Still In Love - Recovery Language (Album Review)

Release Date: September 05th 2025. Record Label: Church Road Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Recovery Language - Tracklisting

1.Tell The Truth

2.Nervous Impulse 

3.Preserve & Cherish feat. Sam Carter

4.Feathered Nest

5.Inherit 

6.The State Of Things To Come

7.You Have To Let It Go feat. Andrew Fisher

8.Pillar Of Strength

Members

Vocals/guitar - Jordan Hunsucker

Vocals/guitar - Alex Marr

Bass - Rob Pedroza

Drums - Elan O'Neal

Review

Recovery Language is the debut album from Hardcore/Punk Rock/Metallic mob Still In Love which is made up of members from bands such as Dead Swans, Throats, Brutality Will Prevail, Last Witness and Bring Me The Horizon. So a supergroup of sorts from the UK Hardcore scene and it maybe different from the usual Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal fare I usually feature but Recovery Language is a brutal slice of Metallic Hardcore that fuses elements of Doom, Thrash, Noise and Heavy Metal into its creative roots. 

The songs are short, precise and full of pissed off passion with the grooves being played straight to the point with a real violent and emotional quality appearing throughout. The sound is quite melodic with twinges of Psychedelic swagger appearing but Still In Love focus mostly on their Post-Hardcore/Metallic Metal roots and the music is quite different to some of the members of their more famous bands.

The lyrics are gut-wrenching and aim for a technical knockout each and every time especially on tracks such as Tell The Truth, Nervous Impulse, Preserve & Cherish and Feathered Nest allowing the first half of the album allowing the band to play some of the finest and emotionally charged hardcore beats I’ve heard in some time.

The record shows that the UK Post-Hardcore scene is in very good hands indeed with bands such as Still In Love not afraid to experiment with genre conventions and adding other areas of music into the mix such as Psych, Thrash and Post-Doom influences. The end result is an album that’s absolutely ferocious but also equally uplifting in places despite the dark lyrical matter contained within the tracks.

The instrumental passages are delivered with superb technical precision with some of the music being played at 100 miles per hour especially the frantic drumming and jagged guitars. The vocals are quite jarring but add to the overall aggression and heaviness of the whole experience with Still In Love impressing even further on the second half of the record when some outstanding SONIC inducing moments appear.

The band have called upon the amazing vocal talents of Sam Carter (Architects) and Andrew Fisher (Basement) on the album's standout tracks of Preserve & Cherish and You Have To Let it Go. It’s always have sublime musicians such as Sam and Andrew to call upon to appear on your debut album and this still remains Still In Love’s show with the band putting in a devastating and commanding performance before everything is said and done.

My only complaint is that the record is too damn short but it’s better leaving people wanting more and nothing at all. However, with that being said, Recovery Language is everything you want from a debut album if you're a dedicated follower of the UK Post-Hardcore and Metallic Punk scene. Still In Love are no doubt going straight to the top with this incredible release. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Church Road Records for the promo.

Recovery Language is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Church Road Records.

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MASSASAUGA - The Only Good Wizard Is A Dead Wizard (EP Review)

Release Date: June 14th 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD

The Only Good Wizard Is A Dead Wizard: Tracklisting

1.Witching Hour 03:54

2.The Only Good Wizard is a Dead Wizard 02:57

3.Interlude (No Peace in the Village) 04:53

4.Don't Be Scared of the Dark 02:58

5.Dungeon Crawler 06:20

6.The Sorcerer's Theme (Bonus Track) 02:46

Members:

Conrad Lummus

Adam Stewart

Review:

MASSASAUGA is a Doom/Stoner Rock band from Coventry, UK and their debut EP, The Only Good Wizard Is A Dead Wizard allows the record to qualify under the “DOES THIS DOOM” category and it most definitely does. As the band play a different blend of Doom/Stoner Rock with MASSASAUGA focusing on more modern day elements.

The EP is based on the following concept:

“Inspired by the Witch Trials of the 17th century, "The Only Good Wizard is a Dead Wizard" tells a tale of mass hysteria, ritual sacrifice and ancient magic. A series of events transpiring to create a divide between man and mage.”

MASSASAUGA adds a gloomy style of Fuzz and Hard Rock with Thrashier elements appearing on the opening song Witching Hour. I was expecting MASSASAUGA to be a Green Lung clone but I was pleasantly surprised to see MASSASAUGA offer an almost Gothic and Post-Punk vibe to their music with the tone and melody of the song. This is a killer song with eerie vocals, intelligent lyrics and wicked grooves make this one of the standout tracks on the EP.

Second song The Only Good Wizard Is The Dead Wizard is where the Post-Punk element perhaps takes centre stage but MASSASAUGA still remember they’re a Doom/Stoner Metal band first and this allows them to play an assorted and aggressive melody of Thrash based grooves. The production values are solid with a DIY approach which allows MASSASAUGA to try more exciting things with their music.

Third song Interlude (No Peace In The Village) is an instrumental piece that offers a semi-acoustic Doom Rock/Metal take with some freaky Psychedelic beats. This has a vintage 70’s Hard Rock attitude which can be quite jazzy in places. 

Fourth song Don’t Be Scared Of The Dark sees MASSASAUGA return to playing their vintage and freaky blend of Doom Metal. Add a funkier groove and more occult based lyrics then MASSASAUGA offer another one of the EP’s standout tracks. This is perhaps the most “fun” song on the album as the band drew influence from bands such as Sisters Of Mercy and The Cult on this track alone. 

The final two tracks Dungeon Crawler and The Sorcerer’s Theme become more Thrash based yet again but still offering huge amounts of Stoner based grooves with Dungeon Crawler being the most aggressive and heaviest track on the EP.

MASSASAUGA have delivered the goods with The Only Good Wizard Is A Dead Wizard. Taking bold creative risks for a wholly satisfying release that shows a band with huge potential for their future releases. Check this out when you can. It’s seriously that good.

Words by Steve Howe

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Double Planet - The Great Divide Volume 2 (EP Review)

Release Date: June 16th 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

The Great Divide Volume 2: Tracklisting

Glassy Eyed Superfly

Get It Out

Thrashkin Robbins

Google Is Skynet Reimagined

Jangly

Paste

Members

Mike McCaughan – Vocals

Bill Guy – Guitar / Vocals

Brian “Mac” McMahon – Guitar

Jon Greenhill – Drums

Tony Giunta – Bass

Review

The Great Divide Volume 2 is the new EP from Doom/Stoner Rockers Double Planet and follows on from their previous volume released back in 2021. The EP has a raucous Punk Rock energy with a certain Red Fang and QOTSA influence to it all. This isn’t the most groundbreaking of EP’s to listen to but Double Planet are highly confident at what they do here with the music having a manic turbo-charged feel and appetite leading the way. 

The grooves are quite manic in places with Double Planet even playing a friendly style of Thrash Metal attitude within the opening tracks Glassy Eyed Superfly and Get It Out. These tracks allow Double Planet to play a confident style of Doom/Stoner Rock which can be downright catchy and aggressive at times. The production values are raw, vibrant and have a chaotic free-flowing sound to them. 

Double Planet channel early era-QOTSA throughout this EP perhaps Rated R and Songs For The Deaf era to my untrained ears of course. There’s a fucked up carefree attitude heard within the lyrics and the different styles of Stoner Rock passages that Double Planet adopt for this EP especially on Thrashkin Robbins and Google Is Skynet Reimagined. This part of the EP is where things become heavier and more politically charged which is a good thing to see for Double Planet to try their creative hands at. 

The final two songs Jangly and Paste return to a more Doom/Stoner riff-driven approach which allows the band to have the most fun with their music though the odd chaotic Thrash based groove appears which left me wanting to hear more.

The Great Divide Volume 2 is a much better release than its predecessor. As Double Planet offer more daring and KICK-ASS sounds which shows the band have become more rebellious whilst still having fun with their music.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

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Introduce Yourselves: Double Planet

What is the name of your band?

Double Planet

What is the genre of music that you play?

Heavy, thrashy, spacey, progressive, grunge / stoner rock.

Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?

Initially formed in 2008 as three piece, Double Planet has slowly expanded to its current five piece configuration with the addition of a second guitarist in 2012, and a lead vocalist in 2019.

What can people expect from your music?

Relentless emotion with a wide variety of influences. Songs that will take you down a path with many unexpected twists and turns.

What is the best release that folks should check out from your band?

The Great Divide Volume 1 was the first release as a five piece including a lead vocalist. Volume 2 will be released in June 2023 and continues our evolution into something we ourselves find hard to define.

