Frazer Jones From Desert Psychlist - Favourite Albums Of 2025.

Frazer Jones who runs the amazing Desert Psychlist blog announced his retirement from the scene last month and it was very sad news indeed. As Frazer has been my favourite writer for almost a decade now and I consider him one of my closest friends and biggest supporters within the scene. 

Frazer has been a loyal and dedicated follower of the underground heavy rock scene where he promoted amazing bands with his great reviews and tireless dedication to the scene. Frazer has earned his retirement from the scene where he'll be missed by all. 

However, I managed to convince Frazer to list his favourite albums of 2025 for me to publish on the blog which he's kindly done below. There's no words or fanfare from Frazer, just the records he loved listening to the most. Check out below for some awesome records recommended from the legend himself.

THE FREEKS - STUDIO/LIVE II

BLACK SADHU - ASHES OF AETHER

ACID MAGUS - SCATTERLING EMPIRE

FUZZ EVIL - SMEAR MERCHANTS

ORDOS - FIRE

WITCHROT - SOUL CELLAR

EL SAGUARO - ENTHUSIECSTASY

FUSSKALT - FACELESS MAN

BORRACHO - OUROBORAS

PALM DESERT - RAYS OF THE GOLD AND GRAYS

BLAZONER Announces First Single "I'm In Love With My Car" From Upcoming Covers EP Sonic Chambers

Fredericksburg, Virginia heavy rock trio BLAZONER has released "I'm In Love With My Car," the first single from their upcoming covers EP Sonic Chambers, due out February 13, 2026. The track offers an electrified and harmony rich reinterpretation of the classic QUEEN deep cut.

The band approached the recording with a mix of respect, intensity, and playfulness. Drummer Andy Murray takes the lead vocal, a nod to Roger Taylor’s original performance, while Brian Carnes and Stephen Sullivan join him to build thick, layered choruses that showcase the trio’s signature multi vocal sound. The band recorded an extensive number of vocal tracks to capture the fullness and dramatic lift that makes the original song such a standout. Longtime friend and producer Jeff Covert helped guide the arrangement and brought extra clarity and dimension to the performance.

"I'm In Love With My Car" marks the first look at Sonic Chambers, a collection born from a spontaneous decision to record a few favorite covers in the studio. What began as a simple session quickly evolved into a five track EP that celebrates the music that shaped BLAZONER’s sound and spirit. The single highlights their ability to blend heavy rock power with melodic precision while staying true to the emotional core of the source material.

Listen below:

About BLAZONER:

BLAZONER is a heavy rock power trio from Fredericksburg, Virginia, built on the belief that loud music should feel both massive and melodic. The band leans into thick, saturated riffs, driving rhythms, and vocal harmonies that hit as hard as the instruments behind them. Their sound blends the grit of stoner rock, the pulse of classic heavy rock, and the swirling textures of psychedelia, creating a style that feels raw, hook driven, and unmistakably their own.

Formed by Andy Murray, Brian Carnes, and Stephen Sullivan, BLAZONER is powered by the natural chemistry the three share when they play together. Every member sings, which gives the band a vocal identity rarely found in heavy music. Whether delivering gritty leads or layered harmonies, the voices of all three members work together to add color and emotion to the band’s thick wall of sound. The result is a blend of heaviness and melody that stands out both live and on record.

BLAZONER came out of the gate with a commitment to playing hard, writing often, and letting instinct lead the way. Since releasing their first music in 2023, the band has grown quickly through high energy performances that showcase their volume, intensity, and connection as performers. Crowds respond not only to the weight of the riffs and the immediacy of the songs, but also to the sense that the band is having as much fun onstage as anyone in the room.

Their music reflects a wide range of influences, yet everything is filtered through the same core approach. Play loud, play with purpose, and make songs that feel alive. Whether crafting originals or reimagining the tracks that shaped them, BLAZONER focuses on movement, emotion, and the thrill of a great groove hitting at full power.

BLAZONER continues to evolve as they write, record, and perform, always pushing toward a heavier, tighter, more expressive version of their sound. For the band, heavy music is more than a style. It is energy, teamwork, and a constant exploration of what three people can create when they trust every instinct and hold nothing back.

