Exclusive Premiere Of Doom Metallers PESTA New Song For THE INQUISITOR, PT 1 From Upcoming New Album THE CRAFT OF PAIN

From the depths of Belo Horizonte’s underground, PESTA rises once again with their new single “The Inquisitor, Pt. I”, the first glimpse of the long-awaited album The Craft of Pain, arriving October 16th, 2025 on all digital platforms.

A deluxe vinyl edition will follow through Glory or Death Records, featuring ultra-limited handmade pressings by Wax Mage Records, scheduled for late October and November.

“The Inquisitor, Pt. I” opens the gates to an album that descends into the darkest horrors of human history. While the lyrics evoke the severity of the Inquisition, they also draw a parallel with current socio-political realities in Brazil, and beyond, where the intertwining of religion, politics, and economic power can awaken the worst in people, leading to the persecution of the different, the suppression of expression, and the imprisonment of minds.

Musically, the track unfolds with a powerful progression, channeling Doom Metal in its rawest, most classic form.

Heavy, deliberate riffs give way to moments flirting with proto-metal and heavy rock, creating a tension between crushing weight and ascending intensity, a sonic ritual that honors the genre’s roots while asserting PESTA’s unique voice.

The Craft of Pain is a plunge into the shadows of the human condition. Each track confronts episodes of violence, greed, and blind devotion that have shaped history, transforming tragedy into monumental sound. Musically, it reaffirms PESTA as a force carrying Doom’s tradition while daring to carve out their own voice, heavy, intense, and firmly rooted in their homeland.

Formed in Belo Horizonte, cradle of countless metal legacies, PESTA earned recognition with Faith Bathed in Blood (2019) and Bring Out Your Dead (2016),

both praised by specialized media in the Doom and Heavy Psych scenes. With these releases and standout singles, the band has surpassed 260,000 streams on Spotify and 30,000 plays on Bandcamp,

reaching listeners across more than 65 countries. Known for a commanding stage presence and ritualistic atmosphere, PESTA translates the weight and density of their albums into live performances at events such as Dopesmoker Fest in northeastern Brazil and BDCP, a festival that drew over 9,000 attendees in Belo Horizonte. A glimpse of this intensity can be seen in their live video for “Witches’ Sabbath”, an over 8-minute track played more than 14,000 times on YouTube, capturing what PESTA is truly about.

“The Inquisitor, Pt. I” is just the first blade of this sonic execution. The full album, The Craft of Pain, arrives this October to carve PESTA’s name even deeper into the global Doom Metal scene.

Social Networks and Streaming:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pestadoom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pestadoom
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pestadoom

Bandcamp: https://pestadoom.bandcamp.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/pestadoom

Thanks to Glory Or Death Records for all the details.

Exclusive Premiere Of Doom/Grunge/Stoner Rockers FISH HOOK SMILE New Song/Video For RATSTAR

"Ratstar”, the second single from Fish Hook Smile’s upcoming self-titled album, out August 20th via Glory or Death Records

On August 20, Fish Hook Smile returns with their second single, “Ratstar” - a track that refuses to look away from one of the harshest realities of our time: the humanitarian crisis of homelessness.

The single is part of the band’s forthcoming self-titled album, due out on September 5.

“‘Ratstar’ dives into the merciless world of homelessness, told through the eyes of someone society chooses not to see. It's a visceral cry for recognition and connection — a reminder that all of us are only one or two strokes of bad luck away from living the same fate.” - Fish Hook Smile

Built on suffocating atmosphere and unflinching lyrics, “Ratstar” captures the weight of marginalization — the empty pockets, the systemic neglect, the fight to maintain dignity. Sonically, the track delivers sharp distortion, a throbbing low end, and vocals that shift between anguish and restrained fury.

The track paints a bleak, brutally honest portrait of homelessness, told from the eyes of someone long ignored by society. With gritty textures and lyrics that ache with lived experience, “Ratstar” demands empathy - and warns how fragile the line is between stability and collapse.

This is not just a political message. It’s a deeply human one - one that demands to be heard.

Fish Hook Smile emerged from the vibrant alternative scene of St. Louis in the 1990s, blending influences from grunge, punk, and alternative rock with raw, biting lyricism. Known locally for their intense live shows and visceral sound, the band gained underground momentum before dissolving, without ever releasing a full-length record.

Fish Hook Smile was a St. Louis band that was originally formed in 1991 by Jason Busiek, Dan Policarpo(guitar) and Ken McCray(drums). In the Summer of 1991, Misha Avrushenko, Matt Lake and Bryan Pollard joined the band. Although he wasn't originally in the band, Matt Pekny was at damn near every practice and show in the 90’s and was a natural fit for 2nd guitar. These songs were written by Jason Busiek, Matt Lake, Misha Avrushenko, Bryan Pollard and Dan Policarpo. Although Dan is not on the recording, he was a major player in the formation, writing and the overall honing of this sound and we are forever grateful for his contributions

Decades later, members of the original lineup reunited, unearthing unreleased material and channeling the same urgency that defined their early years. Now spread across different cities but still driven by a shared creative fire, Fish Hook Smile returns with renewed purpose and sharpened vision.

This year, 2025, they joined forces with Glory or Death Records to release their long-awaited self-titled debut album digitally. Slated for release on September 5, the record is preceded by two blistering singles: “Shiver” and “Ratstar” - with lyrical manifestos confronting authoritarianism and the brutal realities of social invisibility.

Fish Hook Smile is not just a comeback. It’s a scream that never died.

Listen to the Track Now:

Follow the band:

https://www.instagram.com/fish_hook_smile
https://youtube.com/@fishhooksmile
https://fishhooksmile.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576620613811&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Thanks to Glory Or Death Records for the details.

Madmess - The Third Coming (Album Review)

Release Date: May 09th 2025. Record Label: Glory or Death (USA), Kozmik Artifactz (EU), and gig.ROCKS! (PT). Formats: DD/Vinyl

The Thirds Coming - Tracklisting

1.Death by Astonishment

2.Widowmaker

3.Velvet Nebula 

4.Endless Cycles

5.Burnt!

6.Hazy Morning 

7.Sauerkraut

Members:

Electric guitar/vocals: Ricardo Sampaio

Bass guitar: Vasco Vasconcelos

Drums/percussion: Pedro Cruz

Keys/ Synths: Marco Lima

Review

Psych/Prog/Stoner Rockers Madmess return with their third full length album The Third Coming that combines old-school Hard Rock sounds with lush sounding Prog Rock melodies. There’s a sense of urgency to Madmess music especially where the 1970’s Proto-Metal and Blues Rock sound comes from. Pounding drumming and freaking instrumental jams are the main order of business for Madmess to deliver their heavy grooves upon the listener. With a subtle sideline in distorted Psych Rock attitude, the record is quite offbeat and devilishly off-beat when the record showcases a fine style of Retro Rock heaviness. 

Madness are not adverse to slowing the mood right down with a streetwise Blues Rock attitude which comes across with the almost DOOM & GLOOM inspired opening track Death By Astonishment. This is purely an instrumental number with Madmess showcasing an impressive array of different styles of music that evolves quite differently with the majority of the tracks contained on the album,

Second track Widowmaker has a vivid Proto-Doom energy whilst keeping with a groovy sideline in FUZZ and GUITAR PEDAL WORSHIP with Led Zepp and Black Sabbath instrumental power and riff wizardry being developed and fully delivered with superb vocals to match. The inclusion of distorted Space Rock flows once again allows Madmess to think outside the box and play with Prog Rock influences that gives them a wicked OLD SCHOOL vibe especially when the mood is slowed right down. There is a feeling of Post-Rock energy merged with Blues Rock attitude once again showcasing many different sides to Madmess.

Third track Velvet Nebula is built upon epic waves of Classic Rock, Space Rock, Psych Rock and modern day Stoner based movements. There’s a fuzzed up STOP / START process that comes mostly through the wicked rhythm section from Pedro Cruz (Drums / Percussion) and Vasco Vasconcelos (Bass). Marco Lima can only be classed as the resident ASTRONAUT in attendance with his sublime performance on Keys and Synth. Ricardo Sampaio impresses as well on Vocals and Electric Guitar duties where he shows a great style of Prog Rock and Blues Rock extended instrumental jams and complete psychedelic freakouts of the highest order

Madmess fully explore and develop their subtle Psych, Space and Prog Rock sound even further with subtle flashes of Stoner Rock, Ambient and Post-Rock environments coming into play mostly on Endless Cycles and Hazy Mornning. Though, the band offset this style of music against heavier areas of Hard Rock, Doom and Proto-Metal which sees Madmess playing different genre rules, tropes and conventions completely against each other with brilliantly inspired results.

The Third Coming is a soulful and brilliantly mysterious record that brings a whole lot of different thrills, spills and genuine excitement which impresses throughout from start to finish.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Kozmik Artifactz PR for the promo.

Third Coming will be available to buy on DD/Vinyl from Saturday 09th May 2025 via the links below:

Kozmik Artifactz Records

Glory Or Death Records

Gig Rocks

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Idol Lord - The Other Side (Album Review)

Release Date: January 31st 2025. Record Label: Glory Or Death Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

The Other Side - Track Listing:

1.Disconnected 05:42

2.Caught Inside 04:23

3.Borrowed Time 07:51

4.Cyclops King 05:58

5.Last Gladiator 04:20

6.The Other Side 05:52

Review

Californian Desert/Stoner Rock Riffster Idol Lord new album The Other Side displays a level of distorted Fuzz/Space Rock heaviness on their excellent debut album The Other Side that should mark them out as future stars of the underground scene. Their album has echoes of FU MANCHU, KYUSS, TRUCKFIGHTERS and SLEEP within its creative domain. The record is quite aggressive and dominantly sleazy in all the right places which is played to great use and effect on the superb opening track of Disconnected.

Idol Lord demonstrates a great use of paranoia and distortion within their music which equates to some fantastic sludgy instrumental movements along the way. The vocals are quite Punk Rock obsessed in places  with a level of seriousness throughout the album. Idol Lord are always aggressive with their passionate use of abstract based sonic passages and melodic grooves that display an awareness of Grunge, Hard Rock, Doom and Sludge Rock structures. 

The music is boosted by the non-stop use of distorted and down-tuned sounds which transforms the classic Californian Desert/Stoner Rock music that Idol Lord employ here to a more desolate Doomed Out landscape where the Fuzz Rock element has a more destructive KINETIC energy which becomes more central to the album especially on tracks such as Caught Inside, Borrowed Time and Cyclops King.

The lyrics do appear quite fantastical at times but this still allows The Other Side to have quite a grounded appeal even when the record does become ever so more OTT and fantasy based at times. My advice is just to go with  it and lose yourself with the cerebral style of 1990’s Stoner Rock/Metal which builds upto some huge sounding GUITAR SOLOS along the way. 

The powerful rhythm section is definitely from the classic era of Fuzz Rock and Grunge which is the creative glue that holds everything together. The final two tracks of Last Gladiator and The Other Side delves deep into the heavier and murkier waters of down-tuned Stoner Rock/Metal with Idol Lord leaving a lasting impression which allows The Other Side to become a superbly entertaining and must have album to add to your collection right now. It’s seriously that good. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Glory Or Death Records for the promo,

The Other Side is available to buy on DD/Vinyl now via Glory Or Death Records.

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Desert Suns - Edge Of The Sky (Album Review)

Release Date: December 18th 2024. Record Label: Glory Or Death Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Edge Of The Sky - Track Listing:

1.Sweet Sorrow 06:17

2.Luck of the Draw 05:26

3.Real Eyes 06:46

4.Daisy Chain 05:42

5.Fata Morgana 07:34

Review

Edge Of The Sky is the new album from Doom/Stoner Rockers Desert Suns who play with a gloomy and fuzzy aesthetic to their music with sludgy surroundings. There’s influences from bands such as QOTSA, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden at times on this record which allows Desert Suns to have a more mature outlook to their music especially with the lyrics written for the album.

The record can be quite foreboding at times with a sudden shift to GLOOM & DOOM melodies and down-tuned  grooves with the opening track Sweet Sorrow allowing Desert Suns to move from one distorted realm to the next. The psychedelic passages are quite forceful with a stunning mix of instrumental solos and highly DOOMEDELIC movements allowing the vocals to have a classic style of Grunge movements to them.

Desert Suns continue with the winning Grunge/Doom/Stoner hybrid formula crafted within Sweet Sorrow for the remainder of the record with the Alice In Chains influence being the main dominant theme on tracks such as Luck Of The Draw, Real Eyes and Daisy Chain. However, the band remain quite content exploring a seedy and spectacular style of Fuzzed Up AMPLIFIER FEEDBACK sounds that matches the ferocious Psychedelic and Cosmic energy that builds upto heavy amounts of guitar reverb whilst still being part of the Doom/Stoner Rock scene.

Edge Of The Sky lasts for around thirty minutes and it’s quite a compact record but it’s perhaps the perfect length with Desert Suns providing a great style of classic sounds and modern day atmospherics especially on the later stages of the album. With 2024 finally drawing to a close, it’s always great when a band makes a late challenge for grabbing a place on those inevitable Album Of The Year lists and Desert Suns have just done that for me with this superbly entertaining album.

If you’re in the mood for a record that explores the 1990’s Grunge, Doom and Stoner Rock scenes but adding a refreshing modern Sludge Rock swagger then Desert Suns are the band for you. Edge Of The Sky is an absolute blast from start to finish and quite easily considered Album Of The Year material.

Words by Steve Howe

Edge Of The Sky is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Glory Or Death Records.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Sea Of Snakes - Bow To No One (Album Review)

Release Date: November 04th 2024. Record Label: Glory Or Death Records. Format: DD/Vinyl

Bow Down To No One - Track Listing:

1.1313 04:20

2.Crack the Whip 03:42

3.Slo Failure 05:49

4.Kill Hate Love 04:04

5.Black Hymn 04:33

6.Below the Water 06:23

7.Martyr of the Son 04:48

8.Passenger 05:07

9.Tempest 05:52

10.Devil Inside You 04:41

Members

Jim McCloskey – Guitars

Greg Noriega – Bass

Chris Lowbridge – Drums

Jason Busiek – Vocals

Review

Bow To No One is the new album from Doom/Stoner Metallers Sea Of Snakes who also operate with an old school Alt Metal/Grunge creative philosophy within their music. As the album draws upon bands such as Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden. With an aggressive and seedy style of AMPLIFIER FUZZ slowly creeping into the background on the excellent opening track 1313. The sound is built upon a highly atmospheric style of contemporary 1990’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal with a sublime distorted Proto-Doom sound starting to appear.

The album allows Sea Of Snakes to forge their own unflinching style of Street Level based Doom/Stoner Metal where GRUNGE is just one of the best tools the band have at their disposal at creating heavy slabs of pure seediness throughout the album especially on tracks such as Crack The Whip, Slo Failure and Kill Hate Love. Sea Of Snakes have a deft touch at playing intense grunge based melodies with a subtle Alt Rock flavour appearing within the lyrics. However, the whole sound is filtered through a level of distorted sludgy grooves and amplified textures that bring a sense of paranoia to the album that I didn’t expect to hear.

Production values are superbly realized with a sense of dirt and grime coming through their music which allows Sea Of Snakes to become more closely aligned to the Grunge scene that you don’t fully expect. However, it’s the wicked and down-tuned sludgy guitars that gives Sea Of Snakes another level of  heaviness to play with as they bring a sinister PSYCHEDELIC movement to the album which becomes one of the standout parts of the entire album.

The standout tracks on the album are: Slo Failure, Kill Hate Love, Below The Water, Passenger and Tempest. These are the moments where Sea Of Snakes start paying homage to bands such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains more and more. You can also hear other influences such as Faith No More, The Melvins and High On Fire heard on the record which Sea Of Snakes use to their own advantage by creating highly anthemic and original music of their own. 

Bow To No One is a superbly entertaining record that perfectly captures the seedier side of the Alt Metal/Grunge hybrid style of Doom/Stoner Metal that Sea Of Snakes are absolute masters at. Give this record a spin and you’ll be brilliantly surprised at the EPIC grooves that Sea Of Snakes bring to the party. I’m hoping Sea Of Snakes gain a loyal and dedicated following from the underground scene as they truly deserve every success with this album.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Bow To No One Is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Glory Or Death Records.

Links

LinkTree | BandCamp

Exclusive Premiere Of Psych Stoner Rockers DESERT SUNS New Song/Video For LUCK OF THE DRAW

"In that space where psychedelic, blues-rock, doom, and stoner, it’s there you’re likely to find Desert Suns."

Hailing from the sun-soaked shores of San Diego, California, Desert Suns have been a formidable force in the music scene since their inception in 2013. One of the original Ripple bands, the group has crafted a distinct sonic identity that blends heavy, bluesy, and doomy elements into a captivating musical experience.

In 2020-21, the Desert Suns underwent a significant lineup change, injecting new energy and talent into the mix. The addition of Lucas Fisher on guitar and Jason Busiek on vocals marked a pivotal moment, elevating their sound to new heights at the Edge of the Sky

The forthcoming album is an invitation to join a musical odyssey where heavy, bluesy, and doomy landscapes converge into a mesmerizing sonic experience. This album reflects the new lineup's efforts to explore fresh possibilities. It has been nearly five years since their last album, Carry On. Edge of the Sky pushes new boundaries.

Beyond time and space / Far beyond the wheel

Luck of the Draw is the first single off the upcoming, about the song Jason says:

"This song 'Luck of the Draw' is kind of the story of my life. I believe that every person gets dealt a hand of cards in life and it's all about what you do with it that makes the difference. What it means to me is that I haven't had the easiest life. I have had many challenges. But I have dealt with those issues. In the end, it is what it is."

The band chose this song because "I think most people can relate. We're all in this together. We hope that this song strikes a chord with our listeners"

"Luck of the Draw" put us into cosmic exploration not only through their lyrics, and reflections but bringing this new air to the band's sound, with guitar effects on some moments, without missing what Desert Suns really is. You would play this song while you drive under a stellar dark sky on the road.

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We are thrilled to announce that Desert Suns, is now part of the Glory or Death Records family!

- Edge of the Sky will be out digitally on December 18th.
- The vinyl will be out through Glory or Death Records in 2025.
- The pre-order should start soon!

Follow Glory or Death Records

https://www.instagram.com/gloryordeathrecords/
https://www.facebook.com/Gloryordeathrecords
https://gloryordeathrecords.bandcamp.com/
https://www.gloryordeathrecords.com/

Follow Desert Suns

https://desertsuns.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/desertsunsband/
https://www.facebook.com/desertsunssd

Thanks to Glory Or Death Records for all of the info.

Exclusive Song/Video Premiere For Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers VOID TRIPPER Uncompromising New Song SLUDGEHAMMER

Three years after the release of the LP Dopefiend, Void Tripper presents Sludgehammer, a single featuring two tracks that walks from Sludge to Stoner/Proto Doom. This new phase marks the debut of drummer Kevin Cavalcante, as the band hits the accelerator with political statements and aggressive riffs—an organic evolution from their previous work.

This is an open door for the upcoming album, the band now is focused on recording their second album, and in full works, composing. Sludgehammer is the bridge.

Under the hammer of the Sludge,

Mário, the band's vocalist, gives more details about the production and the powerful meaning behind the first track.

“I think with Sludgehammer, we wanted to clarify a few things. First, we consider Void Tripper to be, in some sense, part of the Extreme Metal scene. Second, we have a political stance, if that wasn’t clear already (we hinted at it with Burning Woods, but it's worth reinforcing). And third, we still have a strong desire to create without sticking to a formula. The other track on this release, Praise the Sacrifice, explores different ideas from Sludgehammer. The four of us have varied tastes, and we like to explore this spectrum of stoner/doom/sludge.

We came up with the name 'Sludgehammer' as a play on the word 'Sledgehammer'. We want listeners to have fun imagining Nazis getting their skulls crushed. There could be more than one meaning here. The hammer is often seen as a symbol of workers' struggle. At the end of the day, we’re workers too, wanting our voices heard and seeking to silence our oppressors.”

This represents a natural evolution. Void Tripper already dipped into sludge with tracks like Hollow and Comatose from their first album, Dopefiend, released on vinyl by Wet Records and on cassette by Evil Noise Recordings. But Sludgehammer also marks growth in terms of production, as the band has faced numerous recording issues since its inception.

“In our previous work, we were always plagued by production problems. Void Tripper was the first band for all of us. We were kids and got into situations that were tough to navigate. Sludgehammer is a turning point because it’s the first time we’ve been able to compose and record on our own terms, and I think the difference is clear. We now have more freedom and maturity to shape our sound the way we want. Gaining experience with the recording process also helped a lot. This release is especially important because it’s Kevin's official debut as our drummer, and he absolutely crushed it. That’s why we wanted to highlight him in the track, opting for a drum solo instead of a guitar solo.”

About the Sludgehammer video, Mário adds:

“Naturally, we’re fans of this kind of video—it makes sense to us within the genre. The video is an extension of the song. The track is brutal and direct, and we wanted the video to reflect that. We believe we shouldn’t be afraid to say certain things, and some people should be afraid to show up in public spouting messages that oppose society and people’s freedom to live and relate as they wish, or any speech that incites hate towards certain groups. Intolerance for the intolerant.

As a whole, Sludgehammer marks the beginning of a new chapter in our story—almost like a fresh start.”

They are finishing up songs for our next album. "We want it to be bigger, heavier, and more impactful than our first full-length, Dopefiend. We hope to have it ready by early 2025 and hit the road again."

Sludgehammer is set to be released digitally on October 13th via the American label Wet Records.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voidtripperband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voidtripperdoom/
Bandcamp: https://voidtripperdoom.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0u26mTrsDxNiMa2yEiWc4e
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe69fs3XH1_NhoFerpmzB6A
Clipe “Black Roots Rising”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xehJ_0bArE
Clipe “Bastard Smoker”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AeVgk6Vcl8
Clipe “Burning Woods”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbKTvxnKrd0

Wet Records:

https://www.instagram.com/wetrecordsofficial/
https://wetrecords.bandcamp.com/

Thanks to Ygor at Wet Records for all of the details.

OLD BLOOD - Midnight Climax (Album Review)

Release Date: October 04th 2024. Record Label: Glory Or Death Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Midnight Climax - Track Listing:

1.Midnight Climax 04:26 

2.Noble Oath 03:21 

3.The Chained Elephant 06:46

4.Oh, You're High, Huh? 06:30

5.Kosmonaut 09:10

6.Poison in Disguise 05:50

7.Snakes 05:29

Members

Lynx - Vocals

Octopus - Bass

Cole Donovan - Guitar

J.F. Stone - Keyboard

Diesel - Drums

Review

Doom/Stoner Rockers OLD BLOOD are back with another Acid tinged release full of highly passionate and soulful Occult Sounds on their new album Midnight Climax. With their highly seductive lyrics leading the record to have a rebellious edge which comes right out of the gates of the excellent opening title track of Midnight Climax. With it’s frenzied and surreal approach with screeching guitars which pays respect to bands such as Black Sabbath and KYUSS, the band are in fine spooky spirits with the song embracing a dangerous “femme fatale” charge that comes right through the lyrics and great vocals from lead vocalist Lynx.

There’s more to OLD BLOOD than the usual Doom/Stoner Rock tropes with the band focusing upon areas of Grunge, Heavy Metal and Classic Hard Rock with a deep love of the Blues being added for great measure. Midnight Climax has got some fantastic sonic sounds which can be quite Spooky and Spaced Out at the same time. This part of the album becomes quite cerebral especially on tracks such as Noble Oath.

Noble Oath sees the music being played at a catchy, aggressive and fast pace which allows Lynx’s vocals to soar higher and higher with the Occult/Blues Rock atmospherics that OLD BLOOD play along the way. 

Third track Chained Elephant is a dramatic change of pace which opens with a Jazz/Blues instrumental sound which undergoes a dramatic tone a few minutes in when a subtle THRASH guitar solo with Classic Proto-Doom guitars allows Lynx to add a gloomy Grunge vibe to the vocals. It’s an interesting style of music that ultimately succeeds at being daring and totally different at the same time. This is perhaps one of the riskiest tracks I’ve heard from OLD BLOOD but this pays off big time as it's quite subversive whilst paying respects to their Doom/Stoner Rock roots.

Fourth track You’re High, Huh, is another soulful Blues Rock driven number with a soulful Psychedelic drive drawing upon quieter movements before adding heavier strands of Grunge, Occult Rock and Stoner Rock energy slowly dominating proceedings. Lynx’s vocals are commanding yet again but with a sense of emotional vulnerability within the more tender moments of the track. Shades of Thin Lizzy and QUEEN classic guitar solos appear which is music to my ears with this being my favourite track on the whole album.

Fifth track Kosmonaut is where OLD BLOOD decide to go all out on the HEAVY METAL EXCESS front with an amalgamation of different musical styles with this being the longest track on the whole album. This has a classic “ROCK OPERA” structure where OLD BLOOD experiment to their heart’s content. It’s way OVER THE TOP but it’s full with some of the best creative ideas and instrumental sounds on the whole album. There’s a gloomy presence on the later stages of the track with OLD BLOOD going through the more DOOM & GLOOM style of Occult based Stoner Rock with moments of warped Psychedelia building into a frenzied Blues Rock charge.

The final two songs of Poison In Disguise and Snakes allows OLD BLOOD to end the album in highly confident fashion with a switch to 1960’s Blues Rock and 1970#s Psych Rock sounds which can be wholly aggressive and beautifully melodic that gives Midnight Climax a timeless quality when the closing stages appear.

Midnight Climax is another magnificent effort from Old Blood who have gone from strength to strength with each passing release. This is perhaps their most outlandish and outrageous album to date but one that is also their standout record to date. 

Add this one to your record collection when you have the time. You won’t be sorry.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to OLD BLOOD for the promo.

Midnight Climax is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Glory Or Death Records.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram