RUFF MAJIK DECLARES WAR ON A.I. WITH NEW ALBUM: “REEFER SADNESS (AND THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MODERN LIVING)”

Johannesburg, South Africa — In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, algorithmic playlists, and machine-generated slop, South African fuzz-punks Ruff Majik have announced their most ambitious and confrontational project to date.

Their next album will be titled:

REEFER SADNESS (AND THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MODERN LIVING)

And it will not be recorded in a studio.

It will be recorded live, in front of real people, with real mistakes.

Every cheer, every missed note, every burst of chaos and moment of unexpected magic will remain exactly where it belongs: in the music.

Most importantly, every person attending these performances will become part of the record itself. The band will also announce an international ‘support’ counterpart in the coming weeks.

The album will be captured across four performances during July 2026:

• 11 July — That Winter Fest, Sognage (Johannesburg)
• 12 July — Secret Location
• 17 July — That Winter Fest, District (Cape Town)
• 18 July — Aandklas (Stellenbosch)

Every moment exists once and can never be repeated.

Machines can imitate music, sure.

But they cannot create a room full of strangers singing together. They cannot create the feeling of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a fellow reveller while a song falls apart and somehow becomes better because of it. They cannot be punk.

The band has issued a simple challenge to proponents of AI-generated music (Suno specifically it would seem, if their social media is to be considered):

Can your machine do this?

Can it fill a room?

Can it make people sweat?

Can it make people cry?

Can it make a crowd of strangers feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves?

Ruff Majik is willing to bet it fucking can’t, and awaits Suno’s response on further parameters for the wager.

REEFER SADNESS (AND THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MODERN LIVING) begins recording this July.

Ruff Majik is:

Johni Holiday – Vocals, guitar
Brendon Bez – Guitar
Jimmy Glass – Bass
Steven “Boz” Bosman – Drums

Photo credit Ruben Grobler-Bothma

Links:

Linktree | Bandcamp | Instagram | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify

Thanks to Good Boy PR for the details.

A new chapter begins for Ruff Majik with the release of latest single Can Of Wyrms

South African heavy rock outfit Ruff Majik return with Can Of Wyrms, a stark and emotionally unguarded single that confronts suicide from the perspective of those left behind.

Rather than romanticizing loss or framing it through spectacle, Can Of Wyrms documents grief as an ongoing presence — unresolved, heavy, and communal. The song was written years ago, but only now finds its moment, arriving as the band re-emerge after a period marked by silence, distance, and personal reckoning.

Frontman Johni Holiday has previously spoken openly about PTSD, agoraphobia, and cycles of dependency formed while touring — struggles that ultimately led to Ruff Majik stepping away before the weight became fatal. That pause, and the clarity it forced, directly informs the song’s restraint. Can Of Wyrms does not seek answers. It acknowledges absence, as well as the battle waged by those in the thick of it.

Musically, the track balances Ruff Majik’s stoner-punk urgency with a raw yet anthemic vulnerability. Gang vocals — recorded with friends and members of the South African underground music community — form the emotional core of the song, reinforcing its central idea: this grief is shared, not isolated.

The single also features guest vocals by Ben from Slomosa, adding a further layer of communal voice and international solidarity to a deeply personal release.

All proceeds from Can Of Wyrms, including associated merchandise, will be directed toward mental-health support initiatives.

Buy / Stream Can Of Wyrms on BandCamp

The release coincides with Ruff Majik’s first live performance (31 January, Pretoria, South Africa) , since their hiatus — not framed as a victory lap, but as a statement of intent. In the band's own words: "There is work to be done."

 

Can Of Wyrms is not a eulogy. It is a warning, a remembrance, and a refusal to buckle under the pressures of the world.

This single is currently available on BandCamp only, and will be released on all other platforms on 16 January 2026. The band will take no requests for press until the first phase is complete.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Thanks to Plug Music Agency for the details.

South African Fuzz Juggernaut RUFF MAJIK Announces New Studio Album "Moth Eater" On Sound Of Liberation Records

[source: Sound Of Liberation Records]

South African Fuzz Juggernaut RUFF MAJIK Announces New Studio Album "Moth Eater" On Sound Of Liberation Records; First Single (Feat. Reegan du Buisson of Facing The Gallows) Out Now!

Following their latest, much acclaimed 2023-album ‘Elektrik Ram’, South Africa’s megalithic Ruff Majik has announced the release of a new studio offering! Moth Eater will be released on September 27, 2024 via SOL Records, the label imprint run by Sound Of Liberation (Desertfest Berlin, Keep It Low, Up In Smoke etc. and booking agency for numerous, high-class artists of the stoner, psych, rock and doom metal / sludge scene). Visit the SOL Records Shop here: https://shop.soundofliberation.com

 

A first album single taken off Ruff Majik's upcoming banger, "What A Time To Be A Knife" feat. Reegan du Buisson of Facing The Gallows, is now streaming on all digital providers at: https://orcd.co/xqy6d0b

From a lyrical perspective, the first single release deals with the anger and frustration towards the status quo. It can be read as an allegory of governmental resistance and frustration with peers accepting the status quo, however, according to Ruff Majik it is more specifically aimed at the con-men and grifters in the local South African scene. As the band tells us:

 

“Right out the gate, we need to get some stuff off our chest. So, this song goes out to our local music industry promoters/suits/businessmen/naysayers that think they rule the world and shit gold. This is us drawing the line in the sand and throwing down the gauntlet - run up, we’re ready.

The scene is amazing, the bands are trying their best to make something good happen, and these greedy goblins are actively trying to destroy what we’re building.

So you think you’re the music biz messiah? Get f#@cked!”

 

 

Kicking the vibe back to a sepia-toned era where bell-bottoms and fuzzed-out bass were de rigueur, the ‘Majik lads take a well-known template and drench it with their unique attitude and stoner-esque sensibilities.

 

The horned infant known as Ruff Majik emerged from the primordial ooze when the band moved from the historical town of Lydenburg in 2012 to the capital city of Pretoria, where they honed their craft for a few years before finally entering the studio to record for the first time. In 2024 and while they are currently gearing up for the September-release of their Moth Eater on Sound Of Liberation Records, Ruff Majik released a number of EP’s and three lauded albums to date, not to mention the megaton of local and international touring.

 

All the requisite ‘Majik trope boxes are ticked in thick, bold permanent marker - sludgy, distorted riffs, vast landscapes of sonic abandon, dark imagery that perfectly complements the delicious cacophony, and tasty sound bites that add infinite swathes of colour. This is what is expected from the band, their signature sound and one that never fails.

 

Watch out for further album details and pre-order options to follow in the weeks ahead, and make sure to catch Ruff Majik live during a busy touring schedule in 2024, with many more dates to be announced soon!

 

 

For More Info Visit:

https://www.ruffmajik.com/

http://www.instagram.com/ruffmajik

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089579216305

https://shop.soundofliberation.com/

 

Ruff Majik are:

Johni Holiday (vocals & guitar)

Cowboy Bez (guitar & vocals)

Jimmy Glass (bass)

Steven Bosman (drums)

Thanks to All Noir PR for all of the info.

Ruff Majik shares the music video for Delirium Tremors from new album Elektrik Ram

(Christelle Duvenage Photography)

Ruff Majik, the acclaimed South African stoner rock band is set to ignite the music scene once again with the release of their new video and single, Delirium Tremors, from their highly praised latest album Elektrik Ram, out now on Mongrel Records. The band is thrilled to unveil the video to their ever-growing legion of fans, as they simultaneously embark on an exhilarating European tour.

 
Delirium Tremors serves as a testament to Ruff Majik's unyielding dedication to their craft and their distinctive ability to push the boundaries of stoner rock. The track encapsulates the raw energy, captivating riffs, and evocative lyrics that have earned the band widespread acclaim and a devoted global following. With its hypnotic groove and powerful melodies, Delirium Tremors promises to be an anthem that resonates deeply with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

The accompanying music video showcases the band's live energy and elevates the song's impact to new heights.

Buy/Stream Delirium Tremors

The timing of this release couldn't be more auspicious, as Ruff Majik are in the middle of their month

long We’ve Come To Lay Waste European tour. The tour promises to be an unforgettable experience, with electrifying performances in some of Europe's most renowned music venues and festivals.

Buy / Stream Elektrik Ram on all digital platforms: https://orcd.co/elektrik_ram

Order Elektrik Ram on 180g black vinyl with gatefold sleeve.

South Africa / Africa:

https://www.mpiremusic.co.za/products/riff-majik-elektrik-ram-180g-gatefold-lp

Rest of World - https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/album/elektrik-ram

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Ruff Majik Set to Ignite European Stages on Long-Awaited Tour

Christelle Duvenage Photography

Prepare for an explosive journey as South Africa's leading stoner rock band, Ruff Majik, embarks on their highly anticipated We’ve Come To Lay Waste European tour brought to you by the good people at Sound Of Liberation. With their hard-hitting sound and electrifying performances, Ruff Majik is set to captivate audiences across the continent.

Fresh off the release of their critically acclaimed album, Elektrik Ram, the band is eager to share their powerful and introspective compositions with fans around the world. Known for their signature blend of heavy riffs, hypnotic melodies, and captivating lyrics, Ruff Majik has established themselves as torchbearers of the stoner rock genre.

The European tour will see them gracing renowned festivals, including Sonic Blast, Blue Moon Festival, Trafostation 61, Moosenmättle Open Air and Rifffields. Their dynamic live shows, characterized by intense energy and an undeniable stage presence, will leave audiences craving for more. In addition to their festival appearances, the guys will also have the privilege of sharing the stage with prominent bands such as Acid King and Sasquatch, further solidifying their position in the global stoner rock community while expanding their fan base to new horizons.

Lead vocalist and guitarist, Johni Holiday expresses their enthusiasm, stating “After a 3-year absence we’re finally making it back! With two new albums to tour as well. We’re bringing fire and baptising.”

With a loyal fan base in their home country and growing international recognition, Ruff Majik is poised to make a significant impact during the tour. Their evocative music speaks to the human experience, transcending boundaries and resonating with listeners from all walks of life.

Tour Dates

5/8 DE Wolfach - Moosenmättle Open Air
9/8 PO Ancora – Sonic Blast
12/8 DE Lichtenstein – JUST Riot / Voice Of Art
13/8 DE Frechen – Trafostation 61
15/8 DE Berlin – Urban Spree with Sasquatch
17/8 DE Hannover – Faust with Sasquatch
18/8 DE Cottbus – Blue Moon
19/8 PL Kozmin Wielkopolski – Rifffields
20/8 CZ Prague – Nová libeňská Synagoga
22/8 DE Frankfurt – Zoom with Greenleaf
23/8 NL EDE – Astrant
24/8 NL Eindhoven – Effenaar with Acid King
25/8 DE Dresden – Ostpol
26/8 DE Siegen – Vortex

Buy / Stream Elektrik Ram on all digital platforms: https://orcd.co/elektrik_ram

Order Elektrik Ram on 180g black vinyl with gatefold sleeve.

South Africa / Africa - https://www.mpiremusic.co.za/products/riff-majik-elektrik-ram-180g-gatefold-lp

Rest of World - https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/album/elektrik-ram

About Ruff Majik

The horned infant known as Ruff Majik emerged from the primordial ooze when the band moved from the historical town of Lydenburg in 2012 to the capital city of Pretoria, where they honed their craft for a few years before finally entering the studio to record for the first time. Now, with several EP’s and two lauded albums under their belt, not to mention a megaton of local and international touring, they return with what might be their defining work in the shape of ‘Elektrik Ram’.

Ruff Majik is Johni Holiday (vocals & guitar), Cowboy Bez (guitar & vocals), Jimmy Glass (bass), and Steven Bosman (drums), four horsemen of the feedback apocalypse who know what they want to say and do it without apology.

Rock ‘n roll is dead - LONG LIVE RUFF MAJIK.

Links


Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Thanks to Warren at Plug Music Agency for all of the details. 

RUFF MAJIK UNLEASH EXPLOSIVE NEW SINGLE ‘ELEKTRIK RAM’ FROM UPCOMING NEW ALBUM

Elektrik Ram is the new single and title track from South African stoner rock reprobates Ruff Majik’s upcoming album.

Vocalist and guitarist Johni Holiday’s quick stint in a mental wellness facility brought on the lyrics and structure of Elektrik Ram. “What started as a fun ditty, emulating the sound of Siamese Dream era Smashing Pumpkins, became a triumphant battle song chronicling the power of picking up where you left off and trying again.” Explains Johni.

He delves deeper into the message behind the song, “Conquering dependency on medication and machines (as a replacement for human contact) to step out victorious. It's a song about not letting go of rage but using it instead to break through the barriers of modern living.”

The first gasps of air this song took was a three-part harmony that Johni wrote using only his acoustic guitar and a tape recorder to lay down the ideas. From there it was presented to the other members of the band, with the idea of making a relentless juggernaut of a song. "It should sound like a swarm of bees, but with an uplifting crescendo" Johni said.

Lyrically, Holiday referenced the feeling of being incapacitated on a hospital bed and combined it with an allegory for oppressive and dogmatic religious views, to drive the point home that "fate will not grant you any favours, you must take them."

DOWNLOAD / STREAM ‘ELEKTRIK RAM’

https://orcd.co/elektrikram 

https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/track/elektrik-ram 

RUFF MAJIK ONLINE

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Spotify 

Ruff Majik reveals new single “She's Still a Goth” From Upcoming Album Elektrik Ram

South African stoner rock cult Ruff Majik releases their first new music since the critically acclaimed 2020 album The Devil’s Cattle. Frontman and chief songwriter, Johni Holiday splatters latest single She’s Still A Goth with 80's tinged goth saturated rock and roll synth-wave. Biting down on a dirty riff and even filthier backbeat the song includes a doom infused breakdown and highly flammable swagger throughout. The track is the first single from their highly anticipated upcoming album Elektrik Ram, which drops in April 2023.

Johni and his wife's (Anni Buchner of Ale & Cake Illustration) fascination with b-grade horror and gothic imagery has always been influential in the lyrical themes and overall image of the band. When Anni fell in love once more with 80's tinged gothic synthwave during the pandemic, it inspired him to write a tune in ode to her - featuring references to classic gothic imagery whilst still fitting neatly into the realm of Tarantino-esque desert rock.

It's just a love song. Nothing more, nothing less. Packaged neatly in a ghoulish package…” - Johni Holiday

Buy / Stream She’s Still a Goth out now on Mongrel Records

https://orcd.co/shesstillagoth
https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/track/shes-still-a-goth

Follow Ruff Majik

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify

Ruff Majik share the animated video for Heart Like An Alligator plus new issue of PULP

Ruff Majik share the animated video for Heart Like An Alligator plus new issue of PULP

South African powerhouse rock cult Ruff Majik have released the animated video for their track Heart Like and Alligator. The track will be the last single taken from their critically acclaimed 2020 full length album The Devil’s Cattle before the band start releasing new material towards the end of the year.

(photo credit – Jacqui Van Staaden)
 

"The lyrics for Heart Like An Alligator were written after a long and excruciating late night slog through the streets of Berlin, somewhere in 2019. Inspiration was taken from the classic Hunter S. Thompson novel, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, and the whole song was meant to emulate the feeling of dread and encroaching doom that goes hand in hand with a night of partying (too hard)." Says vocalist and guitarist Johni Holiday.

He goes on to explain the idea behind the video - "The video was a fun animation project. Created by our long-time illustrator, Anni from Ale & Cake Illustration - it follows the story of desert trash on a psychedelic trip through a wasteland.!"

You can watch the video below:

Buy / Stream Heart Like An Alligator:

https://orcd.co/heartlikeanalligator
https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/track/heart-like-an-alligator-2

Read the next issue of PULP here

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Thanks to Warren at Plug Music Agency for all of the details.

Ruff Majik announce PULP, their new single and comic series of releases

(Photographer Jacqui van Staaden)

There is no white magic, there is no black magic, there is only Ruff Majik. Pulp Rock fandom, here we come.

Ruff Majik has never been a band to do the same thing twice. From trying out different production styles for every release, playing mixtures of genres ranging from soul to black metal, to releasing a season-based EP series (later compiled into a full album), the band has always strived to keep themselves (and their fans) on their toes.

It should come as no surprise then that Johni Holiday has dreamt up yet another mad hatter type plan for their upcoming release.

After the release of "The Devil's Cattle" in October 2020, the band found themselves at a crossroads. Ruff Majik had just increased their membership to a five piece, the album was well received critically, and sold well in terms of vinyl, but didn't reach the lofty heights the band were aspiring to. As fate would have it, the band pressed for their first breakout release just as COVID-19 hit the world.

Says Johni: "It's a bummer you know. We had just signed to Mongrel Records and had this festival ready album, with the best production value we've ever attempted, big eye-catching music videos, everything. And then the world stopped. I guess you could argue that we had a captive audience, hahaha, but I don't think that's completely true. The world was so oversaturated with online activity that everything just became engulfed. Too much news to follow, too many amazing artists releasing amazing productions due to their newly found time off. Just too much of everything. Being able to tour would have made a world of difference."

The band needed to make a plan to ensure their future endeavours would generate some heat. So what then? What is the logical step forward for a small South African band, still hell bent on world domination, but humbled by a global pandemic? Enter PULP - Ruff Majik's rebirth, re-brand, and singles campaign. Based on the idea of early 1900's pulp fiction magazines, which are described as:

"Pulp fiction refers to a genre of racy, action-based stories published in cheaply printed magazines from around 1900 to the 1950s. It got its name from the paper it was printed on. Magazines featuring such stories were typically published using cheap, ragged-edged paper made from wood pulp. These magazines were sometimes called pulps."

Says Johni: "So then the idea hit me. I'm a consumer of all things crazy, b-grade and wonderful. Our band name even came from a failed pilot for a b-grade adaption of a H.P. Lovecraft story (Rough Magik). One thing I've always been very invested in was the history of pulp fiction, not the Tarantino film, but where it actually got its name from. Just these crazy stories that were printed in mass on terrible, low grade paper, that gave rise to many different genres of fiction, and were even the ancestors of comic books. 

I always kind of felt like that was what Ruff Majik was doing with our music, we were always playing 'pulp rock'. It just didn't come out regularly enough and lacked the storytelling capacity that a short novel would. So, then I thought, why not have comics? Why not have animated features to go along with the singles and give us a sense of the world around the music?"

Therefore, Johni set forth to create a universe of pulp literature, to go along with their music, old and new.

The new PULP series kicks of today with a web comic telling the story between their videos "Who Keeps Score" and "Swine Tooth Grin", along with a visualizer video for "Swine Tooth Grin." The single is the second to last to be released from their album "The Devil's Cattle", and features undertones of the blues with battering heavy riffs. It will also be the final single to feature a non-animated video (at least for a while).

This will be followed up on the 30th of July with another interim comic and an animated music video for their single "Heart Like An Alligator".

From there, the band plan to start releasing a monthly issue of "PULP", which will chronicle stories from their past and future discography, released along with a range of animated music videos. The comics will feature the band, including all members and recording members, some other South African musicians, and even musicians in the greater stoner/desert/doom/rock scene.

The newest singles will form part of a full album set for release in 2022 and will be released on a monthly basis along with videos, short online comics and exclusive merch. A release date has been set for June 2022, and announcements thereof and a pre-order are said to follow "soon"(along with the launch of a Kickstarter campaign). What we do know is that the full vinyl/CD release will include multitudes of artwork, as well as a full print version of PULP with all the monthly online comics compiled into one.

If you want to keep up with the PULP chronicles, follow Ruff Majik on Webtoons, Facebook and Instagram, or check out their website for all relevant links. You can also buy merch for the current singles, with artwork centred around new PULP characters, monthly from the band's Big Cartel storefront.

If you want to contribute to the creation of PULP, you can keep an eye out for their Kickstarter campaign which is launching soon.

If you want to contribute or assist in any other way, you can contact the band at: ruffmajik@gmail.com

Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

South African powerhouse Ruff Majik have shared the lyric video for Gregory.

South African powerhouse Ruff Majik have shared the lyric video for Gregory.

Taken from the band’s latest full length album The Devils Cattle, the track is a fuzzed-out bass driven sonic dirge about addiction as vocalist and guitarist Johni Holiday explains, "This one is about a good friend and his struggle with addiction. People can fill in the blanks if they want to, or just ignore the lyrics and enjoy the bass line."

The Devils Cattle has garnered widespread global attention with media praising the release:

“The South African fuzz merchants return with another amphetamine-fuelled joy-ride through the dive bars and dark alleys of their psychic landscape” Metal Hammer

“Ruff Majik don’t hold back in The Devil’s Cattle and the result is an album of controlled chaos that never ceases to surprise." Texx and The City

“This is a band at the top of their game and you never get the same album twice from Ruff Majik. I can’t wait to see what the guys come up with next.” Outlaws of The Sun

“It is astonishing to think their first EP only came out five years ago.” The Obelisk

“Catchier, Crazier, Groovier, Heavier, Ruff Majik is unstoppable, for our greatest pleasure!” More Fuzz

The Devils Cattle is out now on Mongrel Records, available on 140g vinyl (single gatefold with splattered coloured vinyl and a pull out A2 poster) and Digipak CD via Just Direct (South Africa) and Black Farm Records (Europe / North America)

Buy // Stream The Devils Cattle

https://orcd.co/thedevilscattle
Bandcamp

Links

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

Ruff Majik - The Devil's Cattle (Album Review)

Release date: October 30th 2020. Label: Mongrel Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Devil's Cattle – Tracklisting

1. All You Need Is Speed 
2. Swine Tooth Grin
3. Shrug Of The Year
4. Heart Like An Alligator
5.Gregory
6. The Devil's Cattle
7. Jolly Rodger
8. Who Keeps Score
9. Lead Pills And Thrills
10. Trading Blows
11. Born To Be Bile (feat. Vincent Houde)
12. God Knows
13. Hymn No. 5

Members

Evert Snyman: Guitar, bass, vocals, percussion, drums, piano.
Johni Holiday: Guitar, bass, vocals.

Drums on "All You Need Is Speed" and "The Devil's Cattle" by Timothy Edwards.
Drums on "Lead Pills And Thrills" and "Born To Be Bile" by Xan Swart.
Keyboards on "Swine Tooth Grin" by Christiaan Van Reenen.
Additional vocals on "Born To Be Bile" by Vincent Houde.

Review:

The Devil’s Cattle is the album from South African Psych Stoner Rockers - Ruff Majik - and this album feels like a spiritual successor to QOTSA classic Songs For The Deaf. As this album has a similar type of dark vibe that album originally possessed. Ruff Majik play fast and loose this album and this one is quite different to their 2019 release. 

The album is quite long and complex with the band playing different styles of Stoner Rock that incorporates Psych Rock, Blues Rock, Hard Rock and Classic Rock with the band finding time playing some Occult or Devilish Outlaw Rock in the second half of the album. Yeah, the album could have done with a couple of songs being cut from the 13 tracks being offered here. Though this is still a wild and unpredictable ride into the dark world of Ruff Majik.

The opening two songs - All You Need Is Speed and Swine Tooth Grin - show Ruff Majik’s sense of adventurous style of groove-laiden rock with riffs that QOTSA have written or played for the best part of two decades now but with Ruff Majik playing their own commanding style of Outlaw Stoner Rock.

The vocals are impressive yet again from Johni and Ruff Majik go all out experimenting with their music by adding the odd soundbyte here and there which gives their music an aggressive and violent vibe to it all.

The Devil’s Cattle shows the high and lows of high voltage Stoner Rock with the overall mood becoming quite sinister and gloomy when the second half of the album. I admire the creative choices that the band have made for this album. It may take a few listens to fully understand everything that’s going on but there is a strong collection of songs to impress the listener with such as: Shrug Of The Year, Gregory, The Devil’s Cattle, Born To Be Bile, God Knows and Hymn #5.

The musicianship on show is top-notch as always from the band and the seedy riffs allow this album to become a more daring listen especially when the band start becoming almost a Doom Metal band in the second half which can be quite surprising from where the album started off from. 

The production is not too shabby either with the band on fine form with some huge riffs being played from start to finish. So expect a more direct album from Ruff Majik and the band are taking no prisoners with this this quality release.

Overall, The Devil’s Cattle is a welcome addition not only to Ruff Majik discography but to the world of high concept Stoner Rock/Metal albums currently doing the rounds. This is a band at the top of their game and you never get the same album twice from Ruff Majik. I can’t wait to see what the guys come up with next.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Warren at Plug Music Agency and Mongrel Records for the promo. The Devil's Cattle will be available to buy from Mongrel Records from October 30th 2020.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Ruff Majik - All You Need Is Speed (new single and video)

South African sludge n roll wizards Ruff Majik have unleashed All You Need Is Speed, the first single from their upcoming full-length album The Devil’s Cattle, which is set for release later this year via Mongrel Records. The track is a high octane, riff fuelled, round-house kick to the head. The video is visually captivating with unique illustrations by local artist Llewellyn Van Eeden and includes all sorts of Occult, Norse mythology, Americana and Africana imagery. Ruff Majik are pioneers in every way and are set to bring a distinct flavour to the new world.

When asked to comment on the inspiration behind the track, vocalist and guitarist Johni Holiday laughed, “Sometimes you just want to drive really fast and get wasted on the cheap stuff”.

All You Need Is Speed captures that feeling perfectly!

