Stone Machine Electric - Faces (Album Review)

Release Date: September 26th 2025. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Faces - Tracklisting

1. Just Another Wizard – 07:53

2. Walls of Hate – 06:32

3. Chroma – 05:24

4. Manic – 09:26

5. Price of It All – 04:51

6. The Alp – 06:25

Members

Mark Kitchens: Drums, HC-TT, and Vocals

William "Dub" Irvin: Guitar and Vocals

Erick Pacheco: Bass

Review

Faces is the sixth full length album from Stone Machine Electric who continue their sonic and trippy journey into the harsh environments of the Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal planes. The record sees the band redefine their own creative existence with their music venturing into heavier areas of Drone, Ambient and Shoegaze for perhaps their most confident record in years. Stone Machine Electric sounds closer to the likes of SLEEP, OM, SUNN 0))) and The Melvins than ever before.

The shamanic vocals from the band are ever present but with the added bonus of the recent addition of Erick Pacheco on bass who provides an electrifying bass line that supplements Mark Kitchens’s brooding drums and William “Dub” Irvin’s sludgy guitars. The TANTRIC environment which appears within the first track of Just Another World lives upto its spaced out theme with amplified sounds that feel like they’re being transmitted from another dimension or the vastness of space itself. The sound is quite sparse and diverse with a direct aggressive performance from Stone Machine Electric I haven’t heard since their earliest recordings.

Second track Walls Of Hate is Stone Machine Electric in full on “PISSED OFF” mode with muscular vocals and powerful lyrics aligning everything up closely to the Droned Out dynamics of the Sludge Metal surroundings that merges into a powerful “LOW & SLOW” performance. The music is wonderfully powerful with the band capturing an atmospheric style of Melodic and Destructive grooves that adds layers of distorted heaviness to the mix. There’s a bleak sense of riff-centric delivery that appears that has a twisted “CAVEMAN” metal effect reminiscent of early-era MASTODON and HIGH ON FIRE at times.

Third track Chroma once again sees Stone Machine Electric swing the creative pendulum further into TANTRIC and MIDDLE EASTERN vibes with a classic Grunge element appearing without sacrificing their Sludge Rock identity. The music is playfully slow at first before Stone Machine Electric once more expand their musical horizons into heavier divisions of AMPLIFIER HEAVINESS and FUZZY REVERB with the vocals having a slight “Doom-Pop” aura within them. Stone Machine Electric then harnesses that classic “MELVINS” creative flow with a superbly executed style of trippy music being projected against a ton of darkly twisted and superbly distorted melodies once more.

The fourth track Manic opts for a slightly Prog Metal delivery with a classic sense of Sludge Metal dynamics that is perhaps all the range today but Stone Machine Electric are wise enough to inject elements of Post-Doom, Space Rock and Cosmic flavours into the song. This is perhaps the standout track of the album as it goes into different and multiple styles of HEAVY RAWK with Erick’s powerful bass being one of favourite aspects of the track once more. Though, Mark and William provide excellent and committed performances as well.

The final two tracks of Price Of it All and The Alp sees Stone Machine Electric continuing to deconstruct the classic lore of Sludge/Stoner Metal and inject a fresh HEAVY perspective with some dynamic riffs that translate into first rate drawn out instrumental passages. 

Faces is perhaps my favourite record from Stone Machine Electric and proves once again why they’re one of the best bands to emerge from the Texas Heavy Rock Scene within the last two decades. This is STONE MACHINE ELECTRIC in their creative element and it’s a brilliant record to fully experience. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.

Faces is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Fuzz/Stoner Rockers DUNE AURORA Unveil First Single and Video "Sunless Queen" from Upcoming Debut Album

band pic. courtesy of Luca Maccario

Italian fuzz-heavy rockers DUNE AURORA have released their brand new single and official video, "Sunless Queen", offering the first taste of their highly anticipated debut full-length, due out this Fall via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records.

The track and its haunting visual companion dive deep into the band’s sonic core: slow-paced heaviness, hypnotic atmospheres and monolithic riffing. Speaking about the new single, the band states:

"Sunless Queen is a slow, cadenced song with dark atmospheres that has a monolithic presence in our album, thanks to its rhythmic pattern and repetitive riffs. The song depicts a queen who reigns in her own golden age and relates to a being whose presence darkens the sun, a demon she must embrace in order to be reborn. We think this single captures the essence of the sound of our first upcoming album. We are thrilled to present it today with Octopus Rising/Argonauta Records and share it with you."

The release follows the band’s critically noted trajectory, which began with their debut EP Lonely Town in 2022 and continued through a trilogy of standalone singles (Solar Reward, Sail, and Fire) each supported by distinctive music videos that helped define DUNE AURORA’s strong visual and artistic identity.

A key element in the sonic impact of Sunless Queen, and the entire upcoming album, is the mastering by legendary engineer James Plotkin, known for his work with groundbreaking acts such as ISIS, Pelican and Earth. Plotkin’s signature mastering gives the song an immersive and massive depth, perfectly complementing the band’s fuzz-laden intensity.

Based in Turin, Italy, DUNE AURORA currently features Ginny Wagon (vocals, guitar), Serena Bodratto (drums) and Roberta Finiguerra (bass). Their sound merges raw power and emotional weight, blending fuzzy riffs with dark, introspective moods.

A year after joining the Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records roster, the band is now set to unveil the next chapter in their evolution.

Watch the official music video for "Sunless Queen" now: 

Also available on all major streaming platforms.

INFO:

https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords
https://www.facebook.com/duneaurora21
https://www.instagram.com/duneaurora/
https://duneaurora.bandcamp.com/

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.

Germany's Post-Metal Band HAVEN Unveils Full Album Details for Causes; New Music Video Released

Introducing HAVEN, the hidden stars of Berlin's post-metal underground! Following two EPs and performances alongside acts such as Amenra, Hexis, and Esben And The Witch, the band is set to release their highly anticipated debut album “Causes” on January 24th via Argonauta Records. The album was recorded, produced, and mastered by Alexander Khromov at Sonic Boom Studios in Berlin.

The album track listing and cover art are as follows:

1. Idol
2. Causes
3. Leash
4. Wesen
5. Rue
6. Theia
7. Ankou

The stunning official music video for 'Causes' is now available on YouTube below:

HAVEN delve deep into the themes of their music: What are the causes and consequences of our actions and our existence? "Causes" explores the question of how autonomous we truly are, given our upbringing, experiences, and fears. "It's also about recognizing the all-encompassing cycle of things," explains frontman Norman Siegel. "At the end of which, hopefully, lies an illuminated perspective on life." He strives for catharsis, which is conveyed not only through the lyrics but also reflected in the music. "Causes" oscillates between brutal outbursts of raw power and moments of tranquility, mirroring the dynamics of the human emotional spectrum. After all, everything is interconnected and in constant flux – as the band puts it: "All will take from all, and all will flow back into all."

In celebration of the release, HAVEN will be playing two exclusive album release shows in Hannover and Berlin, where "Causes" will be performed live for the first time. The band's reputation as a top-tier live act precedes them – they bring their music to life on stage with just as much emotion and energy as on record! HAVEN will be supported by Berlin's doom metal band Death Cult 69 (who will also be releasing their new album "The Way Of All Flesh" on the same day) and Leipzig's death metal hopefuls Chaver. Don't miss out!

Tickets: https://linktr.ee/DC69_Haven

24.01.2025 Hannover, Subkultur
25.01.2025 Berlin, Urban Spree

HAVEN line up:

Luc Lacroix (Drums)
Norman Siegel (Vocals)
Arne Teubel (Guitar, Saxophone)
Robert Kurth (Guitar)

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/HavenNoise
https://www.instagram.com/haven_noise
https://www.youtube.com/@HAVENNOISE
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/0jOiZj1TF6hKzLuDeaAggS
https://www.argonautarecords.com/

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.

King Of None - In The Realm (Album Review)

Release Date: April 26th 2024. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

In The Realm - Tracklisting

1.Speeder Approaching 

2.Low'n'Slow 

3.dpd

4.Thousand Light Year Stare

5.Lizards for Brains 

6.For the Ride

7.Snail Trail

8.The Man Who Bought the Multiverse

9.Crab Nebula

Members

 

Miiro Kärki - Vocals

Patrick Enckell - Drums and percussions

Juho Aarnio - Bass

Aleksi Kärkkäinen - Guitars, additional vocals

Juha Pääkkö - Guitars

Review

In The Realm is the new album from Finnish Heavy/Psych/Stoner Rockers King Of None who explore fantastical ideas on the album with the power of the classic Desert/Stoner Rock sound they continue to weave strands of melodic Heavy Rock. The sound is quite progressive compared to their previous 2019 album Weightless Waters with a mixture of classic guitar shredding and Prog Rock tendencies which you can hear within the opening batch of tracks of Speeder Approaching, Low’n’Slow and dpd. 

King Of None showcase a fine amount of 90’s Stoner Rock and Grunge energy on the album with a passionate 80’s Heavy Rock/Metal sound which gives way to some superb guitar solos and instrumental shredding even within the Desert/Stoner Rock environment. The vocals from Miiro are band on point even when King Of None are venturing into other areas outside the sphere of Stoner Rock/Metal. There’s excellent support from Aleksi with the record having a fine balance of aggressive vocal passages and softer moments never moving away from the Heavy Psychedelic sound of the main story of the album. 

In The Realm feels inspired by certain movie franchises within the lyrics and song titles contained on the album but that could be me looking far too much into things. King Of None shows a deft touch at playing a lush and melodic style of Post-Rock and Post-Stoner on different stages of the album. You can hear musical influences such as KYUSS, FU MANCHU, Monster Magnet and even Soundgarden throughout the album though King Of None stand on their own creative authority by exploring creative avenues such as Alt Rock and Classic Hard Rock which allows the instrumental sounds to be always quite fresh and last long in the memory.

Other standout tracks include Thousand Light Year Stare,  Lizards For Brains, The Man Who Bought The Multiverse and Crab Nebula.

The record lasts for around fifty two minutes length and King Of None doesn't waste a single second by grabbing every ounce of HEAVINESS and STONER METAL goodness that become quite JAZZY and DOOM METAL dominated in places. There’s a sense of realism and grittiness to King Of None’s music even when the album becomes more FANTASY driven within the creative narrative of the record.

King Of None have teamed up with Italian Powerhouse label Argonauta Records for In The Realm and it feels like the perfect fit for both parties. As they both bring a subtle and rebellious quality to the underground Stoner Rock/Metal scene which is what we can all do with from time to time. 

In The Realm is a record full of scope and adventure that allows King Of None to deliver an album packed full of incredible STONER based grooves and sounds from start to finish.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.

In The Realm is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records from Friday 26th April 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Heavy Stoner Rockers RHINO Unveil 'Human Farm' Full Album Details

RHINO is pulling back the curtain on their latest creation, 'Human Farm.' Dive into the details behind their upcoming album, slated for release on February 23rd via Argonauta Records.

Album tracklisting:

Agony & Madness
Planet of Dust
Gentle Sound of the Knife
Human Farm
Magic Water
Big Clouds Again
Padrock
Fast Radio Burst

Previously, RHINO unleashed two awesome videoclips! If you haven't caught them yet, now's the time to check out the action!

'Gentle Sound of the Knife': https://youtu.be/kI4WiOUz98c
'Agony & Madness': https://youtu.be/ItgYZgRGh7E

Rhino is a heavy stoner rock band rising from the sulphuric city of Catania, on the slopes of the Etna volcano, where the five members play a mix of stoner/desert rock from the ’90s and 2000 blended with the deep psychedelia of the ’70, resolving in an attitude built around a riff-driven composition, a megalithic wall of fuzz and tons of watts. Rhino was born in 2012 by an idea of the bassist Frank The Door and the guitarist Red Frank, briefly joined afterward by the drummer Lord J. Frank. 

Following the guitarist Francesco Cucinotta opting out of the band, the lineup was completed by Frank the Doc on vocal duties and Frank Real Tube on guitar. The lineup stood the same since then. Since their beginning, Rhino stand out for their extensive live activities through Italy, sharing the stage with such bands as Red Fang, El Perro and many relevant Italian acts. The band debuts in 2013 with their self-titled EP, followed by their first full length The Law of Purity (featuring I See the Monsters video clip), released on 2017 through Argonauta Records. 

Renewing the collaboration with Argonauta Records, Rhino’s second full length Human Farm will be release on early 2024, showcasing the most mature work of the band, who confirms to be true to riff worshipping and atmospheric psychedelia, still crossing the genre defining boundaries in an album that stands as unique in its segment.

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/rhinodesert
https://www.instagram.com/rhinofficialband/
https://rhinostoner.bandcamp.com/album/the-law-of-purity
http://www.rhinostoner.com
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

Psych Doom Rockers NAUTHA Release New Video For KATA KUMBAS From New Album Metempsychosis

The core of the line-up of NAUTHA is made up by Pierpaolo Cianca (guitar), Antonio Montellanico (vocals, bass, guitar) and Giorgio Pinnen (drums). In 2018 they debuted with the album "Tutti i Colori del Buio" inspired by the Italian progressive rock season of the 70s, mixing doom, metal, psychedelic and art rock influences.

“Metempsychosis” is the new album and the second chapter of their sound research.

Leaving behind the Italian language in favor of English, the roman band changes skin to immerse their sound in a cosmic journey. Seven songs like different "transmigrations of the soul" and interpretations of sound, which each time abandons the formal structures of progressive to move towards the experimental sounds of jazz-rock and the galactic voyages of psychedelic kraut.

You can hear the new song and video for KATA KUMBAS

Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nauthaband/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nauthaband/
Bandcamp: https://nautha.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3l62PsYV6yYslEHz6aNKqJ
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nauthaband

https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords
http://www.argonautarecords.com/

Exclusive Album Premiere Of F/E/A (Forces Elèctriques d’Andorra) New Album ANTI Out On Sliptrick Records

Anti is the third release of the majorquian post-rock band/collective F/E/A (Forces Elèctriques d’Andorra). Recorded live with Toni Salvà at Diorama Sound and mastered by Doug Henderson at Micro Moose Berlin, the record captures as never before the sound of the band, showing them at the peak of their strenths, with that unique blend of mantric primitiveness and evocative epic that made them a well known and repected name in the underground scene, both in the island and abroad.

The groups sound can be described as instrumental rock, hugely influenced by avant-garde sounds; from the post-rock textures of Godspeed You! Black Emperor or Mogwai to the forcefulness of the post-metal of Russian Circles; from the minimalism of Glenn Branca to the abrasive noise-rock of Boris or Sonic Youth; from Swans’ no wave dissonances to the hypnotic rhythms of Spacemen 3 or Popol Vuh, F/E/A’s music has been described as primitive, hypnotic and atmospheric, three adjectives with which they feel comfortable.

The album marks a turning point for the band as well, with the international release in Europe via Sliptrick Records, in the USA with Electric Talon Records and with the support of Error! Music in Spain.

You can listen to the album below with this exclusive Album Premiere thanks to the good folks over at Grand Sounds PR.

Tracklist:

01. Rodellar

02. Corpus

03. Malpas

04. 52

05. Orsini

06 Atta Boi

07. Wata

Anti | Released June 6th, 2023 via Sliptrick Records

F/E/A are:

Vicenç Bibiloni – Bass

Joan Cabot – Drums 

Tomeu Canyelles – Guitar

Arturo Fernández – Guitar

Tià Mas – Synths

David Ribas – Guitar

Band links: 

Facebook | BandCamp | On Sliptrick

Exclusive Album Premiere Of KING POTENAZ New Album GOAT RIDER Out on ARGONAUTA RECORDS

Italian Doom/Stoner Metallers King Potenaz are releasing their stunningly heavy new album Goat Rider this Friday via Underground Powerhouse Label Argonauta Records.

Thanks to Argonatua Records and Grand Sounds PR we are premiering the full length album which you can listen to below:

Goat Rider: Tracklisting

Among The Ruins

Pyramids Planet

Goat Rider

Pazuzu (3.33)

Cosmic Voyagers

Moriendoom (La ballata di ippolita oderisi)

Monolithic

Dancing Plague

Members

PRNX - Drums

Francesco - Vocals/Bass

Giuseppe - Vocals/Guitars

You can read my review from this link or an extract from below:

"King Potenaz new album Goat Rider has all the right ingredients for a stone cold classic Doom/Stoner Metal album which draws upon bands such as Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard, KYUSS, Monster Magnet and SLEEP but with a slightly aggressive Occult Metal sound. The album is filled with passionate vocals that do feel inspired by Dave Wyndorf in places with the gloomy atmospherics and FUZZED UP grooves allowing King Potenaz play a sound that's both classic sounding and superbly modern at the same time.

The dramatic use of Psychedelic Sounds has an eerie 1970's attitude with the 1990's based Stoner Metal approach. The band add a Post-Doom element to their sound which translates into Spaced Out vibes on the more quieter and restrained parts of the album. 

Goat Rider benefits from excellent production values which marries the different sounds and themes perfectly that King Potenaz has created for this album. With Italian Powerhouse Label Argonauta Records releasing this album, this allows the record to be first rate and must have release from the Italian Doom/Stoner Metal scene. 

King Potenaz have delivered the goods with Goat Rider and should allow the band to build up a formidable reputation within the Doom/Stoner Metal underground scene. Don't be surprised if you see Goat Rider claiming multiple accolades on Best Albums Of 2023 lists before the year is out. This is seriously that good. "

Goat Rider will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records from Friday 28th April 2023.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

King Potenaz - Goat Rider (Album Review)

Release Date: April 28th 2023. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Goat Rider: Tracklisting

Among The Ruins

Pyramids Planet

Goat Rider

Pazuzu (3.33)

Cosmic Voyagers

Moriendoom (La ballata di ippolita oderisi)

Monolithic

Dancing Plague

Members

PRNX - Drums

Francesco - Vocals/Bass

Giuseppe - Vocals/Guitars

Review

King Potenaz new album Goat Rider has all the right ingredients for a stone cold classic Doom/Stoner Metal album which draws upon bands such as Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard, KYUSS, Monster Magnet and SLEEP but with a slightly aggressive Occult Metal sound. The album is filled with passionate vocals that do feel inspired by Dave Wyndorf in places with the gloomy atmospherics and FUZZED UP grooves allowing King Potenaz play a sound that's both classic sounding and superbly modern at the same time.

The dramatic use of Psychedelic Sounds has an eerie 1970's attitude with the 1990's based Stoner Metal approach. The band add a Post-Doom element to their sound which translates into Spaced Out vibes on the more quieter and restrained parts of the album. 

Opening tracks Across The Ruins and Pyramids Planet leaves no stone unturned by bringing a holistic style of WEEDIAN sounds that can be quite melodic and downright aggressive which comes into play mostly on Pyramids Planet. Heavy droned out textures allows King Potenaz to adopt a more FUZZIER style of music that leads to some impressive extended sludgy jams. The Occult Rock/Metal nature of the album is quite abstract within Across The Ruins but comes more into focus on Pyramids Planet.

The vocals are quite dramatic but feel part of the Doom/Stoner Metal hierarchy with the music moving at a cool engaging pace. The instrumental work varies from different time frames of the WEEDIAN genre but becomes more modern when the swirling Psychedelic Atmospherics appear. Italian Doom/Stoner Metal bands always add a grittier style to their music and King Potenaz are no different with the band moving further into AMPLIFIER DISTORTION territory.

King Potenaz keep up the breakneck speed of guitar reverb and spaced out grooves on tracks such as Goat Ride and Pazuzu (3.33)  Cosmic Voyagers is more of a Post-Rock instrumental affair which takes a "Less Is More" approach for a different sound from the band. Consistency is key for this album and King Potenaz go into overdrive on Goat Rider and Pazuzu being some of the standout tracks of the album. The vocals have a more classical feel at times but the music is inspired by KYUSS and Monster Magnet here. It's quite a dramatic shift but showcases that King Potenaz is not afraid to experiment with their music. The FUZZ grooves are slightly more down-tuned but the record still moves along at a cracking pace.

The final third of the album allows King Potenaz to play the gloomiest and fuzziest parts of the album. You could say it takes a more Occult and Drone based route on the remaining three tracks of: Moriendoom (La ballata di ippolita oderisi), Monolithic and Dancing Plague. However, the instrumental work constantly remains part of the Doom/Stoner Metal world but with perhaps more reliance on Cosmic based Sonic exploration. 

Goat Rider benefits from excellent production values which marries the different sounds and themes perfectly that King Potenaz has created for this album. With Italian Powerhouse Label Argonauta Records releasing this album, this allows the record to be first rate and must have release from the Italian Doom/Stoner Metal scene. 

King Potenaz have delivered the goods with Goat Rider and should allow the band to build up a formidable reputation within the Doom/Stoner Metal underground scene. Don't be surprised if you see Goat Rider claiming multiple accolades on Best Albums Of 2023 lists before the year is out. This is seriously that good. 

Awesome stuff...

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds PR for the promo.

Goat Rider will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records from Friday 28th April 2023.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Finnish Psychedelic Doom Metal Act ORBITER Sign to Argonauta Records and Share New Song and Lyrics Video

"We’re thoroughly excited to be releasing our debut album with Argonauta Records. The label has exactly the kind of attitude we’re looking for, and it has a deep understanding of the doom, stoner, and heavy psych scenes. We’ve already been playing some of the new material at our live shows, and the audience responses have been thrilled, so we can’t wait to get these songs officially released!”

The sound of Orbiter is a unique brew of grinding riffs, atmospheric psychedelia, and hypnotically soaring vocals. The band is firmly rooted in doom metal and stoner rock, yet they adventurously take influences from a wide range of genres and even visual arts to create an approach that is truly their own.

Formed in 2014 in Helsinki, Finland, Orbiter spent their early years crafting their style and artistic direction. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when German singer-songwriter and filmmaker Carolin joined the band in 2019. Shortly thereafter they released their debut EP The Deluge, which received excellent reviews and established the band as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy music and doom metal underground scenes.

The current line-up consists of Carolin Koss (vocals), Alexander Meaney (guitars), Tuomas Talka (bass), and Sami Heiniö (drums). Orbiter have established a solid reputation as a great live act through their atmospheric shows on the club circuit and in festivals in Finland and Germany.

In 2022, Orbiter recorded their debut full length album with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, Apocalyptica). The album was mixed by Hiilesmaa and mastered by Ted Jensen (Alice In Chains, Mastodon). The upcoming record will be released via Argonauta Records in 2023 on VINYL, CD, and DIGITAL editions.

Give ear to the new single Raven Bones:

More info:

orbiterconnection.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/orbiterconnection
www.instagram.com/orbiterband
https://www.argonautarecords.com/

Italian Psychedelic Rockers NAUTHA sign to ARGONAUTA Records and share new song and video

Nautha is an Italian psychedelic rock band formed in 2016 in Rome. The core of the line-up is made up by Pierpaolo Cianca (guitar), Antonio Montellanico (vocals, bass, guitar) and Giorgio Pinnen (drums). In 2018 they debuted with the album "Tutti i Colori del Buio" inspired by the Italian progressive rock season of the 70s, mixing doom, metal, psychedelic and art rock influences.

“Metempsychosis” will be the new album and the second chapter of their sound research, to be released by ARGONAUTA Records in Spring 2023.

Leaving behind the Italian language in favor of English, the roman band changes skin to immerse their sound in a cosmic journey. Seven songs like different "transmigrations of the soul" and interpretations of sound, which each time abandons the formal structures of progressive to move towards the experimental sounds of jazz-rock and the galactic voyages of psychedelic kraut.

Give ear to the new song and video “Cerbero”:

More details to be revealed soon.

Links

https://www.facebook.com/nauthaband/
www.instagram.com/nauthaband/
https://nautha.bandcamp.com/
http://www.argonautarecords.com/

Wolves In Winter - The Calling Quiet (Album Review)

Release Date: February 24th 2023. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Calling Quiet: Tracklisting

The Cord That Ends The Pain

Nemesis

Pastime For Healot

Promised Harvest

Oceans

Calling The Quiet

Members

Izak - bass

Adam - drums

Wayne – guitar

Enzo – guitar

Jake - vocals

Review

Doom Metallers Wolves In Winter could be considered a Supergroup of the UK underground Doom/Stoner Metal scene with the band made up of current and former members of Solstice, Lazarus Blackstar, Monolith Cult, Slammer and more. Wolves In Winter debut album The Calling Quiet bridges the gap between Traditional and Atmospheric Doom Metal. Inspired by the 70’s and 80’s Traditional Doom Metal scene but powered along by epic modern day sounds that bands such as YOB and Pallbearer are known for.

So you have a debut album that has that classic feeling but one that also has a contemporary modern feel with Wolves In Winter playing a more “Post-Doom” based groove with the lyrics inspired by both areas of music. There’s also traces of Ambient Rock, Post-Rock and Grunge that sees the band fully realize their bleak creative vision on the outstanding opening song The Cord That Ends The Pain. 

The song is emotionally bleak and remains ever so vital with Wolves In Winter switching between the many levels of Traditional and Atmospheric gloomy textures with a twinge of 90’s era Grunge being heard within the vocals and lyrics. There is a slight Alice In Chains and Pallbearer vision on this track with the heavy stylised DOOM based guitars that are quite progressive whilst staying true to the foundations of Traditional Doom Metal. The music is extremely melodic with Wolves In Winter proving this early on what a fantastic band they really are.

Second song Nemesis has a more classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal approach with the music still having small traces of that hybrid sound heard within the opening track though the “TRADITIONAL” sound reigns supreme here that everything the band offers. Classic Doom Metal vocals are offered here and have a startling emotional feel and energy to them. The majority of the tracks here are on the lengthy side with Wolves in Winter perhaps showing their appreciation for the Progressive Rock/Metal along the way. The grooves are plentiful, involving and most importantly, emotionally crushing level that would make Pallbearer blush. 

Third song Pasttime For Helots opens with a Post-Rock instrumental sound that has a 70’s Prog Rock flow before slowly moving back into the Traditional Doom arena. The song does take time to fully hit its creative stride but it’s good to see a different side to the band with a more self-reflective style of music. The lyrics feel quite spiritual with Wolves In Winter playing some epic guitars along the way with a trippy Post-Doom/Post-Rock narrative that gives away to a more distorted and fractured sound along the way. 

The second half of the album sees Wolves In Winter focus more on the Atmospheric Doom creative side a little bit more but there’s still enough Traditional Heavy Sounds to keep the “purists” emotionally involved and invested on the album especially on the stunning fourth track Promised Harvest. With that song featuring a more “AGGRESSIVE” blend of tone, melody and catchy addictive hooks with flawless vocals that ultimately seal the deal.

Wolves In Winter wrap up things with the final two tracks Oceans and Calling The Quiet that perhaps features the heaviest parts of the album though still being equally melodic when the time calls for it.

The band worked with CONAN alumni Chris Fielding for this album and that shows on this album with first rate production values across the board. Kudos to famed Italian underground label Argonauta Records for releasing this album. Another great thing working in the albums favour why it sounds so great from start to finish.

The Calling Quiet is a richly observed and emotionally driven album that allows Wolves In Winter to release one of the potential Doom Metal Albums Of The Year. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds PR for the promo.

The Calling Quiet will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records from February 24th 2023.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram