BEASTMAKER - Inside The Skull (Album Review)

Release date: May 19th 2017. Label: Rise Above Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Inside The Skull – Tracklisting

Evil One

Heaven To Hell

Now Howls The Beast

Of God’s Creation

Give Me A Sign

Nature Of The Damned

Psychic Visions

Inside The Skull

Night Bird

Sick Sick Demon

Members:

Trevor William Church - Guitar, Vocals...

Andres Alejandro Saldate (Juan Bonham) - Drums..

John Tucker – Bass

Review

Greetings all,

Over the past couple of weeks I have given multiple listens to the new album by the Fresno, CA based Sabbath worshipping Hellions Beastmaker. Honestly, to call them Sabbath worshipping may not even be a strong enough description. You may ask yourself, if another Sabbath-esque sounding band is a good thing. It isn't a good a thing...It is a fucking great thing!

Beastmaker hits the darkest, doomiest, occult rock swagger possible. Inside the skull is both an homage and an evolution on the sound we all know and love. The only way I can think to say is that they absolutely, fucking killed it! They have studied, made the beast, and unleashed it on the world. So all you have to do is sit back and let it consume you.

The record sounds perfect. It is not over produced, not under produced, the sound and tone is spot on. The track list is perfect. They have modernized the sound of Ozzy-era Sabbath. The songs are amazing. Every track is filled with masterful riffs, they are catchy as hell, and filled with the kind of dark, sinister lyrics we all know and love. And dammit if vocalist/guitarist Trevor Church doesn't sound just like Ozzy. It is freaking eerie at times. The band is tight, the rhythm section of Andy Saldate and John Tucker are ferocious.

The record just oozes the big bass, drum and guitar sound that fills me with equal parts awe, jealousy, and appreciation for what I am hearing. The band has that unmistakable Sabbath sounds, but there are also elements of some of their past and present Rise Above label mates. There is some definite Electric Wizard heaviness along with some of Uncle Acid's creepy, garage psych fuzz.

Inside the Skull opens with a stunning 1-2 punch. Big drums and riffs open both Evil One and Heaven to Hell. These two lead into the dark ethereal sound of Now Howls the Beast, which features some absolutely stunning female vocals on the chorus. Of Gods Creation slows things down a bit, while still bringing the big doom laden riff. Give Me a Sign is probably the most Sabbath sounding vocal and is my favorite track. 

Nature of the Damned has a dare I say Alice in Chains vibe about it. Psychic Visions is an epic piece of doom and is followed by Inside the Skull which just continues the riff laden assault. Night Bird is a bit of a bombastic riff with a definite psychedelic tinge. The album closes with catchy, heavy bass chug of Sick Sick Demon.

Listen, I'm not going to say that if you like Black Sabbath you should check out Beastmaker. If you are reading this, you fucking love Sabbath. I will say that if you are in the mood or have ever wondered what Sabbath may have sounded like if they kept going (outside of 13...) you will want to check this out. I swear there are some absolutely eerie similarities. You will pick up parts that sound just like they fell out of the first 6. 

Dig it! Check this one out.

Words by Todd Stealey Instagram @alltheghoststhathauntyou

Inside The Skull will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Rise AboveRecords from May 19^th 2017.

Links:

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SautruS - Anthony Hill (Album Review)

Release date: May 12th 2017. Label: Pink Tank Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Anthony Hill – Tracklisting

1.The Way

2.Good Mourning 05:15

3.The Fungus

4.Cats On The Fence

5.Synopticon 08:40 video

6.Shotgun 08:57

7.When The War Is Over

Members:

Weno Winter- Vocals

Michał Nowak- Guitar

Piotr 'Ochota' Ochociński- Drums

Michał Młyniec - Bass

Review

I've had SautruS new album Anthony Hill a while to review. The reason why I didn't review it sooner as I was sent a YouTube link to review. I'm not a fan of listening to reviews via YouTube. Watching the odd video here and there is cool but not reviewing albums. Anyway, I digress, Anthony Hill is a fairly complex and challenging album to listen to from the start.

This album owes a huge debt of gratitude to Prog Rock/Metal visionaries – TOOL. As the band focus more on progressive rock than the psychedelic stoner rock sound they made their name with on their last album. The vocals from Wemo impress from the word go as opening track – The Way – combines fuzz, psych, stoner and progressive sounds for a more refined sound.

The rest of the album follows a similar path to The Way with the band focusing heavily on their progressive rock sound. Songs such as Good Mourning, The Fungus, Cats On The Fence, Shotgun, and When The War Is Over all show that SautruS haven't left their trademark sound behind as you can still hear moments of Psychedelic Blues/Stoner Rock vibes that made their debut album such a winning record.

The production is pitch perfect and perhaps the albums main strength as the album does indeed sound incredible. You can experience every note played with precision and passion. Another highlight of the album is the whole experimentation of the entire album. SautruS merge different sounds to create a lucid psychedelic trippy ride into the unknown. Parts 60s Acid Rock and more modern based riffs should keep long-term Stoner Rock fans fully entertained.