BLAZONER Is:

Andy Murray — drums and vocals
Brian Carnes — bass and vocals
Stephen Sullivan — guitar and vocals

Connect with BLAZONER:

Bandcamp: https://blazoner.bandcamp.com/album/escape-to-electric-land
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1VxuvmkoQn/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blazonerband?igsh=MTNqMGplYXh2NHlrNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blazoner?si=a5PLZSKRjAmk4vB0
Spotify: https://spotify.link/Z17LAAz7KXb
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blazoner/1709365327

Track Listing: 

Jumpin' Jack Flash

I'm In Love With My Car 

In The Beginning 

Copache  

Travellin' In The Dark

Thanks to C Squared Music for the details.

Libbianski - Episode 1 (EP Review)

Release Date: December 04th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Episode 1 - Tracklisting

1.Continue The Sad 03:57

2.Steve French 04:26

3.Finding A Cure 04:44

Members

Kurt Williams - guitar/ vocals

Nat Reid - bass/ vocals

Tom LaHatte - drums

Review

Episode 1 is the debut EP from Libbianski who fuse Doom, Shoegaze, Post-Metal and Alt Metal that has a solid Doom-Pop foundation with the band playing similar sounds to bands such as TORCHE, HUM and Slow Crush. The record has quite an aggressive and vivid energy which I didn’t fully expect which comes out in full force within the excellent opening track of Continue The Sad. The harsh vocals from Kurt Williams (Guitar) are quite different from Nat Reid’s (Bass)  sublime Alt Metal and Punk Rock delivery.

The music moves from catchy Doom-Pop hooks to a gloriously delicious Post-Metal energy with a sludgy attitude forming throughout. Add a subtle Grunge and Noise Rock attitude which allows Libbianski to dominate the Doomgaze landscape. The lyrics are quite insightful but with a rebellious presence to them. That style of music continues within the outstanding second track Steve French which captures a slightly downbeat Nineties sounding melody with outbursts of Sludge Punk surroundings with the band following closely to their gloomy Pop hooks.

Libbianski are from Wellington, New Zealand which once again shows a different style of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal band to emerge from there with the likes of BEASTWARS, ULCERATE, Planet Of The Dead and Sidewinder impressing me over the years. Libbianski play their own great style of distorted sounds which takes a more warm hearted and disjointed approach within the final track Finding A Cure with Kurt’s and Nat’s vocals once again offering different styles and musical perspective. Tom LaHatte puts in a wonderfully understated performance on drums which makes everything tick throughout the whole EP.

Episode 1 is a superbly heavy, quirky and extremely delightful record with Libbianski offering a different style of Shoegaze that’s brimming with wonderful creativity. 

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp

HUM - Three (Album Review)

Release Date: December 12th 2025. Record Label: Tonzonen Records / Cargo Records. Formats: DD

three - Tracklisting

1.threetoone 03:59

2.freaks of nature 04:08

3.burning air 03:47

4.first contact 02:14

5.humans 05:49

6.march of the lost souls 02:27

7.underground 03:38

8.ashes to ashes 03:57

9.it's up to you 04:08

10.this means war 04:24

11.the HUM 02:23

Lineup

Harri Gottschalk

Martin Kraus

Florian Schnaith

Review

I will admit I was very excited when I received the news that HUM were releasing a new album as I thought this was for the legendary Space Rock Band and not the Psychedelic Stoner Rock band I’m reviewing today. Though, to be fair, this HUM are quite damn good at creating Progressive sounds of their very own with a certain Psychedelic and Space Rock flair. The music is quite freaky and jazzy in places with influences diverse as TOOL, KYUSS, YES and King Crimson. They have also just released their third full length album originally titled “THREE”.

The album spans across eleven tracks with a forty one minute runtime with HUM playing a heavy assortment of Stoner Rock/Metal passages with different time loops and fragmented synths leaning the music into a more fantastical direction. The record opens quite confidently with the excellent opening tracks Threetoone and Freaks Of Nature that does feel very TOOL-esque in places with a witty STONER ROCK approach that has echoes of KYUSS but with HUM doing their own experimental thing. There’s a sudden left-field turn with areas of Surf Rock appearing which gives a very cool sideline in hazy psychedelics and great vocals to match. 

THREE never goes the way you expect with HUM fully exploiting their Prog Rock attitude that brings a more adventurous rhythm to their music on other tracks such as Burning Air, Humans, Underground and This Means War being my favourite parts of the record.

One of the albums main strengths is HUM’s willingness to experiment with different instruments and musical themes that gives the record a highly sophisticated sound even when distorted sounds and freaky passages collaborate with a trippy Spaced Out experience. There is a heavy reliance on Shoegaze, Post-Rock and even Grunge which allows HUM to keep the record remarkably fresh and sometimes unique. 

The production values are excellent whilst offering a minimal aspect for HUM to deliver their music upon and allows the record to be quite cinematic especially within the heaviest moments of the record which there’s a lot of. HUM have delivered the goods with THREE and this is one record worth experiencing time and time again.

 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Creative Eclipse PR for the promo.

THREE is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Tonzonen Records / Cargo Records.

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Cabfighter - The Sea Between Stars (Album Review)

Release Date: December 20th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

The Sea Between The Stars - Tracklisting

1.Knightrider 05:09

2.Kaiju 05:33

3.Untether Me 04:24

4.Bridge of Irreconcilable Sorrow 08:01

5.Weightless 05:09

6.Sky Sized Heart 01:34

7.Still Breathing 06:50

8.Strength of the Tide 04:30

9.The Words We Don't Speak 06:54

10.Ghost Notes 03:31

Lineup

Dick Shivers: Lead Vocals, Piano

Barry Jones: Guitar

Logan Robertson: Guitar, Lead Vocals on Untether Me, Background/Harmony Vocals

Jerry Jones: Drums, Background Vocals

Shasta Ehrhart: Bass, Background/Harmony Vocals

Review

The Sea Between Stars is the debut album from Psych Rockers Cabfighter who bring a refreshing take on the whole HEAVY ROCK sound as their sound is mostly influenced from the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties. Though there is a splash of modern day vibes appearing along the way. Cabfighter plays a blend of Psych, Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, Grunge, Stoner Rock and even Folk. The whole package is not what you expect with Cabfighter leaning heavily into Eighties Heavy Metal with a thrilling Prog Rock attitude emerging within the opening tracks of Knightrider, Kaiju and Untether Me. 

The riffs are built on Prog Rock/Metal energy with Cabfighter showing a fine style of Doom Rock that soon branches out into a more outrageous MOVIE SOUNDTRACK vibe coming from within the lyrics and the great vocals that are delivered throughout the album. If you’re a fan of classic Heavy Metal guitar shredding then CABFIGHTER has that area covered greatly on the album.

As they can’t go without a few moments before an epic guitar solo bursts out of your stereo which transforms the album into something completely different. Though, there’s more to Cabfighter’s music with the band showing some great world-building within their songs that allows this to be quite a conceptual record in many ways.

The production values are excellent with the album having a CLASSIC ROCK atmosphere throughout and when you have the talents of Justin Phelps (The Hallowed Halls), Seánan McCullough (Helvete) and Alan Douches to help behind the scenes then you expect a great sounding record which this one actually is. 

Other standout tracks include: Bridge Of Irreconcilable Sorrow, Weightless, Still Breathing and The Words We Don’t Speak. As these tracks offer the heaviest and most emotionally engaging moments for Cabfighter to entice and impress listeners with. The record can be way OVER THE TOP in places and perhaps slightly too long but Cabfighter’s intense musical performance tugs at the heart strings and the never-ending supply of first-rate instrumental solos allows each band member to impress with their sublime musical skills.

The Sea Between Stars may not be for everyone but if you want a record that cuts out the gimmicks and offers good old fashioned Hard Rock and Heavy Metal then Cabfighter are the band for you. This is the type of Old School Rock & Roll you don’t really come across in today’s musical world. You can thank your lucky stars for CABFIGHTER as they are the real deal. End Of.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

New Mexican Doom Cult Announce New Album Ziggurat Out January 23 Lead Single “Cloudrider” Out Now!

From the frozen edges of Gävle, where the Baltic winds carve deeper than memory and winters seem to stretch into eternity, New Mexican Doom Cult return with their new album Ziggurat, set to be released on January 23rd via Majestic Mountain Records.

Forged in isolation and raised on the altar of down-tuned amplification, the quartet channel a sound unearthed from ancient ruins: a towering fusion of stoner doom, fuzz-worship, and myth-soaked heaviness, steeped in tales of forgotten gods, doomed expeditions, and ritualistic gloom. Their music is a slow-moving avalanche, massive, ominous, ritualistic.

The band recently revealed the lead single “Cloudrider,” a fuzz-drenched hymn inspired by Babylonian demons and “based on true events.” It pays homage to the founding fathers of doom while carving deeper into the band’s own expanding mythology.

Listen to "Cloudrider" here.

New Mexican Doom Cult began their journey with the 2019 single “The Passage”, an eerie ode to a doomed Arctic voyage swallowed by seven months of darkness. This was the first glimpse into the band’s penchant for storytelling steeped in isolation, terror, and the supernatural.

In 2021, the singles “Mark of Cain” and “The Abyss”, recorded with producer Jonas Strömberg at Slowbeat Studios, further defined the band’s aesthetic, biblical fury, primordial chaos, and a steadfast commitment to colossal riffs.

Their true emergence came with the 2023 full-length Necropolis (Ozium Records), a sprawling seven-track ritual of subterranean worship and psychedelic haze. The album earned critical praise for its raw atmosphere and monolithic power, cementing the band as one of Sweden’s darkest and most compelling doom exports.

That same year, From the Crypt (Olde Magick Records) unearthed the band’s earliest recordings, remastered into a five-song tombstone featuring tales of ice monsters, Sumerian demons, cannibal cults, and phantom ships, a proof that from the beginning, the Cult was destined for darkness.

Now aligned with Majestic Mountain Records, New Mexican Doom Cult unveil Ziggurat, their most focused and mythologically rich offering yet. Taking inspiration from the ancient temples of Mesopotamia, the new album feels like a storm gathering over desert ruins, ominous, meditative, and crushingly heavy.

New Mexican Doom Cult

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newmexicandoomcult
Bancamp: https://newmexicandoomcult.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmexicandoomcult

Majestic Mountain Records

Website: https://www.majesticmountainrecords.com
Bancamp: https://majesticmountainrecords.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majesticmountainrecords
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majesticmountainrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Majestic_vinyl

Doom/Post-Metallers Coltaine Release New Video For COLTAINE

Post-Doom/Post-Metal collective Coltaine release a new video for Mogila from their critically acclaimed 2024 album Forgotten Ways with flashes of Black Metal, Psych Rock. Post-Rock and Drone appearing throughout. Quite a bold move releasing a music video from two albums back but when have ever Coltaine played by the rules. 

The band will be supporting Doom/Stoner Metallers FAETOOTH on their forthcoming 2026 European Tour. Dates listed below. 

EU/UK Tour with Faetooth

Tickets: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15513861-coltaine

22/01 - 🇩🇪 Berlin, Lido

23/01 - 🇩🇪 Hamburg, Hafenklang

24/01 - 🇩🇪 Bochum, Die Trompete

25/01 - 🇩🇪 Mainz, Schon-Schoen

27/01 - 🇳🇱 Utrecht, De Helling

28/01 - 🇧🇪 Brussels, AB Club

30/01 - 🇮🇪 Dublin, Workman's Club

31/01 - 🇮🇪 Galway, Roisin Dubh

01/02 - 🇮🇪 Cork, The Pav

03/02 - 🇬🇧 Birkenhead, Future Yard

04/02 - 🇬🇧 Shipley, Kirkgate Community Centre

05/02 - 🇬🇧 Newcastle, Anarchy Brewery

06/02 - 🇬🇧 Glasgow, Classic Grand

07/02 - 🇬🇧 Manchester, Rebellion

08/02 - 🇬🇧 Nottingham, Rescue Rooms

10/02 - 🇬🇧 Bristol, The Fleece

11/02 - 🇬🇧 Wolverhampton, KK's Steel Mill

12/02 - 🇬🇧 Southampton, Papillon

13/02 - 🇬🇧 Swansea, Sin City

14/02 - 🇬🇧 London, The Garage

15/02 - 🇬🇧 Brighton, Patterns

16/02 - 🇫🇷 Lille, Bulle Cafe

17/02 - 🇫🇷 Paris, L'Empreinte Savigny Le Temple

18/02 - 🇫🇷 Lyon, Rock N Eat

20/02 - 🇮🇹 Milan, Slaughter Club

21/02 - 🇮🇹 Bologna, Freakout Club

22/02 - 🇨🇭 Lucerne, Sedel

23/02 - 🇨🇭 Düdingen, Bad Bonn

24/02 - 🇩🇪 Munich, Feierwerk

25/02 - 🇩🇪 Leipzig, UT Connewitz

27/02 - 🇵🇱 Warsaw, Hydrozagadka

28/02 - 🇵🇱 Wroclaw, Lacznik

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram