon Destroys make a welcome return with their powerful new album OMNI which also sees a change behind the scenes with their last vocalist Charlie Suárez being replaced with Zachary Amster from the mighty ABRAMS. OMNI does see a small dramatic shift for Moon Destroys as they explore a more emotional journey with their music which reflects how the music is played throughout and the excellent lyrics that can be quite hard-hitting at times.

You can feel all the members' experiences of performing with the likes of TORCHE, FLOOR, Royal Thunder and Abrams being used to great effect on this record whilst creating their own great distinctive style of music. The band explore areas of Psych, Doom, Sludge, Shoegaze, Alt-Rock, Post-Rock and Stoner Metal with an equally satisfying “DOOM-POP” melodic sound that has a thrilling cinematic energy to it all.

The best part of the record for me is the multi-layered synths played by Evan Diprima and Zachary Amaster which allows Juan Montoya to create some of his best sludgy grooves in years whilst demonstrating why he’s one of the seminal musicians to emerge from the legendary Florida underground Heavy Rock/Heavy Metal scene.

There is a similar tone and shift that was developed for their celebrated debut album She Walks By Moonlight but Moon Destroys add a frenzied Sludge Rock sound that soon disappears into the Alt Rock landscape with a similar strategy that’s been used on the last few Abrams records. The whole Psychedelic energy can be quite dark and gloomy when you least expect this with Moon Destroys shifting from that Doom-Pop vibe to an aggressive metallic appearance which appears through the majority of the tracks.

From the very opening track of invasion that instantly pulls you into a sweet natured distorted environment with highly atmospheric sounds, upbeat melodies and stirring vocals which Moon Destroys keep that massive amplified wall of sound going to the very end. The songs go under small changes of transformation with the lyrics adding deeper levels of personal meaning and growth for the band which they use to their own great advantage. 

The hooks, melodies and swirling ambient grooves become quite daring on tracks such as: Flowers, My Eyes, Kingdom, Sowing Stars, Lost Hearts and the standout track of She Cried. These songs are where Moon Destroys impress the most by combining intelligent lyrics with real grounded appeal whilst playing music that allows each member to impress with their own sublime technical ability. 

OMNI offers quite a darker and fascinating narrative compared to She Walks By Midnight with Moon Destroys perhaps more confident with themselves and developing areas of music that could move them closer to become “breakout” stars of the underground scene. As I stated before, the main standout here for me is the synths which drift you into a different world but with the rest of Moon Destroy developing and playing riffs that keeps everything grounded especially within the haunting final track She Cries. 

OMNI is a beautifully realised record that’s brilliantly produced Moon Destroys definitely showing their “true” potential and showcasing their own great style of Heavy Psych and Doomed Out music for the underground masses to fall in love with.

Amazing. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

OMIN is now available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Blues Funeral Recordings.

MOON DESTROYS links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Fallen Letters - A Familiar Absence (Single Review)

Release Date: July 09th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Released. Format: DD

A Familiar Absence - Tracklist

A Familiar Absence

Members

Vocals / Guitars / Synths – Vishal Naidu

Guitars – Aditya Ramesh

Bass – Abhay

Drums – Mukund

Review

Progressive Metallers Fallen Letters blend Prog, Psych, Post-Metal and Alt-Metal into a myriad of different styles that calls upon the likes of OPETH, KATATONIA and Deftones. The band originate from Bangalore, India but on their latest track A Familiar Absence you would think they’re from the Scandinavian or American Metal scenes. As they have quite a highly polished and superbly realized sound that marries the Extreme Metal and Underground Metal worlds superbly well.

The vocals move between Death Growls and Doom Metal surroundings with a violent undercurrent of Thrash and Death Metal appearing the background. The subtle switch to different areas of rock and metal serves Fallen Letters amazingly well. Their 2025 album Mindfractures has a different sound to this track which perhaps allows the band to be quite grounded and progressive with their music. Their sound is quite abstract with small waves of Prog Rock, Psych Rock and modern day Doom transforming into fast-paced and intense instrumental melodies. 

The majority of music that I’ve experienced from the Indian Heavy Metal underground scene has been limited down to a great mix of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal bands but I was mighty impressed from what I’ve heard from Fallen Letters with their recent album and their latest track A Fallen Absence. It may take a few listens to fully get accustomed to Fallen Letters' way of delivering pounding grooves but it’s a journey worth taking time and time again. 

A Familiar Absence is a great track for the band to introduce themselves with that ultimately leaves you wanting to hear more.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Celophys - Neanderthal (Album Review)

Release Date: August 21st 2026. Record Label: Robustfellow Prods. Format: Download/Tape

Neanderthal - Tracklist

1.Neanderthal 09:45

2.Mammoth March 09:04

3.TAWA 12:29

4.Paleo Dub 09:50

Members

Oleksandr Beregovyi - Everything

Review

One Man Doom/Sludge Metal wrecking crew Celophys are back with their massive sounding sixth album Neanderthal where they continue their heavy metal expedition into the far reaches of Doom, Sludge, Stoner, Psych and Drone Metal. The record is buried under layers of distorted fuzz with the music moving slightly further into the murky abyss of Black Metal along the way which comes mostly through the gut-wrenching vocals.

Celophys take the well established route of LOW & SLOW based grooves and match this against the AMPLIFIER FEEDBACK which can be unapologetically slow the best of times. If you’re a fan of CONAN, THOU, INDIAN and PRIMITIVE MAN then Celophys have every right to be mentioned in the same breath as those amazing bands. The music has that primal energy which allows the whole thing to be quite trippy, cerebral and spaced out with gloomy atmospherics adding a progressive Drone aspect to appear throughout every individual track.

The opening title track allows Celophys to lay down the groundwork and house rules for the album to follow with long drawn out distorted Sludge Metal rhythms that’s paired against a Droned Out vibe which pushes the Stoner Metal energy into a more destructive style. The vocals are quite abstract and sometimes make no sense but you can’t help being moved by the whole journey. The record is subversively progressive with the multiple levels of fractured and gloomy creative energy which sees Celophys bringing unholy entities into the world. 

The record perhaps works best when the LOUD WALL OF AMPLIFIED NOISE doesn’t have much Psychedelic and Kinetic energy driving the music to its next dramatic conclusion especially within tracks such as Mammoth March and TAWA. As there’s a violent undercurrent of overworked amps, violent slabs of reverb and distorted feedback creating long-drawn out sounds that will pummel you into submission. The sound is quite grounded with Celophys never wavering from creating violent Sludge/Stoner Metal anthems you can easily lose yourself in.

Bands such as Sunn 0))) and EARTH can be heard as direct musical influences along the way but with Celophys being six albums into their extraordinary career, they’re making highly original sounds of their own making. The album does have some great riff-centric passages which allows Celophys to show a great style of melody where the instrumental passages are played out for a very long time but allows the listener to absorb in one full sitting.

Neanderthal is a superb record and showcases once again what the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal underground scene is truly capable of and one that the mainstream / commercial scenes can never fully deliver. A record that’s absolutely brimming with intense grooves which leaves you wanting more and fully satisfied at the same time. 

This is a first rate album which you should add to your record collections right now.

Words by Steve Howe

Neanderthal is available to buy now on Digital Download/Cassette Tape via Robustfellow Prod.

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Pomroe - Heavy Drama (EP Review)

Release Date: August 15th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Heavy Drama - Tracklist

1.Tabby 05:05

2.Outside 03:58

3.Cover the whole 02:19

4.Slime 04:05

5.Center 04:29

Members

Maria Zgoda - guitar/bass, vocals

Paweł Zychowicz - guitar

Bartłomiej Czajkowski - drums

Review

Heavy Drama is the debut EP from Doom/Grunge/Sludge/Stoner Rockers Pomroe who have emerged from the Polish Heavy Rock underground scene and they have similar sounds to bands that have already made their presence known over the years. There’s a stubborn and aggressive attitude to Pomroe which makes their music have an uneasy atmosphere which is heard very early on within their debut release.

There’s an early Deftones presence which allows Pomroe build a determined level of intense murky sounds with a gloomy attitude appearing within tracks such as Tabby and Outside. There’s a slight Post-Punk and Alt-Metal movement heard within how the music is delivered. This has some disjointed and stripped back elements which gives the music a slight chaotic feel but the committed enthusiasm of Pomroe to deliver some great sounding Sludge/Stoner Metal ideas throughout..

The vocals from Maria Zgoda feel quite different to what I originally anticipated. As they’re quite grounded but perhaps best suited to a full on Alt-Metal or Post-Metal style of music and not music such as Pomroe ultimately deliver. However, this works to Pomroe’s advantage as it gives the band a great sullen vibe or energy of their own making where you can hear echoes of TOOL and A Perfect Circle emerging on tracks such as Tabby, Outside and Slime.

The music on the later stages of Heavy Drama has a great Post-Doom / Post-Sludge methodology appearing whilst exploring areas of Drone and Distortion which can only be described as pure paranoia in cases. There’s an underlying sense of dread developing which has the hallmarks of early-era Nine Inch Nails but fully contained within the world of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal.

Heavy Drama does feel unpolished at times but this only adds to the uncomfortable feeling you get from listening to the EP and makes it an even better audio experience as a result. It’s not perfect and is perhaps best described as a “WORK IN PROGRESS" but Pomroe have piqued my interest and I’m definitely interested to hear what they will be releasing next. 

Great stuff.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Exclusive Song & Video Premiere Of Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers VEILCASTE Stunning Track CHAINS From Upcoming New Album

Forged in Indianapolis, Indiana, Veilcaste has spent the better part of fifteen years crafting music that is as //emotionally weighty as it is sonically crushing. Emerging from the band's earlier incarnation as Conjurer, Veilcaste represents both an evolution in identity and a continued commitment to writing immersive, riff-driven doom and sludge that resonates long after the final note fades.

Drawing from the bleak atmosphere of traditional doom, the raw power of sludge metal, and the expansive dynamics of post-metal, Veilcaste creates songs that balance massive, earth-shaking riffs with moments of haunting melody and introspection. Their music explores themes of personal struggle, perseverance, loss, and the complexities of the human experience, delivering a sound that is both punishing and deeply reflective.

The band's previous full-length, Precipice, showcased their ability to weave towering heaviness with thoughtful songwriting, earning praise throughout the underground doom community and further establishing them as one of the Midwest's standout heavy acts.

Now entering a new chapter, Veilcaste has partnered with Louisville, Kentucky-based Third House Communications to support the release of their upcoming album, Hellward. The collaboration marks the band's most ambitious campaign to date as they continue expanding their reach while remaining true to the uncompromising sound that has defined them since their inception.

Whether commanding a stage with their thunderous live performance or constructing dense, emotionally charged studio recordings, Veilcaste continues to push forward with unwavering authenticity, proving that the heaviest music can also be among the most human.

Veilcaste Also announced a couple of shows for the release around the first weekend of September.

9/4/26 Indianapolis, In at Black Circle with Lexington based Crop, Cincinnati based Lordship and Indianapolis based Thorr-Axe

9/5/26 Cincinnatti, Oh with Lexington based Crop and Cincinnatti based Lordship

These shows are going to be absolute rippers!

Thanks to Veilcaste and Third House Communications we're excited to premiere the heavy as hell new single and video for CHAINS for the upcoming new album HELLWARD:

Veilcaste Lineup

Chris Cruz - Drums

Dustin Mendel - Vocals

T Garrett O’Sha - Guitar

John Rau - Guitar & Vocals

Gabe Whitcomb - Bass

Additional Instrumentation

Carl Byers - Keys on Altar of Ecstasy, 12 String & Feedback on Vore

Chris Cruz - Guitar Solo on Embedded

John Rau - Keys & 12 String on Anchored, Shaker on Hellward, Classical on I am the Guillotine

HELLWARD is available for pre-order now on CD, Digital Download, Tape and Vinyl which will be released on September 04th 2026 via Third House Communications.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Thanks to Tom at Third House Communications for all of the details.

BEES MADE HONEY IN THE VEIN TREE reveal music video 'Clutching at Straws' taken from new album "In Between Strides"

BEES MADE HONEY IN THE VEIN TREE reveal the music video 'Clutching at Straws' – and it is their very own sizzling song and not a cover of the MARILLION classic. This track has been selected as an advance single from the German shoegaze rockers' upcoming fourth album "In Between Strides", which is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, via Magnetic Eye Records.

Pre-orders are available HERE

Watch the video for 'Clutching at Straws' here:

BEES MADE HONEY comment: "I wrote the main riffs for 'Clutching at Straws' on acoustic guitar while composing another of my own songs", frontman Simon Weinrich writes. "When we hit a creative slump, I simply suggested playing those riffs during a band rehearsal. Once effects were added, they immediately took on a different energy. Lyrically, this song revolves around a restless and exhausting journey that expresses an inner restlessness and sense of being driven. It's certainly a state of mind that we are all familiar with at times."

Credit - Filmed & produced by Felix Keltsch & Konrad Kobiela

Tracklist:

1. Departure
2. Respite
3. Clutching at Straws
4. Elisa
5. Return, Precipice

When German four-piece BEES MADE HONEY IN THE VEIN TREE began to find their bearings on where to go next from the success of their previous full-length, "Aion" (2023), the core idea for the fourth album, "In Between Strides", was to take a more melodic approach. All else, they would leave to the creative process and somewhat to chance.

Recording one song at a time without knowing what the next would sound like, the track 'Elisa' was the first step forward and became the binding link between the previous and new albums. 'Elisa' came into being as a jam captured on the last day of recording during the "Aion" sessions, which was later heavily condensed and augmented with added instrumentation to create more structure and depth.

BEES MADE HONEY recorded every other song on "In Between Strides" in various settings that were available to them at the time of creation: a cavernous cellar, a concert stage, an indoor balcony, a living room, their rehearsal space, even returning to the studio where their first album "Medicine" was tracked.

Through this spontaneous and shifting approach, BEES MADE HONEY began to move texturally and stylistically from ambient and drone toward shoegaze along with more acoustic elements. According to their original plan, "In Between Strides" stepped into more melodic territory, with each song representing a different aspect of the band's musical vocabulary.

Lyrically, "In Between Strides" portrays a journey of uncertain outcomes, a departure, and a search for something not yet defined. Although this mirrors the experience of BEES MADE HONEY in finding new creative paths and ways of expression, the lyrics paint a broader picture that is not limited to the German's personal experiences or life-circumstances.

BEES MADE HONEY IN THE VEIN TREE originate from the Swabian capital and German city of Stuttgart. All four members grew up together, eventually forming the band in 2014. Their musical template of ambient psychedelic doom was established with the debut album "Medicine" in 2017, and their sound has continued to evolve ever since.

With their sophomore full-length "Grandmother" (2019), their sonic scope expanded through lower tunings, densely layered effects, faster passages, and harsher vocals. The Swabians began performing live, both at home and abroad, in front of continuously growing audiences. This development physically manifested in the recording and release of "Harvestmen (live)" in 2022.

BEES MADE HONEY took a leap forward with third full-length "Aion", which was widely praised by audiences and critics alike. This album features spacious, dynamic compositions that move from drifting tranquility to raging power in a constant tidal movement of spaced-out guitars, pounding basslines, and dripping drum fills.

While "Aion" easily transcended BEES MADE HONEY's psychedelic doom label into something deeper and more resonant, "In Between Strides" roams faster and further.

With "In Between Strides", BEES MADE HONEY have turned rage into reflection by developing a more organic and spontaneous approach to their songs, opening up wide spaces and letting the melodies flow freely. This musical honey tastes simply delicious.

Line-up

Simon Weinrich – guitar, vocals, Rhodes piano
Marc Dreher – drums, vocals, Rhodes piano
Lucas Dreher – guitar
Christopher Popowitsch – bass

Guest musicians

Luis Deffner (JAMHED) – piano on 'Elisa'

Recorded by Ralv Milberg at Zentrum Zinsholz, Ostfildern (DE)
Mixed by Ralv Milberg & Simon Weinrich at Milberg Studios, Stuttgart (DE)
Mastered by Ralv Milberg at Milberg Studios, Stuttgart (DE)

Artwork & layout by Christopher Popowitsch

Links

https://beesmadehoneyintheveintree.com
www.facebook.com/beesmadehoneyintheveintree
www.instagram.com/beesmadehoneyintheveintree

Thanks to All Noir and Magnetic Eye Records for the details.

Doom Metallers KAVRILA announce new album "Transcend“ (out November 6th 2026) / Video for single "Exhume“ and pre-order online!

KAVRILA have always referred to their sound as doom punk. On “Transcend”, that foundation remains intact while expanding far beyond its original boundaries. New textures, broader dynamics, and influences from across the heavy music spectrum turn the band's signature sound into its most ambitious and complete form to date, while remaining rooted in the raw intensity and emotional honesty that define the band.

“Transcend” is an album that tears you apart, gently puts you back together, and leaves you forever changed, a journey through pain, resilience, and hope.

You can watch the video fort he first single "Exhume“ now:

Furthermore the pre-order for the album has started now:

https://linktr.ee/kavrila

Rooted in themes of kinship, loss, self-destruction, healing, and rebirth, “Transcend”explores what happens when life strips everything away. It is about betrayal, grief, and confronting the darkest corners of yourself without looking away.

It is about smashing the walls around your heart and still choosing love over bitterness, honesty over comfort, and connection over isolation.

This album doesn't offer an escape from pain, it transforms through it. Because even in the deepest abyss, something new can emerge.

If you're looking for easy hits, you can fuck off. If you're just looking for background music to kill some time, you can fuck off. If you're afraid to dive all the way in, well, we're sorry to tell you: you can still fuck off.

But if life has thrown rocks at you, if the people you trusted stabbed you in the back, if the universe kept asking for more than you thought you could give, and you're still capable of taking a sledgehammer to the walls around your heart instead of building them even higher, then welcome.

Grab a drink. Get beautifully lost. Raise a shot with what Carl Jung would have called your shadow. Turn the volume up and join KAVRILA on a journey of liberation, as they burn down the walls surrounding the darkest, and purest parts of your soul.

"Transcend“ Tracklist:

1. Kinship
2. Domino
3. Heavy Breathing
4. Exhume
5. Defaced
6. Tenacity
7. Sway
8. Detention
9. The River
10. Cleansing
11. A Friend
Playing Time 42:33

KAVRILA Online:

https://kavrila.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kavrilaband/
https://www.instagram.com/kavrila_ritual

Sauros - Offense (Album Review)

Release Date: September 04th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Offense - Tracklist

1.C2O 

2.Offense

3.The Doomsayers Are Right 

4.In The End

5.Grey Ignorance

6.A New Ego In Nihilism

7.Misanthropic Freedom

8.Unnatural Selection In The Age Of Crisis 

9.Nostalgic Anxiety

Members

Doc - Vocals

Nobbe - Guitar

Seb - Bass

Frank - Drums

Review

Doom Metallers Sauros debut album Offense is a great collection of slow-paced Doom/Sludge Metal. The music is played at a very cool slow pace which allows the band to create a highly atmospheric and destructive DOOMED OUT environment to play their music against. The vocals have that classic HEAVY METAL gruff exterior which brings the muscular lyrics to life which you can hear superbly well on the opening tracks of C2O, Offense and The Doomsayers Are Right.

Offense often plays it straight with Sauros never wandering into Prog Metal territory which makes this record feel more authentic. There are moments of Psychedelic and Alt-Metal themes that develop with hidden outbursts of Post-Doom and Atmospheric Sludge surroundings. Sometimes Sauros feels like they’re using bands such as Metallica and Type O Negative for certain sections of the record. There’s a gloomy Thrash based delivery which is quite noticeable especially with the sullen guitar tones and excellent vocals from Doc. 

The vocals remain clean throughout with some harsh tones being injected into the mix only when they’re really needed. The slowcore aspect of Sauros’s music is what makes it really standout as they never play fast-paced melodies which may perhaps disturb the equilibrium of what the band are trying to deliver with Offense. 

Everything is quite bleak with socially aware lyrics helping Sauros’s message in spreading much doom and gloom on this record that’s actually possible on tracks such as The Doomsayers Are Right, In The End, Grey Ignorance, A New Ego In Nihilism and Unnatural Selection In The Age Of Crisis. These songs show Sauros in complete control deploying their own nihilistic style of Doom Metal which feel more unsettling and violent with the epic LOW & SLOW delivery that surrounds everything being played on the whole album.

The album is superbly aggressive in the volume department even with the stripped back production values that’s been applied here. However, this all adds to the gloomy and solitary audio experience that’s being played throughout your speakers of choice. The instrumental work is outstanding with Sauros playing each note, riff and melody with supreme confidence. 

Offense is quite a subversive record where the bleak and moody songs offer a dramatic chilling experience that even has a few nods to classic ELECTRIC WIZARD amplifier distortion which only adds a more menacing quality to the whole experience. 

Sauros really deliver on all fronts with Offense which I’m hoping allows them to become more well known within the underground Doom/Sludge Metal scene.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram