UK Heavy Psych Trio RITUAL KING shares two new videos off "The Futureworks Sessions" live album; out April 4th on Ripple Music

Manchester's heavy psych torchbearers RITUAL KING present two new live videos taken from their upcoming "The Futureworks Sessions" live album, to be issued out on April 4th in collaboration with Ripple Music.

About "Worlds Divide", the band says: "This one’s got some serious weight to it. The riffs are thick and the drums are pounding from the off and the whole thing feels like a storm rolling in. There's a mostly improvised solo in the middle here that was fueled by approximately three hours of sleep and an ill-advised amount of coffee, so if it sounds a little unhinged—that’s why."

On "No Compromise", they add: "True to its name, this slightly jazzy number doesn't let up from the first hit to the last note. Keep an ear out for the drum fills in the middle section—punchy yet just loose enough to keep us on our toes."

Watch Ritual King perform "Worlds Divide" and "No Compromise" (live at Futureworks)

This electrifying new collection entitled "The Futureworks Sessions" captures the raw energy and dynamic sound that have made the Manchester-based trio renowned within the modern stoner rock scene. Recorded at Futureworks Studios in Manchester, the album showcases a selection of standout tracks from their first two full-length albums, reimagined and brought to life in a live studio setting. "The Futureworks Sessions" is a celebration of Ritual King’s musical journey and marks five years since the release of their self-titled debut album. Blending their signature blend of heavy riffs, soulful melodies, and intricate grooves. The intimate yet powerful recording setting of Futureworks Studios adds an organic depth and authenticity, transporting listeners straight into the room with the band.

With Ripple Music’s unwavering commitment to showcasing the finest in heavy and progressive rock, this release is a testament to Ritual King’s relentless passion and artistry. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band, "The Futureworks Sessions" offers an unmissable opportunity to experience the magic of Ritual King at their most inspired.

RITUAL KING "The Futureworks Sessions" Out April 4th, 2025 on Ripple Music (digital only)

TRACKLIST:

1. Flow State
2. Worlds Divide
3. No Compromise
4. Landmass
5. Headspace
6. The Infinite Mirror
7. Valleys

Ritual King emerged from Manchester’s underground metal scene in 2016, driven by a shared passion for crafting a sound that defied easy categorisation. Drawing from classic hard rock, progressive psych, folk, and the gritty underpinnings of stoner rock, they forged a style that is both immersive and electrifying—equal parts meditative and mosh-worthy.

Renowned for their dynamic live performances, Ritual King has been relentlessly touring the UK and Europe since 2017, sharing stages with bands like Weedpecker, Atomic Bitchwax, Nebula, and Colour Haze. Their high-energy shows and electrifying musicianship have earned them a reputation as a must-see live act, with standout performances at festivals such as Freak Valley Festival in Germany.

2024 saw them expand their touring footprint even further, hitting the road with 1000Mods across the UK in April, supporting The Obsessed on another UK run in August, and embarking on a European tour with Scorpion Child in October. Their latest album, The Infinite Mirror, released in November 2023, marks a bold new chapter in their sonic evolution. Blending intricate songwriting with expansive atmospheres and raw intensity, the record showcases Ritual King at their most dynamic and forward-thinking yet.

From the raw and visceral Earthrise EP (2018) to the riff-heavy explorations of their 2020 self-titled debut, and now the immersive landscapes of The Infinite Mirror, Ritual King continues to push their sound in new directions. Each release is an invitation into their world—one where musical conventions are challenged, and listeners are encouraged to lose themselves in the vastness of their sonic vision.

RITUAL KING links

Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram ⎪ Spotify

RIPPLE MUSIC links

Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

Psych Doom/Stoner Rockers STONUS Annouce New Live Album LIVE IN ZEN. Pre-orders Available Now And New Video For EL RATA Released.

Stonus: Live in Zen' is a live video session recorded in January 2023 in Zen studios in Nicosia, Cyprus. This release is the completing piece of the 'Aphasia' era before moving to the new Stonus album which is currently under process. The session is a collection of tracks from the album 'Aphasia' and the EP's 'Seance' and 'Lunar Eclipse' which was the core setlist the band used live in their European Tours in 2022 and 2023. 

Special thanks to Uncle Seven for his awesome videography & photography skills, to Billy Anderson for his raw and primal mastering attitude, to Alexis Yiangoullis for his outstanding sound engineering and mixing abilities, Nikolas Karatzas for the light magic, Bobby from Zen Studios for his hospitality and professionalism, Rafael Marquetto for engineering the artwork aesthetics. Last but not least, a special thanks to every single one of you out there that supports us and keeps us moving forward, without you nothing would be possible! Recorded at Zen Studios in Nicosia, Cyprus Filmed by Seven Souled Photography Recorded & Engineered by Alexis Yiangoullis Mastered by Billy Anderson Lights by Nikolas Karatzas Artwork by Seven souled Photography & Rafael Marquetto


Released on Vinyl by Electric Valley Records & Ouga Booga and the Mighty Oug Recordings

Availlable in:

•100x Ultra limited heavyweight 200g transparent LP with gold foiled artwork
•200x Cream 200g heavyweight vinyl
•200x Black 200g heavyweight vinyl
*All include insert poster and visualiser on vinyl

Links:

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/2i5HE_EWO5c?si=q6dbsuNFeoJ6Qas7

Vinyl order:

https://stonusofficial.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-zen
www.electricvalleyrecords.com
www.evrecords.bandcamp.com

Social Media

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

US Doom Metallers THUNDER HORSE to release "Dead Alive in Texas" live album on Ripple Music this July 5th; watch new "Monolith" video now!

US Doom Metallers THUNDER HORSE to release "Dead Alive in Texas" live album on Ripple Music this July 5th; watch new "Monolith" video now!

Texas heavy and doom metal juggernauts THUNDER HORSE announce the release of the "Dead Alive in Texas" live album this July 5th, with preorders available now via Ripple Music. Stream the first track with the thunderous video for "Monolith"!

San Antonio, TX's Thunder Horse, the powerhouse rock band renowned for their electrifying performances, is set to reignite a cherished tradition with the release of their latest album, "Dead Alive in Texas". Evoking the spirit of rock's golden era, Thunder Horse channels the energy and raw power of live performances into a captivating 9-track record.

In homage to the revered practices of the 1970s, where legendary bands would unleash three studio albums before delivering a monumental live experience, Thunder Horse follows suit with "Dead Alive in Texas". Recorded live in Cibolo, TX, the album captures the essence of Thunder Horse's exhilarating live shows, bringing fans closer to the heart of the music than ever before.

Watch Thunder Horse's "Monolith" video at this location or below:

With tracks delivered in their purest form, "Dead Alive in Texas" offers a visceral, in-your-face experience that harkens back to the glory days of rock 'n' roll. "Thunder Horse is proud to keep the flame of live rock music burning bright," says lead guitarist Todd “The Bird” Connally. "With 'Dead Alive in Texas', we invite our listeners to join us on a journey back to the roots of rock, where every riff and every beat pulses with the raw energy of the stage."

Embrace tradition and turn up the volume on Thunder Horse's latest triumph "Dead Alive in Texas". Available July 5th on CD and digital through Ripple Music, this album is a testament to the enduring power of live music and the unyielding spirit of rock 'n' roll!

Upcoming shows:

June 20 - Maryland Doom Fest (USA) Frederick, MD
June 28 - Namass Pamouss (France) Manigod
July 27 - WSF 2024 Music Festival (USA) Kane, PA
Sept 21-24 - RippleFest Texas (USA) Austin, TX

THUNDER HORSE "Dead Alive in Texas" - Out July 5th on Ripple Music (CD/digital) - PRE-ORDER

TRACKLIST:

1. Let Them Bleed
2. New Normal
3. Rememberance Demon
4. Demons Speak
5. Song For The Ferryman
6. Monolith
7. Liber Ad Christ Milites Temple
8. Chosen One
9. Ace Of Spades

In the blistering crucible of San Antonio, Texas, Thunder Horse was forged in 2018 by the founding duo, Stephen Bishop (vocals and rhythm guitar) and Todd "The Bird" Connally (lead guitar). The addition of Dave Crow's seismic bass lines and Johnny Lightning's thunderous drumming further solidified the foursome's sonic foundation, creating an unstoppable force within the genre. From their inception, the band aimed to channel the spirit of classic doom metal while injecting their sonic signatures into the genre.

Their self-titled debut album "Thunder Horse" served as an inaugural testament to the band's prowess. Ripple Music, recognizing the seismic potential within the quartet, welcomed them into their fold, amplifying their presence in the doom metal realm.

Building upon the success of their debut, Thunder Horse returned to the studio to craft their sophomore effort. In 2021, they unveiled "Chosen One," an album that showcased the band's evolution and cemented their standing as a force within the doom metal scene. With soulful vocals, crushing riffs, and haunting melodies, their sonic journey reached new heights, resonating with fans and critics alike.

As the band continued to traverse the realms of doom, 2023 marked a pinnacle moment in Thunder Horse's history. Their third album, "After The Fall," unleashed a torrent of doom-laden mastery, debuting at an emphatic #1 on the July 2023 Doom Charts. Not only this achievement affirmed their ascendancy in the genre while underscoring their commitment to crafting monumental, genre-defining music. The Orange Amplifiers endorsement added a layer of sonic weight to the band's arsenal, ensuring that their live performances were as electrifying as their recorded material.

With their roots deeply embedded in the Texan soil and their eyes fixed on the future, Thunder Horse beckons listeners to embark on a sonic pilgrimage through the vast landscapes of doom metal and beyond. From their self-titled inception to the prophetic "Chosen One" and the triumphant "After The Fall," Thunder Horse stands as a beacon, inviting all who dare to revel in the darkened beauty of their musical odyssey.

THUNDER HORSE is

Stephen Bishop — guitar & vocals
T.C. Connally — lead guitar
Dave Crow — bass
Johnny Lightning — drums

THUNDER HORSE links

Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram ⎪ Spotify

RIPPLE MUSIC links

Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

US stoner metal behemoths BONGZILLA to release new live album "Dabbing (LIVE) Rosin In Europe" on Heavy Psych Sounds this March!

Wisconsin's premium stoner metal dealers BONGZILLA announce the release of their new live album "Dabbing (LIVE) Rosin In Europe" this March 15th, with preorders available now on Heavy Psych Sounds.

“The Wisconsin natives have been making heavy, groovy doom metal songs about weed since the mid-’90s, and they’ll be making them until the sun extinguishes itself.” Decibel Magazine

Following the 2023 release of their revered sixth album "Dab City" on Heavy Psych Sounds, the kings of weed metal BONGZILLA offer some of their smokiest riffs with their exclusive live album "Dabbing (LIVE) Rosin In Europe". The album features seven tracks of the highest doom metal order recorded in various cities during their "Dabbing Across Europe & UK Tour" in the spring and summer of 2023. Mixed and mastered by Shane Trimble at Sletner Sound, with assistant mix engineers Justin DiPinto and Andrew Owens. The album will be issued in various vinyl editions, CD and digital on Marchb 22 via Heavy Psych Sounds

"Dabbing (LIVE) Rosin In Europe"
Out March 22nd on Heavy Psych Sounds
European preorder // US preorder

TRACKLIST

1. Sundae Driver – 4:36

2. King of Weed – 5:46

3. Free The Weed – 6:26

4. Greenthumb – 4:06

5. H.P. Keefmaker – 6:40

6. Hippie Stick – 6:06

7. Gestation – 6:06

BONGZILLA is a stoner metal band from Madison, Wisconsin. As their name suggests, most of their material is related to marijuana and promotes its legalization. The band formed in 1995, and over the next three years recorded and released a dozen songs on EPs and split singles. In 1998 they signed to Relapse Records, and have since released four studio albums and a live album through the label. Since the seeds were planted in the mid-90s, BONGZILLA have been sowing Madison, Wisconsin’s rich soil with their homegrown, psychedelic sludge. Following the release of their fourth studio album "Amerijuanican" in 2005, the band toured and remained active until 2009 when the group quietly took a hiatus.

In April 2015 it was announced BONGZILLA was reforming with the "Gateway" lineup, first announcing a tour of Europe. The band followed up with a four-date tour of the West Coast USA, a tour of the east coast USA and an appearance at Desertfest Belgium. The band began 2017 with a local show in Wisconsin before embarking on another European tour, playing the likes of Roadburn Festival, DesertFest Berlin, DesertFest London, KristonFest and have begun working on material for a new album.

In early 2020, BONGZILLA started their own label Gungeon Records and released a re-issue of their classic album "Apogee". However, in March of 2020 it would be announced that Cooter Brown would retire from the band due to health and family reasons, with Bongzilla choosing to continue as a thunderous three-piece. A few months into the pandemic, BONGZILLA began rehearsing and entered the Future Apple Tree Studios in Rockford, Illinois in October 2020 for the recording of several different record projects: a limited 'Wake Brewing' 7", a split album with the band Tons, and a 7" split with Boris, as well as their new full-length.

In January 2021, the band announced their signing to European label Heavy Psych Sounds for the release of their fifth studio album "Weedsconsin", which immediately returned them to the top of the stoner doom heap. Fully reactivated and fully loaded, the band quickly released their sixth album "Dab City" — an ode to the purest form of THC and the trio's beloved hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, which is known as Mad City — in the summer of 2023.

BONGZILLA is

Mike "Muleboy" Makela - vocals & bass

Jeff "Spanky" Schultz - guitar

Mike "Magma" Henry - drums

BONGZILLA links

Website ⎜ Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram ⎜ Spotify

 

HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS links

Website ⎜ Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram ⎜ Youtube

CARDINALS FOLLY - Deal with Soulseller Records - New Album 'Live By The Sword' coming on October 27th 2023

The Last Bastion of Doom. Those Finnish witchfinders. The ones that won't let go. The truest of the true. The stubbornest of the stubborn. CARDINALS FOLLY. A groovy trio of which name has been echoing distantly in the metal underground for more than a decade. A wild uncontrollable force moving onwards to another record or another adventure. With relentless riffs, heavy metal hails, ride-or-die attitude and true love for the old school doom and metal.

Hailing from Helsinki, Finland and formed in 2007 by Mikko "Count Karnstein" Kääriäinen (Bass, Vocals) and his back-then compatriots, CARDINALS FOLLY has been captained by Mikko ever since then towards new conquests. After several albums, line-up changes, dramas, label disappointments and tours around the world, the current stellar constellation of "Deranged Pagan Sons" with Juho Kilpelä (Guitar) and Joni Takkunen (Drums) has been ongoing since 2014.

On the upcoming new album "Live By The Sword", the band takes almost all that it finds good in metal and molds it into a tighter mass of unholy riffs, blasphemous pagan chants & choruses, luciferian & lovecraftian depravity and all in all a fearless ride to where the witching cauldrons boil hot and the brews are cool. Ranging from slow epic doom to galloping heavy metal and apocalyptic rock 'n' roll, the band loves to murder the listener with all their might. These past few years of plague and uncertainty have only made them angrier and more determined, resulting in this 42-minute onslaught of doomed heavy metal.

Band leader Mikko comments: "After these past few slightly chaotic years, it's nice to sign with a professional powerhouse like Soulseller Records. We're ready to go, ready to put this powerful bastard of an album out and show the world what we can do. We've done now six albums, and not many bands do six albums. Recently we toured in Norway, USA, Finland, Germany and Italy. It's true love towards this deranged craft and evolving it that keeps us going. I honestly believe we're also one of the few bands to steadily improve from day 1 onwards so far. That's not common either. And right now it seems we're in good hands. In a world under turmoil, I'm proud of what me, Juho and Joni have now created. This is our best album. There's no more to tell, and real action beats all words anyway. Crank it up and blast it as loud as you can. The doomed ones ride out again! Our Cult Continues!"

Links

http://www.soulsellerrecords.com

https://www.facebook.com/SOULSELLERRECORDS 

https://www.instagram.com/soulsellerrecords 

https://www.facebook.com/cardinalsfolly

https://www.instagram.com/cardinalsfolly

Thanks to Sure Shot Worx for all of the details

WITCHROT Announce New Album Live At The Hammer

Sizzling, soulful and bewitching, WITCHROT is gearing up for their latest offering Witchrot: Live in the Hammer, due out for its international release March 10, 2023. All sleaze and psych, Live In The Hammer has the fuzz fueled quartet playing in the grease trap of Ontario. Smoky vocals overtop mesmeric psychedelic doom fill the room to the brim. Pre-orders for Live In The Hammer are available HERE.

Formed in Toronto in 2018, WITCHROT was founded by Lea Reto (vocals) & Peter Turik (Guitar). After some international press over band disputes, betrayals, and a temporary break up, the band recruited Lea’s boyfriend Nick Kervin (Drums) and Cam Alford (Bass). Together they recorded the band’s debut full-length Hollow (2021) and most recently Live In the Hammer. Currently, Nick “Nido” Dolphin has joined the band on bass.

Pulling from the lost psychedelic masterpieces with fuzz erupting like a volcano and the ethereal shoegaze music of the late 80s and 90s, WITCHROT has carved their own haunting path. The all-consuming wave of divine music that is terrifying by its sheer velocity and force rather than dissonance.

Simultaneously beautiful and putrid, Live In The Hammer pays homage to the grime of the past, paved over by the glitz of the present. Live In The Hammer was recorded at Boxcar Sound in Hamilton, and mastered by Tony Reed at Heavy Head Recording.

The bubbling cauldron that is Live In the Hammer, serves as a bridge between Hollow and the band’s forthcoming next album, currently in the works. There’s no escaping the strange web of WITCHROT. Fall into the chasm and embrace the dark.

WITCHROT is:

Lea Reto - Vocals
Peter Turik - Guitar
Nick Kervin - Drums
Nick “Nido” Dolphin - Bass

Connect With WITCHROT:

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/witchrot/1448913047
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tc68a9hnn3u6swmeaud3y?si=du4fezf5q2oefhuyrcyoxw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/witchrot/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witchrotband/

Live At The Hammer Track Listing: 

Medley - Druid Smoke Part 1 (The Keeper) / Crypt Reaper / Burn Me Down
Dug Your Grave / Strega
Acedia
Who Scared You
Colder Hands
Million Shattered Swords

Headless Kross Announce Krozmik Artefact: Live at Kozfest 2019 And Brief Review

Release date: June 04th 2021. Label: Self Released. Format: Cassette/DD

Krozmik Artefact: Live at Kozfest 2019 - Tracklisting

Rural Juror

Signed In Blood

Does Not Equal Time

One Hundred And Forty Four Mirrors

Crater Of Needles

The Lowdown

Veteran Scottish psych-doomsters HEADLESS KROSS will release their new live album “Krozmik Artefact: Live at Kozfest 2019” on Friday the 4th of June 2021 via their Bandcamp page. As well as the digital release there will be a very limited run of 39 cassettes with screen-printed covers. 25 copies will be available on the band’s Bandcamp page on the day of release.

Kozfest 2019 was held in Devon, England on the 27th -29th of July and also featured The Heads, Electric Moon, Crazyhead and Wild Rocket amongst many others. The album includes the band’s full 55 minute set from the Saturday as well as their introduction from legendary Kozfest compere Kozmik Ken, who sadly passed away last year. 

On the subject of the album the band’s guitarist and recording engineer Tommy Duffin said “I found the multitrack of this recording last month while looking for something else. I had completely forgot about it but when I listened, I realised it was a great live document of the band, so I started mixing. I think this is the best recorded example so far of the Headless Kross live experience so far.

Brief Review

Well this is a very cool surprise from HEADLESS KROSS. A new live album which shows the band at their very best featuring 5 songs from their last 3 albums. 

The band show their worth to the UK Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene with this live release with an almost Psychedelic and Surreal Journey with Headless Kross on blistering form on the epic 22 minute opening track - Rural Juror - which is taken from their 2015 acclaimed album - Volumes. The song sets up everything perfectly with a not so subtle Doom Atmosphere which reminds myself of familiar LIVE experiences such as YOB, CONAN and UFOMAMMUT. 

Headless Kross move onto other HEAVY SLABS of DOOMEDELIC based Sludge/Stoner Riffage and the violent vocals is just the "icing on the cake" for myself. Headless Kross pull no punches and offer no apologies on songs such as: Signed In Blood and One Hundred And Forty Four Mirrors.

The band did release a Live At Desertfest album back in August 2019 and that was a great Live Album itself but I have to say Krozmik Artefact: Live at Kozfest 2019 is a much better release. It has a more eerie and psychedelic vibe that allows the band to thrive on the LIVE arena.

if you're a fan of Headless Kross then Krozmik Artefact: Live at Kozfest 2019 is a record you need to own and perhaps maybe the perfect introduction for folks who haven't heard the band before.

Awesome stuff...

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

OJM Announce Live Album - Live At Rocket Club. Exclusive Song Premiere of OCEANS HEARTS

Live At Rocket Club", the upcoming live album by OJM, one of the legendary first Italian bands dedicated to Stoner Rock! 

 "Live At Rocket Club" captures the band in one of their best ever moments, the tour that promoted the band's classic album "Volcano", which reached fame and success by press and fans, thanks to the production and mixing of Dave Catching (QOTSA, Desert Sessions, Eagles of Death Metal).

"Live At Rocket Club" will be coming out on February 19th 2021 via Go Down Records

We are proud to premiere the track OCEANS HEARTS from the upcoming live album.

The band said this about the track:

"Oceans Hearts is a song with vintage rock hints. It is a small pearl that makes us very proud with its elegant and powerful arrangements at the same time. In the finale of this live version, lysergic horizons open up with a long jam session between psychedelia and improvisation. To be listened to the end!"

PRE-ORDER:

Coloured LP: https://www.godownrecords.com/product-page/ojm-live-at-rocket-club-LPx

LP: https://www.godownrecords.com/product-page/ojm-live-at-rocket-club-LP
Digital: https://backl.ink/144268169

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Thanks to Dominik at All Noir PR for all of the details.

An Interview With MARIJANNAH

MARIJANNAH burst onto the scene back in 2018 when the band released their acclaimed debut album Till Marijannah and built up a well deserved fan-base within the scene. This band who come from Singapore knew how to write damn mean riff that paid homage to bands such as SLEEP and BLACK SABBATH.

The band released their even better follow-up - ISTANAH - back in December 2019 via Cursed Tongue Records. Before COVID-19 hit, the band were ready to make future touring plans. With that mind, MARIJANNAH will be releasing new live album - Istanah Live At The Projector on November 13th. Which will see the band performing their latest live album in full.

I caught up with MARIJANNAH where we discuss the evolution of the band and their upcoming new Live Album.

Hi Guys. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you today.

Thank you for having us. We’re doing alright.

For people not in the know. Can you give a brief history of how the band came together and where it is today.

We’re a stoner/doom band from Singapore. We write songs about horror movies and have released 2 full length albums.

Nicholas and Rasyid, some folks may know you guys from your work with The Caulfield Cult and WORMROT respectively. Marijannah is quite a departure form those two fantastic bands. How did you guys come up wit the idea of starting a Doom/Stoner Metal band.

We both listen to quite a wide spectrum of music and have multiple projects that sound nothing alike one another so it was pretty natural for us to explore new sounds and collaborate with different musicians. This was just one that clicked and took off.

Have you guys always been big fans of the Doom/Stoner Metal scene. Which bands first got you interested in this style of music.

I can’t say that I am. I grew up with hardcore punk, the rest of the guys have more metal beginnings than I do. Uncle acid & the deadbeats and Sleep got me infatuated with doom.

You released your first album Till Marijannah back in Feb 2018. And the album was acclaimed by fans and critics alike. Did that reaction surprise you in anyway. It surprised me when I first heard it. Loads of fantastic and heavy based Stoner riffs.

It definitely did. The band is just the 4 of us, we have no management of PR and we sent out 0 press to the media when the album came out. So it was pretty surprising to see it being covered rather heavily. Having a member of Wormrot in the band helped, I'm not gonna lie.

What was the reaction like to the album in Singapore. As I know the album was admired hugely within the global Doom/Stoner Metal community.

It was really good. We put on our first show ourselves with a mixed genre lineup and it was packed to the brim. Even though it was only a small 120 cap room, we certainly didn’t expect that as there aren’t any other similar active bands here in Singapore and this is such a niche style of music outside the metal community.

You released your 2nd album ISTANAH back in December 2019 and it was quite a different affair to your debut album. It was more doomier and less Stoner based than your debut album. Was that the original intent to release something different.

We definitely didn’t set out to purposefully do anything different. Our writing process is quite organic.

Cursed Tongue Records released the album which is owned by my good pal Niels. How did you hook up with Niels. And will you be working with CTR in the future.

We had an unfortunate falling out with the label who released our first album so we were sort of on the lookout to work with someone new. We noticed Cursed Tongue Records sharing our album on their social media a few times and decided to reach out. It was a very pleasant and fuss-free experience. Our contract was only tied to that 1 album so who knows what the future holds, we’re definitely not opposed to working together again.

You’re releasing a new live album Istanah Live At The Projector on November 13th. Which will see you performing your latest album in full with no crowd present. Mainly due to COVID-19 happening. How did this idea come about to do a performance such as this.

Our record release show for ‘Istanah’ actually happened on the very same day Singapore banned live performances because of COVID-19. So there’s been close to no live promotion for the album since its release. I actually quite enjoyed the ‘break’ to be honest. We regrouped 4 months later and discussed what are the things we could do. The director and I have been speaking for years about working together so this was an obvious decision. Also, our songs are written about music so this was a natural pairing.

Was it daunting performing in front of an empty venue. And did you record everything in one-take or did it take a few attempts.

It felt like practice with cameras on. We recorded 3 takes and picked the best one. I didn’t record with a metronome so no editing could be done. Be prepared to hear some missed notes and off-key singing.

Ryan Chang (known for his work with GHOST) directed the set. How did you get Ryan involved with this. And what was the overall experience like working with Ryan.

Ryan is an old friend of mine. He’s worked with and toured with 2 of my other bands years ago. He moved to the UK 7 years ago and has been working with big bands on big tours, including a 2-month-long stadium tour in Europe last year with Metallica and Ghost, and Knotfest in Mexico. He had to come back to Singapore due to COVID-19 so thought it was a good opportunity to finally work together again. 

I’m a big fan of Ryan, his work rate and passion are second to none. We click well when trying to create something and I trust his vision and craft completely. The only problem is that we support rival football teams. He’s an arsenal fan and I’m a spurs fan. You know what, forget everything I said, I hate him.

Will this album be receiving a physical release in the future. Or just a Digital Release at the moment.

There will be a physical release.

COVID-19 has pretty much put a stop to all life as we know it for the time being. How big of an impact has it affected the band. And how are you surviving in this stressful time.

Obviously it was quite shit to not be able to tour or perform the album that we spent time and effort in but there were more important issues in the world. We’re just adapting our lives to being responsible and safe for ourselves and the ones around us. We’ll go back to gigging when it makes sense to.

After everything is back to some sort of normality. What does the future hold for Marjiannah. Will you be touring the record in Asia or perhaps in the USA or Europe.

USA and Europe are definitely long overdue for us. We’ll play anywhere as long as there are people who’d want to watch us. Don’t think anything will happen in the next 6-12 months at least though so I’d like to keep writing material.

What have been your favourite records that you’ve heard this year. Regardless of genre.

Choir Boy’s ‘Toxic Eye’ and Fearing’s ‘Shadow’.

Thanks for doing this interview. Before you go, do you have any words of wisdom that you want to say to your fans.

Stay safe and listen to Doldrey.

Words by Steve Howe and MARIJANNAH

Thanks to Nicholas for arranging this interview and for MARIJANNAH for taking the time out to talking to us.

Links:

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MARIJANNAH to release new video from Upcoming Live Album

Singapore Doom/Stoner Metal band MARIJANNAH released their second full length album ‘Istanah’ on 6 December 2019 via Cursed Tongue Records. As COVID-19 cancelled all touring plans for the album in 2020, the band recorded a live playthrough of ‘Istanah’ in its entirety at The Projector, an independent movie theater in Singapore, with no crowd present.

‘Full Moon / Shapeless’, the first video and single off of ‘Istanah Live At The Projector’ will be released on 30 October 2020 on all digital streaming platforms. The full set video and album, directed by Ryan Chang (touring photographer & videographer of Grammy-winning band Ghost) and recorded by Snakeweed Studios, will be released on 13 November 2020 in its entirety.

The quartet consists of Rasyid Juraimi of Wormrot and Nicholas Wong, formerly of The Caulfield Cult. 

Marijannah released their debut record ‘Till Marijannah’ in 2018 to rave reviews. Pitchfork included it as one of their “5 Stoner Metal Highlights of 2018”, as well as a mention on their mid-year “Best Metal Albums of 2018 So Far”. The band has also been featured on multiple international sites such as Revolver, MetalSucks, Metal Injection, Noisey, BrooklynVegan, Invisible Oranges and Unite Asia. Both their full length albums have also made the annual “Best of” lists on TimeOut, Bandwagon and CVLTNation.

Marijannah is Nicholas Wong (Drums, Vocals), Rasyid Juraimi (Guitar, Vocals), “Skinny” Nicholas Ng (Guitar, Vocals) and Muhammad Azri (Bass).

Track Listing:

Bloodsucker
1966
Full Moon
Shapeless
Spiderwalk With Me
Pluto

Credits:

Nicholas Wong - Vocals, Drums
Rasyid Juraimi - Vocals, Guitar
Nicholas Ng - Guitar
Muhammad Azri - Bass

Video directed by Ryan Chang (@ryancphoto)
Recorded and mixed by Martin James Kong, Snakeweed Studios
Mastered by Dan Randall, Mammoth Sound Mastering
Single Artwork by Amos Basilo (@amos_basilo)