Rifle - Bound To A Psychotic Cycle (EP Review)

Release Date: May 22nd 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD/Tape

Bound To A Psychotic Cycle - Tracklisting

1.Incarnation 06:02
2.Twisted Death 05:14

Review

Doom/Stoner Rockers Rifle release their latest dirty and twisted musical assault on the senses with Bound To A Psychotic Cycle which takes a more sleazed out and garage rock journey. I haven’t featured the band on the blog since their excellent 2022 debut album “Repossessed” where their album cover managed to get me a ban on Facebook for a short amount of tim. So thanks for that guys.

Ever since then, Rifle have gone on from strength-to-strength releasing a couple more of records since then including their superb 2025 album Beyond Paranoia. Their music is a little bit more out there with Rifle focusing upon seedier sounds from musical areas such as Garage Rock. Psych, Doom. Proto-Metal and Stoner Rock.

With influences ranging from MC5, Black Sabbath and Led Zepp this EP has a freakish attitude which results in some Jazz Rock passages with a wonderful Psych Rock sound. The whole mood is quite freaky and disjointed when the song has a certain Post-Punk and Post-Dance energy which you can experience within the excellent opening track of Incarnation.

Rifle are quite adept at including moments of Classic Hard Rock freakouts which results into some epic guitar solos along the way. There’s some wonderful South American charm and Blues Rock atmosphere which closes out the opening track. The vocals are quite hard to describe which range from Funk. Doom, Dance, Punk and Heavy Rock but Rifle fully sell this great style throughout.

Second track Twisted Death has echoes of Thin Lizzy shown within the vocals delivery and how the grooves are played out. Though, the energy of Blue Oyster Cult gives this track a proper Doom Rock vibe which Rifle play to their own advantage. The usual mix of Psych, Dance and Post-Punk swagger reigns supreme once more for a song that dares to be different and pulls this off with absolute charm.

Bound To A Psychotic Cycle is a crazy and warped record with Rifle firing on all cylinders by offering the listener a damn good time.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Warlung - The Poison Touch (Album Review)

Release Date: February 14th 2025. Record Label: Heavy Psych Sounds. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Poison Touch - Track Listing:

1. Digital Smoke

2. White Light Seeker

3. Mourning Devils

4. Spell Speaker

5. Holy Guide

6. Rat Bastard

7. The Sleeping Prophet

8. 29th Scroll, 6th Verse

Members

George Baba - Guitar/Vocals

Philip Bennett - Guitar/Vocals

Chris Tamez - Bass

Ethan Tamez - Drums

Review

Doom/Stoner Metallers Warlung take one step closer to greatness with their epic fifth album The Poison Touch which sees the band fully cooking on creative gas with an assorted melody of top-notch songwriting. The music is quite varied and vivid with sublime blends of Occult Rock, Doom, Stoner, Psych and good old fashioned HEAVY METAL passages.

The record builds upon the excellent work of their 2023 release Vulture’s Paradise with Warlung focusing more on melody, technical progression and musical composition on this record alone. The band seem to be having much more fun on this record which you can hear on the blistering opening track Digital Smoke which fuses the Proto-Doom sounds of the 1970’s with a killer modern day Post-Stoner Rock landscape starting to form with the bad-ass vocals from George Beba and Philip Bennett with both providing guitar duties.

Warlung are more closely linked to bands such as Blue Oyster Cult, ELDER and King Buffalo on this record whilst still developing their own original DOOM METAL dominated sound especially with the destructive and apocalyptic lyrics that accompany the excellent grooves, riffs and music. There are moments of downbeat and gloomy poppier soundscapes which are wonderfully vivid and wholly melodic especially on tracks such as White Light Seeker, Mourning Devils and Spell Speaker. 

This is perhaps Warlung’s most “OCCULT” and “DOOM” obsessive record yet with the band exploring areas of music they haven’t played or touched upon before and they do this incredibly so well especially with the more progressive and outlandish parts of The Poison Touch. Everything is bigger and bolder on this album with swirling themes of Ambient Rock, Psych Rock and Spaced Out harmonies that sometimes add a dystopian flow to the record. This is perhaps the perfect soundtrack to listen to with the shitty current events going on in the world, however The Poison Touch is still a soulful and beautifully sonic musical adventure especially on the later stages of the record.

Warlung show a flare of outrageous guitar solos along the way which taps right into the classic heyday of HEAVY METAL showmanship which they’ve done on their previous record but this is perhaps where they impress the most. The technical ability of these guys is off the charts and with Chris Tamez (Bass) and Ethan Tamez (Drums) providing the muscular rhythm section for George and Philip to add multiple waves of thrilling guitar riffs throughout.

The Poison Touch is a record that can be admired by multiple different factions of the Heavy Rock scene as Warlung have almost every base covered with moments of Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Doom Metal, Proto Metal and Stoner Metal whilst still being foremost a true METAL record. 

The production values are off the chart thanks to the excellent work done by Jacob Rodriguez on recording duties with Travis Weatherred (FOSTERMOTHER) on mixing and mastering duties helping as well. Two talented folks who know a thing or two on how to make a band standout within the underground scene and they do the business here. 

The Poison Touch is perhaps Warlung’s standout record they’ve released to date which could easily be considered a GREATEST HITS package. That’s seriously how great this album is. This is without doubt an ALBUM OF THE YEAR contender. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

The Poison Touch is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds from Friday 14th February 2025.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Okktli - Lado A (Album Review)

Release Date: December 12th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Lado A - Track Listing:

1.March of Glory 03:17

2.The Uprising 07:31

3.I Walk Alone 09:44

4.Mistress of Deceit 08:22

Members

Alfonso Brito López: vocals & rhitmic guitar

Mauricio Hernández: Drums

Israel Oñate: Bass

César Gama: lead guitar

Review

Lado A is the new album from Mexican Occult/Doom/Stoner Rockers Okktli and I have to thank the always reliable and super knowledgeable MEL LIE of SUNDAY’S HEAVY TUNES for recommending this great record to me, as it would have passed me by. The record has a high amount of Occult sounds with some fantastic down-tempo moments to impress listeners with that can be quite seedy and weedian in places

The vocals have a classic Proto Metal attitude to them with flashes of classic Doom/Stoner Metal appearing briefly with the opening track March Of Glory and becoming an integral part of Okktli’s music within the standout second track The Uprising. There’s a subtle and stripped back HEAVY METAL sound that’s deconstructed to become more of a Doom/Stoner Metal melody with flashes and outbursts of Classic Hard Rock with inspiring IRON MAIDEN and THIN LIZZY based grooves on the later stages of the track.

Okktli are a band who live for the ALMIGHTY RIFF and they play a wide array of different styles on this album which is made the more impressive by the short running time of the album. As Lado A clocks in around under thirty minutes in length. 

Third trackI Walk Alone sees the band become more empowered by the Occult Rock scene with moments of Heavy Psychedelic Fuzzed Up sounds appearing. The vocals are not what you expect though with a subtle Grunge and Doom based vibe joining forces for a “less is more” narrative forming. The track is quite slow paced and minimalistic that once again shows a different side to Okktli. The second half of the track is “WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS” when the aggressive and fast-paced grooves appear and Okktli plays the catchiest and heaviest sounds on the whole record.

The final track of Mistress Of Deceit is the perfect homage to the whole Occult/Doom Rock scene with Okktli playing a more operatic and OTT style of music. The lyrics are overblown but fit perfectly into the whole “Occult Rock” narrative. The song opens with long drawn out melodies and sublime Doomedelic Fuzzy guitars which become more muscular and aggressive that build up to a subtle “riff-centric” style. 

Lado A is a gloriously entertaining record and is quite outrageous in places but also allows Okktli to create their own highly original style of Occult Doom Metal that’s spliced with true Stoner Metal heaviness throughout.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | LinkTree | BandCamp

Italian Psychedelic Doom Rockers Cripta Blue Unveil Details of Their "No Return" Album; New Single Out Now

Argonauta Records has set October 31st as the international release date for the album "No Return" by Italian psychedelic doom rockers Cripta Blue. The album will be available digitally worldwide.

"With the single No Return, we’ve only begun to reveal the beating heart of our music. The album is a journey that transcends technique or style, reaching straight for the purest emotions. We opted for a stripped-down production to keep the sound raw and authentic, free from filters or embellishments, capturing the same intensity and spontaneity with which each track was born. Edge of Instinct delves into the lunar allure, that fine line between madness and instinct ignited by the full moon, weaving darkness with flashes of light in a one-of-a-kind nocturnal journey." - says the band

"No Return" album tracklisting and cover art are as follows:

1. No Return
2. Dark Temptation
3. Hermit
4. Desert Deceit
5. Edge of Instinct
6. Hypnotic Haze

Today, the band also released a new single, "Edge of Instinct," which is now streaming on Argonauta Records' official YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/DtClqO6_pnw

Cripta Blue, hailing from the historic city of Ravenna, is a powerhouse trio blending rock with psychedelic influences and proto-doom vibes reminiscent of the late 60s. Their evocative sound has made them a standout in the underground rock scene.

Formed in 2019, Cripta Blue emerged from the shared passion of three musicians. The lineup includes Alessandro Melandri on bass and lead vocals, Federico Bocchini on electric and acoustic guitars, and Silvio Della Valle on drums. Their collective synergy and diverse musical backgrounds have created a unique and evolving sound that bridges various genres.

Cripta Blue’s music is a rich tapestry of rock infused with psychedelic undertones and heavy, doom-laden riffs. Over time, their sound has evolved significantly, culminating in their latest EP which consolidates these diverse influences.

Looking ahead, Cripta Blue is gearing up for an exciting period. Their highly anticipated second album is set for release in the fall of October 2024 via Argonauta Records. In the lead-up to this major release, listeners can expect two singles that will offer a glimpse into the evolving sound and direction of the band.

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/criptablue.band
https://criptablue.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for all of the details.

Sun Moon Holy Cult - Sun Moon Holy Cult (Album Review)

Release Date: May 04th 2024. Record Label: Sloomweep Productions. Formats: CD/DD

Sun Moon Holy Cult - Sun Moon Holy Cult: Tracklisting

1.I Cut Your Throat 08:33

2.Savoordoom 13:33

3.Mystic River 07:20

4.Out of the Dark 11:06

Review

Psychedelic Stoner/Doom Metal Sun Moon Holy Cult debut album is a wicked blend of Doom, Sludge, Stoner, Fuzz and masses of Heavy Metal energy within it’s seedy underbelly of aggressive based grooves. Fans of Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus and Church Of Misery will be wholly impressed with the band’s own demented style of LOW & SLOW sludgy guitars that appear on the album. 

There’s quite a dark 1970’s sinister DOOM ROCK sound that does see the band capture a Garage Rock or Proto-Doom flavour to their music. There’s moments of Jazzy interludes that veer into rough Psychedelic sounds that have some wicked moments of Stoner based freakouts that appear within the sublime opening track of I Cut Your Throat. 

Sun Moon Holy Cult are perhaps defined by a JAM ROCK philosophy that appears within their music that almost have a free form creative expression even when the SONIC and PSYCHEDELIC textures that appear throughout the album. The vocals are not what I expected and that’s a good thing as they have an unapologetic and aggressive feeling to them which allows this album to have quite a defining Punk Rock and DIY approach to the production values for the whole record. Sometimes the album can be too rough and ready with the grooves being too quiet in places but Sun Moon Holy Cult soon expand into DRONE based atmospherics

There are influences as diverse as Uncle Acid, Monster Magnet, UFOMAMMUT and SLEEP on the record especially on the longer tracks of Savourdoom and Out Of The Dark. These tracks allow Sun Moon Holy Cult to slowly expand their levels of Psychedelic Metal aggression with more traditional Proto Doom Metal passages which then changes again into familiar WEEDIAN based themes and tropes the genre always offers.

However, there’s a certain charm to Sun Moon Holy Cult's debut album which makes me want to hear more from the band in the future. They’re hugely talented and have the potential to make a name for themselves within the underground Doom/Stoner Metal scene. They’re not the finished article just yet but they’re on the right track into providing some really startling sounds and grooves in the future.

Overall, this is a superbly entertaining record despite the raw sounding production values. I recommend checking these guys out now as you’ll be surprised by what you hear.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Sloomweep Productions and Sun Moon Holy Cult for the promo.

Sun Moon Holy Cult debut album is available to buy now on CD/DD via Sloomweep Productions.

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Druidess - Hermits & Mandrakes (EP Review)

Release Date: March 20th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Hermits & Mandrakes - Tracklisting

1.Intro 00:40

2.Witches' Sabbath 05:56

3.Mandragora 03:41

4.Knightingales 06:12

5.The Hermit of Druid's Temple 04:14

6.The Forest Witches' Daughter 05:51

Members

 

Vocals by Shonagh Brown

Guitars Performed by Daniel Downing

Bass Guitar Performed by Daniel Downing

Drum Programming by Daniel Downing

Additional Keyboards by Daniel Downing

Review

Hermits & Mandrakes is the debut release from Heavy Psych/Doom/Stoner Rocker Druidess who hail from my hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne. I saw the band open recently for Saint Karloff / JOSIAH on their recent UK tour. I was impressed by the band’s subtle style of IOMMI Riff Worship and Sabbath inspired take on the Heavy Psych sound. Their debut EP is quite a bewitching OCCULT affair with a massive sludgy down-tuned sound. If you dig bands such as Green Lung, LOWEN, Alunah and Black Sabbath then Druidess offer a drug induced and Proto-Doom sound within the EP with standout tracks as Witches’ Sabbath, Knightingales and The Forest Witches’ Daughter.

There is a surreal dreamlike Psychedelic energy when matching with the heavier DOOMED OUT aspects of the music which is first heard on Witches’ Sabbath and that is amplified for a more sinister creative style heard within Shonagh’s excellent vocals and intense lyrics that appear on the record. The music is quite FUZZY and SEEDY even when the mood becomes more Blues Rock based. Druidess have a fine ear for conjuring up extended instrumental passages that pays HOMAGE to the classic AMPLIFIER WORSHIP sound that Black Sabbath created back in the day.

Druidess work best when they let their Heavy Psych attitude merge with the Occult Rock overtones which gives way to some of the best grooves on the whole EP. 

Overall, Hermits & Mandrakes is a superbly produced record which allows Druidess to cast a bewitching spell within the Doom/Stoner Rock community and I’m excited to hear what the band can deliver on a full length record. Don’t let this EP pass you by as it’s seriously good with Druidess having the potential to go a long way within the UK Doom/Stoner Metal scene and perhaps perform on some of the biggest stages currently out there.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

rifle - Repossessed (Album Review)

Date Released: October 05th 2022. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Repossessed: Tracklisting

Seven Thousand Rifle

Fiend

Sonic Rage

The Thrill Is Back

Madness

Demon Djinn

Spirit Rise

Members

Alejandro Suni - Guitar, Vocals, Bass

Cesar Araujo - Drums

Magno Mendoza - Lead Guitar

Review

Peruvian Stoner Rockers rifle make a mighty impression with their debut album Repossessed. An album that sees the band firing on all 1970's Seedy Psych Rock cylinders with a fine sideline in Fuzz Rock, Retro Doom, Stoner Rock and Punk RAWK energy. There is a very cool simplicity to the band's music that makes it unashamedly retro and modern sounding at the same time. The riffs are plentiful with a Classic Rock flavour with echoes of Proto/Garage Rock influences that you can hear from the start.

This album is full of Classic Hard Rock Swagger and the band impresses the most with their extended vintage Swirling Doom based jams and grooves. The opening two tracks Seven Thousand Rifle and Fiend show different sides to the band with the opening song being more of Psych Doom/Stoner Rock song with classic rock vibes and a grubby rebellious attitude to match. Fiend is more Retro/Classic Rock influenced but with a slightly menacing Proto-Doom sound with the Heavy Psych Jams being played whenever the band require HEAVY SWIRLING sounds.

Third song Sonic Rage is one of the more heaviest and trippiest tracks on the album with tons of FUZZ ROCK and GUITAR REVERB being played throughout the track. The heavy psychedelic garage rock vibes can be quite screechy in places but this is a fantastic and superbly written track packed full of aggressive melodies and classic sounding musical composition. Shades of 70's era Black Sabbath and Saint Vitus appear on this track but perhaps with a Pink Floyd-esque attitude especially with the more Psychedelic parts of the song.

Fourth song The Thrill Is Back is a bass-driven Punk Rock delight with a twisted Garage Rock afterthought where rifle offer gloomier creative choices where the vocals and lyrics are concerned. The song is very trippy and psychedelic despite the raw coolness of the production values held within the album.

The final three songs Madness, Demon Djinn and Spirit Rise sees rifle venture further into the Classic Doom Rock underground scene but still showing huge promise of playing first-rate Freaked Out Psych/Stoner Rock jams. Demon Djinn and Spirit Rise are the standout tracks on the album with rifle having more time to play with to enhance their overall great sound.

Repossessed is first rate musical entertainment if you like your albums that little bit DIRTY, SCUZZY and ultimately FREAKY. rifle play a wide array of classic jams and grooves from the Doom/Stoner Rock Underground scene but one that is spliced with other areas of great styles of Punk Rock, Garage Rock and Psych Rock. 

rifle have released a devilishly and one of the most superbly entertaining albums from the South American Doom/Stoner Rock scene. Give this album a chance and you'll be surprised what awaits you.

Fantastic stuff...

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

BandCamp | Instagram