Watch the video here

All You Need Is Speed is available now on all digital platforms here

About Ruff Majik

Ruff Majik was originally formed in 2012 when the band moved from Lydenburg to the realm of Pretoria. They entered the city as a three piece (Holiday, Glass, Manchino) and conquered the labor force together with no real experience in the scene, but a certain drive and ambition that only gods could counter. After three years of adjusting and playing only a few shows, the band finally made the decision to release some music.

Fast forward to 2015 when The Bear (an EP roughly inspired by the DIY ethos of Black Metal recording techniques) was released and got the band some mild forms of recognition. The Bear was recorded with two mics in a garage which ultimately explains its grit and distortion. Soon after the release of the first EP, Bobbejaan pushed the band onto a few line ups which put the band on the map and introduced them to Temple of Doom and other folks in the scene.

Shortly after the release of The Bear, The Fox was recorded and released which led to more shows and a spot in the then newly established South African doom/stoner scene. 2016 was also the year of the Wax Wizard, a crowd favourite until this day. The Fox also presented the band with their first small touring opportunities.

The Swan stuck its neck out the following year,2017, which lead to more touring and a busier schedule for Ruff Majik and talks of touring the globe came about. Seasons came very soon after and attracted somewhat attention internationally. Freak Valley festival reached out and it led to a German/Austrian tour with The Devil and the Almighty Blues in early 2018. That same year Ruff Majik played Sonic Blast Moledo in Portugal. The creation of Tǻrn started after the tour and was recorded in October 2018.

Seasons was released through Rock Freaks Records (Germany), while Tǻrn was released through Lay Bare Recordings (Netherlands) which led to a lengthy Europe tour and a nudge in the right direction during 2019. The tour included festivals like Smoke Over Warsaw (Poland), Rock in Bourlon (France), Bevrijdigings Fees and Sonic Whip (Netherlands). The band circled back to South Africa for a brief intermission before heading back to the EU to play shows like Desertfest (Antwerp) and Keep It Low (Munich). After sharing the stage with bands like Black Pyramid, SLEEP, EyeHateGod, All Them Witches, and other acclaimed acts, Ruff Majik headed home to work on a rebrand which included switching to a modular band agreement. This means that members can be switched out to fit into touring schedules. Ruff Majik therefore added Cowboy Van, Evert Snyman, and Tommer Wallace to the brew to meet the demands of touring.

Ruff Majik is currently signed to Mongrel Records, an imprint of Just Music, and will be releasing a new album in due time. The album is equal parts Johni Holiday and new member Evert Snyman and was recorded late 2019.

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Mongrel Records Announce The Signing Of RUFF MAJIK

Just Music South Africa’s leading independent music company, is proud to announce Mongrel Records, a new label imprint that will focus on pushing heavier rock and metal artists from around Africa to the international market. This new venture will benefit from the full spectrum of Just Music’s successful artist and label services, whilst retaining an independent A&R and artist development profile.

Just Music has appointed Warren Gibson to the newly created position of Label Manager for Mongrel Records. Gibson has been involved in the South African music industry for over 20 years as a leading publicist for local artists. He has been closely associated with the development of the metal and heavy rock scene in South Africa, as well as media liaison and touring for a number of international artists and indie labels. Gibson will continue to serve as Managing Director of his independent Plug Music Agency.

“It’s been a longtime dream of mine to have a label that can give the heavier South African and African bands the help and attention they need and deserve. We’ve got some world class bands, and now with involvement and backing of Just Music I finally feel we have a platform to do this properly” comments Warren Gibson.

Charles Kühn, Just Music CEO adds, “The quality of metal and heavy rock bands in South Africa is stronger than ever, yet most of these artists have enjoyed little or no support from labels. It’s pretty impressive to see what is actually happening on the ground and I’m excited that we are able to now get involved through our Mongrel Records label. We are delighted to have secured the services of Warren Gibson, whose knowledge and expertise will add great value to our efforts in developing Mongrel Records and the impact of artists that we sign.”

Mongrel’s first exciting signing is psychedelic stoner riff sorcerers, Ruff Majik from Pretoria, who have already made an impact on the international scene and look forward to working with the label to take them to the next level. Their new album is set for release through Mongrel Records mid-2020.

"Ruff Majik is excited to be the first band to sign on Mongrel Records! We'll be working closely together with them throughout the coming months to bring you a brand-new album with exciting new sounds. More details to be announced soon!" Exclaims vocalist and guitarist Johni Holiday.