Groom The Giant - Old Toby (EP Review)

Release Date: September 05th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Old Toby - Tracklisting

1.Old Toby 04:24

2.Megawatts 07:11

3.Wyrms 04:23

4.Pissjazz 07:30

Review.

Old Toby is the latest EP from Psych/Grunge/Stoner Rockers Groom The Giant. I remember listening to the band’s excellent debut EP Culhwch which focused on Celtric folklore and heavy myths with a deep fantastical sense of wonderful mystery. The band keep with that theme on their excellent new EP where they advise the record is about: 

“Celtic heritage and magical fiction into a format of loud, danceable grunge; with songs inspired by the plagues of King Lludd (from where the Welsh flag gets its iconic red dragon) and explorations of omnipotence, to tributes to Gandalf's favourite tobacco.”

What makes Groom The Giant stand out is their grounded sound that’s boosted by elements of Grunge and Sludge with a heavy pounding Psychedelic effort. This highly polished and aggressive sound is perfectly captured through the stunning opening track Old Toby. Though, this is offset by fantastical lyrics with a huge WEEDIAN influence especially if writing songs about Gandalf’s favourite tobacco. 

The music is always quite aggressive with catchy instrumental passages which moves from 1990’s Grunge/Stoner Rock surroundings to the more modern day Psychedelic Rock fused with heavy Sludgy Rock grooves.

The music can be quite dark in places with levels of distorted FUZZ and scorched Desert Earth melodies which fully come along within the second standout track of Megawatts which is perhaps a slight homage to Back To The Future. The song opens with a long drawn out Post-Stoner / Post-Grunge sound that develops into a Psychedelic/Fuzz/Doomgaze landscape which feels inspired by TRUCKFIGHTERS in all the right places. The song is played at a superbly realized slow-to-mid pace with Groom The Giant adding more levels of distorted FUZZ and Psychedelic energy which fully crosses over into Doom Metal pastures. 

Third track Wyrms turns the EP on its head with a weird Piano instrumental beat that pushes the record into Soft Rock/Jazz territories which does show a deep love and respect for FAITH NO MORE. If you ever wanted to hear FAITH NO MORE become a Doom/Stoner Rock obsessed band then this is the best way to describe that track. It’s wonderfully surreal that shouldn’t really work but Groom The Giant add an unexpected Doomed Out twist to the final stages of the track.

The final track of Pissjazz is back to the long drawn out instrumental surroundings of the second track but with some wickedly dark humour being injected into the overall mix of someone actually having a “PISS”. I kid you not before Groom The Giant fully settle back into their heavy FUZZED OUT and STONED AGE creative world. They merge Jazzy soundscapes yet again but it’s the Psychedelic Weeidan flavours washed out by classic Grunge riffs that make this another standout track of the record.

Old Toby is completely off-beat, brilliantly surreal and has a wonderful MONTY PYTHON based madness to it all. If that sounds like it’s the EP for you then I can’t highly recommend this outrageous EP enough. 

Superb. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

 

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The Dukes Of Hades - Oracle Of The Dead (EP Review)

Release Date: August 29th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Oracle Of The Dead  - Tracklisting

1.Seeds Of Oblivion 05:09

2.Last Rites 03:44

3.Pigs 05:14

4.Constant Grief 04:02

5.Tomahawk 08:00

6.Death Defying Heights 02:52

Members

Gareth Brunsdon - Drums,

Steve Lynch - Sub Octave Guitar/Vocals

Review.

Oracle Of The Dead is the debut EP from Sludge/Stoner Metallers The Dukes Of Hades that featuresGareth Brunsdon (Eternal - pre Electric Wizard), Spirmyard, Sludgefeast) and Steve Lynch (The Electric Shakes, Teaspoonriverneck, Burg & The Vagabond Choir) performing a heavy FUZZED up duo with subtle distorted overtones dictating the melodies and subtle grooves that appear throughout the EP. Helping along their creative journey is Sam Grant (PIGS X7) who helped with studio engineering duties.

This EP is influenced by the 90’s early Sludge and Stoner Metal scenes with aspects of Death ‘N’ Roll appearing in the background. The low & slow attitude of the band really comes to life very early on with influences wide across the musical globe appearing that allows The Dukes Of Hades to have a vibrant, brash, aggressive and wholly addictive sound that should appeal to fans of Electric Wizard, SOURVIEN, WEEDEATER and BONGZILLA. Add the likes of FU MANCHU and KYUSS then Oracle Of The Dead is full of subtle extended sludgy melodies and cool vocals delivered by Steve Lynch.

The six tracks that make up the EP captures the gritty undertone of the UK Sludge/Stoner Metal scene with the fast-paced aspects of the Swedish Doom Metal scene in certain aspects on tracks such as Seeds Of Oblivion, Pigs, Constant Grief and Tomahawk. The Dukes of Hades add a twinge of Blues Metal in different parts of the EP which gives the record a faster and heavier sound that makes you feel there are more members in the band other than Gareth and Steve. 

With a no-nonsense vibe to the production values, Oracle Of The Dead is quite a stacked EP with plenty of different Sludge/Stoner melodic passages which taps right into the classic UNDERGROUND vibe especially within the quieter parts of the EP. This allows The Dukes Of Hades to play a more intriguing style of music with perhaps Pigs and Tomahawk being the standout tracks on the EP.

You can easily see The Dukes Of Hades playing some cool musical festivals such as Desertfest and Stoomfest and whipping the audience into a frenzied state which is the whole vibe of the EP which does remind me of Orange Goblin back in the day.

Oracle Of The Dead is superbly entertaining that lasts under thirty minutes and ultimately leaves you wanting to hear more. The Dukes Of Hades have delivered a high amount of great riffs and sounds in such a compact release that I can’t recommend this EP highly enough. Do yourself a favour and check this great band out now. You won’t regret it!!!

Words by Steve Howe

 

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At War With The Sun - Remembrance (EP Review)

Release Date: September 12th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Remembrance - Tracklisting

Remembrance

Become The Void

Members

Karl Bicknell - Bass

Alex Keen - Drums

Jon Weatherill - Guitar/Vocals

Review

Doom/Sludge Metallers At War With The Sun return with their new EP - Remembrance. This is a brutally heavy and slow paced affair with the band creating deliberate Droned Out passages which has a hidden Ambient underscore within the gloomy psychedelic movements the band conjure up throughout the two lengthy tracks that make up the record. This is bleak music with a purpose where At War With The Sun focus upon building up their musical surroundings with echoes of decaying filth and down-tuned grooves for the majority of the EP.

Imagine THOU and BONGRIPPER jamming with SUNN 0))) with the opening track of Remembrance having an excellent melodic aspect at times within the Psychedelic and Post-Doom aspects of the band’s music. At War With The Sun experiment with their Post-Metal aspect of their sound that evolves into an almost Post-Rock creative flow but there’s a sense of hidden darkness always emerging from the shadows. The harsh vocals from Jon Weatherill appear only when they’re needed but with a style that’s always violent, harsh and aggressive but delivered with real purpose.

Some folks may feel that not a lot happens within the seventeen minute plus runtime of Remembrance but this is a journey worth taking as At War With The Sun fully succeeds in portraying a bleak and aggressive track that’s full of emotional sorrow at the same time. The final five minutes of the track is where the band fully bring their riff-centric sound to the Doom/Sludge Metal vortex with long drawn out notes with a flash of Psychedelic Heaviness and Down Tuned Distorted beats being some of the best parts of the whole EP.

Second track Become The Void has a slight Ambient Post-Rock / Post-Doom opening which allows At War With The Sun to conjure up highly destructive Droned Out Doom sounds merged with a highly cautious style of Atmospheric Sludge. Once again, the band takes a less-is-more approach with the music being played at a very slow pace which only allows the listener to soak up the violent melodies once more.

The level of DISTORTED FUZZ is slightly more powerful compared to the opening track but the name of the game for this EP is “LOW & SLOW” which At War With The Sun pulls off with flying colours. Jon’s vocals once again provide a punishing ritual of SATANIC GROWLS that easily fits in with the Drone Metal surroundings that Alex Keen (Drums) and Karl Bicknall (Bass) create by providing a formidable rhythm section.

Remembrance is a startling and brutal EP to punish your senses throughout. This perhaps marks a turning point for At War With The Sun with this being their standout release to date which could even see them gain quite a considerable and loyal following within the UK Underground Metal Scene.

Words by Steve Howe

 

Thanks to Diaries Of Doom for the promo.

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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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MUFFASONIC - Brotheranza (EP Review)

Release Date: September 12th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Brotheranza - Tracklisting

01 Komadrone

02 Phantoxication

03 Bruddharoids

04 Musoman

05 Bovindha

Members

Gianluca Sirri (guitar)

Giampaolo Farnedi (drums)

Nicola Casadei (bass guitar).

Review

Brotheranza is the next release from Instrumental Psych/Stoner Rockers Muffasonic who showed huge potential for epic jams on their excellent debut album ZEROH released back in July 2024. The album showcased Muffasonic’s style of classic sounding Desert Rock based landscapes that’s levelled up by a heavy amount of Fuzz and Stoner Metal. Muffasonic doesn't change that winning formula much with this release but there is a sense of gritty heaviness that emerges within the superb opening track of Komadrone.

The sound is quite cinematic in its approach with influences such as Karma To Burn and Yawning Man appearing at times but the presence of a heavier Post-Doom attitude takes charge with the long drawn out distorted melodies that appear at the end of the track. This style of music takes centre stage for the next two tracks of Phantoxication and Bruddharoids which elevates the record into a Sludge Rock environment.

The instrumental playing is excellent with Muffasonic playing a classic Power-Trio formation where everything is played on point. There’s a sense of Hard Rock determination which reminds me of classic KARMA TO BURN more and more.

With an ever increasing reliance on FUZZ, REVERB and DISTORTED FEEDBACK for the final two tracks of Musoman and Bovidha leading upto the heaviest sounds on the EP that is perhaps the standout parts on the EP especially on the epic final track of Bovindha. Muffasonic demonstrates a wealth of huge talent with their music that leaves you wanting to hear more.

Brotheranza is the type of EP that merges old-school Instrumental Stoner Rock grooves and modern day Psych Metal to great effect that makes this such a great record from start to finish.

Words by Steve Howe

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Florist - Adrift (EP Review)

Release Date: August 01st 2025. Record Label: Threat Collection Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Adrift - Tracklisting

1.432Hz 03:28

2.Another Moon 06:09

3.Out Of Space 04:13

4.Grow 06:21

5.Adrift (Part A) 04:24

6.Adrift (Part B) 05:04

Members

Frankie Consoli - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Sitar

Kevin Roy - Bass, Backing Vocals

Mike Amador - Drums, Backing Vocals

Jer Dillow - Theremin, Synthesizers, Percussion

Review

Adrift is the latest EP from Psych/Doom/Stoner Rockers Florist which shows the band have a deep and meaningful spiritual side showing within this record. Offset this with a daring Cosmic drift and passages of classic Desert Rock energy then Florist creates a sublime take on the Space Rock sound. The record does take time for the massive sounds to appear with Florist creating and playing subversive Trippy Eastern melodies played against a sudden shift into Sludge Rock dynamics within the excellent instrumental opening track of 432Hz.

The track is mostly Ambient based but the final outburst of heavy Post-Doom passages superbly leads the EP into the next exciting chapter that Florist carefully constructs with echoes of bands such as Domkraft, King Buffalo, ELDER and HOWLING GIANT. Second track Another Moon captures similar sounds of those great bands with Florist adding a definitive gritty Hard Rock edge with the killer STADIUM ROCK based vocals telling a focused and quality based narrative being shown within the lyrics. The added trippy sound effects told through the use of multiple different instruments is one of the main highlights here.

Florist continue with their superbly entertaining, thrilling and down-right heavy musical adventure with Psych Rock soundscapes being created further with that focused Cosmic/Space Rock score that allows the record to become more aggressive and melodic developing on tracks such as Out Of Space, Grow and the stunning two part track of Adrift (Part A) and Adrift (Part B). 

The final two tracks for Adrift (Part A) and Adrift (Part B) are easily the standout tracks and most technically accomplished of all the tracks contained here. As they have a cool Progressive theme appearing at the best possible moment which allows Florist to develop a more daring and deeply engaging sound with the heaviest parts appearing here. Though, the fifth track Grow isn’t too far behind either with Florist playing a seedy, murky and fuzz-heavy sound that shows a deep reliance of AMPLIFIER and RIFF DISTORTION feedback that is superbly matched against the far out COSMIC energy that shows Florist are highly confident at.

Adrift is another great slice of modern day Psych Stoner Rock/Metal with flashes of Sludge, Doom, Prog and that SPACE ROCK goodness that leaves you wanting more. 

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

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Thorndale - Spiritual Chains (EP Review)

Release Date: September 12th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Spiritual Chains - Tracklisting

1 - Veins of the Phoenix

2 - Battles Fought in Vain

3 - Gods of Pain

4 - Twenty Thousand Souls

5 - Spiritual Chains

6 - Exiles and Masters

Members

Gustavo Valderrama - Vocals

Peter Shannon - Guitars

Maarten Jungschläger - Guitars

Zigor Munoz - Bass

Guest musician: Rob Stone - Drums

Review

Doom/Stoner Metallers Thorndale latest EP Spiritual Chains focuses primarily within the boundaries of modern day Doom/Stoner Metal but that doesn’t stop the band playing areas of Grunge, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal and Speed Metal. The EP is full of groove laden meldoies and subtle NOLA based vocals that should appeal to fans such as DOWN, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY and CROWBAR with the odd appearance of Soundgarden and Motorhead at times.

Spiritual Chains doesn’t waste a single second or opportunity for Thorndale showing a riff-fuelled musical adventure where the trappings of Progressive attitudes are kept to a minimum which comes across the opening tracks of Veins Of The Phoenix, Battles Thought In Vain and Gods Of Pain. With a subtle charge of METALLICA thrash based grooves that are never in short supply, Thorndale keeps the atmosphere dominated by classic fast paced guitars and melodic vocals that show the right amount of depth and aggression when the heavier parts appear. 

The switching of psychedelic surroundings allows Thorndale to become part of the vibrant underground scene before venturing straight back to the old school of Classic Heavy Metal which is quite refreshing change of pace at times. The second half of the EP perhaps leans into NOLA and Groove Metal with the lyrics being defined by a certain Doom Metal swagger. The second batch of tracks that Thorndale power through are equally as impressive as the first half with Twenty Thousand Souls and Spiritual Chains being the standout moments with sludgy rhythms and screeching guitars have an ethereal Classic Hard Rock attitude.

The EP isn’t perhaps the most original sounding currently out there but what Thorndale do brilliantly well is amplify that great sound and give it a heavy DOOMED OUT makeover with aggressive Stoner Metal melodies that make a massive and mighty impression where I’m hopeful the next release is a longer record. As twenty two minutes isn’t enough time to spend with this great band.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Clawhammer PR for the promo.

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