Polly - Death Drive (Single Review)

Release Date: September 08th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Death Drive - Tracklisting

Death Drive 

Members

Tina P, Tom P and Alex B.

Review

Death Drive is the new single from Psych/Stoner Rockers Polly which is from their upcoming new album of the same name due out for release on 22nd September 2025. What we have here is a song that explores areas of Psych, Doom, Stoner Rock and Proto-Metal surroundings. Death Drive starts off cautiously and slow paced with Polly delicately building the levels of Stoner Rock passages that transform into a gloomier driven sound.

Polly primarily uses the Seventies Rock & Roll template to create their music with flashes of other eras of Psych Rock with fragmented use of modern Doom/Stoner Rock grooves. The vocals are part of the Proto-Doom world with flashes of Occult Rock interacting with the subtle Instrumental grooves that merge Sludge Rock screeching guitars and COSMIC themes for a more aggressive style of music for the second half of the track.

The end result is a twisted ride into the Proto-Doom/Stoner Metal vortex with flashes of subtle Blues and Psych Rock distorted melodies that leaves you wanting more once the eight minutes runtime is finally up. If the rest of the upcoming Death Drive album follows this the same musical path as the title track then Polly should have no trouble gaining quite a cult following within the underground scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

 

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Polish Stoner Rock heroes WEEDPECKER sign to Heavy Psych Sounds!

Poland's heavy psychedelic rock pioneers WEEDPECKER ink a worldwide deal with Heavy Psych Sounds Records for the release of their anticipated fifth studio album, the reissue of their sophomore full-length "II" as well as the booking of their next European tour!

About joining the HPS roster, the band comments: “We’re excited to announce that Weedpecker is joining the Heavy Psych Sounds family. It feels great to team up with a label that shares our vision, and we can’t wait to share the next chapter of our journey with you all.”

Forged in Warsaw, Poland in 2012, Weedpecker emerged from the creative union of brothers Piotr and Bartek Dobry. Their mission was to weave dreamy, expansive psychedelic rock with the raw gravity of stoner and grunge. Throughout the decade, the band solidified its reputation with three critically acclaimed albums, delivering some of the most revered heavy psych anthems the scene has witnessed.

After the powerful release of “III” in 2018, the band entered a new chapter as longtime members Bartek Dobry, Robert Kulakowski, and Grzegorz Pawlowski moved on. Weedpecker re-emerged in 2020 with a revitalized lineup, welcoming members of Dopelord and Major Kong. This new incarnation debuted not only fresh faces but also an expanded sonic palette, introducing keyboards to their live performances.

Their latest chapter, “IV: The Stream of Forgotten Thoughts” (2021), fully unveils this evolved identity. The album effortlessly flows from mellow psychedelia to blistering rock explosions, all anchored by their signature melodic heavy riffage.

Through transformation and growth, Weedpecker continues to affirm its place as one of Europe's most essential and exciting psychedelic acts. Stay tuned as more details regarding the new album and "II" reissue will be revealed soon!

Weedpecker links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Heavy Psych Sounds links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the details.

HOWLING GIANT drop new video single 'Beholder I: Downfall' taken from forthcoming album "Crucible & Ruin"!

HOWLING GIANT reveal the video clip 'Beholder I: Downfall' as the next single taken from the cosmic stoner metal trio's forthcoming album "Crucible & Ruin". The third full-length by the Nashville, Tennessee band has been slated for release on October 31, 2025, via Magnetic Eye Records and is available for pre-order here: https://spkr.store/collections/howling-giant

Watch the video for 'Beholder I: Downfall' here:

"Our current single 'Beholder 1: Downfall' is a riff-driven heavy hitter, and in my opinion is one of the heaviest songs on the record", bass player and vocalist Sebastian Baltes states. "It was a pleasure to collaborate with Jerry Roe again on the video, having previously worked with him on the clip for 'Glass Future'. It has been particularly exciting for me to follow the journey of this song from its inception with a simple riff to a full blown song and the making of the video. I can hardly wait for you all to hear this track live!"

Video credits

Directed, shot & edited by Jerry Roe of Friendship Commanders
Filmed at South X Sea

Tracklist

01. Canyons
02. Hunter's Mark
03. Archon
04. Lesser Gods
05. Beholder I: Downfall
06. Archivist
07. Scepter and Scythe
08. Melchor's Bones
09. The Observatory
10. Beholder II: Labyrinth

HOWLING GIANT take another huge step on their third full-length "Crucible & Ruin", a collection of sparking ideas, captivating melodies, and heavy riffing close to perfection - quite a feat of on-point songwriting for such a still young band!

This is the band's first album to feature new fourth member Adrian Lee Zambrano. Although the guitarist and synth player arrived somewhat toward the end of the writing process, he was still able to add his mark with cool textures on the record. The extra guitar certainly adds even more punch to HOWLING GIANT's sound, which delivers a slightly more aggressive approach compared with predecessor "Glass Future" (2023).

It also helped the overall feel of "Crucible & Ruin" that this is the band's first album to be entirely recorded in a proper studio setting as opposed to their home studio, "the bunker". HOWLING GIANT even leaned into some raw band live takes to capture the emotion in the room.

Lyrically, "Crucible & Ruin" explores the story of the clash of a novice deity against the forces of primordial chaos as an overarching theme that loosely connects the songs. This is also reflected in the album artwork, which was painted by the mother of guitarist and vocalist Tom Polzine, featuring a unique style of alcohol ink on yupo paper.

HOWLING GIANT hail from Nashville, Tennessee, USA, sidestepping the self-proclaimed Music City's assembly line of modern pop country while taking inspiration from the brilliant songwriters and virtuoso session players that keep the town's musical legacy burning bright. Fertile ground for a preeminent fuzz-psych power trio, now turned quartet, who consciously live in the pocket of that lineage!

Following a trilogy of EPs, "Howling Giant" (2015), "Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 1" (2016), and "Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2" (2017), HOWLING GIANT struck a chord with critics and fans on their debut full-length "The Space between Worlds" in 2019. "Glass Future" proved a gargantuan leap for the band that now featured Sebastian Baltes, son of legendary ACCEPT bass master Peter Baltes. Released in 2023, "Glass Future" brought their outstanding musicianship and triple vocal attack fully into stride.

HOWLING GIANT storm forward once more in defiant refusal to remain still. Having grown into a four-piece as well as in their prowess as musicians and songwriters, "Crucible & Ruin" is an album at least as big as their name. Don't take our word for it, just give it a spin – or two or three...

Line-up

Tom Polzine – guitar, vocals
Zach Wheeler – drums, vocals
Sebastian Baltes – bass, vocals
Adrian Lee Zambrano – guitars, synthesizers

Guest musicians

Kim Wheeler – additional synths and EWI on 'The Observatory'
Adam Nohe – additional percussion on 'Beholder I: Downfall'

Produced by Neil Tuuri, Kim Wheeler, and James Sanderson
Engineered by Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios, Athens, OH (US)
Additional vocal tracking by Kim Wheeler in Nashville, TN (US)
Mixed by Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios, Athens, OH (US)
Mastering by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege Mastering, Portland, OR (US)

Artwork by Susan M. Davies
Layout by Łukasz Jaszak

Links

https://www.facebook.com/howlinggiant
https://www.instagram.com/howlinggiant
https://www.facebook.com/MagneticEyeRecords
https://www.instagram.com/magneticeyerecords

Live - With CASTLE RAT

01 OCT 2025 Asheville, NC (US) Eulogy
02 OCT 2025 Raleigh, NC (US) Chapel of Bones
03 OCT 2025 Charlottesville, VA (US) The Southern Cafe and Music Hall

Live With ANCIIENTS

04 NOV 2025 Columbus, OH (US) Ace of Cups
05 NOV 2025 Indianapolis, IN (US) Black Circle
06 NOV 2025 Chicago, IL (US) Live Wire Lounge
07 NOV 2025 Toronto, ON (CA) Lee's Palace
08 NOV 2025 Montreal, QC (CA) Piranha Bar
09 NOV 2025 Ottawa, ON (CA) Dominion Tavern
11 NOV 2025 Boston, MA (US) O'Briens
12 NOV 2025 Portland, ME (US) Geno's
13 NOV 2025 Providence, RI (US) The Parlour
14 NOV 2025 New York City, NY (US) Woodshop
15 NOV 2025 Philadelphia, PA (US) Kung Fu Necktie
16 NOV 2025 Baltimore, MD (US) Mobtown Ballroom
18 NOV 2025 Nashville, TN (US) Arcane Workshop
19 NOV 2025 Chattanooga, TN (US) JJ's Bohemia
20 NOV 2025 Huntsville, AL (US) Mad Malts
21 NOV 2025 Jacksonville, FL (US) The Albatross
22 NOV 2025 Bradenton, FL (US) Obscura

Thanks to All Noir PR and Magnetic Eye Records for the details.

NinjaWitch - Frequency Of Gods (EP Review)

Release Date: September 12th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Frequency Of Gods - Tracklisting

1.I

2.Lords of Light

3.Star Ghost

4.White Buffalo

5.Iron Lotus

Members

Nathan Wright – Vocals

Herb Himes – Lead Guitar

Haley Clark – Guitar

John Springer – Bass

Brandon Clark – Drums

Review

Cosmic Doomsters NinjaWitch continue their deep exploration for Deep Spaced Out Stoner Heaviness with their latest EP Frequency Of Gods that follows a similar template to their debut EP Order Of The Red House. The record stretches across the whole level of Space Rock spectrum with levels of massive distortion which is solidified by an epic sense of musical adventure with the spaced out guitars, droned out rhythm section and sublime vocals from Nathan Wright.

NinjaWitch really sell their gloomy sense of destruction amongst the stars which is also down to the incredible talents of Danielle Fehr who recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered the EP at The Wizard Productions. Danielle expertly captures NinjaWitch’s seedy SABBATHIAN sound which flourishes into Psych Stoner Metal territory on tracks such as I and Lord Of Light.

The first two tracks of I and Lord Of Light is what HAWKWIND would sound like if they crossed paths with the likes of Monster Magnet, SLEEP and High On Fire in places. The lyrics are destructive and wildly poetic with Nathan once again channelling his inner “WYNDORF” to absolute perfection whilst offering his own crazy SHAMANIC spin throughout the whole EP.

NinjaWitch once more focus upon areas of Distorted Doom and Sci-Fi mythology which comes in the shape of Ambient Sounds, Electronic Beats and vivid Psychedelic soundscapes which becomes quite varied on the later stages of the EP. Songs such as Star Ghost and White Buffalo may have a slightly fantastical creative outline to them but NinjaWitch keep demonstrating what a great band they truly are when they play low-key moments of classic Spaced Out Grunge and Sludge Metal surroundings. There’s a part within Star Ghost that has a gloomy Post-Punk, Neil Young and Bob Dylan aesthetic with how the vocals are delivered before the sudden shift into heavy Stoner Metal landscapes.

This could be me but I noticed that certain parts of Star Ghost were influenced by the classic track Knockin On Heaven’s Door. Maybe the band say I’m over-thinking this aspect but it’s the vibe I get and it’s what makes this one of my favourite parts of the whole record.

There are moments of Post-Stoner and Post-Rock attitude appearing on the later stages of the EP which perhaps shows a more reflective to NinjatWitch's music you initially expect.

The final track Iron Lotus is another surreal and superbly heavy distorted expedition into the vast cosmos with sludgy guitars being the best part of this track which allows NinjaWitch to demonstrate why we need a full length album from them as soon as possible. This EP runs for under thirty minutes or so but that’s not enough time as I was emotionally invested before the record suddenly ends but what a musical rush and massive high that NinjaWitch takes you upon.

When everything is said and done, NinjaWitch have delivered another massive slab of pure Cosmic/Stoner Metal genius with Frequency Of Gods that genuinely allows them to become one of the most exciting Psych Stoner Metal bands around.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Metal Devastation Radio for the promo.

 

Links

https://ninjawitch.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/NinjaWitchBand/
https://www.instagram.com/ninjawitch_official/

Sludge/Stoner Rockers FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS reveal video clip for 'MIDHEAVEN' single taken from forthcoming album "BEAR"

In the wake of the latest two-track advance single, 'X' & 'MIDHEAVEN', American heavy duo FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS follow up with a new video clip for the second part 'MIDHEAVEN'. Both songs are taken from the band's forthcoming album "BEAR" that is scheduled for release on October 10, 2025.

On further exciting news, FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS have announced US live dates for Fall 2025! See below for all currently confirmed shows!

You can watch the video for MIDHEAVEN below in all it's blazing glory!!!

On the single, FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS write: "'MIDHEAVEN' gets into this idea of being born under a certain set of stars, and whether or not that has anything to do with who we are", Buick Audra explains. "As a person, who feels like a lifelong misfit with a nature, I can't seem to change, I'm curious about where that starts. Is it written from the start? I'm willing to believe anything at this point. Some days, it's tempting to blame it all on the sky. In the vocal sections of the video, I'm dressed as a quasi-fortune teller, because this song also addresses modern astrology and the weight some people place on it. It seems to almost exist as a get-out-of-jail-free card for human behavior, leaving us wholly unaccountable for our actions. I have questions about those who dole out answers, and why they do so. This is one of the most cinematic pieces of music we've ever recorded, so being in character for part of it seemed fitting."

Jerry Roe adds: "This song is in 6/8, which feels very circular and perpetual to me, so I loved the idea of the camera constantly rotating around us", the drummer and bass player points out. "Our chemistry as musicians is also very special to me and this is one of the rare times where Buick doesn't sing for a long portion of the song, while we get a chance to just play music together for an extended period of time. It made me want to capture that moment purely and with energy, but without making it hard to follow. The extended shot of us playing together in the middle is very moving to me. It took a few shots to nail, but we got a perfect run of it and I'm so proud of it. Buick came in last-minute with the idea of performing the singing shots as a sort of 'oracle' astrologist type with an orb. So we shot it at a high exposure to wash out the whites and skin-tone and it made her look like a sort of mythical goddess, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!"

Credits

Video directed & edited by Jerry Roe
Video shot by Craig Hill & Jerry Roe
Gaffed by Jerry Roe
PA work provided by Lily Sutton
Shot at South x Sea Studios in Nashville, TN (US)

'MELT', 'X' & 'MIDHEAVEN' showcase juxtaposing ends of "BEAR"'s sonic spectrum: one being heavy, the other being lighter – while both are intimately connected through addressing questions about identity and influence.

Tracklist

1.KEEPING SCORE 

2.DRAIN

3.DRIPPING SILVER

4.MELT 

5.NEW

6.X 

7.MIDHEAVEN 

8.IMPERFECT

9.FOUND

10.DEAD & DISCARDED 

FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS are not just any band within the wider musical cosmos of heavy rock and stoner metal. Artistic excellence, reflected in the two Grammy wins of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Buick Audra as well as the status of drummer and bass player Jerry Roe as one of the most sought after studio percussionists, paired with outstanding lyrical intelligence have once again flown together organically to shape their forthcoming album "BEAR".

"BEAR" was written around the realisation that Buick Audra had essentially been kicked out of womanhood. This album is a documentation of her awareness also while cataloguing other areas of human connection: art, outsider culture, and dark rock venues – all places where empathy and creativity grow wild. Audra and Jerry Roe arranged and performed the fourth full-length of FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS album to have two sides to it, musically: heavy and light, salt and sugar, fire and air, and lost and found.

Although hailing from Nashville, Tennessee these denizens of the 'Music City' kindly beg to differ. FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS' sound draws from sludge, doom, heavy metal, and grunge with roots in punk and hardcore, among other guitar driven styles.

FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS were originally conceived as a side project by the two industry veterans Buick Audra and Jerry Roe, whose accolades have already been mentioned above. When the duo found common ground, they were able to bring all their combined musical excellence, perspectives, precision, and power to their new band.

Their early works, the EPs "GARFIELD" (2015) and "JUNEBUG" (2017) as well as the debut full-length "AVE" (2016) were all self-recorded as well as self-produced in their own studio, Fort Knockout, and supported live with regional tours.

FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS' sophomore album 'BILL' (2018) was co-produced by the band with Steve Albini and engineered at his Chicago studio, Electrical Audio. Working with Albini proved a pivotal experience for the duo, both personally and professionally. "BILL" reached a notably larger audience and allowed national touring. Following Albini's passing in 2024, the band released his original analogue mixes of the project, "BILL- The Steve Albini Mixes".

Although the duo's members maintained other ventures, FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS had developed into a focal endeavour for them both. Their again self-produced 2020 EP, "HOLD ON TO YOURSELF", was the beginning of their by now years-long collaboration with Kurt Ballou, who mixed the record. He also mixed their self-produced pandemic-era singles "STONECHILD/ YOUR REIGN IS OVER" (2020), "ALTAR / LAND OF MEN" (2021), and "AND IF MY BODY" (2022). These were later compiled on a limited vinyl release entitled "RELEASE OF THE REST" (2022). The singles also marked a departure from the duo's previous punk and hardcore leanings while introducing a heavier, sludgier sensibility.

FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS recorded and co-produced their third album "MASS" again with Ballou at his GodCity Studio in Salem, MA. Audra recorded and produced her vocals at her Nashville studio, and Ballou then mixed the tracks. With "MASS" (2023), a concept album about memory, language, and the state of Massachusetts, the duo took the important next step of reaching a global audience.

"BEAR" was again co-produced by band members Buick Audra and Jerry Roe. The duo returned to Salem to work along once more with their longtime collaborator, Kurt Ballou, who also tracked the instrumental performances and mixed the record. As a result, the songs with a huge range of musical ideas and expressions are unified in sound as well as in theme, which runs throughout the record in various ways: the ever-elusive idea of belonging, where it occurs, and where it absolutely does not.

With "BEAR", FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS present a rare sparkling gem of an album, heavy yet captivating, shiny yet dark, and songs that brim with important meaning. "BEAR" is easy to get into, but beware, this album will draw its listeners into fascinating and thought-provoking depths!

Release Details

Band: Friendship Commanders
Album title: BEAR
Style: Heavy Rock
Release date: October 10, 2025
Label: Magnetic Eye Records
Review impact date: September 8, 2025

Line-up

Buick Audra – songs, guitar, vocals, co-producer
Jerry Roe – drums, percussion, bass, synths, co-producer

Produced by Friendship Commanders & Kurt Ballou
Recorded by Kurt Ballou at GodCity, Salem, MA (US)
Vocal recording by Buick Audra at Fort Knockout, Nashville, TN (US)
Additional engineering by Jerry Roe at Fort Knockout, Nashville, TN (US)
Assistant engineering by Zach Weeks at GodCity, Salem, MA (US)
Mixed by Kurt Ballou at GodCity, Salem, MA (US)
Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, Portland, OR (US)

Cover artwork by Jerry Roe & Buick Audra
Layout by Buick Audra & Keith Brogdon

Shop : http://lnk.spkr.media/friendshipcommanders-bear

"BEAR" will be available as transparent green & black marbled vinyl LP, and as a Digisleeve CD.

Links

www.friendshipcommandersband.com
www.facebook.com/friendshipcommanders
www.instagram.com/friendshipcommanders

Thanks to Magnetic Eye Records for the details.

Matt C. White - A Cosmic Year (Album Review)

Release Date: August 22nd 2025. Record Label: White Locust Records. Formats: DD

A Cosmic Year - Tracklisting

1.The Descent 02:46

2.Fire Rider I: Collision 06:02

3.Blood Divine 04:11

4.Vicious Cycle 04:19

5.Amalgamate 01:19

6.I Gotta Get Out 03:46

7.As You Whir 01:03

8.The Way Down 04:05

9.Smoke Still Casts a Shadow 02:07

10.Fire Rider II: Rebirth 06:27

Members

Matt C. White

Review

A Cosmic Year is the latest album from multi-instrumentalist Matt C. White who I’ve featured here a few times now. Matt plays an outstanding style of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal where anything goes especially once Matt fully hits his creative peak form throughout the album.

There are moments of Psych, Stoner, Grunge, Doom, Sludge, Prog and Space Rock vibes with Matt inspired by the likes of Mastodon, The Mars Volta, HUM and Soundgarden. The album has an eerie 1970’s Hard Rock attitude but works considerably better when Matt embraces modern day grooves which gives it quite a contemporary and alternative feel.

The instrumental work is simply wonderful to hear with A Cosmic Year never being stifled by the rules of the different genres that Matt works steadily on the album. There is some Funk Rock interplay being heard at different stages of the record which allows Matt to tap into the heavier melodies when the opportunity arises especially on tracks such as Fire Rider !: Collision, Blood Divine,  I Gotta Get Out, The Way Down and the standout track of Fire Rider II: Rebirth.

A Cosmic Year does have a more free-flowing and seedier style of Psych Rock and Space Rock compared to similar records of this type. Matt has a chameleon-like personality here which is thanks to the multiple different vocal styles and storytelling aspects that he puts to great use from start to finish. The lyrics are quite HIP in places but offers a great Hard Rock/Stoner Rock perspective along the way which can be quite grounded despite the Space Rock atmosphere that Matt projects through is intelligent of different musical instruments. 

With a heavy reliance on Electronica sounds, glitches and Psychedelic beats, this record has a unique vibe to make it stand out from the crowd with some highly original tracks that you can easily lose yourself in. Sometimes it’s not the most straightforward album to listen to but Matt demonstrates a wealth of different Rock/Metal passages which are never boring and downright original in places. 

Overall, A Cosmic Year is a highly rewarding and superbly entertaining record with Matt C. White proving why he could be considered one of the most original “solo” musicians within the Stoner Rock scene today.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

www.mattcwhite.com
www.Instagram.com/Matt_C_White

https://open.spotify.com/artist/mattcwhite

https://mattcwhite.bandcamp.com/

BASK - The Turning (Album Review)

Release Date: August 22nd 2025. Record Label: Season Of Mist Records. Formats: CD.DD/Vinyl

The Turning - Tracklisting

1.Chasm

2.In the Heat of the Dying Sun

3.The Traveler 

4.The Cloth

5.Dig My Heels 

6.Unwound

7.Long Lost Light 

8.The Turning

Members

Recording Line-Up:

-Scott Middleton

-Jesse Van Note

-Ray Worth

-Zeb Wright

-Jed Willis

Guest Musicians:

-Clay White - trumpet

-Franklin Keel - cello

-Alex Taub - piano, Hammond b3

Review

The Turning is the eagerly awaited fourth album from Psych/Doom/Stoner Rockers BASK which sees the band return after a six year absence with new material. This has been well worth the wait with BASK generating their own style of Progressive leaning Stoner Rock sound that sees their trademark use of Country, Americana, Space Rock and Blues Rock based harmonies being given a heavier Sludge Rock/Metal makeover influenced by the likes of MASTODON and BARONESS.

There’s also a chilling sense of Post-Doom and Post-Metal melodies that develops within the more abrasive and violent sounds that sees BASK venture out for the very first time in some places. Though, the classic early Americana themes that made BASK such a force to be reckoned with are never too far behind. Throw in a subtle mix of Prog Rock, Folk Rock and Cosmic Rock grooves which allows The Turning to be very hard to categorize and define at times.

This is also one of the albums and possibly BASK’s greatest strengths as you’re not sure what to expect with each passing song. Did you ever wonder what Heavy Spaced Out Doom would sound like when merged with Country, Southern Rock and Americana passages. Well, the answer is perfectly captured here on superbly constructed and brilliantly played tracks such as In The Heat Of The Dying Sun, The Traveler, Dig My Heels and Unwound being some of the best material that BASK have written to date.

Their music is constantly evolving but still showing a thrilling and adventurous creative attitude with BASK not afraid to add even more elements of music such as Post-Rock, Ambient Melodies and Shoegaze which is brought to life with their epic use of different instruments throughout the album. The record can be quite ROOTS based with the “TWANGY” instrumental movements but it’s kept within the areas of Sludge/Stoner Metal with BASK never afraid to experiment at the most crucial moment which transfers this record into MONOLITHIC and INTERDIMENSIONAL SPACE GOAT territory. 

With a range of diverse influences such as Mastodon, Baroness, Elder, Hawkwind, All Them Witches and King Buffalo with BASK even forging and creating their unique style of Heavy Psychedelic music of the highest order. What also makes them stand out is how the band brings a classic EVERYMAN level of storytelling into their cinematic adventure. The lyrics are quite hopeful and brilliantly insightful even when the music takes a daring and apocalyptic turn.

The Turning is an emotionally charged record of the highest order with BASK firmly establishing themselves as one of the most unique and original voices within the modern day Psych Stoner Rock/Metal scene. This is a record of REAL QUALITY and can easily be considered one of the best Psychedelic Rock albums of the year.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Season Of Mist for the promo.

The Turning is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Season Of Mist.

Links

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bask/209266263
Bandcamp: https://basknc.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/basknc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baskband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebandbask

Florist - Adrift (EP Review)

Release Date: August 01st 2025. Record Label: Threat Collection Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl

Adrift - Tracklisting

1.432Hz 03:28

2.Another Moon 06:09

3.Out Of Space 04:13

4.Grow 06:21

5.Adrift (Part A) 04:24

6.Adrift (Part B) 05:04

Members

Frankie Consoli - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Sitar

Kevin Roy - Bass, Backing Vocals

Mike Amador - Drums, Backing Vocals

Jer Dillow - Theremin, Synthesizers, Percussion

Review

Adrift is the latest EP from Psych/Doom/Stoner Rockers Florist which shows the band have a deep and meaningful spiritual side showing within this record. Offset this with a daring Cosmic drift and passages of classic Desert Rock energy then Florist creates a sublime take on the Space Rock sound. The record does take time for the massive sounds to appear with Florist creating and playing subversive Trippy Eastern melodies played against a sudden shift into Sludge Rock dynamics within the excellent instrumental opening track of 432Hz.

The track is mostly Ambient based but the final outburst of heavy Post-Doom passages superbly leads the EP into the next exciting chapter that Florist carefully constructs with echoes of bands such as Domkraft, King Buffalo, ELDER and HOWLING GIANT. Second track Another Moon captures similar sounds of those great bands with Florist adding a definitive gritty Hard Rock edge with the killer STADIUM ROCK based vocals telling a focused and quality based narrative being shown within the lyrics. The added trippy sound effects told through the use of multiple different instruments is one of the main highlights here.

Florist continue with their superbly entertaining, thrilling and down-right heavy musical adventure with Psych Rock soundscapes being created further with that focused Cosmic/Space Rock score that allows the record to become more aggressive and melodic developing on tracks such as Out Of Space, Grow and the stunning two part track of Adrift (Part A) and Adrift (Part B). 

The final two tracks for Adrift (Part A) and Adrift (Part B) are easily the standout tracks and most technically accomplished of all the tracks contained here. As they have a cool Progressive theme appearing at the best possible moment which allows Florist to develop a more daring and deeply engaging sound with the heaviest parts appearing here. Though, the fifth track Grow isn’t too far behind either with Florist playing a seedy, murky and fuzz-heavy sound that shows a deep reliance of AMPLIFIER and RIFF DISTORTION feedback that is superbly matched against the far out COSMIC energy that shows Florist are highly confident at.

Adrift is another great slice of modern day Psych Stoner Rock/Metal with flashes of Sludge, Doom, Prog and that SPACE ROCK goodness that leaves you wanting more. 

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram