Introduce Yourselves: Age Of Distraction

What is the name of your band? 

Age of Distraction

What is the genre of music that you play? 

Progressive Rock

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

The project initially started out as an outlet for my solo work, at the time I was lead guitarist for prog band ‘This Winter Machine’ but I was finding that stifled my creativity and it wasn’t the best environment to create in. So I got started writing and recording at home with the intentions of just getting as many ideas down as possible.

Charlie (Bramald) had connected earlier that year, and we quickly became friends, and I knew he was a killer vocalist (and a busy one!). I asked if he would be interested in collaborating on a track I had recorded as it needed vocals and I felt he would suit the track. He accepted and before we knew it, he had sent back a rough vocal for the song that became ‘Compromised’.

Immediately I knew we had something special, and it had to be done properly. I asked Mark Gatland (bass player in Hats off Gentlemen Its Adequate) if he had some spare capacity to add some bass, and he obliged. So, for me, the track was done, so I sent to Dom Bennison to ask if he could mix it for me. He then suggested he would put some live drums on it (it currently had programmed drums!), before mixing, when we got it back, our minds were blown!

We immediately booked Charlie into Dom’s studio to get the vocals professionally recorded and the rest is history! Age of Distraction was born. 

From then on, I went on a writing spree, pretty much got the album written (musically) in around 6 weeks, and then we went about creating our signature sound across the whole album. The boys all brought their ‘A’ game and it was midway through the process that we just naturally evolved into a ‘band’ rather than a project.

To say that we all pretty much do our parts remotely (except Charlie who comes to Dom’s studio), its been surprising how quickly we each recognised what each track needed to deliver the desired AOD sound, we were all pulling in the same direction, no Ego’s, just love of the music. 

Today, we are a month out from releasing our debut album (31st May 24 gravitydream.co.uk)

We have a fair chunk of the next album written and 2 tracks recorded so this isn’t a one album band, we are here to stay!

What can people expect from your music?

People can expect big guitars, huge bass, pounding drums and incredible vocals! We really went to the extreme to create an atmospheric Progressive Rock album that would appeal to a wide range of musical tastes. Its jam packed with melodies and choruses that you will find yourself humming! We intentionally wanted it to feel like it was a journey from start to finish, its not a concept album, but it flows seamlessly. It has a uniform sound throughout (what is now our signature) and a cohesive production, you know you are hearing AOD!

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

Our upcoming debut album ‘ A Game of Whispers’, distributed through Gravity Dream records (www.gravitydream.co.uk) currently available for Pre Order.

If I had to select a track it might be the title track ‘ A Game of Whispers ‘ which won Prog Magazines Track of the Week last September! 

Where can people find you on Social Media?

https://ageofdistraction.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ageofdistractionband/

https://www.ageofdistraction.co.uk/

https://www.gravitydream.co.uk/product-category/age-of-distraction/

Thanks to Bad Dog Promotions for all of the info.

Introduce Yourselves: Gramma Vedetta

What is the name of your band?

Gramma Vedetta, which we know is not easy for English speakers to pronounce. It is also always misspelt as "venNdetta". There is no N in Gramma Vedetta

What is the genre of music that you play?

We don’t know. LOL. It’s Heavy Rock for sure, with some recalls to Stoner Rock, Progressive Rock and some hints of psychedelia.

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

The band was born in late 2016 when Italians Dan and Marco started mixing riffs and pints of beer.

Starting with grunge/stoner influences, our sound has developed over the years and after two drummers and two EPs (Proof of concept 2018, ACID Compliant 2020) we are now in the process of releasing our first full length "The Hum of The Machine"- which also includes progressive rock influences.

Paul, the new drummer, joined the band a few months ago and brought all his knowledge on audio and video streaming, so for the future, we’ve planned monthly streaming gigs for our fans abroad and physical concerts for our fans in the UK.

Tell me more about the new release.

The Hum of The Machine will be released in May 2022 through Mandrone Records, a label created by Dan in 2020. It has been recorded by ourselves as a duo with the help of Teo from King Bong, who played the drum and mixed the album remotely.

The Hum Of The Machine is the natural evolution and progression of the sound started during our previous works and It will surely please fans of Monster Magnet, Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Rush and Pink Floyd.

Massive riffs in Drop C, fuzzy bass lines, heavy grooves and analogue synthesizers paint nine different scenes that together tell the story of a man who struggles to keep his individuality while trying to adapt to a new world found on the other side of a Black Hole. They call it the machine.

What can people expect from your music?

Big sounding riffs, down-tuned instruments, big variety in moods between songs. And lots of sci-fi in the lyrics.

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

At the moment, A.C.I.D. Compliants is the release where the folks can understand which direction the band took in terms of sounds research and the atmosphere we like to create with our songs. But you should definitely listen to The Hum Of The Machine when it’s out.

Preferably with headphones in a dark room.

Where can people find you on Social Media?

https://www.grammavedetta.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@grammavedetta
https://www.instagram.com/grammavedetta
https://www.facebook.com/grammavedetta
https://www.twitter.com/grammavedetta
https://www.youtube.com/c/grammavedetta

Lore City - Participation Mystique (Album Review)

Release Date: July 23rd 2021. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD/Vinyl

Participation Mystique -  Tracklisting

1.And Tomorrow 03:08

2.Once-returner 05:13

3.I Know You Know 04:24

4.Your Love 03:57

5.I Am the One 05:29

6.Parallel 06:01

7.Buttons 04:49

8.Original Feeling 07:23

9.Elapse 04:52

Members

Laura Mariposa Williams (vocals, keyboard)

Eric Angelo Bessel (percussion, keyboard, guitar)

Review

Progressive Art-Rockers Lore City return with their majestic new album Participation Mystique and it shows a new maturing sound from the band where they bring in more Psychedelic and Post Rock sounds which makes for a more interesting and heartfelt listen. The lush vocals arrangements and different musical melodies veer into the world of Prog Rock, Art Rock and Post Rock with a brooding Dark Wave style that’s quite innocent whilst holding a Gothic identity as well.

There’s not many LOUD and HEAVY riffs. It’s not Lore City’s style and never will be. There are quite a few gloomy moments with lead vocalist Laura shining from start to finish. The album is almost positively spiritual and this was a welcome diversion from the usual albums I review here. This is an album that takes you on an emotional journey but told mostly through the power of Art Rock and Psych Rock. 

The songs have hidden meanings and messages which I’m still trying to figure out. I should really be really focusing upon the wonderfully eclectic different styles of genres Lore City have used for this album but I’m focusing more upon the trippy lyrics and some of the way out there ambient sounds. 

If this album was released in the 1990s then it would have been considered a landmark release and one that we would still be talking about to this very day. It has similar creative ideas from the 90s Alt Rock scene but Lore City have spliced modern sounds into that aesthetic which left me wanting more but in a good way. 

Standout songs are: Once-returner, I Know You Know, I Am The One and Original Feeling.

Overall, I feel Participation Mystique is more suited to the “Art-Rock” crowd but I always admire albums that take you out of your comfort zone and impress you even further. I’ve heard Lore City’s previous albums but this is their best record to date especially with the Trance and Shamanistic moments that will leave you in a totally blissful and peaceful state where you can reflect on the finer moments in your life.

A truly hypnotic and majestic band that you should all discover and this album is perhaps the best place to start.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Lore City for the promo. Participation Mystique is available to buy on DD/Vinyl now.

Links

Official | BandCamp | Twitter

 

Sons Of Otis - Isolation (Album Review)

 

Release date: October 16th 2020. Label: Totem Cat Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Isolation – Tracklisting

1.Hopeless
2.JJ
3.Trust
4.Blood Moon
5.Ghost
6.Theme II

Members

Ken Baluke: Guitar/voice
Ryan Aubin: Drums
Frank Sargeant: Bass

Review

Isolation is the new album from Cosmic/Blues/Doom/Stoner Rock legends Sons Of Otis and their first album since 2012. This album that sees the band deliver their most potent and heavy mix of Spaced Out Blues with a Progressive Doom/Stoner Metal outlook not heard from the band for a very long time. I was disappointed with their last album as it didn’t really speak to me like previous Sons Of Otis albums had in the past. However, this album is a stunning return to form from the band and should allow the band to please both long time supporters and bring new fans to the Sons Of Otis cause.

Opening song – Hopeless – has that legendary trademark sound the band are known for but with a cosmic outlook on things with the music slowly pounding away and building upto more exciting levels. The vocals are grizzled and distorted in all the right places and Sons Of Otis will let you know they are back in business. The blues based atmosphere is one that allows the band to have a more direct approach and the band run wild with that style of music for the majority of the album.

Second song – JJ – is an interesting song with the creative choices the band have made for this track. As the song has many different musical elements that make it perhaps the standout song on the album. The song starts really slow and the band use their Psychedelic talents to bring a different layer of heaviness to the other parts of the album. You can hear shades of early-Monster Magnet on this album with both the lyrical themes and vocals but this still reminds you of being a Sons Of Otis record.

Third song – Trust – is a dirty 70's based Doom/Stoner Rock number with an excellent style of guitar riffs giving the record a more vintage lo-fi feel at the start. The band once again take time in bringing the heavy grooves to the party but there’s still a lot to admire and be excited about on this album. The eerie vocals from Ken are aggressive in all the right places but still having a commanding influence over the listener. Ryan and Frank provide superb support on Drums and Bass respectively and I was totally impressed by the more “funkier” style of music that appears on this song.

Fourth Song – Blood Moon – is the most aggressive and gloomiest song on the entire album with the band moving further into their “Doom Metal” persona that we haven’t heard before. The riffs are quite deafening in places but there is a hidden intelligence behind this song. The vocals are on point with Ken adapting a more “Devilish” style of delivery. It’s creepy and progressive which make this another standout track on the album.

The final two songs Ghost and Theme II carry on the gloomy progressive Doom/Stoner Metal sounds with the Psychedelic and Space Rock influences adding a real menacing touch to the final moments of Isolation.

Sons Of Otis are perhaps considered “The Old Guard” of Stoner Metal but them along with Lowrider have both shown they have many tricks and exciting new ideas to impress the new breed of Stoner Metal bands currently around within the scene. Isolation is Sons Of Otis best album in years and will no doubt end up on a few Best Albums of 2020 that will be appearing very soon. As you can tell it’s already grabbed a place on mine.

Awesome stuff….

Words by Steve Howe

Isolation will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Totem Cat Records from October 16th 2020.

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

SAIL - Mannequin (EP Review)

Release date: July 10^th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Mannequin – Tracklisting

1.Mannequin

2.Mannequin [Synthwave Remix]

3.Mannequin [Director's Cut]

Members

Vocals/ guitars: Tim Kazer

Vocals/ guitars: Charlie Dowzell

Bass/ synth: Kynan Scott

Drums/ percussion: Tom Coles

Review

SAIL were last featured on the blog back in 2017 when I reviewed their critically acclaimed album Slumbersong. The band did release an excellent EP Starve last year which I never found the time to feature. Though, time to correct that with the release of SAIL’s superb new EP – Mannequin. This EP features 3 versions of the same song but with a very cool twist.

As you have the original version of Mannequin and two different covers that sound quite different to the original version. SAIL play music in the same vein as Torche, Red Fang and Mastodon but perhaps slightly more melodic and way psychedelic in places. The song has quite a gloomy feel which wasn’t as prominent as their previous album as it sounds here. The vocals are quite moody and atmospheric in places and feel more aligned to 90s Alternative Rock than Sludge/Stoner Metal. Though, it’s a great fit and allows SAIL to breathe new creative life into their overall sound.

The two other versions of Mannequin includes a Synthwave Remix and Director’s Cut and these are equally as good as the original version.

The Synthwave version is basically just that. An Electronic based version of the song which has it’s own unique charms and sounds that shouldn’t really work but this is some epic trippy stuff here. Especially with the 80s influence leading the way. The guitars are nowhere to be heard here. As the title suggests, it’s purely Synths and if you ever wondered what a modern Sludge/Stoner Metal band would sound like as an 80s Synthwave band then this is the best possible answer.

The Director’s Cut is the best version on the EP. As it’s on almost twice as long as the original version and the song is more progressive and takes a lot more creative risks. This version is more complex and heavier in all of the right places.

If this is the new direction that SAIL will be heading with future releases then I’m fully on board with this wonderfully original and bold style of music. Overall, Mannequin offers 3 different styles of music for SAIL to impress listeners with and offers a wonderfully heavy sonic experience helped along by fantastic production.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Curtis at Dewar PR for the promo. Mannequin will be available to buy on DD from July 10^th 2020.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Giöbia - Plasmatic Idol (Album Review)

Release date: February 7^th 2020. Label: Heavy Psych Sounds. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Plasmatic Idol - Tracklisting

Parhelion

In The Dawnlight

Plasmatic Idol

Haridwar

The Escape

Far Behind

Heart Of Stone

In The Mirror House

Members

Bazu, Saffo, Detrji, Betta

Review

Plasmatic Idol is my first foray into Italian Psych Rockers Giöbia strange and very surreal world. I’ve heard of the band before but never given myself the chance to listen to their music. Truth be told that this album took a few listens to fully get on board with. As the band play their own style of Psychedelic Rock with Sixties and Seventies sounds appearing and allowing the band to create a more vibrant style of music.

The one thing that makes Giöbia standout from the crowd is their use and over-reliance on Synthesisers which is quite dramatic and offers an Eighties style Electronica vibe being woven into their DNA. The album is very multi-layered and the Psychedelic Acid Rock journey the band take you upon is quite varied but never boring. The vocals like the music are almost “dreamlike” with progressive Electronic grooves that are quite soulful to hear in places.

The best parts of Plasmatic Idol is where the band mix things for a crazier and surreal sound especially on songs such as: Parhelion, The Dawn Light, Plasmatic Idol, The Escape and Far Behind. As the band experiment with their sound to a greater level and there are riffs waiting to be found on this album that will appeal to fans of Pink Floyd, The Doors, Genesis and Hawkwind.

It seems that Giöbia have created their own stylish blend of Classic Rock for this album with the band focusing on the sounds from the mid-sixties upto the late eighties. You feel permanently stuck in a freakadelic and psychedelic timewarp with Giöbia entertaining you with their wide array of Progressive Acid Rock grooves and Electronic noises. The troubling thing is that you want to hear more and more. This album is a superbly entertaining album that oozes originality from start to finish.

Plasmatic Idol is Giöbia’s fourth album and I’m interested to hear their previous albums to see how they’ve progressed over the years to this style of music. Though, if you’re a beginner to Giöbia’s strange world then this album acts as the perfect introduction to the band.

Bolstered by excellent production values, Plasmatic Idol is an adventurous album that is deeply rich and rewarding for people who are willing to make the journey with Giöbia.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR and All Noir PR for the promo. Plasmatic Idol will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via HeavyPsych Sounds from Feb 07^th 2020.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Blessed Black - Beyond The Crimson Throne (Album Review)

Release date: January 17^th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Beyond The Crimson Throne - Tracklisting

1The White Wolf 02:48

2.The Black Gate 04:41

3.Heavy is The Crown 05:56

4.The Shadows 05:41

5.Arioch's Bargain 05:09

6.Finding The Limits 05:38

7.Stormbringer 04:59

Members

Joshua Murphy - Vocals / Lead guitar

Chris Emerson - Guitar

Ray Bates - Drums

Brad Bellamy - Bass

Review

Beyond The Crimson Throne is the type of album that draws influence from the last 40 years of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal but held together by a modern Doom/Stoner Metal vibe. You can hear influences diverse as The Sword, Mastodon, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden on this album. Blessed Black are passionate at what they do and they create a slightly wicked Progressive style of music that drawn me in from the very first song.

Opening song – The White Wolf – lasts less than 3 minutes but it’s more than enough time for the band to sink their claws into any devoted listener of Doom/Stoner Metal with it’s wicked style of classic Doom/Stoner grooves with a passionate psychedelic vibe allowing the music to grow naturally. Shades of The Sword and Mastodon can be heard on this song and it gives you a good indication for the rest of the album to follow.

Second song – The Black Gate – has a heavy NWOBHM feel to it but with a modern rock sounding sensibility that sees the Mastodon vibe there once again but the vocals from Joshua emit a gloomier presence with the Doom based atmosphere being more central to Blessed Black overall sound. The song is quite thrilling and the guitar riffs are plentiful and action packed from the start.

Third song – Heavy Is The Crown – pays homage to Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy with twinges of classic twin guitars opening the song with twisted glee and relish. Though the song soon moves back into heavier Doom/Stoner Metal territory but still allowing the band to keep their highly energetic blend of Classic Hard Rock/Metal. The lyrics are good and quite catchy in places with Joshua delivering another superb vocal performance that ranks as one of the albums best songs.

Blessed Black carry on their addictive and twisted style of Doom/Stoner Metal with other standout songs such as The Shadows, Finding The Limits and Stormbringer. Blessed Black stretch their creative wings on the final two songs and provide some epic sounding guitar solos that the MIGHTY GODS OF THE RIFFS would be impressed by.

The only downside to this album it’s too damn short. I would have loved another 2 or 3 songs to be included on this album. Though apart from that minor criticism, Blessed Black do a lot of things right on this album. This album is built on RIFFS and Beyond The Crimson Throne delivers this and so much more. With fantastic production, this is a genuinely exciting album that I can see the Doom/Stoner Metal community going quite crazy for.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Curtis at Dewar PR for the promo. Beyond The Crimson Throne is available to buy now.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

SODEN - Onwards... Towards The Tundra (Album Review)

Release date: January 31st 2020. Label: Dirty Filthy Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Onwards… Towards The Tundra - Tracklisting

1. Onwards…

2. Towards The Tundra

3. Expedition 1

4. Whales

5. Swim With Turtles

6. Antarctica Lay Before Us

7. Cold Waters Still

8.Expedition

Members

Moore - Drum Grooves

Briggs - Bass Grooves

Block - Guitar Grooves

Review

Onwards… Towards The Tundra is the new album from Instrumental Doom/Stoner/Post-Metallers Soden. These guys are a band I hadn’t heard of before. So this is my first exposure to the band and I know Soden have released a couple of releases in the past. I didn’t know what to expect with this album but I was pleasantly surprised to hear what Soden have delivered with their second album.

Perhaps taking influence from early-era Pelican and Russian Circles but with a more hard-hitting Doom/Stoner Rock atmosphere. The ambient sounds allow to keep Soden grounded and never to go over the top with their music. The album has a lush cinematic groove which allows the album to be quite progressive and daring in places.

Opening song – Onwards… - starts very slowly with its Ambient/Post-Stoner riffs before taking time for the heavy pounding and almost raw-sounding Doom/Post-Metallic vibes to take centre stage. The song has an element of distortion playing in the background and offers a more “Drone” based effect. The song has a good balance of quiet and ambient parts with the more dramatic heavier parts giving Soden a heavier presence that you least expect.

Second song – Towards The Tundra – is a Post-Doom style song that has a cold and icy exterior to it all. The song is quite unforgiving in places but the music does have a certain “romantic” feel to it. As Soden embrace their Post-Metal/Ambient influences with genuine warmth and affection. The distorted atmosphere rules the roost yet again but with powerful strands of Doom/Stoner Metal allowing Soden to have a more experimental sound. You can hear elements or feel influences of Pelican on this song. Though, Soden play their own creative and destructive style of music.

Third song – Expedition 1 – is more of a collection of sounds than an actual song. There are some cool interesting grooves on this song and I enjoyed the Ambient/Post-Rock atmosphere of it all. The song is quite short running under two and a half minutes.

Fourth song – Whales – returns to the “Shoegaze” environment that appeared on the opening two songs with some of the heaviest and harshest riffs on the entire album. The song continues with the “stop-start” Post-Metal approach which brings a sense of danger to the album. The distorted and almost industrial style of music can be quite deafening in places so expect a more rebellious style of music from Soden on this song.

The second half of the album sees Soden carry on with their aquatic based journey with songs: Swim With Turtles, Antarctica Lay Before Us, Cold Waters Still and Expedition 2. The second half of the album is way more confident than the first half with the band creating an unsettling and unapologetic sound that is beautifully heavy and surreal in places especially on Swim With Turtles and Antarctica Lay Before Us.

Onwards… Towards The Tundra is not your typical Instrumental Rock/Metal album. As Soden take genuine creative risks with their music by blending many different genres of music with Ambient interludes when the mood slows right down. The overall sound of the album does take some getting used to but I gather it’s meant to be this way. Mainly to match the cold and harsh environment that fits into the “Aquatic” theme and story of the entire album.

Overall, Soden have delivered an excellent and superbly produced album that sound epic from start to finish.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Chris at Dirty Filth Records for the promo. Onwards… Towards The Tundra Fighter will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Dirty Filth Records from Jan 31^st 2020 though Pre-Orders start from Jan 24th 2020.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Grotto - Lantern Of Gius (Album Review)

Release date: October 18th 2019. Label: Stickman Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl 

Lantern Of Gius – Tracklisting 

1. Lantern of Gius
2. The 12th Vigil

Members

Marvin Dinneweth - guitar
Jeroen Moerman - bass guitar
Arno Tucker Cottyn - drums 

Review

Belgium's Grotto have been pretty busy during their relatively short career. One EP and three full-lengths since the EP debut in 2015 is good working but I have to admit not knowing about them until their new album, 'Lantern Of Gius', hit the streets in October 2019. Being late to the party doesn't matter since I'm all game because the instrumental take on stoner and heavy psych these three gentlemen purveys is pretty bad-ass, to say the least.

I am a proponent of instrumental music, something which has grown quite a lot for me the last few years. However, there is a fine, very thin line between genius and complete catastrophe when you have to rely on your playing alone to create a storyline, or paint the images you want to channel. When done right though, the way Grotto does it, the music absolutely wonderful and there's no limit to what can be done!

Since I haven't listened to any of Grotto's previous recordings, I can only speculate on the progress they've made through the years. Regardless, putting "only" two songs on your new album, with both clocking in at over 17 minutes each, is brave no matter who you are. But this is where Grotto's main strengths shines really bright. They know what they can do, they know how to do it and most importantly, they are boundless and unshackled which gives their music so much freedom and air to breathe. All throughout opener, and title track, Lantern Of Gius', the rhythm section of Jeroen Moerman and Arno Tucker Cottyn, bass guitar and drums respectively, are the heartbeat. No matter what avenues guitarist Marvin Dinneweth walks, no matter what adventures he takes off on, they keep the pulse steady which allows me, as a listener, to enter a state of equilibrium and meditation. Add the wonderful images Marvin creates to the equation and you have the best soul cleansing, cathartic tool you could ever find.

'The 12th Vigil' drop the tempo a little bit at first before upping the ante somewhat, only to weave back and forth in pace. This gives the perfect flow to the song, as well as being the conductor leading me out of the cleansing and rebirth of myself. Absolutely wonderful! In the end, the two songs, 34 minutes and 9 seconds of instrumental magic and beauty, are the best conduit imaginable for either simple enjoying great music or for taking a journey through the mind and clear out negativity and recharge yourself in the process.

I absolutely love it when a, to me, unknown band comes my way who completely floors me. And that's definitely the case with Grotto. To be perfectly honest, I was about to discard them after the first spin but since I wasn't paying proper attention that time, a second spin beckoned. And I am so thankful because that second time 'Lantern Of Gius' jumped out and stuck its claws in my brain revealing an album of fantastic quality. So, dear readers, check these three gentlemen out because their band is something else, something truly amazing.

Words by Håkan Nyman

Thanks to Nick at Stickman Records for the promo. Lantern Of Gius is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Stickman Records.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

FUZZORAMA RECORDS Sign ELDEN And Announce New Album Details For NOSTROMO

Elden believes in the power of heavy metal riffs, melodic choruses and an all out head banging experience. Formed in 2012 in Karlstad, Sweden, the band started writing songs influenced by artists like Mastodon, Baroness, The Sword and classic bands from the 70´s and 80´s. They recorded and released their first demo one year later and performed on a regular basis at local venues. Come 2015, Elden released their first EP and started touring across the country.

Having built a small following of both local and international fans the band started developing their sound, taking their songwriting in an interesting direction – even heavier riffs, more distinct vocals and an overall more impressive production. Debut album “Death and Fear” hit the shelves in November 2016 and got fantastic reviews.

After touring Sweden to support the latest album, Elden looked to perform outside their Nordic home. In the summer of 2018 the band got the opportunity to support Stoned Jesus in Zagreb, Croatia. This would be the bands biggest show to date and the response could not have been better.

The future is very much exciting for fans of Elden. Having been picked up by critically acclaimed label Fuzzorama Records, Elden will release their new album “Nostromo” on the 24th of January 2020. Inspired by the cold darkness of time and space, these are by far the best songs the band have written.

FOLLOW THEM ON THEIR SOCIALS - INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

This record comes in 3 different colours - Black/red/white - Colors are superlimited Red (193 copies) + White (187 copies). If you buy the bundle (Shirt + CD/LP) you'll also get a very nice patch!

Get it here - www.fuzzoramastore.com
Or at - www.bandcamp.com

The Whirlings - Earthshine (Album Review)

Release date: October 18th 2019. Label: Subsound Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Earthshine – Tracklisting

1.Vacuum 05:27

2.Reverence 07:52

3.#6 07:46

4.Good For Health, Bad For Education 05:54

5.Lost In Without 11:06

Members

Andrea Lolli

Mattia Lolli

Diego La Chioma

Giulio Corona

Review

Earthshine is the new album from Italian Psychedelic/Progressive Stoner Rockers – The Whirlings. Though there is so much more to this album than meets the eye. As the band create a stunning and wild mix of different sounds that draws influence from Stoner Rock, Space Rock, Progressive Rock and Post Rock. This allows Earthshine to have a deeply rich and mysterious narrative from start to finish.

Opening song – Vacuum – uses Space Rock as it’s main theme and the band just add different elements of Post Rock, Stoner Rock and Progressive Rock for a dark cinematic song that maybe hard to understand at first. Though it’s equally addictive with the spaced out grooves having an almost “Gothic” effect with swirling ambient psychedelic noises giving The Whirlings a much powerful sound that you initially expect. The vocals have a more nuanced approach and feel inspired by sounds of 70s/80s Post-Punk.

Second song – Reverence – carries on building the gloomy post-rock atmosphere first heard in the opening song. The song is deliberately slow at first before moving into a heavier style of Progressive/Stoner Rock. The soundclips allow the listener to immerse themselves with the subtle Space Rock vibes. The final two minutes of the song sees the band return to the heavy realm of Psychedelic Stoner Metal with fantastic results.

Third song #6 – is a 70s style Psychedelic/Progressive Rock journey of epic riffs which the band take even more creative risks with their overall sound. This song is very different to the opening two songs. As the band play a distorted style of Doom/Stoner Rock that once again impresses you from the start. The sheer creativity the band have put into this track is astonishing and makes it one of the standout songs on the album.

The final two songs – “Good For Health, Bad For Education” and “Lost In Without” sees the band change musical direction yet again and it’s a stunning end to an already impressive album. Lost In Without is perhaps the best song on the album. As the band have more time to play with and create a richer and fuller musical odyssey.

Earthshine is the type of album that’s best suited to the more adventurous Progressive Rock/Stoner Rock fan. As the album can be quite demanding in places but that’s one of the albums main strengths as well. It dares to be different and is a richer rewarding experience because of this.

Excellent and Highly Recommended

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo. Earthshine is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Subsound Records.

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