Sonic Moon - In Lack Of Clarity (Album Review)

Release Date: November 06th 2026. Record Label: Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

In Lack Of Clarity - Tracklist 

1.Weightlessness 05:51

2.Stay Behind 05:17

3.Remembrance 05:53

4.Stasis 05:12

5.Beneath You 08:38

6.What Doesn't Bloom 04:21

7.Eyes Wide Open 08:09

Members

Oliver Lyngkilde - Vocals

Jeppe Rasmussen - Guitar

Emil Damgaard Andersen - Guitar

Niclas Fritz Sørensen - Bass

Emil Gam Klinkby - Drums

Review

Psych/Doom/Stoner Metallers Sonic Moon return with their second album In Lack Of Clarity with the band transforming into a more meditative and melodic style of music compared to their 2023 debut album. The band bring a foreboding style of Grunge, Shoegaze, Post-Rock and Alternative Rock energy into the record which gives them a heavier and expressive sound that results in some intense bursts of Prog Rock melodies forming. 

The record feels inspired by the likes of YOB, Monolord, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and HUM with Sonic Moon still developing their own gloomy destructive path which comes out to play on the excellent opening tracks of Weightlessness, Stay Behind and Remembrance. The eerie ambient themes are quite heavy on the mind with Sonic Moon developing some long drawn out Psychedelic and Post-Doom sounds which have a great level of distorted measurement hiding in the background.

The vocals by Oliver Lyngkilde have that great mix of Grunge, Doom and Alt-Rock based styles that superbly changes to match the emotionally wrought mood that appears within the superbly written lyrics. The music from the rest of Sonic Moon is exquisite with its perfectly played slow-to-mid pace that has a grounded sense of realism.

There’s a great Gothic and Romantic element you can hear within Sonic Moon’s music from time-to-time which allows the album to be quite different at the same time. They even add traces of forceful Sludge Rock into the mix that results in some truly powerful AMPLIFIED and DISTORTED fuzzy soundscapes to appear right throughout the album.

There are some parts of In Lack Of Clarity where the guys remind me of DOMKRAFT with similar themes developing thanks to the Cosmic Doom element that’s used masterfully within the darker aspects of the album. Layers of SONIC distortion continue to be developed within tracks Stay Behind, Remembrance, Beneath You and Eyes Wide Open. 

I fully admire Sonic Moon’s commitment into slowly building up their music for richer, fuller and heavier sound. This allows the listener to find common ground with Sonic Moon and equally become part of this great Post-Doom / Post-Stoner journey that has some surprising twists and turns along the way.

In Lack Of Clarity brilliantly utilizes the Space Rock and Shoegaze atmospherics within the most rewarding and highly intimate passages from start to finish whilst still delivering first rate aggressive Stoner Rock/Metal grooves that never feel out of place. 

Sonic Moon are a band destined for bigger and greater things which they may ultimately deliver with this album alone. They have the backing of the mighty RIPPLE MUSIC behind them who are releasing the album and they release amazing records. Though, this is SONIC MOON’s show where they’ve created a record that shows real intelligence and emotional depth throughout.

In Lack Of Clarity is an absolutely wonderful album that I can’t recommend highly enough. It's as simple as that.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

In Lack Of Clarity is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music.

Links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Youtube

Psych/Doom/Stoner Metallers GNARWHAL Release New Song/Video For ANCIENT VEINS From Upcoming New Album LUCID MACHINES

Doom/Stoner Metallers GNARWHAL release their stunning new single ANCIENT VEINS from their brilliant upcoming new album LUCID MACHINES due for release on March 19th 2026.

You can watch the video below for the song.

The band say this about the song:

"Ancient Veins hits with sharpened teeth—faster, meaner, and wired with defiance. Gnarwhal injects their sludge-heavy sound with a punk urgency, tearing through themes of decay, control, and digital erasure. It’s a tightly coiled anthem of resistance, where blistering riffs and the repeated vow “I won’t die in machinery” cut through the static like a blade. A jolt of raw energy that proves Gnarwhal can burn just as fast as they crush."

You can pre-order Lucid Machines now on Digital and Vinyl from this link, 

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Doom/Sludge/Stoner Rockers GIGANTUM Show Off Their Doomy Rock Stylings With New Single/Video For “Necron99” From Upcoming New Album

GIGANTUM Show Off Their Doomy Rock Stylings With New Single “Necron99” - Debut S/T Album Out Sept 2024

L-R - Mia X – Vocals/Bass, BlareNBitch – Guitar/Vocals, Chase Manhattan – Drums, Mark Lüntzel – Guitar/Vocals. 

Photo Credit Mariana Fiel

Gigantum, the innovative hard rock band from Los Angeles, USA continues to experiment with the genre norms as they release their second single “Necron99” from their upcoming self-titled debut album slated to hit online retailers on September 6, 2024. Following the successful launch of the single “Monkey King” last month, this new track delves deeper into the band’s eclectic influences and creative synergy, offering fans another taste of what’s to come. 

Vocalist/bassist Mia X comments on the single:

“A lot of the songs are about conversations that we have at practice. Necron99 came about when Mark told us about this movie he was really into and wanted us to check out called, WIZARDS. After watching it, I went down a rabbit hole to learn more and when he started playing the riff that is now Necron99, I started thinking about the importance of what the movie was portraying.”

“Necron99” has a very heavy, doomy industrial feel that takes the listener into darkness. Gigantum works collaboratively, coming up with riffs that bounce off each other, and in each track, the different ideas and musical influences of the musicians can shine through. The result is an EP that is as complex as it is compelling, offering listeners a glimpse into the band's creative process.

“Necron99” could be considered the modern-day “War Pigs” and is recommended for fans of Fu Manchu, Mastodon, and Red Fang.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Necron99” via its premiere below thanks to the cool folks over at Asher Media PR

Due out on September 6th, 2024, Gigantum's self-titled album is available for pre-order at https://gigantumband.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:​

1. Monkey King – 6:11
2. For All My Friends – 5:38
3. Forever Dreaming – 7:02
4. Brain Haze – 8:36
5. Rock Box – 3:38
6. Necron99 – 8:48

Album Length: 39:52

More info: https://linktr.ee/gigantumband

Thanks to Asher Media PR for all of the info.

Alex Hurst From Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metallers BOSS KELOID - Favourite Albums Of 2023

Alex Hurst from acclaimed Prog Sludge/Stoner Metallers BOSS KELOID chooses his favourite albums of the year.

Alex has chosen a wide mix of different sounding albums from outside the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal spectrum. Check out Alex's favourite releases of the year.

Creation Rebel - Hostile Environment

Amazing reggae release from the legends Creation Rebel. First album in 40 years. Dub reggae and it’s finest.

 

 Oxbow - Loves Holiday

Absolutely stunning album of heavy rock,but so much more than just that. It takes many listens to reveal its beauty. One of the most unique voices ever from Eugene Robinson.



Lankum - False Lankum

Beautiful dark folk music that will give you nightmares and uplift you at the same time

 

Ouija Macc - DETRITUS 

Great rap / trap album from the great artist Ouija Macc who is now the leading legend from the Juggalo world.

Pile - All Fiction 

Pile is an American rock band from Boston. Great songwriting and interesting twists and turns through out.

 

Marcus Gadd And Tribe - Ready for Battle

Amazing roots reggae played with style and laced with a voice of gold from Marcus.

BOSS KELOID Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Introduce Yourselves: Tribunal

What is the name of your band?

Tribunal

What is the genre of music that you play?

A potent mixture of Metal and Sludge

Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?

Tribunal was formed in 2016 when founding members Don Gibbons and Tom Wilkinson met through a mutual band. Their shared passion for bands such as Alice in Chains and Tool was enough for them to start playing music together, and eventually recording music.

Sam Levine has joined the group most recently on bass, bringing punchy low end with a melodic feel.

The trio calls Seattle home, and is currently working on their next record.

What can people expect from your music?

Unique patterns, good choruses, thoughtful song arrangements

What is the best release that folks should check out from your band?

Our debut album is called “The Pieces Go”. Our sophomore album will be released in 2023

Where can people find you on Social Media?

https://linktr.ee/tribunal

Am Samstag - Dualism (Album Review)

Release Date: March 18th 2022. Record Label: Black Market Music / Urgence Disk Records Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Dualism - Tracklisting

1. Pills And Wine (4:50) 

2. Burn Notre Dame Burn (2:48) 

3. Meatballs (3:09) 

4. Hardly Wait (3:24)

5. Til Death Do Us Part (1:55) 

6. Auf Wiedersehen (4:18) 

7. Miss Butch (2:50) 

8. Susie Q (3:33) 

9. Do You Wanna Have Fun? (3:32)

10. You Make Me Feel (4:50) 

11. Sheep (1:29) 

12. Church (3:34)

13. Algos (2:36)

Members

Stephane Grand - Bass

Baptiste Maie - Drums

Gabriela Varela - Vocals/Guitar

Review

Dualism is the new album from Punk/Grunge Rockers Am Samstag and it’s an album that has a deep love and appreciation for Nirvana especially in the first few songs. That feeling goes on through the whole album but it’s good to see they have Grunge pioneer Jack Endino on board to help them produce this album. The album does have it’s fair share of groovy Psychedelic, Metal and Pop based hooks with a Punk Rock attitude.

The album is maybe slightly too long with thirteen songs on the record. However, there’s an addictive and easygoing attitude to Am Samstag that allows the album to stay wildly adventurous especially on songs such as: Pills And Wine, Burn Notre Dame Down, Auf Wiedersehen, You Make Me Feel, Church and Algos being the best parts of the album.

Extra points goes to the band for including the track Hardly Wait that I first heard on the classic cult film Strange Days OST which was sung by Juliette Lewis. Though this was originally an unreleased PJ Harvey song from the 1993 4-Track Demos release. This version is a more aggressive version but more grungier as well with some fantastic “Pop” based moments. 

The vocals and thumping bass lines are right out of the Nirvana Rulebook but add Weezer-esque guitar sounds with a little hint of Punk Rock Rebellious Melody allow this album to sound refreshingly different as well.

Dualism is catchy as hell with some delicious modern day pop sounds.

Overall, Dualism is an adrenaline rush of superbly paced tracks that delivers the goods especially if you’re an old-school Grunge or Nirvana fan though moved along by fantastic Punk Rock sensibility.

Words by Steve Howe

You can buy Dualism now on CD/DD/Vinyl via this link

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Sofie Jell Release New EP - "Beauty Lies in the Eyes Pt.2”

Sharped, intense, energetic. The sonority presented by the Brazilian band Sofie Jell combines all these requirements, and in last Friday (24) we checked more of this intense mix with their new work, the EP “Beauty Lies in the Eyes Pt.2”, released by the label Banana Atômica.

 
Continuing the EP “Beauty Lies in the Eyes Pt.1” released in 2018 by the quartet from the city of Feira de Santana the group brings us once again their intense and exciting Grunge sound with elements of Alternative Rock and even Stoner, distilling an powerful and “sticky” heavy rock.

Created in 2017 and inspired by the likes of Helmet, Soundgarden, Silverchair and Queens of the Stone Age, Sofie Jell has been climbing several levels in rapid rise, delivering a mature and well-produced sound, with admirable composition levels and organic reverence for icons of the approaching strands.

Having participated in recognized festivals in Bahia such as Feira Noise (participating in three editions) and the 2021 edition of Dopesmoke Festival, the band composed by Lucas Laudano (vocals and guitar), Leonardo Guimarães (drums) Bruno Mendes (bass) and Marquinhos Menezes (guitar) delivers right away his inspirations in the six tracks, presenting with "Beauty Lies in the Eyes Pt.2" another round of these magnetic tracks and nineties influences, led by the single "Overrated" and evoking the most iconic and representative of the 90s in an honest and inspired way, a whole world for Grunge-addicted listeners

“Beauty Lies in the Eyes” was produced by the band and Vicente Fonseca, recorded at Estúdio do Beco in Salvador/Bahia, and is available on streaming below:

Listen to “Beauty Lies in the Eyes Pt.2” on Spotify or below:

TRACKLIST

1.Why
2.Overrated
3.Figure Out
4.Inside
5.Down
6.Wasted Days

INFO “BEAUTY LIES IN THE EYES PT.2”

Produced by: Sofie Jell / Vicente Fonseca
Recorded between February 2020/March 2021 in: Estúdio do Beco, Salvador/BA
Drums recording at: Conexão Studio, Feira de Santana/BA
Mixed and mastered by Vicente Fonseca at Estúdio do Beco/BA
Cover Art by: Luise Pierote

LINE UP:

Lucas Laudano - voice/guitar
Marquinhos Menezes – guitar
Leonardo Guimarães – drums
Bruno Mendes - bass
Jorge Luiz Marques Filho (participation) – piano and orchestra

Sofie Jell Links

Facebook

Bruxa Verde Produções PR

FACEBOOK - INSTAGRAM

TOXIC TITO Release New Video - GOT TO MOVE ON - From Their Upcoming Debut Album

NYC's TOXIC TITO will release their scorching debut album Bestia on August 21 2020.

About Toxic Tito:

Toxic Tito is a New York City psychedelic/punk/metal/grunge project coming for your head. The band says:"This album is a real punch in the gut, no fucking around here. Original, and full on "Balls to the walls"!! Rock Music has gone stale and moldy, pretentious and ass kissing. We don't do that."

They seek to exorcise the demons from the human race, sell a shitload of albums, and get on a Scorsese movie. This is a band of consummate professionals sharing an anarchistic ‘devil may care’ attitude. There are no expectations, only the desire to document what was once a good boy.

The bands story starts in 1977 when the Italian-Venezuelan Luis Accorsi formed his first band, Janz Kappela, who were perhaps the first punk band in Venezuela. From there life took him to New York City where he launched a career as an art dealer and played countless shows at the legendary CBGB’s with bands like Manslaughter and Cracked Latin. He had become a fixture of the scene. In 2014 The Flux Machine – was formed, bringing Accorsi back to the heart of New York City’s thriving rock and roll scene. A few years later he would launch a brand new project, Toxic Tito which sought to take on the world of metal.

Looking forward, Toxic Tito are preparing to release a new album, entitled Bestia It’s a vicious and ambitious record building off of the insanity of quarantine. Drawing on everything from ancient problems to the joy of summers arrival it is a bloodthirsty offering from the band. Accorsi’s massive catalogue comes to life with the group as they move forward in crafting some of the most interesting heavy metal to emerge from New York in years. If you want to get slammed into a punk infused rager... Have we got the band for you!

Watch the video for their new single Got To Move On.

https://www.facebook.com/toxictitonyc/

Festival News - RPM Fest 2018

RPM Fest organizers have announced the 2018 full band roster for the late August music event. Held this year in Montague, Massachusetts, RPM Fest is an annual three-day outdoor heavy Rock, Punk, and Metal music festival that in 2018 features 50 bands, as well as camping, games, local beer and food, vendors, and more.

This year RPM Fest brings in national headlining acts such as Black Tusk, Tombs, Incite,Whores., and Acid Witch, as well as additional local and regional vendors and festival sponsors for the 2018 event.

Each year of RPM Fest has occurred in Western Massachusetts, and while the region is somewhat rural, it has been a hotbed for spawning nationally-recognized heavy music acts like Killswitch Engage and Shadows Fall. Since RPM Fest's 2014 start, West Mass has seen a heavy music resurgence, with its goal to keep fostering the local heavy music scene by showcasing some of the best underground bands New England has to offer.

DETAILS:

• RPM FEST 2018
• Presented by: Promotorhead Entertainment; PDP Productions 
• Event Date: August 24 - 26, 2018 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
• Location: 210 Turners Fall Road, Montague, Massachusetts, USA 01351
• Genres/Styles: Rock, Metal, Punk
• Fest Lineup Playlists:
  • http://spotify.rpmfest.org/
  • https://www.youtube.com/rpmfest
• Info: RPMFest.org
  • 2018 FAQ: faq.rpmfest.org
  • Volunteers: volunteers.rpmfest.org
  • Partners: partners.rpmfest.org
  • Booking: booking.rpmfest.org
• Ticket Sales: Early Bird sales open June 4th, 2018 (Monday)

kolektiv - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: June 09th 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

kolektiv – Tracklisting

1.nezhyl 03:39

2.perdition 04:03

3.breeder 03:28

4.champion 03:42

5.hurt 02:41

6.potemkin 03:42

7.elevator 04:11

Review

kolektiv is a Post-Hardcore/Post-Punk/Metal band from Belgium who have quite a post-metallic sound to their music. Influenced by bands such as Deftones, At-The Drive In, Thrice and TOOL to some respect. Their new album is a heavy and emotional mix of post-the-fuck whatever kind of sounds.

It has quite a progressive feel with the opening song – nezhyl – having a more reflective post-rock delivery. The vocals are clean and melodic and that surprised me as I was expecting the harsher style of growls.

Speaking to the band recently, they told me there are a lot of hidden Easter Eggs and clever references hidden within this album. I was surprised with the amount of thought that has gone into this album. It may sound very simple at times but the band have put a lot of effort and thought with both the music and lyrics. Maybe that TOOL influence steadily coming into play. The song HURT that appears on the album is very complex as the post-hardcore/post-metallic riffs have more meaning when you start to fully understand the lyrics.

The song Potemkin has a link to Sigmund Freud and specifically to one of his patients. Well that's what the band told me. If you're not bothered about the hidden messages held within the album then just listen to the great songs held on the album. It's not the best produced album you'll ever hear but kolektiv recorded this album in true DIY style. So what you hear is what you get.

The album is mostly melodic with a few moments of pure aggression but it's expertly played throughout. This album can definitely be considered “THINKING MAN'S METAL.”

Check this out as kolektiv are definitely worth your time.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Helms Alee - Stillicide (Album Review)

Release date: September 02^nd 2016. Label: Sargent House. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Stillicide – Tracklisting

1.More Weight

2.Untoxicated

3.Tit to Toe

4.Meats and Milks

5.Stillicide

6.Galloping Mind Fuk

7.Creeping You Company

8.Dream Long

9.Bullygoat

10.Andromenous

11.Worth Your Wild

Band Members:

Ben Verellen

Dana James

Hozoji Matheson-margullis

Review:

After giving Helms Alee new album Stillicide a couple of listens I realzied that I couldn't find the appropriate way to describe the band. They are heavy, but not heavy metal. The music is too well played and recorded to be punk music. I'm sure there is a post- something tag that I am no way near hip enough to know that could apply, then it dawned on me, the way to best describe this record is good....really, really good!

Helms Alee is a trio from Seattle. Stillicide is their 4th full length. I am a fan as I have their first two albums. I somehow slept on their 3rd, Sleepwalking Sailors (sorry!). Perhaps there is something about that Pacific Northwest region that causes the musicians to blend so many different styles together so seamlessly. If you break it down to it's purest/simplest form Grunge music, was basically an amalgamation of pop, punk, and heavy metal done with an indie mindset. Helms Alee does a similar sort of thing. I don't want diminish anything on this fine record, but I was reminded on multiple occasions of a heavier version of Sonic Youth when listening to some of the songs. Which is a good thing, I was a big Sonic Youth fan that was heartbroken when the band broke up and honestly, I haven't the time, energy or money to follow them on any of their post SY adventures. Helms Alee slides into that empty void of pounding dissonance and relishes in it.

There are so many elements to the band's music that you hear something new on every listen, which to me, is a sign of a great band and a great record. There are riffs aplenty, an interesting mix of male/female vocal interplay, some huge driving drums and plenty of low end to keep fans of any genre happy and listening on.

The opening, instrumental track More Weight is interesting as it plays an almost symphonic rock quality, that makes you double check that you are on the right album, it works and quickly gives way to the concise, pounding Untoxicated. One of the albums most stellar tracks is Tit to Toe, one of the many tracks that mixes the often under appreciated male/female vocal interplay that makes Helms stellar. Meats and Milks stumbles in and melts your face and leads into the bass riff of the title track. The band takes you on a ride with Galloping Mind Fuk and leaves you unsettled on Creeping you Company. Dream Long is another killer track. Bullygoat and Andromenous continue to deliver with power and chiming dissonance before the albums killer final track Worth your Wild, is truly that.

Stillicide is a beautiful, brutal, multi layered experience that will bring you back listen after listen. You can peel away layers like an onion and hear sounds and influences time after time. Check this record out, you will not be disappointed.

Words by Todd Stealey

Thanks to Rachel at Silver PR for the promo. Stillicide will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Sargent House from September 2^nd 2016.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp