Nephila - Huldra (Album Review)

Release Date: August 28th 2026. Record Label: Majestic Mountain Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Huldra - Tracklist

1 Mother Of The Woods

2 In Her Hands

3 The Hidden Folk

4 Ash Their Bones

5 Capercailles Hymn

6 Huldra

7 Solar Eclipse

8 The Living Grave

9 F.I.N.N

Members

Josephine Asker – vocals

Linn Edlund – vocals

Anton Athley – guitar

Jacob Hellenrud – guitar

Johan Larsson – organ & keyboards

Charlie Andersson Vistbacka – bass guitar

Johan Lööf – drums

Review

Swedish septet Nephila has been around for a few years and are now unveiling their sophomore album, the excellent 'Huldra'. These Swedes champions transcendent and psychedelic 70's heavy rock with a sharp, clear yet organic sound. Add impeccable musicianship and songwriting skills and you have Nephila. Rarely has an album title befitted a band's music as much as 'Huldra' does. A huldra for the uninitiated is a forest nymph or a forest spirit and that's what Nephila brings forth, as if their music was conjured by a forest deity. Regardless, this is a brilliant album whichever way you look at it! 

This wonderful music journey begins with 'Mother Of The Woods'. Mid-tempo, mesmerizing and seductive with a gradual buid-up before going all out. There are 9 compositions in all where 'F.I.N.N' ends it all and what a closer it is. A bluesy backbone blended with excellent organ-fueled heavy rock weaves  back and forth as if you're on a magic carpet ride. In between Nephila brings 70's psychedelic rock mixed with early Deep Purple and Jethro Tull in the brilliant 'Ash Their Bones' and in the title track 'Huldra' as well. 'Capercailles Hymn' moves in within the same vein where the duelling guitars and the organ in this instrumental beauty.

The band throws down the gauntlet in the bluesy 70's heavy rocker 'The Living Grave' where they go full tilt like their lives depended on it as the verses creates the atmosphere and the chorus erupts. 'Solar Eclipse' brings soft and delicate vocals and sparse instrumentation and it creates a spectacular realm to move within. 'The Hidden Folk' has such a nice groove moving parallel with excellent riffs and when the vocals enters the fray this already brilliant song is elevated even further. Nephila reels you in with 'In Her Hands' which offers captivating and hook-laden chorus and brilliant solos.

Nephila are such a revelation! Blending psychedelia, heavy 70's rock with a great sound and a modern touch has me hooked right from the start. Add Josephine and Linn's amazing vocals and you have this outstanding band. Not boxed in nor shackled they do what they want and how they want it and this freedom is so apparent in their music. Miss Nephila at your peril because they are far too good to be ignored!

Words by Håkan Nyman

Thanks to Viral Propaganda PR for the promo.

Huldra is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Majestic Mountain Records.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Nominal Anomaly - Swamp (Album Review)

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

Swamp - Tracklist

1.Headcold 03:08

2.BULLfrog 03:19

3.BTW 03:42

4.Crowded 03:05

5.Carnated 03:01

6.Night Sweats 04:07

7.Oblique Mass of Foundation 03:10

8.Sleepwalker 03:54

9.Soulless Shoe Sale 03:45

10.Suits 03:56

11.Therapy 03:48

12.Andone 03:16

Lineup

All music, vocals, visuals, art are done by Nominal Anomaly (NO AI)

Review

Swamp is the debut album from Punk/Grunge/Metal solo artist Nominal Anomaly who play a schizophrenic type of Heavy Rock with a distorted and frenzied underground element holding everything together. The record is most definitely a product of living through the Nineties Rock/Metal scene. The best way to describe what’s in store for you on this record is to read the recent “Introduce Yourselves” feature the band kindly contributed to.

This is quite a hard record to describe but from the Introduce Yourselves article the band state the following how to describe their music.

“The genre is difficult to pinpoint. Best I could offer is Grunge Metal, as their is some of that old 90's song structure with blues / rock influence.  Some songs blend more into Punk Metal.  I'm a conglomeration of the 90's mostly.”

The overall sound is one of pure mayhem and fucked off carnage with Nominal Anomaly inspired by the likes of PRIMUS and FAITH NO MORE as the record does go into multiple different directions. However, there’s some excellent Post-Grunge and Alt-Rock sounds along the way which reminds me of The Melvins jamming with The Pixies. The vocals are quite hardcore based with outbursts of manic punk energy which could easily be considered as the perfect soundtrack trying to escape from a mental asylum.

However, this brilliantly works with Nominal Anomaly even allowing brutal outbursts ofExtreme Metal and Grind Metal grooves to appear. One moment you’re treated to a vicious blast of Hardcore Punk spliced with Sludge, Thrash and Grind passages before the record transforms into a subtle Heavy Psychedelic and spiky Grunge Rock attitude.

Swamp does feel a bit too long at times but the sheer fun and outrageous creative momentum that’s played here on this record does have a warped sense of humour developing from the very start. The lyrics are completely off the wall and brilliantly surreal which matches the madcap energy the Nineties Metal scene used to throw at an unsuspecting audience back in the day.

The Funk Rock and Prog Metal aspects that appear on the record does become a bit overbearing in places but that won’t stop your enjoyment of this weird, wonderful and violently wacky journey that Nominal Anomaly takes you upon. You could consider an experimental record and there are moments even I don’t know what the fuck is happening but I couldn’t stop listening to this especially on tracks: Headcold, BULLfrog, Carnated, Night Sweats, Oblique Mass Of Foundation, Suits and Therapy.

These tracks are the ones I found the most enjoyment from as Nominal Anomaly does play their heart out on this release and they’re a fantastically talented individual where the music is just so bat-shit crazy and brilliantly original at the same time.

Swamp won’t appeal to everyone but if you’re a fan of the Nineties Rock/Metal scene and not adverse for this album to take you into some pretty unexpected areas of HEAVY METAL then NOMINAL ANOMALY will speak volumes to you.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

www.nominalanomaly.com
https://www.facebook.com/NominalAnomaly
Nominalanomaly.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/thenominalanomaly/
https://mastodon.social/@NominalAnomaly

Icelandic Prog Rockers THE VINTAGE CARAVAN announce studio album & stream single

Icelandic retro prog rock trio THE VINTAGE CARAVAN have announced their return with their sixth studio album, entitled Portals, set for release on 26th September 2025 via Napalm Records. The charismatic band have also released a music video for first album single 'Riot', a track dripping in their trademark sound, rich in bluesy psychedelia infused with modern intensity and irresistible riffs.

Watch the music video for 'Riot' here: 

Pre-order Portals here: https://lnk.to/TheVintageCaravan-Portals/napalmrecords

"We proudly present our sixth studio album, Portals. It’s our most diverse, dynamic, experimental album and in our opinion, our best effort yet," the band state. "Portals was recorded at Arda Recorders in Porto, Portugal in October 2024 with Axel ‘Flexi’ Árnason, with whom we worked on Voyage (2012), Arrival (2015) and the Monuments Tour (2023). This is the first time we recorded on tape and we are so happy with the results. We feel that this time we really managed to capture our live energy.

"The title of the album is a nod to the city of Porto and connecting the songs are a series of interludes which we call “Portals” that set the mood and bring you to the next track. We can’t wait for you to experience the journey that is Portals!"

On the single, singer and guitarist Óskar Logi Águstsson comments: "’Riot’ came to me in a dream. It’s the only time that has happened to me. I woke up around 7am humming the first two riffs and I really liked it and I thought to myself, “I’ll go back to sleep for a bit and then I’ll work on this”. Then I woke up again and I forgot the main riff, which was a bummer and I tried remembering the pattern all day until I gave up and went to bed, right as I was drifting off to sleep it came back to me! Thankfully!

"The track is an energetic and heavy one. The lyrics were inspired by the 2024 riots in England. We were touring the country at the time, it was a very surreal thought to be possibly caught up in a riot and I knew I wouldn’t do very well in that sort of situation, so that’s what inspired me to write the lyrics.

"We hope you enjoy 'Riot' and remember, don’t start a riot, just listen to this tune instead."

Catch the band on the following dates:

25/10/2025 UK Margate - Margate Rock Festival, Margate
26/10/2025 UK London - Camden Assembly
27/10/2025 UK Brighton - Dust
28/10/2025 UK Southampton - The 1865
29/10/2025 UK Bristol - Exchange
30/10/2025 UK Birmingham - Mama Roux
31/10/2025 UK Newcastle - Think Tank
01/11/2025 UK Glasgow - Classic Grand

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN - Riot

Portals is another testament to THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s endlessly creative, modern take on the psychedelic retro rock sound, cementing the band’s leading position in the scene. The band’s previous studio album, Monuments, hit #21 on the German charts, marking a milestone in their evolution, and the new offering – which also features a stunning guest performance by Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt on the soulful album opener 'Philosopher' – continues to solidify THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s reputation as torchbearers of contemporary classic rock. 

Aside from their critically acclaimed releases, the band’s electrifying live performances have mesmerized audiences at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Hellfest, as well as on international tours both as headliners and as support for the likes of progressive metal giants Opeth. THE VINTAGE CARAVAN will be celebrating the release of Portals with extensive headline tours in mainland Europe and the UK, announced for autumn 2025.

Tracklist

1. Philosopher (ft. Mikael Åkerfeldt)
2. Portal I
3. Days Go By
4. Portal II
5. Here You Come Again
6. Current
7. Give and Take
8. Portal III
9. Crossroads
10. Alone
11. Portal IV
12. Freedom
13. Riot
14. Electrified
15. Portal V
16. My Aurora
17. This Road

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN are:

Stefán Ari Stefánsson - Drums, backing vocals, percussion
Óskar Logi Águstsson - Electric guitars, vocals, acoustic guitars, flute
Alexander Örn Númason - Bass guitars, backing vocals, synthesizers, Farfisa

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN online:

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
X
YOUTUBE
SPOTIFY
NAPALM RECORDS

Thanks to Hold Tight PR and All Noir PR for all of the details.

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

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

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

Creation Rebel - Hostile Environment

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

 

 Oxbow - Loves Holiday

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



Lankum - False Lankum

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

 

Ouija Macc - DETRITUS 

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

Pile - All Fiction 

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

 

Marcus Gadd And Tribe - Ready for Battle

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

BOSS KELOID Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Festival News - RPM Fest 2018

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

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

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

DETAILS:

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

Helms Alee - Stillicide (Album Review)

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

Stillicide – Tracklisting

1.More Weight

2.Untoxicated

3.Tit to Toe

4.Meats and Milks

5.Stillicide

6.Galloping Mind Fuk

7.Creeping You Company

8.Dream Long

9.Bullygoat

10.Andromenous

11.Worth Your Wild

Band Members:

Ben Verellen

Dana James

Hozoji Matheson-margullis

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

Words by Todd Stealey

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

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp