GRIN - Incantation (7 inch Single Review)

Release Date: August 29th 2025. Record Label: The Lasting Dose Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Incantation - Tracklisting

1.Incantation 03:54

2.The Color Of Ghosts 04:22

3.Echoes In The Static (Bonus Track) 04:24

Members

S. Oberg – Bass Guitar

J. Oberg – Drums, Vocals

Review

Sludge/Stoner Metallers GRIN return in spectacular fashion with their blazing new 7 inch single which features three tracks that could easily have fit within any of their brilliant albums especially their latest record Acid Gods that was released a few months ago. The sound is full of Slusge Metal aggression with GRIN’s trademark style of Distorted Psychedelics and slight Industrial based melodies that soon goes into Stoner Metal dynamics.

The opening title track Incantation has a nightmarish FUZZ METAL attitude that has a trippy HORROR based vibe that manifests into a surreal Industrial Rock/Metal element built around Jan’s outstanding vocals that is perhaps his scariest and most demonic sounding to date. Sabine’s bass have a devastating and apocalyptic quality to them which allows Jan’s drums to fully hold everything together. There’s a twisted sense of melody appearing which GRIN are absolute masters at. This is one powerful trip into the darker side of GRIN’s creative outlook.

Second track The Color Of Ghosts feels like GRIN are channelling their other projects such as Earth Ship and Slowshine with its sense of twisted Doom-Pop melodies and Sludge Rock aggression. The clean vocals are superb and allow GRIN to play a subdued style of music compared to the opening track. GRIN are at their creative best on this track as it shows a different side to them with a more hopeful based track that fans of FLOOR and TORCHE will love. The final stages sees GRIN return to the heavy Sludge Metal environment they’ve made their names with.

The final track Echoes In The Static is a fast-paced number with a Punk Rock attitude with the music being slightly chaotic with DIY production values that once again shows a different side to GRIN. The song definitely has a “LESS IS MORE” approach but still makes up for thrilling and bombastic beats with Jan’s drumming being quite erratic and unpredictable at times. I mean that as a huge compliment. Sabine’s bass has a dominant and direct vibe that makes it my favourite part of the whole track. The warped Psychedelic sound effects have a soaring and gloomy energy that allows GRIN to end this record in highly spectacular fashion.

Incantation is another epic release from GRIN that once again proves why they’re one of the finest and most hard working Sludge/Stoner Metal bands to emerge from the German underground scene. 

Yeah, I absolutely loved this twisted slice of HEAVY MUSIC and even though it’s only on for around thirteen minutes, this is an essential record to own. Outstanding once again from GRIN!!!

Words by Steve Howe

You can buy Incantation now on Digital Download and Vinyl from The Lasting Dose Records.

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Vinnum Sabbathi - Intersatelital (EP Review)

Release Date: June 17th 2025. Record Label: Stolen Body Records / Teschio Dischi. Formats: Cassette/DD/Vinyl

Intersatelital - Tracklisting

1.Centro de Control Espacial 01:40

2.Sistema de Satélites Morelos

3.Rodolfo Neri Vela

Members

Samuel García - Bass

Alberto Tamayo - Guitars

Roman Tamayo - Samples

Gerardo Arias - Drums

Review

One of the finest Instrumental Doom/Stoner Metal bands from the underground scene Vinnum Sabbathi return with Intersatelital which focuses upon the following:

Back in 1985, two satellites (Morelos I & II) were put in orbit under the NASA missions STS-51-G and STS-61-B. These satellites became crucial for advancing communications in Mexican territory and were controlled and monitored by Mexican engineers in the heart of Mexico City.

Mission STS-61-B also featured the first-ever Mexican astronaut, Dr Rodolfo Neri, who set several experiments in orbit as well as taking photo documentation of the country from space, and, with all of this, Mexico entered a new era of technology and communications.

A sonic testament of the intricate human-machine comradeship from the last century.

The EP itself once again sees Vinnum Sabbathi explore the heaviest areas of Spaced Out Doom but always bringing a sense of harsh reality to the mix which allows their music to be classed as Science Fact rather than Science Fiction. This hugely talented collective delve into realistic possibilities and craft an entire WORLD full of intense melodies that holds the right amount of Doom, Sludge, Stoner and Psychedelic passages which has seen them as perhaps one of the most dominant and important Cosmic Doom bands within the underground scene.

The music is constantly evolving and changing the way of the underground Instrumental Rock/Metal music for the better as Vinnum Sabbathi injects a highly original way of playing synths, sound effects and sludgy rhythms into the greater Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal vortex. Intersatelital is a genuine work of art especially on the standout lengthier tracks of Sistema de Satélites Morelo and Rodolfo Neri Vela. 

This release allows Vinnum Sabbathi to create a more reflective and stripped back sound which is also perhaps their most personal record to date with them focusing upon their beloved homeland of Mexico as its main focus. 

Vinnum Sabbathi once again conjures up intense Psychedelic rhythms and Cosmic surroundings that’s fuelled by a highly intelligent use of modern day of Progressive Stoner Metal which is an absolute joy to listen to. The EP is superbly produced and despite its short running time offers more action packed moments than some full length albums I’ve heard recently. 

After all is said and done, Intersatelital sees Vinnum Sabbathi at the top of their creative game and cement their reputation as one of the true greats of the underground scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Vinnum Sabbathi for the promo.

Intersatelital is available to buy on 10" vinyl via Stolen Body Records (UK) and Limited cassette via Teschio Dischi (Italy)

Links:

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SLOTH - Necromagicka (EP Review)

Release Date: March 21st 2025. Record Label: Doomshire Tapes. Formats: Cassette/DD

Necromagicka - Tracklisting

Mark Of The Occult

Necromagicka

Devil’s Gate (Live)

Slow Burn (Live)

Members

Ariel Pang - Guitar/ Vocals/ Psychic Spells

Justin Wan - Bass Guitar/ Fuzz

Andrew Ahn - Drums/ Space & Time

Review

Californian Proto/Doom/Stoner Metallers SLOTH return for another dark expedition into the Occult with their sludgy, seedy and fuzzed up aggressive slant of underground music which they created absolutely brilliantly on their acclaimed 2023 debut full length album. Their new EP Necromagicka features two new tracks and live versions of the two standout tracks from their debut release.

SLOTH opens the EP with Mark Of The Occult which is a creepy cinematic intro on what to expect. The delicious and dark instrumental sounds are paired against what feels like a classic horror movie intro before SLOTH start adding elements of ELECTRIC WIZARD paranoia into the mix. The song only lasts for a minute but sets the scene superbly well.

The other new track Necromagicka is a work of pure down-tuned and filthy brilliance wrapped up within a classic Occult Doom style of music with SLOTH projecting a seedy underbelly of long drawn out grooves, melodies and twisted vocals adding to the whole unsettling tone. This is the type of track that should have been released near Halloween and not near Easter which is perhaps not lost on SLOTH themselves. The music is amplified by a sinister FUZZ-LADEN atmosphere with epic amounts of 1970’s Occult imagery creeping out from the instrumental sounds that will appeal to fans of MONOLORD, SLOMATICS and MONOLORD. As SLOTH venture into the domain of Cosmic Doom for this track alone which makes this standout track of the entire EP.

The final two tracks of Devil’s Gate and Slow Burn as I mentioned earlier are from their debut album but with this time SLOTH play these two epic slabs of PURE DOOM and DISTORTED HEAVINESS fully LIVE. This gives the tracks a new lease of life compared to the original versions. Everything sounds heavier and slightly more demented especially with the Psychedelic angle that SLOTH have given a slight makeover in places. Devil’s Gate is perhaps my favourite LIVE track here as it oozes personality with SLOTH on dynamite form on this track alone.

Necromagicka is another MASSIVE sound release from SLOTH who are fast becoming one of my favourite Doom/Stoner Metal bands from the underground scene. They have a knack at getting down in creating unsettling soundscapes with a demented APOCALYPTIC feel which sees SLOTH deliver the goods with DEVILISH GLEE. 

Brilliant. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to SLOTH for the promo.

Necromagicka will be available to buy digitally from all good stockists and on Cassette Tape via Doomshire Tapes from Friday 21st March 2025

Links

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Vordermann - Feeding On Flowers (EP Review)

Release Date: March 07th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Feeding On Flowers - Track Listing:

Cloudpiercer

Delirium Tremors

Saint Banger (The Lars Ulrich Torrent Finder General Drum Circle Experience)

Members

Alex Bennett - Synths

Peter Hill - Guitars

Matthew Jones - Percussion & Vocals

Philip Malpass - Guitar & Vocals

Joe Palmer - Guitar & Vocals

Review

Feeding On Flowers is the debut EP from Doom/Sludge/Stoner Rockers Vordermann who bring a blend of uplifting Doom-Pop sensibilities to their music with flashes of Post-Rock, Shoegaze and Alt Rock. Vordermann are influenced by the likes of TORCHE, HUM, FLOOR, MASTODON, MELVINS and BIG BUSINESS with one foot still remaining in the 1990’s Alt Rock scene.

The EP only lasts for about seventeen minutes but there’s a lot to admire here with Vordermann tapping into the Shoegaze tapestries of HUM which almost branch into Post-Metal surroundings at times. However, the music is mostly fuelled by the early EP’s of the legendary TORCHE with poppy vocals from Matthew Jones, Philip Malpass and Joe Palmer all showing a very cool Alt Rock/Stoner based style which is grounded by Pop/Stadium Rock sounds.

The opening track of Cloudpiercer is fuelled by bombastic Sludge/Doom-Pop grooves with that sublime Shoegaze/Sludge aggressive energy which manifests into some classic TORCHE/FLOOR inspired heavy pounding instrumental passages. Vordermann have included a highly unusual soundclip from the classic movie Breakfast At Tiffany’s where George Peppard’s character Paul Varjak lays it on the line to Audrey Hepburn’s character Holly Golightly. This speech adds a deeply emotional quality to the song whilst being quite superbly funny at the same time though just for the inclusion on this track alone.

Second track Delirium Tremors is a straight up banger with Vordermann building upon their Sludge/Doom-Pop sound with an epic blast of Progressive Sludge/Stoner Rock melodies which harnesses the power of MELVINS and BIG BUSINESS with the complexities of Mastodon. The vocals are once again poppy and bittersweet with Vordermann allowing their music to grow naturally and offer the listener with a wide assortment of different heavy musical styles. Though, the later stages are perhaps softer with a soulful Post-Rock and Doom-Pop approach.

The third track Saint Banger (The Lars Ulrich Torrent Finder General Drum Circle Experience) is the standout track on the EP with the brilliant and highly original premise of using Lars Ulrich quotes set against a Space Rock backdrop with movements of Drone, Post-Rock and Ambient textures for the first part of the song. The second part sees a muscular and aggressive style of music come into play with Vordermann inspired by the likes of Pelican and Russian Circles before returning to the EP’s earlier sounds. This track does have quite a dark comedic vision with the message based on the ramblings of Lars Ulrich unless I’ve completely missed the whole point of the track. Whatever the creative theme, this is a haunting and beautifully played track which shows a different side to Vordermann.

Feeding On Flowers is a stunning and superbly creative EP boosted by a wealth of different heavy sounds that explore the soulful side of the Doom, Sludge and Stoner underground scene. Vordermann reminds me of fellow ELEPHANT TREE and if they release more superb records such as this then they could have a similar career and impact within the underground scene as that great band as well.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Vordermann for the promo.

Feeding On Flowers will be available to buy digitally from Friday 07th March 2025.

Links

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Hexjakt - Hexjakt (EP Review)

Release Date: January 31st 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Hexjakt  - Track Listing:

Rites of Fire 8:05

Thunderous Skies 8:12

Valley of the Dead 4:50

The Flood 7:49

Members

Hampus Henningsson - Guitar/Vocals

Toni Åkerman - Bass/Vocals

Dan Nordin - Drums

Review

Hexjakt are a Swedish Doom/Stoner Metal band who add a menacing Sludge Metal attitude to their music Their debut EP sees the band’s music bound by the unearthly domains and gloomy rules set down by their forefathers such as Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard and even High On Fire when Hexjakt decides to play that aggressive Sludge Metal sound. There’s a long drawn out distorted FUZZY amplifier groove inspired by the classic teachings of Black Sabbath.

There’s quite a progressive energy moving amongst the darkened masses of the excellent opening track Rites Of Fire which shows Hexjakt include that trademark SWEDISH DOOM/STONER Metal energy into the mix which allows the album to be quite abrasive and focused on more reverb based pastures. The vocals are quite grizzled and from the old-school of HARD ROCK and HEAVY METAL dominance with a touch of modern aggression that matches the sublime “CAVEMAN” or “PRIMAL” lyrics that truly come to life on tracks such as Rites Of Fire, Thunderous Skies and The Flood.

If you ever wondered what CONAN would sound like if given a SWEDISH based makeover then Hexjakt are perhaps the closest you’ll get to that vision. The instrumental sounds are LOW & SLOW and quite deafening in places. There’s a subtle rhythm that appears content and confident throughout with a punishing rhythm section allowing the sludgy guitars to conjure up a classic style of Sludge/Stoner Metal that crackles with violent excitement when the Psychedelic/Sonic visions appear.

Hexjakt's self-titled EP may not be the most groundbreaking style of music it doesn’t need to be. The underground scene will no doubt worship at the ALTAR and CHURCH of HEXJAKT where the riffs speak volume. Hexjakt pays huge respects to the legendary bands of the genre whilst forging some downright brutally original grooves of their own towards the later stages of the EP. The production values are quite LO-FI based but matches the whole sound and creative vision which makes this such an outstanding record to release as your debut release.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Hexjakt for the promo.

Hexjakt will be available to buy digitally from Friday 31st January 2025.

Links

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Shadowcloak - Shadowcloak (EP Review)

Release Date: May 03rd 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/Cassette/DD

Shadowcloak - Self Titled - Tracklisting

1.Dark Days 06:08

2.Night After Night 06:06

3.Leave My Name 06:16

4.Everything Is Gone 05:05

5.Discomfort/Disorder 04:30

Band Members

Dave Gayler - Vocals

Zane Oskins - Drums

Paul McBride - Bass

Bryan Wiedenhoeft - Guitar

Adrian Lee Zambrano - Guitar/Vocals/Synth

Review

Progressive Sludge Metallers Shadowcloak only formed in 2023 but they’ve already shared the stage with bands such as Howling Giant, Horseburner, Black Lung and Auralayer. Their debut self-titled EP sees the band traverse the world of Prog Metal, Sludge Metal, Psych Rock and Post-Metal with their music being easily compared to bands such as Pelican, Mastodon and Domkraft. The EP is full of epic sounding synths that have a world building mythos and quality behind them.

The progressive structure of the intricate melodies remind me of Crack The Skye and Emperor Of Sand in places but Shadowcloak venture into the more Ambient and Psychedelic wastelands that modern day Sludge/Stoner Metal bands regularly cover but the band bring a sense of creative storytelling which has echoes of Americana focused within its roots. The soaring riffs and harsh vocals are quite original in places especially on songs such as Dark Days and Night After Night.

The synths allows the music to change into a visceral style of Post-Rock within the quieter and stripped back elements of the EP with sweeping Sludge Rock guitars fastly capturing the listener’s imagination and the wonderful synths from Adrian Lee Zambrano reminding me of Bryant Clifford Meyer from the much missed ISIS  with his synth playing on this EP alone. 

Shadowcloak impress yet again on a more technical and creative level on the later stages of the EP on tracks such as Everything Is Gone and Discomfort/Disorder with the music becoming more Post-Metal/Sludge Metal obsessed and conjuring sounds that feel like they come from the classic era of Post-Metal and Progressive Sludge Metal whilst being quite grounded and original in their own right.

This is a exquisite and bleak-sounding experience with Shadowcloak allowing the underground scene know they’re well versed in creating deep meaningful and complex progressive Sludge Metal melodies and writing intense lyrics on this release alone. Shadowcloak feel like they've been around for years within the Sludge/Post-Metal/Stoner Metal scene and they’re already masters of their own doomed out domain. 

Shadowcloak have released a first rate EP backed up with superb production values throughout and hopefully they can make a bigger name for themselves in the future. As it’s least they fully deserve.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Desert Bloom PR for the promo.

Links

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Lungburner - Embers (EP Review)

Release Date: 26th January 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Embers - Tracklisting

1.Lungburner 08:34

2.The Rift 10:48

3.Embers 09:34

4.Sativa 10:08

Members

Jens Anderberg - Vox/Guitar/Samples

Matt Rayborn - Bass

Dylan Mincey - Percussion

Review

Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers Lungburner debut EP Embers offers quite a variety of LOW & SLOW, WEEDIAN, Down Tuned and Amplifier based riff worship with extra forays into areas of Cosmic Rock which builds up for quite a catchy and downright aggressive slice of underground metal. Channelling the gap between DOWN, Mastodon, High On Fire and SLEEP for an EP that’s quite bleak with the band’s creative thoughts played out within the excellent four tracks that make up Embers.

Lungburner concentrates on playing heavy distorted grooves first and adding classic Sludge based chants and growls for the vocals. The vocals are perhaps rooted in NOLA/Southern Metal with the instrumental sounds focusing upon playing some wicked Psychedelic/Spaced Out rhythms within the stunning opening track Lungburner. The atmosphere can only be described as ELECTRIC with flashes of Heavy Progressive Stoner grooves with Lungburner employing a solid DISTORTED and LOW & SLOW atmosphere to the overall production of the release.

Embers has a sublime use of various samples throughout the record which comes mostly into focus from the excellent second track The Rift. That track showcases a fine style of Blues Rock/Metal whilst allowing Lungburner to show some impressive High On Fire inspired Riff Worship whilst playing their own blend of Psychedelic and Fuzzed Up sounds that make a lasting impression. 

The second half of the EP and the final two tracks Embers and Sativa see Lungburner become quite philosophical as these some fantastic choice of samples and vocal speeches that explores themes such as Humanity, Existence and individual mortality whilst powered through a ton of HEAVY PSYCHEDELIC based jams which remain within the crux of the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal underground scene. 

Embers sounds superb and that’s down to the EP being mixed and mastered by Matthew Washburn at his famed Ledbelly Sound Studios. Matthew has worked with bands such as Black Pyramid, Atheist, EMBR, Dayglo Mourning and some band called Mastodon very early in their career. The record does have an aggressive presence with the music being played more directly with a raw polished sound which has a whole different flow within the heaviest parts of the EP.

Embers is a stunning debut release which I’m hoping Lungburner becomes more well known within the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene. As this EP is a startling collection of superb sounds that leave you wanting to hear more. Awesome. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe 

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