Anthony Hill was an album I wasn't expecting from SautruS though I'm glad they have released a record such as this. It may not have the repeatability factor of their excellent debut album but it's a stronger album in every other sense. For that I applaud the band for releasing something different whilst challenging themselves both musically and artistically.

Words by Steve Howe

Anthony Hill is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Pink Tank Records now.

Links:

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STEAK - No God To Save (Album Review)

Release date: May 19^th 2017. Label: Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

No God To Save – Tracklisting

1.Overthrow

2.Coke Dick

3.Clones

4.King Lizard

5.Living Like A Rat

6.Mountain

7.Rough House

8.Creeper

9.Wickerman

10.The Ebb

Members:

Kip, Cam, Reece, Sammy

Review

The whole outlook for their new album No God To Save and for Steak themselves can be summed up in the opening moments of first track Overthrow, a series of blissed out and fuzzy riffs that creep along in a hazy but focused stance but then simply explode in a triumphant wave of fuzz laden brilliance.

It's this fuzz laden brilliance that is the key to Steaks outrageously fun music and it continues through No God To Save. From that starkly triumphant and unforgettable opener, the band are on an upward trajectory from which they threaten to never come down from, if you like your riffs meaty (no pun intended, meaty is the only way to describe Steak's riffs) then this is the album to listen to.

The tracks Coke Dick, Clones and King Lizard follow and all have that same blissed out feeling as the albums opener with riffs to match and an epic feel that threatens to burst out of the speakers at any point. The band like to keep the listener engaged and just when you think their music on this album can't get any better, the albums centrepiece, the monolithic Living Like A Rat emerges and consumes all in its path, with riffs that could destroy planets.

The tracks that follow especially Creeper and Wickerman are just as strong and the album has to be listened to as whole from start to finish to get its true value (no picking and choosing tracks here) and when the album winds up with the sublime The Ebb, you will be left in a state of riff appreciating awe and you can pick your head and your jaw off the floor.

Steak have a triumphant vibe about their music and you can't help but feel inspired when listening to their music and this is definitely feel good music in its purest form.

Bringing the Californian desert vibes to the U.K, Steak have created an album to be treasured with No God To Save and with the halfway point to this year rapidly upcoming, have made a strong and clear stake for the album of 2017, its that good so go get it, turn up loud and bask in its innate fuzzy glory.

Words by Gavin Brown

Thanks to Richard at Sheltered Life PR for the promo. No God To Save will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music from May 19^th 2017.

Links:

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Jukebox Monkey - Grey Skies Red Planet (Album Review)

Release date: April 28th 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Grey Skies Red Planet – Tracklisting

1.They're Building A Gallows 06:26
2.Death on Mars 04:18
3.Daughter and Heir 05:21
4.This Septic Isle 03:55
5.Liquid Mistress 06:34
6.Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue 04:58
7.Crawling as the Crow Flies 07:46
8.Divisions 07:04

Members:

Chris D- Vocals and guitar

Pete - Drums

Chris H- Guitar

Niki J - Bass

Review

There is only one way to describe UK Stoner Metallers JUKEBOX MONKEY new album – Grey Skies Red Planet – and that is - FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC. It's very surprising that we haven't seen many reviews for this album as it's a great listen from start to finish with the band influenced by the classic sounds of Stoner Metal, Doom Metal and Heavy Metal. The vocals from Chris D really shine through especially on the opening track – They're Building A Gallows.

Fans of Kyuss, Desert Storm and Orange Goblin will find much to enjoy here. Though Jukebox Monkey add a more space rock vibe on songs such as Death On Mars, This Septic Isle, Liquid Mistress and Dictionary Of The Vulgar King. The instrumental work is another highlight of the album as these guys really know how to play their instruments to make an almighty impressive loud racket.

The album provides a true reflection on what to expect on the album. Epic riffs are the main order of business but this album has such an infectious groove that will soon have you under their spell. The lyrics even though way over the top at times, actually keep you entertained when merged with the heavy riffs.

Some people may think Jukebox Monkey don't offer anything new or original within the Stoner Rock/Metal scene. True, whilst that may be true in some aspects. You can't deny how exciting this album truly is. Jukebox Monkey wear their influences on their sleeves and they do it so well. The album has cool moments of Blues Rock appearing here and there.

It's the final two tracks – Crawling As The Crow Flies and Divisions – is where Jukebox Monkey excel at. As they offer 15 minutes of pure vintage Stoner Metal chaos and they leave you wanting more. The only downside of the album is that sometimes the production can be too loud at times and other times you want to hear more volume. It's only for a few moments but it shouldn't stop you enjoying this kick-ass album.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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Olneya - S/T (EP Review)

Release date: Dec 30th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Olneya – Tracklisting

1.mantra 03:12

2.zerouno 06:16

3.zero due 04:48

4.Road to Aokigahara 01:50

5.zero tre 06:00

Members:

Maurizio Morea : guitars

Pj : drums

Enry Cava: bass

Review

Olneya are an Instrumental Psych/Stoner Rock band from Italy. Their debut EP whilst not offering anything new does show that the band have keen eye for sonic experimentation. Influenced by bands such as Kyuss and Black Sabbath. Their music can be quite mellow at times but eerily heavy at the same time.

Opening track – Mantra – is a droned out/space rock song that is played at a slow pace. It would have been better if the band played a faster style of music on this track. Second track – zerouno – is a superb song that merges Desert Rock, Psych and Stoner Rock riffs with a gloomy based atmosphere.

Third track – zero due – carries on the heavy spaced out sound with the Olneya adding a more grunge style sound. The final two tracks – Road To Aokigahara and zero tre – sees the band creating their most experimental and perhaps best tracks on the EP. Especially with Road To Aokigahara, as it is a droned out desert rock/post-rock kind of sound.

The final song – zero tre – has a more natural flow and feel compared the other tracks. This is the song that I feel represents Olneya's true sound. The song felt like it had a beginning, middle and an end. If the band created more great songs such as this EP would be considered a great release instead of a solid and highly enjoyable one.

The other issue I have is the production. I know that Olneya are a DIY band and I applaud that. The issue I have with the EP is the volume of it all. It's far too low and there were moments I had to turn the volume to almost maximum levels on my laptop.

I don't want to be too hard on the band. As Olneya do have potential if they manage to release a better produced EP. I actually want to hear more music from Olneya as they have me intrigued in which direction they will go next.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

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NO GOOD ADVICE - Exclusive Video Premiere For SPACE SURFERS

NO GOOD ADVICE have just released excellent new album - From The Outer Space - via Argonauta Records. Which you can buy here.

Argonauta Records have allowed ourselves here to premiere their new video for the superb new song - SPACE SURFERS - for which you can watch below.

If you're a fan of bands such as Kyuss and Monster Magnet then check this great band out now.

Links

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Dustrider - Event Horizon (Album Review)

Release date: May 19th 2017. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD

Event Horizon – Tracklisting

1.Warped

2.Cosmo

3.They Live!

4.Fallout Criminal

5.Agartha

6.Stratosphere

7.Event Horizon

8.Ultima IV

9.Dust Devil

Members:

Bruno ‘Brüno’ Bellisario - Guitar

Andrea ‘Keoma’ Romano - Bass

Francesco ‘Krundaal’ Romano - Drums

Review

Dustrider's debut album - Event Horizon - manages to avoid the usual clichéd route and pitfalls of Instrumental Psych Doom/Stoner Rock by offering a fresh perspective on things. Event Horizon creates a more distorted sound as Dustrider take their time in bringing heavy riffs to the party.

Opening track - Warped - is a doomier and psychedelic affair that you weren't possibly expecting. 

The production has a dramatic flair that allows Dustrider to create a sound that is both professionally produced and one that has a DIY based feel. Dustrider add moments of classic Desert/Stoner Rock sound towards the end of the song. As you can tell by the excellent album cover and song titles, Dustrider are heavily influenced by science fact and science fiction in general.

The whole feel album has a more spaced out/apocalyptic feel compared to other Instrumental Stoner Rock bands. I know some people can find Instrumental Rock bands a hard thing to listen to. Not with me as I've grew up on a steady diet of classic Instrumental Rock/Metal bands over the years. Dustrider manage to stand on their own convictions and create their own highly intriguing sound.

Songs such as Cosmo, They Live!, Stratosphere, Event Horizon and Dust Devil is where the band show their most inventive work with heavy psychedelic riffs becoming the main focus of their music. The instrumental work is superb throughout as the band take influence from bands such as Karma To Burn, Monkey3 and other important bands form the instrumental rock/metal scene. 

I've heard a couple versions of this album now. As the band kindly let me listen to the very early rough mixes. The first version I heard wasn't the finished article but I was impressed way back then.

The final version of Event Horizon is a more well-rounded experience as Dustrider have added different sound effects to create a more out of world sound. There are a few progressive parts that I missed from the early demos. One of the standout tracks on the album has to be Fallout Criminal as Dustrider play a more frantic style of Desert/Stoner Rock spliced with spaced out grooves.

With Dustrider being an Italian band it's good to see Argonauta Records releasing this album. Those guys are the perfect fit for each other. Bruno B (Lead Guitars) is a writer here at the blog.

You may think I'm praising this album because of that though I assure you I'm not. Dustrider have created a genuinely exciting album with Event Horizon. it may take some time for the Stoner Rock scene to ""discover"" Dustrider and see what they're all about. I implore you now to take a chance on Dustrider as Event Horizon is a thrilling style of Psych/Stoner Rock that you'll find very hard to beat. If you're a serious fan of Psych/Stoner Rock then I advise you to buy this album now.

Words by Steve Howe

Event Horizon will be available to buy on CD/DD via Argonauta Records from May 19^th 2017.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp