Goat Major - Death Comes Twice (Album Review)

Release Date: October 23rd 2026. Record Label: Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Death Comes Twice - Tracklist

1.Voyage of Cetus

2.Firewalk

3.Death Comes Twice 

4.Under the Moonlight 

5.Wheels of Gold

6.Sirens

7.The Sin Eater

8.Negative Church

9.Detached

Members

Jammie Arnold - guitar

Simon Bonwick - drums

Tom Shortt - bass & vocals

Review

Death Comes Twice is the second album from Doom/Stoner Rockers Goat Major which builds upon the great Occult vibes and sounds from their acclaimed 2024 debut album Ritual. This time round Goat Major add a certain Sludge Rock swagger into their music with a more powerful sound being played from the very start. There is an aggressive melody that’s quite different to ritual with an emphatic FUZZED OUT atmosphere having a clean, crisp and concise delivery which is perfectly delivered throughout the whole album.

The excellent opening track of Voyage Of Cetus is a gloomy instrumental song that touches upon the fringes of Psych, Doom, Stoner and even Ambient Rock for a style of music that feels quintessentially vintage and thoroughly modern at the same time. This wasn’t the type of track I was expecting for Goat Major to open the album with. However, it’s one of my favourite tracks on the album.

Second track Firewalk runs for over eight minutes as Goat Major play against  a seedy backdrop of Seventies based Proto-Doom and elements of modern day Fuzz, Psych and Stoner Rock/Metal delivery. This allows Goat Major to develop an intense style of pure amplified heaviness with a cool sideline in SHOCK ROCK tactics. Some parts of the song are quite progressive with some cool sounding “POPPIER” passages developing along the way. Though, the OCCULT ROCK/METAL obsessed lyrics keeps Goat Major firmly within the DOOM METAL world. 

Third track Death Comes Twice offers a seedy underbelly of distorted Fuzz Metal and harsh amplified sounds transforming into a great style of modern sludgy based heaviness that sees that classic style of ELECTRIC WIZARD surroundings appear but Goat Major adding their own unique spain. The vocals from Tom Shortt have a manic appeal to them which fully sells the OCCULT DOOM cinematic theme that’s a huge part of the band’s musical arsenal. 

Goat Major starts to develop a commanding distorted presence which moves further into the depths of Sludge Rock and sees some vibrant groove rock solos starting to emerge on tracks such as Under The Moonlight, Wheels Of Gold, Sirens, The Sin Eater and Negative Church. The sound is always grounded but still sees Goat Major include some glorious OVER THE TOP ideas into their music whilst playing an intense style of classic Doom Metal energy. 

Death Comes Twice is superbly fast paced with an excellent story driven narrative which reminds me of Alice Cooper in places which gives the album another wonderful offbeat atmosphere to develop within the later stages of the record. Goat Major even started to experiment with modern Psych/Stoner Rock grooves on the album that gives the whole record a refreshing modern day vibe whilst keeping their core “OCCULT DOOM” vibe fully intact.

Goat Major have delivered another masterful record with Death Comes Twice that’s bound to become one of the standout records to listen to before the end of the year.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Death Comes Twice is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Exclusive Song/Video Premiere For GOAT MAJOR's Stunning New Title Track DEATH COMES TWICE From Upcoming New Album

Welsh doom metal trio GOAT MAJOR is set to return with their sophomore full-length "Death Comes Twice" this October 23rd on Ripple Music and unleash the title track from the outstanding new album today! 

Thanks to the cool folks over at Purple Sage PR and Ripple Music we're excited to premiere the new song/video for Death Comes Twice from their upcoming new album of the same name.

Welsh heavy trio Goat Major are set to return with their crushing sophomore album, Death Comes Twice, the follow-up to their 2024 debut Ritual. The songwriting process ignited immediately after the last record, with guitarist Jammie Arnold channeling a relentless flow of riff demos that provided the foundation for Simon Bonwick (drums) and Tom Shortt (vocals/bass) to build upon. They comment, "When the three of us gathered in the jam room, that’s where the true magic happened. We threw ourselves into every riff, every groove, with no detail too small or too grand. This new record reveals a deeper, more melodic side of us, all the while remaining heavy and intense. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it!"

Recording once again with engineer Tom Chaloner in rural Pembrokeshire, the band captured the raw energy of their live chemistry by tracking together in a room without click tracks. The result is a record that delves deeper into melody while maintaining their signature heaviness, augmented by experimental layers of percussion, harmonies, and progressive synthesis soundscapes.

Lyrically, Death Comes Twice navigates the dark narrow passageways of belief, tradition, and existential crisis. Continuing the occult and cosmic themes of their debut, the album shifts between dark fantasy and internal turmoil, exploring themes of persecution under dogmatic rule, the spiritual toll of ancient rituals, and the clash between divine creation and modern technology.

About the new single "Wheels of Gold", the band says: "Wheels of Gold brings imagery of the biblical depictions of angels. Imagining them into our new technological age and asking if they would still serve their elemental ancient god, or revolt and destroy that god in order to serve new artificial machines of creation."

New album "Death Comes Twice" - Out October 23rd on Ripple Music (LP/CD/digital)

Emerging from the mystic landscapes of Pembrokeshire, Wales, Goat Major formed in 2020 as a strict DIY power trio. Drawing from the heaviness of Electric Wizard and the raw fury of Motörhead, their sound is a fuzz-drenched, controlled chaos that's both primal and profound. They shattered expectations with their 2024 debut Ritual via Ripple Music, a gothic romp through ancient secrets and dark whispers. Arnold's riffs swing between sludgy weight and punk urgency, Bonwick's drumming is relentless and dynamic, while Shortt's growling bass underpins hauntingly melodic vocals that push atmosphere and ambition without losing their doom-ridden core.

The band tore across the UK, sharing stages with Conan, Thunder Horse and many more, while leaving their doomy mark at Desertfest London and Stoomfest. Their blend of infectious melody and sinister atmosphere struck a deep chord, cementing them as one of the underground's most promising emerging forces. Now in 2026, they reunite with Ripple Music for their eagerly awaited second opus, Death Comes Twice. Digging deeper than Ritual, the new album weaves potent melodies and razor-sharp hooks through themes of death, medieval rituals, religious persecution, and generational hexes. It's a masterclass in inventive darkness—haunting, powerful, and daring you to climb in.

GOAT MAJOR is

Jammie Arnold - guitar
Simon Bonwick - drums
Tom Shortt - bass & vocals

GOAT MAJOR links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

RIPPLE MUSIC links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

UK Occult Doom Trio GOAT MAJOR to release new album "Death Comes Twice" on Ripple Music this fall; stream new video "Wheels of Gold"

Welsh doom metal trio GOAT MAJOR is set to return with their sophomore full-length "Death Comes Twice" this October 23rd on Ripple Music and unleash their new single "Wheels of Gold" today!

 Watch new Goat Major video Wheels of Gold + listen to the song on all streaming services

Welsh heavy trio Goat Major are set to return with their crushing sophomore album, Death Comes Twice, the follow-up to their 2024 debut Ritual. The songwriting process ignited immediately after the last record, with guitarist Jammie Arnold channeling a relentless flow of riff demos that provided the foundation for Simon Bonwick (drums) and Tom Shortt (vocals/bass) to build upon. They comment, "When the three of us gathered in the jam room, that’s where the true magic happened. We threw ourselves into every riff, every groove, with no detail too small or too grand. This new record reveals a deeper, more melodic side of us, all the while remaining heavy and intense. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it!"

Recording once again with engineer Tom Chaloner in rural Pembrokeshire, the band captured the raw energy of their live chemistry by tracking together in a room without click tracks. The result is a record that delves deeper into melody while maintaining their signature heaviness, augmented by experimental layers of percussion, harmonies, and progressive synthesis soundscapes.

Lyrically, Death Comes Twice navigates the dark narrow passageways of belief, tradition, and existential crisis. Continuing the occult and cosmic themes of their debut, the album shifts between dark fantasy and internal turmoil, exploring themes of persecution under dogmatic rule, the spiritual toll of ancient rituals, and the clash between divine creation and modern technology.

About the new single "Wheels of Gold", the band says: "Wheels of Gold brings imagery of the biblical depictions of angels. Imagining them into our new technological age and asking if they would still serve their elemental ancient god, or revolt and destroy that god in order to serve new artificial machines of creation."

New album "Death Comes Twice" - Out October 23rd on Ripple Music (LP/CD/digital)

Emerging from the mystic landscapes of Pembrokeshire, Wales, Goat Major formed in 2020 as a strict DIY power trio. Drawing from the heaviness of Electric Wizard and the raw fury of Motörhead, their sound is a fuzz-drenched, controlled chaos that's both primal and profound. They shattered expectations with their 2024 debut Ritual via Ripple Music, a gothic romp through ancient secrets and dark whispers. Arnold's riffs swing between sludgy weight and punk urgency, Bonwick's drumming is relentless and dynamic, while Shortt's growling bass underpins hauntingly melodic vocals that push atmosphere and ambition without losing their doom-ridden core.

The band tore across the UK, sharing stages with Conan, Thunder Horse and many more, while leaving their doomy mark at Desertfest London and Stoomfest. Their blend of infectious melody and sinister atmosphere struck a deep chord, cementing them as one of the underground's most promising emerging forces. Now in 2026, they reunite with Ripple Music for their eagerly awaited second opus, Death Comes Twice. Digging deeper than Ritual, the new album weaves potent melodies and razor-sharp hooks through themes of death, medieval rituals, religious persecution, and generational hexes. It's a masterclass in inventive darkness—haunting, powerful, and daring you to climb in.

GOAT MAJOR is

Jammie Arnold - guitar
Simon Bonwick - drums
Tom Shortt - bass & vocals

GOAT MAJOR links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

RIPPLE MUSIC links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

Witchsorrow - The Devil And All His Works (Album Review)

Release Date: July 03rd 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Devil And All His Works - Tracklist

1.Omnia Finiuntur

2.Bacchus 06:30

3.Hades Chains 06:27

4.Altar

5.In Triumph We Rot!!!

6.Lamentation

7.A Quintessence Of Dust

Members

Nick Ruskell - guitar/vocals

Emily Ruskell - bass

Scott Taylor - drums

David Wilbraham - drums (on album)

Review

Doom Metal legends Witchsorrow with their fifth album The Devil And All His Works which marks their first album in over eight years. Witchsorrow still preaches the work of the Dark Overlords Of Doom Metal with shades of Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus and Electric Wizard appearing but with Witchsorrow crafting their own thrilling down-tuned blend of soulful misery. The record has a dark occult and satanic vibe which isn’t surprising since the whole theme  is taken from an occult book by legendary author Dennis Wheatley.

Witchsorrow never forget the powerful SABBATHIAN amplified sounds that is a classic mark of the entire DOOM METAL scene but it’s how the band include other areas of music to weave into their dark nightmarish sound such as Thrash, Heavy Metal, Psych and massive amounts of bone crushing FUZZ. The songs all have a powerful level of distorted melodies which embraces the dark creative themes that lead vocalist Nick Ruskell aka NECROSKULL gleefully and happily sings about. 

There is an abstract level of progressive pitch-black distortion being delivered within the epic opening track Omnia Finiuntur with the undeniable bass line of Emily Ruskell once again terrorizing the atmosphere with violently played sounds that provide a dark contrast to Nick’s gloomy guitars and David Wilbraham’s epic drumming. This is David’s final involvement with Witchsorrow and this album is an epic swansong to end his time with the band. 

The rest of the album follows the dark, gloomy and distorted path of the opening track but Witchsorrow allows themselves to play around with straight-forward riff-centric deliveries. The band still keeps themselves closely aligned to the land of Occult Doom Metal with surprising musical developments happening that breathes new life into the Witchsorrow legend especially on tracks Bacchus, Hades Chains, Altar and A Quintessence Of Dust.

The record sees some very cool guest stars appear on tracks Hades Chains featuring Serena Cherry of Svalbard/Noctule) and A Quintessence Of Dust featuring Employed To Serve’s Sammy Urwin. It’s on these tracks alone that features the heaviest, brutal and violent sounds to appear on the record. This shows how Witchsorrow are quite open to move their music into heavier genres they’re not widely associated with but still incorporating their own classic style of Doom Metal. 

The Devil And All His Works is a masterclass of Doom Metal where Witchsorrow adapts all the different levels that legendary genre fully contains. However, they embrace all styles of HEAVY METAL for this album alone which gives The Devil And All His Works a highly unpredictable sound that’s dominated by a band who are at the peak of their creative powers. 

This is DOOM METAL of the highest order and one record you can simply describe as purely unmissable!!!

Thanks to Church Road Records for the promo.

The Devil And All His Works is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Church Road Records.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

LinkTree | BandCamp | Instagram

Mama Doom Reveal Full Details Of New Album "Eminent Womb"; New Single And Video "Woven Linen" Out Now

New York's Coven Core visionaries Mama Doom are proud to unveil the full details of the band's highly anticipated new album, "Eminent Womb", set for release on September 26, 2026 on CD, digital, and deluxe colored vinyl limited to 300 copies in Ultra Clear with White Smoke, via Argonauta Records.

Following the recent release of the first single "Morning Son", Mama Doom have now unleashed the album's latest offering, "Woven Linen", accompanied by a striking new professional music video that has already been generating enthusiastic reactions from fans and media alike.

Watch the "Woven Linen" video:

Preorder "Eminent Womb": https://tinyurl.com/mamadoom

Known for their unique blend of ethereal darkness, gothic pop sensibilities, psychedelic textures and cinematic storytelling, Mama Doom continue to push the boundaries of heavy music through their self-defined Coven Core aesthetic. With "Eminent Womb", the Hudson Valley trio delivers their most ambitious and emotionally resonant work to date.

The band comments:

"Eminent Womb is finally ready to meet the world. The recording process was an incredible experience, full of creativity, energy, and a few well-timed practical jokes on Chuck. Our first single, 'Morning Son,' sets the tone for a record that explores love, pain, and, above all, the enduring strength of the mother. We can't wait for you to hear it."

The recently released "Woven Linen" video further showcases the band's acclaimed visual identity and commitment to bold artistic expression.

On the concept behind the video, Mama Doom explain:

"'Woven Linen' confronts the weight of religious oppression and reclaims where true power resides, with the Mother, the source of all life. Bringing this vision to life was a collaborative effort and we were proud to welcome four incredible women into the Gratuitous Productions family. Grave Dave created an amazing set with white witchy masks, a skeletal Saint Barbara, and Homer the stuffed goat, while Anne painstakingly stitched together a blood-soaked visual homage inspired by Suspiria."

Tracklisting

Morning Son
Woven Linen
Anesthetic
Night of Day
Blue
Mother's Mercy
Picked Clean
Nightshade
Home is in the Ground

Formed in New York's Hudson Valley, Mama Doom have earned a reputation as one of the most distinctive acts in today's underground scene. Their award-winning and often controversial videos, combined with a fearless artistic vision and powerful songwriting, have established the trio as a truly singular presence within the heavy music landscape.

"Eminent Womb" will be released worldwide on September 26, 2026 via Argonauta Records on CD, digital and deluxe colored vinyl limited to 300 copies in Ultra Clear with White Smoke.

Lineup

Heather D. Lolli – vocals, keyboards
Chuckie Rumbles – bass
Anne Terror – drums

For fans of dark ritualistic atmospheres, gothic psychedelia, cinematic storytelling and uncompromising artistic expression, "Eminent Womb" promises to be one of the year's most captivating releases.

Links   

https://www.facebook.com/MamaDoommusic
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the details.

Smoke Rites - Eager Eyes Of Talon (Album Review)

Release Date: January 06th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD

Eager Eyes Of Talon - Tracklisting

1.Golden Road 06:59

2.Eager Eyes of Talion 05:43

3.Nothing Never 04:28

4.10ft Dread 05:31

5.Death is a Five Letter Word 06:17

6.Charas Drift 01:27

7.Devil's Advocate 06:07

8.Wind of Most Cruel Kind 04:33

Members

Tomasz Mielnik - Vocal

Łukasz Borawski - Guitars

Adam Ziółkowski - Bass

Michał Kamiński - Drums

Monika Adamska-Guzikowska - Guest Vocal - Death is a Five Letter Word

Review

Sludge/Stoner Metallers Smoke Rites return with their second album Eager Eyes Of Talion and sees the band conjuring up similar smoked out themes heard on their 2022 debut album Total Lung Capacity. There’s an ever increasing style of Southern Metal, NOLA and Occult Metal sounds appearing which gives the record quite a classic seedy sound.

The sound can be quite abstract and very direct at times with Smoke Rites feeling like they grew up within the legendary NOLA scene and not from their native Poland. Though, Poland has a legendary Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal scene of their own with Smoke Rites flirting between Polish underground heaviness and full on American WEEDIAN surroundings throughout the album.

Opening track Golden Read bridges the gap between these two powerhouse scenes with Smoke Rites conjuring up a dominant Southern Metal style of music with an aggressive backdrop of Fuzzy and Seedy Stoner Metal melodies. The OCCULT DOOM energy appears in small flashes of the song which gives the band a great excuse to delve even further into the SABBATHIAN and ELECTRIC WIZARD influences that decimates and levels the whole drugged out playing field.

The vocals from Tomasz Borawski draw upon from a wide range of different vocalists which he uses to great advantage as Tomasz offers a superb style of his very own making that is delivered with a mixture of harsh, violent and full on Doom Metal vocal passages. Eager Eyes Of Talon is packed full of long drawn out and fuzzed up distorted movements with the raw-sounding aesthetics keeping Smoke Rites closely linked to the underground scene on tracks such as Eager Eyes Of Talion, Nothing Never and 10ft Dread.

These tracks see Smoke Rites venture into a more fantastical and over the top style of Doomed Out Metal with a slight psychological warfare being created through the heavy rhythm section of Adam Ziółkowski on Bass and Michał Kamiński on Drums that adds a mighty violent level of distorted terror in the background. Łukasz Borawski offers a non-stop onslaught of powerful Sludge/Stoner Metal grooves which should appeal to fans from the likes of Black Sabbath, DOWN, HIGH ON FIRE and Electric Wizard.

Some parts of the record almost transform into areas of Blackened Doom or Blackened Sludge Metal but Smoke Rites keep that seedy and drug influenced attitude as the “main glue” that holds everything together which becomes more dominant on tracks such as Death Is A Five Letter Word, Devi’s Advocate and Wind Of Most Cruel Kind.

Eager Eyes Of Talion offers bleak and intense HEAVY METAL entertainment from start to finish with stripped back production values allowing Smoke Rites to play to the best of their technical ability and with a ferocious and primal creative theme being one of the main strengths of the whole album. This is the type of album why the Polish underground HEAVY METAL scene is so highly regarded and for that reason I can’t recommend this album highly enough.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

HRAEFN - Research Into Infinity (EP Review)

Release Date: November 15th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Research Into Infinity - Track Listing:

1.Research Into Infinity 06:36

2.Arcadia 05:22

3.Worldeater 08:46

Members

Michael - guitars

Terence - drums

Tonny - bass/vocals

Review

Research Into Infinity is the new EP from Doom/Stoner Rockers HRAEFN who bring a modern sensibility to their music with their music firmly rooted into the realms of Psych Metal with flashes of Occult Rock appearing in the most unexpected of places.

The opening title track of Research Into Infinity is a stirring mix of DOOM & GLOOM merged with levels of Progressive Doom for a sound that’s quite catchy and aggressive at the same time. The vocals have an air of dominance around them with the music being quite stripped back at times. The sound does remind me of Mastodon (CRACK THE SKYE era) in places but it’s the brief sightings of the OCCULT sounds that allows HRAEFN to stand on their own creative ground.

The EP also thrives further when the COSMIC surroundings appear through trippy grooves and soundbytes that the band add into the mix especially within the standout title track and brief moments appearing within Arcadia and Worldeater.

There’s a hidden Grunge and Alt Rock energy appearing within this EP that allows HRAEFN to perhaps play a classic style of Hard Rock without sacrificing their underground Doom/Stoner credentials. The lyrics are quite creepy and possessed by dark forces at times with a killer 1970’s Proto-Doom influence appearing which is quite original in places.

The final track of Worldeater is where HRAEFN become more real with their music with a song telling the world about the dangers of CLIMATE CHANGE through their music. It’s quite a creative departure compared to the previous tracks but it’s a winning combination of socially aware surroundings and intense instrumental passages which can be quite experimental at times.

The song fully explodes into life around the three minutes mark when the band explode into a subtle style of Doom, Proto-Metal, Psych Rock and Stoner Metal grooves where that hard rocking MASTODON influence appearing once again with HRAEFN still employing their own great style of music right through the dying moments of this outstanding EP.

Research Into Infinity is quite a different BEAST compared to their previous EP Call For Blood and I hope that the band explores this style of music even further as they’re really onto something here which could allow the band attain further exposure within the underground scene.

 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Good Boy PR for the promo.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Brüle - L'​Œ​uvre Au Noir (Album Review)

Release Date: June 21st 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD/Vinyl

L'​Œ​uvre Au Noir: Tracklisting

  

1.Crushed 04:09

2.This Life 04:11

3.The Devil's Deal 05:41

4.La Bruixa Del Sol 06:23

5.Seal Of Lucifer 05:02

6.Lilith Se Meurt 04:05

7.Land Of Nod 07:17

8.My Inner Demon 05:27

9.We Are The Damned 05:27

Review

L'​Œ​uvre Au Noir is the debut album from French Doom/Stoner Metallers Brüle who explore Occult Rock pastures with a sense of soaring Psychedelic atmospheres which brings a powerful Cosmic Doom flavour to the album. Brüle stands out from the crowd by transforming their music into a classic GRUNGE assault on the senses with echoes of Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell appearing within the kick-ass vocals especially on the stunning second track This Life.

Though, Brüle returns to the more down-tuned and sonic style of music that appears on the excellent opening track Crushed. Though, the fantastic Grunge inspired direction Brüle does appear for certain parts of the album that is mostly powered by gloomy rhythms and distorted grooves that allow Brüle to become quite original with the creative choices on the whole album. There’s moments of Sludgy and Down-tuned environments that allows the band to have a menacing presence when the Doom Metal aspects fully take control. 

Things become even more sinister with the following tracks: La Bruixa Del Sol, Seal Of Lucifer and Lilith Se Meurt. The music has an AMPLIFIER DISTORTED texture where Brüle move other into areas of Blues Rock, NOLA and Grunge yet again for an album that sounds like it doesn’t want to be part of the Doom/Stoner Metal world but one that constantly delivers outstanding instrumental jams that have a seedy and sinister level of FUZZ appearing which could be paying homage to bands such as KYUSS, GREENLEAF and TRUCKFIGHTERS on Seal Of Lucifer 

The final stages of the album adds a slight Progressive nature to the record with Brüle experimenting with Psych Rock environments which once again allows the band to change their musical style and creative identity yet again on which perhaps offers the most impressive Doomed Out and Classic Heavy Metal induced moments on the album on tracks such as: Land Of Nod, My Inner Demon and We Are The Damned.

L'​Œ​uvre Au Noir is an absolute blast from start to finish with Brüle never bowing down to genre conventions and offering a refreshing style of Psychedelic and Occult based energy that showcases a truly great and hugely talented band has arrived from the French Doom/Stoner Metal underground scene. If it’s good enough for MONOLORD’s Esben Willems to master this great album at his famed Studio Berserk then what other reasons do you need…

Check this outstanding album out now. You won’t be sorry.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Ancient Vvisdom - Master Of The Stone (Album Review)

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

Master Of The Stone - Tracklisting

1. Sold My Soul To Satan

2. The Adversary

3. Apollyon

4. World’s Demise

5. Ashes From On High

6. Master Of The Stone

7. Demon Est Deus Inverses

8. The Devil’s Sermon

Members

Nathan Opposition

Michael Jochum

Review

Master Of The Stone is the new album from Occult Rockers Ancient Vvisdom and their first new album in almost five years. It’s great to see Ancient Vvisdom continuing their relationship with Italian Powerhouse label Argonauta Records for this album. 

The rockers are on fine demented Satanic form with a spellbinding array of Hard Rock, Doom Metal and Stoner Metal grooves that all form dark tales to Lucifer himself which you can tell throughout the album. However, there’s a lot more to Ancient Vvisdom’s music than paying homage to the Lord Of Darkness which advises folks to stay true to themselves whatever their beliefs.

Ancient Vvisdom play a classic style of Acoustic Doom or Acoustic Rock alongside the blistering Heavy Metal sounds that are played on the album. This record has many similarities with their classic debut album A Godlike Inferno with the switching of Acoustic Rhythms and Electric Guitars to great effect.

The opening stages of the album are quite dark and bleak with opening tracks Sold My Soul To Satan and The Adversary setting up the scene which is what we come to expect from Nathan and Michael who form this great band. The lyrics are influenced by the greater Occult and Satanic themes which is part of Ancient Vvisdom’s creative DNA. The instrumental sounds have a lot more Heavy Metal swagger compared to previous releases with moments of Thrash Metal and Groove Metal which gives the record a more THUGGISH sound. This is quite a different sounding Ancient Vvisdom record but there’s a lot of fun to be had amongst the Occult based demonic energy that’s played on the album.

Masters Of The Stone has a more Apocalyptic energy which becomes ever more present as the album marches on through great tracks such as Apollyon, World’s Demise and Ashes From On High. There’s also a warped Psychedelic energy appearing on the heaviest moments of the album which gives a more unsettling feeling to the album.

Ancient Vvisdom show their softer side with their acoustic songs such as World’s Demise which could have easily come from their landmark release A Godlike Inferno. The song is powered along by sublime vocals and an exquisite acoustic guitar which is perhaps more Gothic Doom than Americana. The lyrics are quite subversive that could even describe the horrible events going on in today's world.

Master Of The Stone also features a few guest musicians, Vanek from the band MIDNIGHT does a guest guitar solo on the track Ashes From On High. Matt Sorg from the bands RINGWORM and Shed The Skin does a guest solo on Sold My Soul To Satan and Noah from NUNSLAUGHTER also played guitar on a few tracks as well. This is perhaps the reason why the album is perhaps more HEAVY METAL focused but still remains a wonderful sounding Ancient Vvisodm record in its own right.

The album is on the short side clocking in around thirty minutes but Ancient Vvisdom get the job done in providing the world of Occult Rock and Doom Metal with another exquisite record to satisfy their Demonic and Satanic cravings with. With excellent and rich sounding production values, Ancient Vvisdom are back to reclaim their place as one of the best Occult Rock bands within the scene. 

Welcome back guys. You’ve been missed. Master Of The Stone is an essential release. I’m hoping that Master Of The Stoner is given the vinyl treatment further down the line. As it’s a great record that deserves to be released on vinyl. 

Words by Steve Howe 

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.

Master Of The Stone will be available to buy on CD/DD via Argonauta Records from January 26th 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp