DHU Records - DHU SAMPLER MMXVII VOL. II

Release date: September 02nd 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

DHU SAMPLER MMXVII VOL. II – Tracklisting

1.OLD BLOOD - Silk Road Rash 06:21

2.Brume - Call the Serpent's Bluff 09:28

3.Black Road - From Hell 08:01

4.Youngblood Supercult - Burning Messiah 05:01

5.The Red Widows - Witchcraft 05:18

6.Doomstress - Sleep Among the Dead 06:51

7.Sparrowmilk - Eerie Depths 07:44

8.Ancient VVisdom - Light of Lucifer 02:36

9.DHU RECORDS SAMPLER MMXVII VOL. II (FULL ALBUM) 50:16

Review

DHU Records or Dark Hedonistic Union Records, given it's full title, have just released their superb second sampler. DHU SAMPLER MMXVII VOL. II features the artists currently signed to this great label. As DHU Records have released some bloody fantastic vinyl releases of the bands that appear here.

The main draw here is perhaps the excellent new single “33” by cult Doom/Occult/Acoustic Rockers – Ancient VVisdom – from their forthcoming new album – 33. Though the sampler does include mighty fine slabs of Doom/Stoner Metal bands from great bands such as OLD BLOOD, Brume, Youngblood Supercult and Doomstress.

All the bands that appear on this sampler – KICK ASS. Plain and simple. If you want to discover some new bands within the Doom/Stoner Metal world then this is the perfect introduction for you.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Kavrila - Rituals I (EP Review)

Release date: March 31^st 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

RITUALS (  – Tracklisting

1.Pain 01:47

2.Retch 02:08

3.Collapse 02:22

4.Night 05:57

Review:

Kavrila is a newly formed band who have just released their debut EP – Ritual I. For a band who only formed at the start of 2016 this is a powerful statement of intent. Fusing Hardcore, Doom, Punk and Sludge with a Blackened sensibility. Rituals I is one pissed off exercise in tone and volume.

The band don't care about fitting into genre conventions as they rewrite the rules with a measure of confidence you don't see on a debut release. The riffs are fast-paced, deadly and precise as Kavrila kick the living shit out of everything that comes into their way. Imagine a more pissed off version of MANTAR and that's what you get with Kavrila.

The EP only lasts 13 minutes but it's one wild ride where the music and tone of the EP is pitch black through out. The vocals are built on hardcore punk sensibilities and that means their delivered with anger and passion through out. Songs: Pain, Retch and Collapse show the more frantic side of Kavrila where they create impressive riffs despite the short running time of the songs. Sludge Punk Rock/Metal fury in it's truest form.

Kavrila impress the most on the final song – Night, as their allowed more time to create a more menacing and doomier environment. The riffs have more weight to them and become more interesting as a result. The vocals are intense. If Karvila are going to release future material then I hope they include songs of Night's ilk. As this is where the band impress the most.

Overall – Rituals I, is a damn fine EP. Shame it's only on for 13 minutes but it's still one exciting and twisted wild ride. Awesome stuff.

Words by Steve Howe

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Mount Soma - Origins (EP Review)

Release date: April 5^th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Origins – Tracklisting

1.Nebula 09:41

2.Origin 02:47

3.Lazarus 06:30

Band Members:

Vocals/Guitar - Brian,

Guitar - Keith,

Bass - Conrad,

Drums - Aaron

Review:

Mount Soma's debut EP is slowly starting to turn some heads within the Sludge/Stoner Metal world since it's release last week. Origins is the arrival of a band you need to check out now. If you're a fan of heavy spaced out Sludge/Stoner Metal then Mount Soma is the band for you.

The EP may only last for 20 minutes or so but the band have included a ton of great ideas for you to discover. Opening track – Nebula – starts off rather slowly before exploding into heavy sonic sludge based warfare with a touch of Psychedelic Doom Metal appearing here and there. The vocals from Brian add quite a lo-fi punk edge but it works in the bands favour.

Apparently Origins was meant to be a full length album but the band decided to release it as an EP instead. I think this is a wise decision as it allows the band to keep an air of mystery around their music. Second track – Origin – is a slow-paced semi-acoustic grunge song with cool vocals once again from Brian. It has a very earthly quality about it.

Though the band return to heavier spaced out riffs on the final song – Lazarus. This is perhaps the standout track on the EP as Mount Soma create a more progressive spaced out song to immerse yourself with. It's played at a very slow pace to begin with but once the louder riffs appear the song changes into a more heavier and doomier affair.

The production could have done with more work but that shouldn't distract you from enjoying the hell out of Origins. I've heard a full length album is on the way. If that's true then that can't come soon enough as I want to hear more of Mount Soma and this excellent EP is never enough. Check this out now. It's a great start from a band with hopefully a bright future. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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HOVEN - Mule (Mini-Album Review)

Release date: March 18^th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Mule – Tracklisting

1.Dawn Of A New Age 03:26

2.Crooked Eye 05:27

3.Unmade 01:37

4.The Mule Pt 1 02:52

5.The Mule Pt 2 08:58

Band Members:

Cal, Paul, Dan

Review:

Hoven are a band from County Durham, North East Of England who have just released their superb debut mini-album – Mule. A blend of Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal with some cool touches of progressive metal appearing here and there.

It's quite a ballsy release as Hoven create sounds you may have heard elsewhere but they do it with such style and confidence you can't but help enjoying the whole volatile atmosphere the mini-album holds over you. One of the strengths of Hoven's music is their use of progressive riffs that brings back memories of Crack The Skye era – Mastodon with a few touches of NWOBHM.

I think all 3 band members all share lead vocal duties as it's very hard to tell who is the lead singer. It doesn't really matter as the vocals are superb through out. One thing I can definitely tell is that the vocals are heavily influenced by Layne Staley especailly on Crooked Eye. A progressive Sludge/Stoner/Grunge kind of song that has a hell of a lot going for it.

Mule is slightly let down by some amateurish production values at times but that's my only complaint as Hoven created an excellent record to showcase their talents. The standout song has to be the two part 11 minute title track – The Mule – that allows the band to show the world what they really can do when they put their minds to it. A progressive sludge metal journey that once again pays homage to Alice In Chains. Hoven include a cool subtle psychedelic vibe that I like to hear more of on future releases.

The mini-album may last only for 19 minutes but Hoven include a lot of great ideas and riffs for you to check out. Apparently these guys have plans to record their full length debut album. On this evidence, I will be looking forward to see how the band progress their sound on a full length record.

Until then enjoy this fine slice of Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metal. Mule is a superb release. Check this out now....

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Band To Check Out - Sarama

Release date: March 1^st 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Sarama – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Breathe 08:41

2.The Tower 06:26

Band Members

Angela Shatswell – Guitar

Robert Pennington – Guitar/Vocals

Phil Merwin – Drums

Damian Harris – Bass/Additional Vocals (Breathe)

Review:

From the depths of Oregon’s murkiest swamp crawls the mighty Sarama, offering their intoxicating self-titled release bubbling with sinister harmony and muddy, fuzzed-out goodness!

The aptly named ‘Breathe’ respires menacingly as we are plunged into the vast, dark husk of an inanimate behemoth. We descend rapidly into the seemingly bottomless chasm of this intense song as a foul draft reveals that our host is stirring. Fans of Isis and Neurosis will savour the simmering, provocative build of unstrained guitars and stodgy percussion as they swell to a climax of sonorous, humid grooves. Tasteful, understated lead worms its way through the wreathing mass of sound whilst direful bass groans delectably in the depths, beckoning us to cut our tethers and free-fall deep into the phantasmagorical world that Sarama have created.

Part two, ‘The Tower’ utilises an array of emotive sonic textures to produce a landscape awash with volcanic activity and a noxious atmosphere. Subtle, percussive guitars ricochet around a barren vale before a monsoon of tearing riffs carry a piercing, primal war cry to terraform to the land and resurrect its monstrous inhabitants with a vibrant concoction of concentrated doom. Frenzied lead work conducts the reanimating life forms in an ayahuasca induced shamanic dance amidst the tsunami as the ground cracks and mountains crumble.

Fans of Conan, Cough and YOB will find plenty to enjoy in this small but wholesome offering. The two songs on offer here are a self-contained microverse of abstract chaos and beauty. It is an epic adventure condensed into 15 minutes of suspense and brimming energy, demonstrated with the expressive poise of a high-wire tightrope walker. I was a little surprised that the diverse dynamic scope of the record didn’t bleed into its accompanying artwork, but that scarcely takes away from the quality of such a visceral piece of music.

I will be keeping a keen eye on Sarama and look forward to future releases. I would be psyched to see what they put together on a full length release!

Words by ThisHairyGuy

Links:

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Sick Tapestry - Self Diagnosis (EP Review)

Release date: March 19^th 2016. Label: No Fun Intended. Format: DD

Self Diagnosis – Tracklisting

1.Where 07:13

2.Day[Light] 07:00

3.This Place 06:19

Band Members:

Jordan McNamara - Vocals, Drums

Robert Hemingway - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Noise.

James Render - Vocals, Synths

Review:

Self Diagnosis, the debut EP from Sick Tapestry is one dark twisted tale of nightmarish vocals and riffs to match. From from the ashes of cult UK Sludge/Noise/Doom riffsters – FORMES. Sick Tapestry have taken the heavier and doomier side of FORMES and forged it into something more heavier. As Self Diagnosis is quite an experimental take on all things Doom/Sludge Metal. Clean vocals and death based growls are the main order of business with the Doom/Sludge Metal riffs offering quite a theatrical vibes at times.

Opening track – Where – is pure chaos as the band explore many different genres of music such as Doom, Psych, Stoner, Sludge and even Thrash. It's a very dark and nightmarish song. FORMES were known for experimenting with their music but Sick Tapestry goes even further with some industrial style sounds appearing here and there.

Second track – Day[Light] is my fave song on the EP as the band go all out in creating doom/industrial based sounds. I can hear a slight Godflesh influence on this song though Sick Tapestry still create their own sound that's bound to win them major praise as FORMES did. The production can be very lo-fi at times but it really adds to the doom and gloom atmospherics of the EP.

Third track – This Place – opens with creepy drum solo and acoustic guitar before the heavier industrial based noises appear. Things can be quite hectic at times as the band experiment with their sound yet again. Slow-paced post-metal riffs then change into faster and heavier Doom/Thrash sounds which maybe too jarring for some to fully appreciate. My advice, just go with it as only Sick Tapestry know what the fuck is going on. Yeah, it's confusing to listen to at times but it's cool to hear the band go all out crazy on the final song.

Self Diagnosis is a dark and weird as hell EP from Sick Tapestry. The production could have done with more work and the vocals need more volume. Apart from that, Sick Tapestry have released a superb debut EP. Hopefully a full length record won't be too far away. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Bacchus Priest - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: November 24^th 2015. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Bacchus Priest – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Red Skies 05:31

2.Clockwork Thoughts 06:12

3.41° Shot/Out of the Void 08:36

4.The Awakening 04:26

5.Through the Mist 05:43

6.Sacred Voodoo 10:02

Band Members:

Mike - Guitars

Nefeli - Drums

Costas - Bass

Katerina - Vocals

Review:

Bacchus Priest are a cool Doom/Occult/Stoner Rock band from Greece and they a stunning debut album last year which I missed first time round. More fool me as this album KICKS-ASS!!!

Do yourself a favour and check this great band now as they have created a superb debut album that packed full of sultry vocals and blazing riffs. Sure some of the songs may go on a tad too much but you can't deny how talented this band is. Tracks such as Red Skies, Clockwork Thoughts, Through The Mist and the awesome Sacred Voodoo are packed full of great doom/stoner riffs with a groovy sideline in occult rock.

Hard to believe the album was recorded LIVE in one day as the album sounds superb. It really does. If you're in the mood for a great Doom/Stoner Rock album then look no further as Bacchus Priest have released a great album and one that should appeal to the vast majority of the Doom/Stoner Rock community. Do yourself a favour and check this great band out now.

It's good to see a band create their own sound. They may have been influenced by legendary bands of the past but at least they're doing something different especially Katerina on vocals. Listen to her vocal performance on 41° Shot/Out of the Void. She can sing and I mean really sing....

All in all this is an excellent debut album and I've heard a rumour this album will be released on Vinyl hopefully later on the year. More details to follow soon no doubt. Until then Bacchus Priest demand your attention now....

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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OAK - S/T (EP Review)

Release date: November 17^th 2015. Label: Self Released Format: DD

OAK – S/T – Tracklisting

1.All Above 04:51

2.Queen Of This Land 02:41

3.Ride With Me 07:18

4.Dissolve 05:17

Band Members:

Vocals - Andy

Guitar - Kevin

Bass - Scott

Drums - Sergiu

Review:

Heavy Desert/Stoner Rock Band – OAK – hail from London, UK and it seems they're a fairly new band only starting in April 2015. The guys have just released their debut S/T EP and it's a blast of good old fashioned Desert/Stoner Rock riffs with the right amount of Psych Rock thrown in for good measure.

Fans of Kyuss, QOTSA and Truckfighters will no doubt find much to enjoy here as OAK create some heavy psych riffs with a hint of Doom appearing here and there. Opening track - All Above – is the perfect introduction from the band as it shows you what they're all about. Heavy and trippy sounds blended with some damn fine spaced out riffs. Lead vocalist – Andy – has fire in his belly as he shouts, sings and screams with supreme confidence. Sure he doesn't have the most polished of vocals but it's the perfect fir for OAK's blend of Stoner Rock.

Second track – Queen Of This Land – reminds me of UK based Sludge/Noise Rockers – Bad Guys especially with the Punk based delivery of the guitars and Andy's demonic out of control vocals. It has shades of 90s Alt Rock appearing from time to time but it's a great song to let out any pent up aggression you may have.

Third track – Ride With Me – is the best song on the album. A blues rock laiden Psych/Doom/Stoner Rock epic that contains layers of different noises to prove OAK have something special about them. Andy's vocals once again don't seem the natural fit at first but give it time and he will soon win you round. Though it's the riffs that will hold your attention here as OAK create some heavy fucked up moments you want to hear over and over again.

The final track – Dissolve – is a more straight-forward Psych/Desert Rock affair with the band opting for a more stripped back approach compared to the other songs. It's perhaps Andy's weakest vocal performance on the EP. He still delivers a very solid performance but I preferred Andy's vocals on the other tracks when he was loud and full of angry confidence. Apart from that minor complaint this is a great way to end the EP with. As OAK leave you begging for more. It would have been great if the band included one more song but it's always good for a band leaving you wanting more. Maybe on the next EP or hopefully full length record.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Major Kong - Galactic Cannibalism (EP Review)

Release date: November 30^th 2015. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Galactic Cannibalism – Tracklisting

1.Supercluster 06:17

2.Diabolic Mind Control 04:42

3.Morlock 05:34

4.Magnetar 08:22

Band Members:

Domel - bass

Misiek - guitar

Bolek - drums

Review:

One of Poland's finest Stoner Rock/Metal bands – Major Kong – return with their stunning new EP – Galactic Cannibalism. Major Kong have been releasing a string of acclaimed releases over the last 5 years now and Galactic Cannibalism is no different.

Major Kong offer 4 instrumental tracks of finely tuned Doom/Stoner Metal songs packed full of too many great riffs to mention. You should all know who Major Kong are, if you don't get with the program and check out the superb opening track – Supercluster. A sprawling psych based monster that will have you hooked with is continuous use of creepy doomy distorted violent riffs.

Second track – Diabolic Mind Control – sees Major Kong create a song drenched in loud reverb and feedback for perhaps the EP's standout track. It's deliberately slow-paced but that gives Major Kong the edge in creating an unsettling atmosphere of doom and gloom atmospherics.

Third track – Marlock – continues with the seedy stoner metal torture as the riffs are down-tuned all the way to hell. Play this one LOUD and embrace the darkness as Major Kong prove why they are one of Poland's finest Stoner Rock/Metal bands. It's a very bass-heavy affair with the guitars stripped back and playing in the background though the band return to their familiar set sound for the final few minutes or so.

The final song – Magnetar – is from their recent vinyl split with fellow Polish Stoners – Dopelord. It's another fine creepy offering from Major Kong as they offer more intense down-tuned doomy riffs to survive from. Major Kong show their psychedelic side on this song as they unleash some impressive guitar solos to end the EP on an almighty high.

Major Kong have released another great record with Galactic Cannibalism. Sure it doesn't change from their already winning sound though it does show the world that these guys are one of the best Instrumental Doom/Stoner Metal bands currently out there.

Galactic Cannibalism is available on to buy on DD and CD here.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Tuna de Tierra - EPisode I: Pilot (EP Review)

Release date: June 12^th 2015. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

EPisode I: Pilot – Tracklisting

1.Red Sun 08:25

2.Ash 07:27

3.El Paso de la Tortuga 04:07

Band Members:

Alessio De Cicco: guitar, vox

Luciano Mirra: bass guitar

Jonathan Maurano: drums

Review:

Seems I'm a bit late to the party with Tuna de Tierra's debut EP – Episode I: Pilot – A Psychedelic Stoner Rock band from Italy. The EP opens with the deliberately slow-paced track – Red Sun – which has an almost ambient Post-Rock feel to it for the first few moments or so before the band unleash they heavy desert rock/stoner rock riffs. You can feel the intensity and heat of the hot desert sun from this song as the band play a cool progressive style of music.

The vocals drift from eerie psychedelic tones to a more laid-back desert rock groove. Tuna de Tierra do unleash some heavy riffs at different parts of the EP but it's the opening song where they impress the most. Though I can see why people are saying 2^nd track – Ash – is their favourite song as it's another stunning song to get your teeth stuck into. Fans of Kyuss and Truckfighters will find much to enjoy here.

It would have been good if the band included a couple of more tracks on the EP as 20 minutes is not enough a band such as Tuna de Tierra. They have a ton of great ideas that they don't have enough time to fully explore them all. I dig the Post-Rock vibes as it gives their music an atmospheric vibe that instantly holds your attention.

I hope for their next release they release something more substantial but until then this EP is an excellent addition for your Psych/Stoner Rock record collection.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Kings Of Cavalier - Heavy Is The Head (Album Review)

Release date: November 06th 2015. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Heavy Is The Head – Tracklisting

1.For The All Father 04:21

2.White Board 04:40

3.Beyond The Millennium 05:38

4.Looming Shadow 03:30

5.Stoned Dragon 10:09

6.Bug Out 04:01

7.Pray II Survive 03:30

8.Brown Acid 04:38

9.Just Ok (with the USA) 03:13

10.Tainted Queen 08:48

Band Members:

Reed Hutchins

Kurt Colfelt Jr.

Ben Still

Ian McKagan

Review:

Kings Of Cavalier debut album – Heavy Is The Head – is a lo-fi grunge based album offering heavy distorted Sludge/Stoner Rock riffs with a groovy Psych vibe. It runs for an impressive 52 minutes or so and it will appeal to the most jaded of Stoner Rock fans.

Sure the band don't offer anything new but it's their punk based attitude that makes them such a great band to listen to. Opening tracks – For The All Father and White Board offer grizzled grunge based riffs with good, honest vocals to match. King Of Cavalier unleash a garage rock sound that allows them freedom to create as much LOUD, ANGRY, HEAVY and TWISTED NOISE they possibly want. Trust me, there's a lot of NOISE lurking within this album.

The album becomes very trippy and psychedelic at times especially on tracks such as Beyond The Millennium, Looming Shadow, Stoned Dragon and Tainted Queen. Kings Of Cavalier are perhaps a more exciting band on the albums two epic tracks – Stoned Dragon and Tainted Queen. As it allows the band to create spaced out grungy riffs to lose yourself in.

Grunge plays a big part on this album which isn't surprising since their from Seattle. You got to give Kings Of Cavalier credit for bringing other sounds to the mix as this album has it's fair share of heavy Sludge/Stoner Rock grooves.

The album has been recorded by Tad Doyle. So you know it's going to sound superb from start to finish. Tad knows his stuff. If this is good enough for Tad Doyle then you sure can bet your bottom dollar it's going to be good enough for you.

Heavy Is The Head is a fantastic album from start to finish. This will have you rocking out for days.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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GROAK - Masticator (EP Review)

Release date: September 14th 2015. Label: Self Released Formats: DD

Masticator EP – Tracklisting

1.Trichobezoar 04:33

2.Despite the Gawker 07:21

3.Gastric Interruptions 07:23

4.Notebook 05:39

Band Members:

JH, BS, SM

Review:

Groak is a Sludge/Crust/Doom Metal Band from Leeds, UK and they've just released their heavy as fuck debut EP - Masticator

When I promoted this on the Outlaws Of The Sun Facebook Page I originally stated - “This is brutally heavy or heavily brutal” - I sill stand by those words as Groak's debut EP is filthy and I mean downright filthy. If you dig THOU then Groak will be the band for you.

From the heavy down-tuned riffs of opening song - Trichobezoar – this EP has the power to fuck-up your entire day as the guitars are down-tuned to hell. The vocals are punishing and brutal as they have enough power to drive you to insanity.. The atmosphere is one of violent despair as the mood stays bleak and remorseful through out.

Second track – Despite The Gawker – carries on the torturous doom and gloom atmospherics as the band speed things up slightly though the almost indecipherable vocals can be very distracting at times. I haven't a clue what is being said but it's the music that holds your attention.

The production on the EP varies throughout. Sometimes the production is superb and other times it's feels rather flat and that's a shame as if Groak had some proper production values then these guys would sound something special indeed. Groak can build upon that with future releases and I have a feeling they will. If you dig your Sludge/Doom Metal full of despair, anger and depressing riffs then check these guys out as  Groak are definitely worth your time.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Battle Elk - Songs For Heroes (EP Review)

Release date: September 25th 2015. Label: Self Released Formats: DD

Songs For Heroes – Tracklisting

1.Shield Wall 02:39

2.Charango Moon 03:59

3.Mount the Elk 04:22

4.Black Sector Highway 05:16

Band Members:

Espen Gunstensen: Vocals, guitars, charango.

Bjørn Marius Kristiansen: Vocals, guitars, drums, synths, bass guitar.

Review:

Now here's a superb slice of Psych/Space/Prog/Stoner Rock courtesy of Battle Elk. A duo who are very hard to describe. Their debut EP – Songs For Heroes – is trippy as hell and takes influence from the realm of science fiction and beer. I'll let the band tell you about their music in their own words:

“We call it spacegaze: Our songs all take place in a fictional world where warriors are mounted on elks and dragons terrorize the skies. We're inspired by old sci-fi and fantasy novels, adventure game soundtracks, loud guitars and Belgian beer.”

Song's For Heroes is very surreal at times with weird noises and synths being mixed against some heavy prog stoner riffs. The vocals are rooted firmly in 60s/70s Psych Rock territory but the guys do show their heavier side when the time calls for it. Standout track has to be – Mount The Elk. A masterclass in progressive stoner rock with a cool sideline in trippy psychedelia.

For a debut release, Songs For Heroes could of done with a few more songs to see if the guys keep the mood going as it's only on for 15 mins. I know it's a debut EP but I really wanted to hear more and I hope we do in the future. As Battle Elk have a refreshing sound. Check them out and join the program. Raise your finest pint glass of LEFFE and make a toast to Battle Elk.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Concertina - S/T (EP Review)

Release date: September 25th 2015. Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Concertina– S/T - Tracklisting

1.Blood Eagle 05:50

2.No Sympathy 05:13

3.Prejudicial Swine 05:13

4.Opportunity Lost 05:01

5.Death Grip 05:08

Band Members:

Cade Miller - Vocals/Guitar

Cameron White - Guitar

Adrian Aragon - Bass

Chastin Short - Drums

Review:

Concertina's debut EP is jam-packed with heavy as hell Stoner Metal riffs that sees the band include elements of NWOBHM, Thrash and even NOLA stlye riffs. It's quite an aggressive sound with a playful attitude to match.

Opening track – Blood Eagle – sees the band open with a blast of heavy riffs as the mood is one of aggression with Cade showing what he's made of. If you dig bands such as The Sword and Orange Goblin then you will find a lot to admire here. When the band go into Thin Lizzy dual guitar riff loving worship then that sealed the deal for me on how talented these guys really are.

Second track – No Sympathy – opens with a 70s based Psych/Trippy riff before the NWOBHM vibe shows up once again with lead vocalist Cade on violent and confident form. The lyrics could of done with some work but it's the riffs that hold your attention here. As Concertina end the song with impressive guitar solos that sound fantastic throughout.

Third track – Prejudicial Swine – Is perhaps the stand-out track on the EP as it's pure Stoner Metal anger and fury with the band taking no prisoners on this song. Jagged riffs and Cade's pissed-off vocals are the perfect match as Concertina take pot-shots at Religion, Politics and Celebrity life. This is where the EP comes to life as Concertina inject some much needed realism into their music. I want to hear more of this style of music from the band in the future as they have some brilliant ideas here brewing under the heavy riffs.

Fourth Track - Opportunity Lost – sees Concertina offer a more Doom/Punk kind of sound. Cade's vocals could of done with volume but the killer riffs save the day yet again. The final song – Death Grip – offers one final round of heavy and action-packed Stoner Metal riffs with the Thrash based riffs leaving you wanting more. It's a great song to end the EP with though it would have been cool if the band offered one song as I was really starting to get into the mood and then the EP ended. Oh well, until next time then...

Like I stated before, some of the lyrics could be better but Concertina a truly talented band. They have a great sound and I believe they have what it takes to go a long way within the Stoner Rock/Metal world. Check this out. You won't be sorry. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Ex-People - Loss (EP Review)

Release date: May 25^th 2015. Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Loss - Tracklisting

1.The Erlenmeyer Flask 04:38

2.Jersey Devil 05:08

3.Pilot 06:28

Band Members:

Laura Kirsop - vocals

Vicki Butler - drums

Calum Gunn - guitar

Edward White - bass

Review:

Ex-People's EP has been on constant rotation on my MP3 player for a long time now. I promised the band I would review their debut EP and here it is. Ex-People's debut EP – Loss – is a stunning mix of Doom, Sludge and Stoner though the band mainly excel at creating highly atmospheric gloomy sonic textures.

Opening track – The Erlenmeyer Flask – has a Melvins style noisy sludge rock feel as the band create an almost violent opening with haunting occult style vocals. It's a refreshing style of Occult based Doom/Sludge Metal with plenty of bite.

Second track – Jersey Devil – carries on the same style of Sludge/Stoner/Doomy vibe from the opening song but Ex-People add a distinctive 90s grunge feel as the riffs become heavier and noisier with the vocals pitched at the right level. It's a very bass heavy affair and when the band venture into psychedelic waters then Ex-People really do become something special indeed within the UK Doom Metal scene. All I can say about this song is that it feels Chelsea Wolfe is jamming with the legendary BORIS. You will understand when you hear it. Earthly, hollow vocals matched against unpredictable psych and noisy guitars.

Third track – Pilot – is my fave song on the EP as it has a stripped back approach with the guitars adding plenty of menace before Laura's fantastic vocals appear to reign supreme. Just immerse yourself with the music as Ex-People have something about them as they have a great sound of their own. The instrumental work is flawless through out as the band leave you begging for more.

Loss is an excellent debut EP and I have a feeling we will be hearing more from Ex-People in the future. Definitely a band to keep an eye on. Check it out for yourself. Awesome. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

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