Where can people find you on Social Media?

www.doubleplanetband.com
https://www.facebook.com/doubleplanet/
https://www.instagram.com/doubleplanetband/
https://doubleplanet.bandcamp.com/music
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5M2FJb0LjAqCiBGdFNozmH
https://www.youtube.com/@doubleplanetband

Sea Of Flame - Bristlecone (EP Review)

Release Date: April 08th 2023. Record Label: Iron Head Records. Formats: DD

Bristlecone: Tracklisting

1.Pins and Needles 03:42

2.Loper 05:21

3.Lorena Hobbit 03:57

4.Rat Feast 04:56

5.Bristlecone 06:19

Review

Bristlecone is the new release from Heavy Stoner Rockers Sea Of Flame who take a “Back To Basics” approach with their music. The music is fast-paced and very direct when the Thrash based grooves appear with that slightly Punk tinged sound. Sea Of Flame play to their strengths and offer sounds inspired by bands such as Orange Goblin.

Opening track Pins and Needles has multiple beatdowns and thrash beats that does feel inspired by Metallica in places but the STONER influences are there but with a more Heavy Metal edge. The song has a vibrant “TROUBLEMAKER” quality to it with the music always being constantly aggressive. There’s some melodic moments but it’s mostly of the more ferocious kind that the band plays with absolute relish.

Second track Loper opens with a more Psychedelic sound before moving into a familiar Stoner groove that is quite gloomy when the song finally moves up a gear. The vocals are reminiscent of 90’s era Stoner Metal with some KYUSS based riffs moving this song to its powerful conclusion. Loper is one of the standout tracks on the EP and the band play some of the heaviest FUZZ based grooves on the record.

Third track Lorena Hobbit is one of the more interesting creative styles for the EP. As the band merges Thrash, Stoner, Fuzz and Desert Rock into one crazed package. The vocals are slightly a bit over the place but they’re sung with pure energy and conviction. The music moves from straight forward Stoner riffs to the more crazed Psychedelic and Doomed Out carnage that brings the Thrash Metal approach to the WEEDIAN sound that Sea Of Flame are ultimately a part of.

Fourth song Rat Feast sets the scene for Sea Of Flame play fast and loose with genre conventions with extended jams winning the day that has an EARTHLESS quality to it when the freaky Psychedelic guitar solos appear. The vocals appear briefly and the song works best when it’s purely an instrumental track that shows what great musicians the band really are.

Bristlecone is more a Blues/Psych Rock number with outbursts of Thrash based Stoner aggression. Sea Of Flame switches musical styles with relevant ease that show a softer side to the band but still remaining violently aggressive when the time calls for it. The band even find time to include styles of Americana and Boogie Rock which I didn't expect at all.

This EP is a superbly entertaining release that benefits from superb production values and perhaps showcases a great band to root for within the underground scene.

Words by Steve Howe

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House Of Lightning - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: 01st December 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

House Of Lightning – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Fear Merchant 04:45
2.James Brown 08:07
3.Rapture 03:42
4.Small Hours 04:26
5.Quadzilla 07:03
6.Trust 08:14

Band Members

Henry Wilson - guitar, vocals

Eric Hernandez - bass

Rick Smith - drums

Review

Greetings All

Florida's House of Lightning's self titled album is a most interesting record. It's one that requires repeated listens because the first time around something sounds a bit off. I really didn't know what to think the first time around. So, I hopped in the car, cranked it up, and absorbed it all in. Next thing I knew my head was rocking and it hit me like a ton of bricks. This thing rocked. The band plays a high energy mix of metal riffs and bends with some heavy ass drums and a little bit of thrash metal thrown in for good measure. The style and tempo change a couple of times in almost every song.

There is some 80's metal feel mixed with a 90's thrash/punk influence. With just a touch of hardcore thrown in for good medicine. I am talking solely the music, the other interesting element is the vocals. There are bit of a mind fuck that takes a while to wrap your head around. As they're a mix of 70's hard rock/radio rock with 90's alternative rock. It may turn some people off, but I dug it.

It all made a little more sense when I checked the band's bio and saw the Torche/Floor/Dove connection. There are some definite similarities that add some clarity to this record. House of Lightning tends to draw more from the thrash and metal influences in lieu of the sludgy aspects of the aforementioned bands.

The 6 tracks are an epic 37 minutes of headbanging action. The first track Fear Merchant kicks you in the teeth right away. James Brown hits you with the big time tempo changes. Rapture is reminiscent of old school Metallica and leads into the albums shortest and slowest track Small Hours. Which gives way to the shifty Quadzilla. The album closes with Trust, an absolute neck-breaker.

This record will grow on you, most definitely. If you are someone that doesn't like your peas mixed with your carrots, then maybe this isn't your thing. Though, if you're adventurous and dig throwing a bunch of shit in a blender to see what you get, hop aboard, House of Lightning will get your juices flowing!

Words by Todd Stealey

Links:

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Iron Altar - S/T (EP Review)

Release date: August 22^nd 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Iron Altar – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Nothing 06:25

2.Followers 04:43

3.Rising Tide 04:27

4.Blood Rain 04:16

Band Members:

Andrew Callis - Vocals,

Daniel Drever - Guitar,

Simon Anger - Bass,

Lyle Brown - Drums

Review:

It's hard to believe that Iron Altar have only been going strong as a band for less than a year. Going by their debut EP, these guys could have a very bright future ahead of them. Their sound is not the easiest to categorize but it's sure hugely enjoyable to listen to. Iron Altar blend Thrash, Heavy Metal, Groove Metal and a ton of Stoner Metal attitude which is all held together by a certain Southern Metal charm.

Sure the music isn't the most original but Iron Altar's debut EP is loud, brash, heavy and packed full of great riffs. Iron Altar have a vicious approach to their music especially with Andrew's killer vocals. Opening track – Nothing – sees Iron Altar create a heavy Southern/Thrash/Stoner/NWOBHM kind of sound that will appeal to perhaps the more hardened Stoner/Heavy Metal fan. I can hear shades of Mastodon, COC, Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society running through Iron Altar's riffs and that's no bad thing.

The rest of the EP follows the same template as the opening track but Iron Altar do change the mood from time to time. Second track – Followers – is southern metal/thrash style number with the band playing at a fast pace. The drumming in particular is very impressive indeed. Heavy progressive beats make this one of the standout songs on the EP.

The production on the EP is first rate. For a debut release, this sounds superb from start to finish. The whole tone of the EP is loud and one that demands your attention. This is a band we all should be keeping an eye on as this could be the start of promising career for Iron Altar. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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FISTULA - Looking For Infection (Album Review)

Release date: July 15th 2016. Label: PATAC Records. Format: CD/DD

Longing For Infection – Tracklisting

1.Too Many Devils and Drugs 03:48

2.Morgue Attendant 05:11 video

3.The Big Turnout 05:22

4.Destitute 06:25

5.Smoke Acid Shoot Pills 08:23

6.Loyal To The Foil 02:41

7.Detox 04:53

Band Members:

Harrington - Vocals

Bing - Guitar

Branca - Guitar

Peel - Bass

Sullivan - Drums

Review:

Now I will fully admit I've only been a fan of FISTULA for the last few years now. I haven't listened to everything in their extensive back catalogue but I consider myself a fan and I've really enjoyed the albums they've released over the years.

Though their latest album – Looking For Infection – maybe my fave album of theirs yet. With this being a FISTULA record, the mood is bleak, brutal and downright nasty. The album is a throwback to the classic era of Heavy/Extreme Metal with the sounds routed in modern day Sludge/Doom Metal with a great blend of hardcore vibes that gives the album an unflinching edge.

Opening track – Too Many Devils And Drugs – perfectly captures the mood of the current FISTULA sound with brutal fast-paced riffs and Dan's pissed off vocals.

The rest of the album follows the standard template of the opening track but FISTULA are clever enough to splice audio clips in the mix to give their album a sense of fear and dread. By the time songs – Morgue Attendant, The Big Turnout and Smoke Acid & Shoot Pills appear you're either head-banging in unison or listening to in utter disgust but you just can't turn away. The album has that magical, freakish and scary quality to it that will leave you in a hypnotic trance.

The riffs and music in general are raw as hell but it has to be for this kind of album. It should be noted this album sees founding member – Bahb Branca – return to playing guitars for the band instead of bass. The album perhaps has an angrier sound as a result.

The production feels very heavy in places but shouldn't deter your enjoyment of the album. FISTULA have been going since 1998 and have stayed true to their DIY ethic whilst some of their peers have gone down the mainstream route. Not, FISTULA. These guys have remained in the underground for the best part of two decades and their music is dangerous and more exciting than their mainstream counterparts can ever dream about.

Whilst not breaking new ground, Looking For Infection is one of the harshest and brutal albums I've heard this year. Ignore this at your peril.

Words by Steve Howe

Looking For Infection is available to buy on CD/DD now from PATACRecords.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

NETHERLANDS - AUDOBON (Album Review)

Release date: June 17^th 2016. Label: Prosthetic Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

AUDUBON – Tracklisting

1.L.M.M. 03:07

2.ELEPHUCK 03:35

3.THUMPER 02:23

4.THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN 03:37

5.NEW JOCKS 02:23

6.DOTS 02:50

7.THROMBOSIS 02:58

8.ALIEN PUSSY 02:43

9.IN CYAN 04:42

Band Members:

Timo Ellis (guitar, throat)

Ava Farber (synth, bass)

Zach Eichenhorn (drums)

Review:

Greetings all,

I got to check out the brand new album from noise rock band Netherlands. First off, they're from New York, not Western Europe. And second, this three piece is a guitar, drums, bass synth trio. Mind is officially blown. To be honest, I am a bass guy, so I was taken back when I realized all the low end was not coming from the good ol' boomstick, but to be completely honest, you wont miss it. This trio is fierce and the songs are amazing. Netherlands will not fuck with your ADD. None of the first 8 songs clock in over 4 minutes, the final scorcher goes over a bit, but they will get you with their seemless and unique blend of noise rock with some nwobhm/80's metal vocal. The songs bounce all over you in an epic whiplash that is sure to please.

The openers, L M M and Elephuck, are ragers that will pummel you while you smile. The third track Thumper is angry and intense. The band does not let up at all over the next two The bottom of the Ocean and New Jocks before careening wildly into the awesome Dots. The luxurious battering rams Thrombosis and Alien Pussy do just that, ram you hard and make you want more. Before they finally let up and deliver the mammoth In Cyan to send you on your merry way.

I was not at all familiar with Netherlands before this album, but I can not say enough about how righteous and heavy this record is. I am hooked and you will be too. Check it out and bliss out, or break some shit or whatever flops your mop. Highly recommended!

RIYL - Melvins, Big Business, Faith No More, Deftones, Skeleton Key

Words by Todd Stealey

Links:

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Svlphvrvs - The Surfeit (Album Review)

Release date: May 21^st 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

The Surfeit – Tracklisting

1. Intro: All of Them Witches 01:09

2.The Surfeit 01:02

3.Perverse Ain't the Word 01:06

4.Sequestered Days (moonlight requisition) 00:54

5.Chaos and Guilt 01:14

6.Cows and You 01:02

7.Torn From the Future (a family story) 00:56

8.Adoration 01:34

9.Pazuzu's Sow 02:20

10.Anxious West 01:02

11.Mother Pile 01:17

12.The New Family (code R.E.D.) 02:01

13.I Wanna Be Rewarded For Who I Am 01:46

14.Disbelief 01:07

15.Micro Aggressor 00:53

16.Pedophile Immolation 01:15

17.Runoff 01:40

18.Amaryan 01:04

19.Life's Shit Lotto (irreversible neurogenic damage from aerosolized pig brain inhalation) 01:08

20.Word Crime 00:45

21.Bonnacon 01:00

22.Unpaid 01:26

23.I Don't Own Anything 01:12

24.Epic March 02:22

25.Endtro: All of Them Witches (Reprise): The End of Civilization 01:56

Band Members:

Jason Goldberg: bass, vox

Jon Slusher: guitar and vox

Jim Staffel: drums

Review:

So this is what happens when you get two members of Sludge/Post-Metallers – BEAK and the drummer from YAKUZA. Svlphvrvs is a very hard band to describe. Psych, Thrash, Doom, Crossover and Punk Rock. Very different to their respective bands. Svlphvrvs debut album is a 25 song opusthat runs less than 30 minutes and it's been a very hard album to review. As most of the songs only last 60 seconds or so. It's hard to get a distinct impression of the entire album.

Though I will say Svlphvrvs never outstay their welcome as they create some highly fucked-up and action packed riffs which veers into many different musical directions. This is one collection of songs that has a major identity crisis but I think that's the point of Svlphvrvs. It's loud, messy and violent but it's a whole load of fun from start to finish. Crossover Thrash merged with Psychedelic Noise/Doom tinged Punk Rock. It's a collection of sounds influenced from the Punk, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scenes over the last 40 years.

Fans of Minor Threat, Discharge and Slayer should definitely check this out. I can't pick a standout track as Svlphvrvs don't create songs that are meant to be liked. They create songs that are meant to be used as a war-cry when jumping about in a violent mosh-pit. The vocals are superb even if they sound very disjointed at times. You may think I'm hating on this album but believe me I'm not. I think this is a damn good record and it's an exciting wild ride. The production could have done with more work though you don't want the album to be overly-produced as that would take away a little bit of the magic that Svlphvrvs create here.

If you want something different to your usual run-of-the-mill Heavy Metal sounds then The Surfeit will no doubt entertain you for the next 30 mins. Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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