Doom/Stoner Metallers RED MESA ANNOUNCE WEST COAST TOUR

Partial Distortions Tour makes its way to the West Coast August 17th through September 1st in support of Red Mesa’s brand new album. Label mates Sorcia join them on the first half of this adventure.

Tour poster by Joey Rudell of Fuzz Evil

We’ve been talking about doing a full Western US tour for years…and it is FINALLY happening! We couldn’t be more stoked to do the Albuquerque to Seattle leg with our dear friends Sorcia. As we support our latest album, ‘Partial Distortions’ we will be bringing the heavy desert rock to your city!” – Red Mesa

PARTIAL DISTORTIONS TOUR 2024

with Sorcia:
8.17 • Albuquerque, NM • Launchpad
8.18 • Denver, CO • HQ
8.20 • Salt Lake City, UT • The DLC
8.21 • Boise, ID • Realms
8.22 • Missoula, MT • Monk’s Bar
8.23 • Spokane, WA • The Big Dipper
8.24 • Seattle, WA • Substation

8.25 • Portland, OR • Twilight
8.27 • Crescent City, CA • Enoteca
8.28 • Sacramento, CA • Cafe Colonial
8.29 • Santa Cruz, CA • The Slough Brewery
8.30 • Idyllwild, CA • Audiowild
8.31 • San Diego, CA • Bancroft
9.1 • Bisbee, AZ • The Quarry

A multitude of Desert Records bands will support including Nebula Drag, Dali’s Llama, The Penitent Man, Spliffripper, Grim Earth, Droneroom, Breath, Doors to No Where, and Fuzz Evil.

About Red Mesa:

Red Mesa has been leading the new generation of desert rock by proving that the genre is capable of greater expanses. The trio has expanded their signature heavy desert sound on ‘Partial Distortions’ to include more doom and sludge metal moments. “Blackened desert” sound collages and an overall doomier and downright frightening musical path will confront the listener, as the album is darker musically and thematically. All whilst still dwelling within an optimism that instills hope that amongst the loss, the tragic endings, and the suffering that this existence brings, that life is still worth living.

Red Mesa is:

Brad Frye - Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Lead and Backing Vocals
Roman Barham - Drums, Lead and Backing Vocals
Alex Cantwell - Bass Guitar, Lead and Backing Vocals, Additional Rhythm Guitars

RED MESA BANDCAMP

Thanks to Desert Bloom PR for all of the details.

SORCIA’S WESTERN U.S. TOUR The Seattle trio hit the road on 8/9 sharing legs with Tigers On Opium and Red Mesa.

Tour Poster by Misanthropic Art

With Tigers on Opium

8.09 • Portland, OR • The Fixin' To
8.10 • Grant's Pass, OR • The Sound Lounge
8.11 • Eureka, CA • Savage Henry Comedy
8.12 • Santa Cruz, CA • The Blue Lagoon
8.13 • Palmdale, CA • Transplants Brewing
8.14 • Long Beach, CA • Supply and Demand
8.15 • San Diego, CA • The Tower Bar
8.16 • Tempe, AZ • Yucca Tap Room

With Red Mesa

8.17 • Albuquerque, NM • Launchpad
8.18 • Denver, CO • HQ
8.20 • Salt Lake City, UT • The DLC
8.21 • Boise, ID • Realms
8.22 • Missoula, MT • Monk's Bar
8.23 • Spokane, WA • The Big Dipper
8.24 • Seattle, WA • Substation

A multitude of Desert Records bands will support including:

Nebula Drag
The Penitent Man
Spliffripper
Grim Earth
Droneroom

Photo by Jessie Brasch

We are very excited to announce that we are getting back on the road for another Western US Tour this August! For the first half we will be hitting the West Coast joined by our dear friends, Portland rippers Tigers On Opium. For the second half we will be linking up with our amazing Desert Records labelmates Red Mesa as we make our way through the desert and up through the Rockies, where we will end the tour by hosting them in Seattle for our tour homecoming. We are looking forward to hitting some new towns on this tour, and we have some killer bands lined up to support these shows, so stay tuned for individual show details. See you on the road!” - SORCIA

SORCIA BANDCAMP

Thanks to Desert Bloom PR for all of the info.

Red Mesa - Partial Distortions (Album Review)

Release Date: April 19th 2024. Record Label: Desert Records / Majestic Mountain Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Partial Distortions - Tracklisting

1.Óðr

2.The Assertion

3.Dying in the Cold Sun 

4.12 Volt Shaman

5.Desert March

6.Witching Hour 

Members

 

Brad Frye - Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Lead and Backing Vocals

Roman Barham - Drums, Lead and Backing Vocals

Alex Cantwell - Bass Guitar, Lead and Backing Vocals, Additional Rhythm Guitars

Review

Partial Distortions is the fourth full length album from Doom/Stoner Metallers Red Mesa who have gone from strength to strength with each passing record they’ve released since their acclaimed 2014 debut self titled album. This time round sees Red Mesa adding music from the NOLA Sludge scene with their music being reminiscent of bands such as Crowbar and DOWN with their trademark Stoner grooves being the main dominant part of this album.

With each member vying for “LEAD VOCALIST” and “LEAD INSTRUMENTALIST” on different stages of the album, this is a great collection of tracks full of harsh atmospherics and free-flowing Sludge/Stoner Metal movements that feel quite different to their previous releases which you’ll hear within the epic opening track of Óðr.

The song Óðr is highly volatile and feels like a powder keg waiting to explode with Red Mesa’s heavy down-tuned grooves acting as the riff fuelled ignition that allows the album to fully branch out into other areas of Doom/Stoner Metal. The vocals are quite aggressive which once again feels fuelled by the NOLA scene which becomes a recurring style played throughout the album. The music can be deliberately slow, which allows Red Mesa to play a more seedy FUZZED out style of Sludgy atmospherics.

Second song The Assertion has a subtle Blues Rock and Psyched Out energy which gives way to a more powerful Post-Doom or Post-Sludge flavour of instrumental jams that sees the music become more fast-paced. There’s a deft Post-Metal sound starting to emerge with the subtle Psychedelic moments with harsh vocals and growls leading the creative charge and narrative of the whole album.

Third song Dying In The Cold Sun is perhaps one of the best tracks that Red Mesa have written yet with a raw sounding atmosphere allowing the band to branch out into other areas of music such as Progressive Sludge Metal and bringing a fresh take on the classic NOLA sound. The wicked instrumental solos show you how far Red Mesa has progressed as musicians since their last album. The song can be quite bleak and highly solitary at times with its icy cold musical demeanour that left me quite emotional in places especially when the heartfelt lyrics start to take hold. 

The second half of the album sees Red Mesa take a step back from that NOLA sound and focus upon playing their classic blend of Doom/Stoner Metal with a “less is more” style appearing within the remainder of the tracks: 12 Volt Shaman, Desert March and Witching Hour. The music is always highly volatile full of vigorous Psychedelic energy and stripped back Sludge Metal aggression especially on tracks 12 Volt Shaman and Witching Hour.

Red Mesa have outdone themselves with Partial Distortions and even though the album can be quite outlandish in places, the record is full of magical WEEDIAN moments that sees the band become masters of their own creative domain and release an album full of classic sounding Doom/Stoner Metal tracks that any band would be proud to call their own.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Desert Bloom PR and Red Mesa for the promo.

Partial Distortions will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Desert Records (US) and Majestic Mountain Records (UK/Europe)

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Red Mesa announce new fourth full-length album ‘Partial Distortions’ to be released on April 19th, 2024.

Partial Distortions’ shows a powerful return of the Albuquerque, NM heavy desert rock trio Red Mesa

Red Mesa has released a live clip of “Witching Hour”.

The song will be the first single + official music to be released in February 2024.

From their most recent live performance at Moonlight Lounge in Albuquerque, NM on January 27th, 2024.

Film credits: Joe Smith Stringer

Desert Records will release the album on limited edition Vinyl LP, CD, and Cassette in North America and on digital download/streaming platforms worldwide.

“Red Mesa bring their signature heavy desert sound with more doom and sludge metal!” - Desert Records

Majestic Mountain Records will release a limited edition vinyl LP in Europe.

"It is an honor for Majestic to be involved in the release of Red Mesa's excellent new album!' - Marco Berg/Majestic Mountain Records

Presale will begin in mid-February.

Photo by Hayley Harper at the Abo Ruins, NM

The 6-track album features the same lineup from their 2020 release ‘The Path to the Deathless’ and the 2022 single ‘Forest Cathedral’

‘Partial Distortions’ shows further collaboration between band members as guitarist/vocalist Brad Frye, bassist/vocalist Alex Cantwell, and drummer/vocalist Roman Barham all contributed musically and lyrically throughout the album.

Red Mesa employs hte three vocal attack as all band members share vocal duties

Red Mesa has been leading the new generation of desert rock by proving that the genre is capable of greater expanses.

The trio has expanded their signature heavy desert sound on ‘Partial Distortions’ to include more doom and sludge metal moments. “Blackened desert” sound collages and an overall doomier and downright frightening musical path will confront the listener, as the album is darker musically and thematically. All whilst still dwelling within an optimism that instills hope that amongst the loss, the tragic endings, and the suffering that this existence brings, that life is still worth living.

Photo by Hayley Harper at the Abo Ruins, NM

Red Mesa is:

Brad Frye - Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Lead and Backing Vocals
Roman Barham - Drums, Lead and Backing Vocals
Alex Cantwell - Bass Guitar, Lead and Backing Vocals, Additional Rhythm Guitars, Piano

Red Mesa uses:

Reverend Guitars, Fowl Sounds Pedals, Black Art Toneworks Pedals, PaulEDrums, Pig Hog Cables, Black Harbor Strings, and Dava Picks.

Recorded by Augustine Ortiz at the Decibel Foundry in Santa Fe, NM in December 2022.

Recorded and mixed by Matthew Tobias at Empty House Studio in Albuquerque, NM in April, June, August, & October 2023.

Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege in Portland, OR in October 2023.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram 

Thanks to Desert Bloom PR for all of the details. 

Brad Frye From Psych Stoner Rockers RED MESA and Owner Of DESERT RECORDS and DESERT BLOOM PR: Favourite Albums Of 2023

Desert Records/Desert Bloom PR Head Honcho Brad Frye chooses his favourite albums of 2023. Brad is also part of Psych/Doom/Stoner Rockers RED MESA as well. I wanted to see which albums impressed Bard the most and his list doesn't disappoint. 

Check out Brad's choices below:

"In no particular order, here's my top 2023 picks. Busy year for me with the label, Red Mesa, and the first year of running Desert Bloom PR... so I know I missed a bunch of great albums. I love the combination of heavy albums that are brutal and beautiful."

Tinariwen - Amatassou

Dhyana - Dzogchen

Bell Witch - Futures Shadow Part 1: The Clandestine Gate

Wolves In The Throne Room - Crypt Of Ancestral Knowledge

Dorothia Cottrell - Death Folk Country

Panopticon - The Rime Of Memory

Yawning Man - Long Walk Of The Navajo

Blackbraid - Blackbraid II

 

Legends of the Desert: Volume 3 FATSO JETSON & DALI'S LLAMA

 

Sorcia - Lost Season

Wayfarer - American Gothic

Desert Records Links

Official | Facebook | Instagram

Desert Bloom PR Links

Official | Facebook | Twitter

Red Mesa Links

Facebook | BandCamp

RED MESA to release their new Doom Metal single “Forest Cathedral” on May 6th via Desert Records.

RED MESA to release their new Doom Metal single “Forest Cathedral” on May 6th via Desert Records.

Artwork by Kyrre Bjurling

The heavy desert trio will start pre-order on April 1st (BandCamp only) for limited edition 7” lathe vinyl & merch bundle that will include Taos desert sage, t-shirt, patch, stickers.

Red Mesa is (L to R): Alex Cantwell - bass/vox, Brad Frye - guitar/vox, Roman Barham - drums/backing vox

FOREST CATHEDRAL

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” — John Muir

A walk in the woods. That’s what inspired Red Mesa’s new single “Forest Cathedral” on Desert Records. Not to sound trite, but even saying that anything “inspired” the song is a misnomer. A more accurate way to explain how the song came about is that it was “revealed” to bass player Alex Cantwell during repeated hikes in the same area of Oak Flat in Tijeras, NM. 

“In New Mexico where we live”, explains Alex, “ there are different topographies within a short drive from each other including high desert landscapes, forested mountains, river valleys with old growth trees called the bosque, sand dunes, grass plains, salt flats, caves, etc . This provides an aesthetic variety and different perspectives. I spent 10 months renting a cabin in the mountains in the forest, and it was an amazing place to spend time.  I especially loved my frequent hikes, and this song, riff by riff was all pieced together in my head as the muse provided it to me and made it available for me to snatch out of the air. The lyrics are simply an outpouring of simple gratitude for the forest itself”. 

“Forest Cathedral” sees Red Mesa embracing it’s gratitude and reverence for something else as well; doom metal. While their 2020 album “The Path to the Deathless” saw the band branch out from a desert rock format with nods to Kyuss, but also Motorhead, east coast doom, and expansive soundscapes that would give way to quiet acoustic passages and death metal alike, this new single is a nod to true doom, but done in Red Mesa’s ever-evolving style.

PREORDER for “Forest Cathedral” will be available on April 1st.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Red Mesa - The Path To The Deathless (Album Review)

Release date: June 12^th 2020. Label: Desert Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Path To The Deathless – Tracklisting

1.Ghost Bell 02:25

2.The Path To The Deathless 06:51

3.Desert Moon (Feat. Dave Sherman) 06:30

4.Death I Am 04:57

5.Disharmonious Unlife (Feat. Wino) 07:42

6.Revelation 02:31

7.Swallowed By The Sea 09:04

Members

Brad Frye: Guitars and Lead Vocals

Roman Barham: Drums and Backing Vocals

Alex Cantwell: Bass and Backing Vocals

Review

Red Mesa aim big for their 3^rd full length album The Path To The Deathless and this conveys the dark and bleak times the world is currently facing. As this is a bleak and dark album that channels the more inner turmoil's of Desert/Stoner Metal that you initially would expect. The album makes no apologies for it’s unyielding bleak vision an Red Mesa draft in some bona-fide Doom Metal legends for this album with guest appearances from WINO and Dave Sherman on two of the albums standout songs.

Maybe the band have drifted into heavier NOLA based territory compared to their previous releases when you hear the excellent two opening songs – Ghost Bell and The Path To The Deathless – which both convey a brooding Desert/Stoner Metal groove which do take some time to get used to. The Desert Rock sounds are more depressing to hear in places and the vocals are directly bleak whilst telling an almost apocalyptic story.

The opening two songs prepare you for what type of music that Red Mesa play for the whole album but there are some hidden surprises along the way with harsh Psychedelic sounds adding a more cinematic feel to the album. The songwriting is great for the most part. There’s a couple rough moments where the lyrics feel out of place especially on Death I am. However, that’s my only complaint about the album. 

The album really shines when the guest vocals from Dave Sherman on Desert Moon and WINO providing Vocals and Lead Guitars on Disharmonious Unlife. As everything builds up for a heavier progressive moment on those two songs and perhaps the heaviest and standout riffs on the albums appear. Red Mesa do feel heavily inspired by The Obsessed on this album and that’s no bad thing. Red Mesa still create their own unique brand of storytelling on this album and leave you wanting more.

Red Mesa adapt a heavier style of Sludge Metal on this album and this allows a more world-weary Psychedelic feel to the whole experience of the album which is perhaps bolstered top-notch work behind the scenes. Red Mesa employed Matthew Tobias to record the album and John McBain (ex-Monster Magnet) to master the album. So this album has quality running through it’s DNA and that makes this such a quality sounding album.

This album is a concept album and Red Mesa have created a captivating story to match the world-class music that’s played on the album. Just expect a trippy and surreal nightmarish journey on the path of Desert/Stoner Metal Righteousness.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

You can buy The Path To The Deathless from Desert Records now. EU/UK Orders can be bought here.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

An Interview With Brad Frye Discussing Desert Records And WOMEN OF DOOM

Today I'm interviewing Brad Frye. Owner of Desert Records and the creative genius behind Psychedelic Stoner Rockers - RED MESA.

I'm interviewing Brad as he's just setup a KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN with Jadd Shickler from Blues Funeral record label to focus on the WOMEN OF DOOM.

Women of Doom is an album of all-new music and original songs from some of the best artists in heavy music today to recognize and celebrate the impact of women on all things heavy.

I wanted to find out more about Brad's work with Desert Records and where the idea of WOMEN OF DOOM came from. There will be a future interview with Brad where we will discuss RED MESA.

For now enjoy this interview with Brad and find out more about the awesome work he's currently doing...

How did Desert Records start?

It started in Albuquerque, NM in 2018. I was watching a raven out in the desert flying around rocks and cactus. It landed on a dead tree limb overlooking the desert landscape. It looked wise and intelligent and strong and beautiful. The raven turned its head and looked straight at me. It stared straight into my soul. It asked me if I was on the right path in my life. I wasn't and the raven knew it to. Without words, the raven said, “You better get on it.” Then it flew off.

I went home and started Desert Records. 

When did you get the insane idea to run a record label?

My band Red Mesa was finishing up recording our album “The Devil and the Desert”. I figured that if we were going to press a vinyl record, why not have it on a label? And if I wanted to have control of the process, I knew it what time to do it myself.

I felt like it was very important for me to learn more about the music business side of things while learning how to get the album into the hands (and ears) into more people.

Was it hard process setting up Desert Records?

It's the first business that I have ever started. Huge learning curve. Still a huge learning curve now, a year later. I took a small business class online. I talked to a lot of people. I dove in and started learning on the fly. I've made a ton of mistakes. The amount of stress has been overwhelming at times. It's an extremely hard process because there are so many different components of running a label. I'm a one man DIY operation. I could use about 10 employees, but I can't afford to pay one person at the moment. I hope that at some point the label will become successful enough for me to have a team to work with. In the meantime, I'll be working a full-time day job, being a husband, working on Desert Records AND writing new music with Red Mesa with every free second I get.

Looking back now would you do anything different?

I wouldn't have started a record label! Ha ha! It's so much work. But totally worth it. I think I would have done so many things different in the first year. I've learned so much, and I look back and think, “Fuck, I could have done things so much better.” Such as life.

Why did you call the label Desert Records?

I wanted to name the label something very simple and easy to remember. Like Island Records, for example. Also, I didn't want the name to be something fancy or flashy, because I want the bands on the label to stand out, not the label itself. Plus, I love the fucking desert. I'm obsessed with the SW United States desert country. And I grew up in Maine on the coastline where I could see Mount Desert Island from my kitchen window as a boy. So, the Desert Records is something that combines my past, present, and future all into one.

Have you had any help from the DIY Record Labels currently within the underground Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene? Or have you done this all by yourself? 

Dude, I have been so blessed to have received guidance from some of the best in the underground.

I'm glad you asked, because I want to give big shout outs to Todd at Ripple, Jadd at Blues Funeral, Neils at Cursed Tongue Records, and Jay at Orange Whip Records. I could not have done this without them. They have been so kind, helpful, and supportive. They have provided me with so much advice and business resources.

I remember talking with all these guys individually before starting Desert Records and saying, “Hey man, I'm gonna start a record label. I wanted to let you know and hope that's cool. Not trying to take away any business.” They all responded with encouragement and support. That felt really good going into it.

Which bands do you have signed currently to your label?

The newest band to join Desert Records is Nebula Drag. They are an amazing psychedelic stoner metal band from San Diego. “Blud” will be released on vinyl, CD, and digital on September 27th, 2019.

The artist roster includes When The Deadbolt Breaks (CT). They are an incredible psychedelic Doom band. The Horned God (NM), an ancient Celtic Stoner Metal and Cos-play band. Their debut album is out now. Red Mesa (NM), my band that is desert rock, metal, Americana and psychedelia.

I have a small artist roster for now. This is intentional because I wanted to take the time to learn how to run a label and be able to have time to work with the bands. I'm slowly growing, but only as I feel comfortable with. Bands really like to be able to feel support from their label. I talk, text, and message with the bands all the time. I want to be there for them. If I had 50 bands on the label, I wouldn't be able to do that.

Do you have a set of rules when signing a band to your label or who you want to work with?

Yes. Number one, I need to love their music. If I don't love it, I'm not putting it out. Two, I want to work with good people. People that are loving, intelligent, thoughtful human beings and artists. Desert Records does not tolerate racism, bigotry, fascism, homophobia, or hatred of any kind. Three, I want to work with bands that are very active and are willing to work hard through tours, making fans, promoting their record, and networking. Four, have fun. Music is important, and it's a very challenging journey, but you gotta enjoy the trip.

Do you have any upcoming album releases that folks maybe excited about?

Nebula Drag's second full-length “Blud” will be released on September 27th. This album is a ripper!

This will be 10 tracks from dudes in San Diego. If you have never seen or heard Nebula Drag, go check them out. First class music wizardry. This band is a perfect example of the evolution of heavy rock. They have elements of many things that rock, metal, and punk fans will love: riffs, melodic singing, high energy, psychedelic grooves, huge and heavy sound, and killer songs.

And of course, Women of Doom in the spring of 2020!

The project I’ve seen you working on now is WOMEN OF DOOM. What is that project all about. 

This project is celebrating and honouring women for their contributions and achievements in heavy music. This brings together some of the most talented musicians in the heavy music world today, under one album, to honor highlight women in rock. I knew I wanted to do a project with some of my favorite artists in the heavy underground. It took a long time and a lot of conversations with the artists and women in my life to have the right plan. 

I wanted to make sure that fans and the artists know this is not about the exploitation of women. This isn't about “sexy women of heavy metal”.

The agreements between the artists and the label are 50-50. As simple and fair as a record deal exists. I have the artists submit all the photos of themselves. Content and news are exchanged between the artists. Transparency and trust.

The artists are free to submit the music/song of their choice. I encourage dialogue and feedback about the project. I want this to be done right.

It's an obvious challenge to create and launch a project like Women of Doom when I am not a woman myself. I let the women do the talking, and I will support them in any way possible and help get their music out their for the people to enjoy!

What is the overall aim for the project.

The overall aim is to inspire through music and creativity. I hope that the musicians and the music fans will be inspired by this project. I hope this will give the musicians an opportunity to create and express themselves in a way that they haven't had the outlet for. I hope that music fans will discover their music and start to listen to new music. I hope people will be inspired to pick up a creative project in their life. Maybe this will inspire kids to pick up musical instruments. I feel there are so many negative things going on in the world, that this is something positive that people can focus on.

Are you doing this project yourself or do you have help arranging this entire project.

Once I felt ready and comfortable to make this idea a reality, I talked with Jadd Shickler from Blues Funeral. He owned and operated the legendary record label MeteorCity. He lives here in Albuquerque too. After many discussions, I asked him to collaborate. This project required wisdom and experience that I didn't have to properly launch it. Jadd was the right person to work with.

Desert Records has also joined forces with Jenn D'Eugenio of Women in Vinyl. She is amazing and has really helped to guide the direction of the project. She's introduced me to artists that are now on the album. She has been a supporter of this project from the first day we talked and I'm very happy and grateful that we are working together.

You have some awesome musicians currently involved. And everyone writing new material for the album.

Yes! Holy shit, this line-up is getting stacked: Rebecca Vernon (Subrosa, The Keening, Amy Tung-Barrysmith (Year of the Cobra), Lauren Gaynor (Deathbell), Sarah Pendleton and Kim Cordray (Subrosa, Avarice), Doomstress Alexis (Doomstress), Gwyn Strang (Frayle), Nighthawk (Heavy Temple), and a couple big surprises to be announced over the next few weeks!

Yes, all the artists are providing brand new, never-before-heard material. The songs I have heard so far have blown my mind. You are in for a real treat.

It’s good to see your KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN reaching it’s target in double quick time. Has it surprised you how quickly that happened.

Thank you! People have shown a lot of love and support for this project. I truly didn't know what to expect. I hoped that people would be as excited about it as I am. For us to hit our goal in the first 15 days felt so good. As I'm writing this, we still have nine days to go. I hope the project can continue to be supported so we can do as much as we can for the incredible artists who are providing us all with new music and amazing songs.

Do you think there’s an issue with female musicians not getting enough credit as their male counterparts within the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene.

I feel heavy rock and metal has been historically dominated by males. But some of my favourite artists and bands are centered around women. I find a lot of inspiration from these women. I hope this project will give these musicians and their bands new fans.

Will this be a regular project or just a one-off project.

Not sure yet! Women of Doom will come out in Spring 2020.

Words by Steve Howe and Brad Frye

Thanks to Brad for doing this interview. 

WOMEN OF DOOM

KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

Desert Records

Facebook

Red Mesa

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Red Mesa - The Devil And The Desert (Album Review)

Release date: June 01^st 2018. Label: Desert Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Devil And The Desert – Tracklisting

1.Devil Come Out To Play

2.The Devil's Coming Round

3.Springtime In The Desert

4.Desert Sol

5.Sacred Datura

6.Route 666

7.The Devil And The Desert 10:39

Members

Brad Frye-Guitar/Vocals

Review

Red Mesa new album - The Devil And The Desert - is in essence a Stoner Rock album. Though one with a difference. As Red Mesa add elements of Americana and Blues Rock with the usual Psychedelic interludes that appear on most Stoner Rock albums these days.

Opening song - Devil Come Out To Play - has a mellow All Them Witches approach to it with the band playing an Americana/Country Rock style of Stoner based sounds. The song is played superbly well. However it's not the most exciting songs to open the album with. As the mood is quite mellow and too peaceful for my own liking.

Second track - The Devil's Coming Round - features more intricate slowly played Desert/Americana/Stoner Rock sounds as Red Mesa adopt a more semi-acoustic approach with their music .The vocals and lyrics are very good indeed. Quite atmospheric and gloomy in parts. Red Mesa do play a heavy doom based riff towards the end of the song as the album finally springs into life with a pounding Doom Rock/Metal sound. Red Mesa feels influenced by the "American Outlaw" culture that's featured so prominently over the last sixty years or so. As the album's message is very distinctive and rebellious at the same time.

Third track - Springtime In The Desert - opens with a middle-eastern sound before slowly disappearing and Red Mesa start to play their familiar "semi-acoustic" sound. This is quite an intriguing song and sees the band changing their musical styles yet again. The song maybe could have done with some vocals.

The second half of the album is where Red Mesa finally start making things happen. As the album moves into heavier Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Rock territory with traces of bleak Desert Rock sounds. Songs such as: Desert Sol, Sacred Datura and Route 666 has a more downbeat vibe compared to the first three songs. The riffs become heavier and more progressive with Red Mesa taking influence from bands such as Kyuss and Monster Magnet. Even the vocals on Sacred Datura feel influenced by Dave Wyndorf.

The final song - The Devil And The Desert - is the true standout song on the album with Red Mesa playing a bombastic style of Desert Rock, Psych, Blues and the all-important Stoner Rock grooves that holds everything together.

The production is loud, soulful and extremely vibrant especially when the heavier riffs appear. After a slow start, The Devil And The Desert becomes a highly intriguing and superbly entertaining album.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Brad from Red Mesa for the promo.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp