The Tazers - Outer Space (EP Review)

Release Date: April 22nd 2022. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD/Vinyl

Outer Space - Tracklisting

1. Outer Space

2. Glass Ceiling

3. Ready To Die

4. Up In The Air

Members:

Guitar/Vocals – Jethro Lock

Bass / Vocals – Werner Jordaan

Drums / Vocals – Tim Edwards

Review

Outer Space is my first experience with South African Psych Rock/Fuzz Rock crew The Tazers. The band have already released a few EP’s and a full length album since their formation in 2015. Their new EP Outer Space is a Psychedelic Fuzzed Up Adventure if you dig bands such as The Black Keys, The Hives and even All Them Witches. Some Garage Rock and scuzzy Stoner Rock grooves make this a delightfully offbeat release.

The Tazers feel like seasoned pros on this release and opening track Outer Space is a heavy Fuzz Rock number with an Alternative Feel that oozes some serious street cred. The band carry on moving with the 60s/70s themes with elements of Punk Rock making a low-key appearance on tracks such as Glass Ceiling and Up In The Air.

The EP is fantastically heavy which I didn’t expect but my headphones were bouncing along to The Tazers heavy Psychedelic tones with the added bonus of each member contributing to the lead vocals for the majority of the release.

Outer Space has excellent production values with the EP being decidedly Classic Rock sounding and having a modern day shine to it all. The Tazers are about to embark on a European Tour where they will be playing shows in Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland. I can see these guys going down a storm with European audiences and Outer Space is perhaps the EP to get themselves more established with the European Fuzz/Stoner Rock scene. 

All in all, Outer Space is a fast-paced and grounded release that offers plenty of exciting moments within its fourteen minute running time.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Warren at Plug Music Agency for the promo.

Outer Space is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl.

Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

Majestic Mountain Records To Release New Vinyl Versions of KAL-EL Classic Albums PAKAL and DARK MAJESTY

Fine people of the Majestic Mountainverse! It is finally time. The surprise, heavy ass Friday Pre-Order drop you’ve been waiting for IS A GO!

We are proud to present for you, not only the sought after repress of Kal-El's stoner rock masterpiece ‘𝘿𝘼𝙍𝙆 𝙈𝘼𝙅𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙔’ but also, for the first time ever on vinyl with the full Majestic treatment, '𝙋𝘼𝙆𝘼𝙇' Kal-El's debut album that started it all.
Both releases come in two unbelievable waxy variations and all details are below.

️𝗣𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗟

Kal-El's debut album that started it all, is now on vinyl for the very first time.
Includes the Black Sabbath cover ”Hole in the sky”.
Mastered for vinyl by Esben Willems at Studio Berserk Sweden.
This release has of course been given the Majestic treatment and
'𝙋𝘼𝙆𝘼𝙇' comes in two beautiful versions.

𝙈𝘼𝙅𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙄𝘾 𝙀𝘿𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉

(Grey marbled w/ red/gold splatter)
- Single sleeve. 3mm spine.
- 180g heavyweight vinyl
- 2x Black polylined inner sleeve
- 1x double-sided insert
- 1x 10th Anniversary poster made by Shane Horror
This artwork differs from that which is included in Dark Majesty Repress.

𝙆𝘼𝙇-𝙀𝙇 𝙀𝘿𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉

(Milky w/ Bone Marble and Red Pulsar)
- Single sleeve. 3mm spine.
- 180g heavyweight vinyl
- 2x Black polylined inner sleeve
- 1x double-sided insert
- 1x 10th Anniversary poster made by Shane Horror
This artwork differs from that which is included in Dark Majesty Repress.

️𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗬

We are proud to present the sought after repress of Kal-el's stoner rock masterpiece ‘𝘿𝘼𝙍𝙆 𝙈𝘼𝙅𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙔.'

Due to the original metal works not being usable, this one has to be redone with new test pressings, so technically this is a re-issue.

𝙈𝘼𝙅𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙄𝘾 𝙀𝘿𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉

(Brown w/ White/Orange Pulsar and Grey w/ White Marble)
-Gatefold. 10mm spine.
- 2xLP 180g heavyweight vinyl
- 2x Black polylined inner sleeve
- 1x 10th Anniversary poster made by Shane Horror
This artwork differs from that which is included with Pakal and includes a double-sided insert with Dark Majesty and Mica single artwork.

𝙆𝘼𝙇-𝙀𝙇 𝙀𝘿𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉
(Mix of black, yellow and red)
Gatefold. 10mm spine.
- 2xLP 180g heavyweight vinyl
- 2x Black polylined inner sleeve
- 1x double-sided insert with Dark Majesty and Mica single artwork
- 1x 10th Anniversary poster made by Shane Horror.
This artwork differs from that which is included with Pakal.

Tracklisting:
Temple
Spiral
Mica
Hyperion
Dark Majesty
Comêta
Kala Misha
Vimana

Produced by Kal-El
Recorded in Studio Valhalla, 2020
Engineered by Ragge
Mixed by mastered by Ruben Willem
Front Artwork by steven_yoyada
Design, logo and layout by Shane Horror

Kal-El is:
Captain - Vocals
Josh - Guitar
Doffy - Guitar
Bjudas - Drums
Johnsen - Bass

Originally formed in 2012, Kal-El’s star has been firmly in stratospheric ascension since the release of three highly sought-after albums; 'Pakal' (2012), 'Astrodoomeda' (2017) and 2020's critically acclaimed 'Witches of Mars.'

Signed to Sweden’s rising underground rock institution, Majestic Mountain Records, the Norwegian fuzz-finders released their heaviest and most complex record to date in August of 2021, 'Dark Majesty' which gained numerous placements on best-of lists across the scene's most notable platforms and garnered the coveted Norwegian Spellemann Prize nomination in the category of 'Best Metal' release for 2021.

“It’s been quite a journey to get to this point,” explains Kal-El’s vocalist, Captain. “We’ve listened to the record fully mastered; we’ve seen the artwork come together, now all we want is for the fans to sink their teeth into it. We’re proud of his record. This is something we’ve forged from interstellar witchcraft and it’s ready to collect your souls.

As a brace of mass-shifting singles (‘Spiral’ and‘Comêta’) have showcased, the band’s glorious universe of sound is comprised of bass-heavy grooves, detuned guitars, and mind-warping lyrics that take the listener on a journey through a captivating stratosphere of fuzz and riffing fury. With Dark Majesty, we’re invited to witness the adventures of five rocketeers packing an entire career’s worth of ideas and sonic echoes into one, stellar mission. A mission to soundtrack the collision of passing worlds.

Both releases and all editions ship in October

Order Here!!!

Domkraft/Slomatics - Ascend/Descend (Album Review)

Release Date: April 22nd 2022. Record Label: Majestic Mountain Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Ascend/Descend - Tracklisting

1.Domkraft - The Core Will Pull You Home 07:56

2.Domkraft - The Brush Descends the Length 03:39

3.Domkraft - And Yet it Moves 08:03

4.Slomatics - Positive Runes 08:02

5.Slomatics - Buried Axes on Regulus Minor 03:54

6.Slomatics - Dustrider 04:52

Review

Ascend/Descend is the new split album from underground Doom/Stoner Metal heroes Domkraft and Slomatics. Throw in the added bonus of both bands covering each other's music with Domkraft performing Slomatics classic And Yet It Moves with Slomatics performing Domkraft classic Dustrider.

Both bands are in splendid gloomy form with heavy spaced out grooves that everyone is known for. These guys do feel like different sides of the same coin and this release proves that point superbly well with Domkraft playing a more multi-layered Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal sound. The standout song from their side of the album is The Core Will Pull You Home. 

With that song being a heavy monolithic spell of Doom fused Psych Stoner Metal with lashes of ambient noises and great vocals to match. Their cover of And Yet It Moves is a stunning rendition which manages to be quite different to Slomatics original but still highly recognisable as well. Perhaps a bit more “out there” than the original but a fantastic cover in its own right.

Slomatics bring their usual “A” game to the split with an inspired vocal performance from Marty who has been trying different vocal styles over the last couple releases. If you’re a fan of Slomatics then the two new songs Positive Runes and Buried Axes On Regulus Minor carry a similar vibe heard on their last acclaimed album Canyons. Their trademark FUZZ heavy SPACED OUT sound remains intact with thunderous drive and energy but with perhaps a less is more approach when the heavier moments appear. 

Their cover of Domkraft’s Dustrider is excellent and feels like a Slomatics track through and through with the band giving it a Spaced Out Doom makeover. This version is on twice the length of the original with Slomatics slowing things right down for a more droned out effort compared to the original.

Ascend/Descend has the potential to be the standout releases of the year. It's seriously that good. With this being released via Majestic Mountain Records then you seriously need to add this album to your record collection.

This is simply a masterclass of Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal by two of the finest bands the Doom/Stoner Metal scene has to offer.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Sheltered LIfe PR and Majestic Mountain Records for the promo

Ascend/Descend is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Majestic Mountain Records and the bands respective merch pages.

Domkraft Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Slomatics Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Greenseeker Premiere New Song And Video For UNCHARTED REALMS

Greenseeker worships at the altar of proto-metal and heavy psych, steeped in classic riffs and fantastic lyrics. Formed in 2019, Greenseeker hit the ground running and the band recorded its first demo, plainly titled Greenseeker, in the spring of 2020. The work continued from there, with Greenseeker recording debut album The Wish for release later this year.

Many bands deal in retro sounds but few are able to combine classic proto-metal and modern heavy psych in the way that Greenseeker do. Their demo caught the ear of the doom underground, nabbing the band a record deal with StoneFly Records. They’ve also earned a reputation as a must-see, sharing the stage with some of the best talent across the Pacific Northwest, including Ealdor Bealu, Alltar, Ash Eater, and Egotones.

The Wish is due out on vinyl later this summer, with Greenseeker continuing to push forward in the meatime. 

The quartet plan to record a new EP in the spring in between regional shows, where Greenseeker has earned a reputation for improvisaton-laden performances. Greenseeker are the next force in heavy psych, Portland’s latest vital export. 

Get in the van and take the ride with them.

The band have released a new video Uncharted Realms 

Video created by August "Poul" Niclasen (ANGRY PEOPLE STUDIOS)

https://angrypeoplestudios.com/
https://www.instagram.com/angrypeople.studios/

The band say this about the new video and song

The Wish" takes the listener on a journey through a fantasy universe filled with dark magic and mysterious characters. The High Priestess rules over the inhabitants of this realm through fear and subterfuge, but fear of her own mortality and weakness leads her to seek an even greater power.

Several tales are told throughout the album, but the primary arc is played out in three acts: In The Wheel and the Stone, the High Priestess sends an adventurer out to find an enchanted stone believed to grant wishes, which she believes will sate her desire. In Uncharted Realms, an observer with the power to travel between worlds witnesses the Priestess unleash terror across the land and its citizens as her crusade for the stone wages on. Finally, in the title track, the Priestess holds the store in her possession - but will it truly grant her wish?

Line Up

Max Siegfried - Guitar 

Selina Cleary - Bass/Vocals

Shea Gegan - Drums

Lauren Hatch - Keyboard/Vocals

Links

Facebook | Bandcamp

Greenseeker new album The Wish will be available to buy from May 13th 2022.

Coma Hole - S/T (EP Review)

Release Date: April 22nd 2022. Record Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Coma Hole - S/T - Tracklisting

The Familiar

Old Climb

Wind And Bone

Sinking

Members

Eryka Fyr - Bass/Vocals

Steve Anderson - Drums

Review

Doom/Stoner Duo Coma Hole release their debut self titled EP and it could easily be classed as a full length album with the EP running for almost thirty six minutes. Coma Hole add Grunge, Psych Rock and a little bit of Sonic Riff Wizardry to the action-packed distorted grooves contained on this release.

The EP contains four tracks with three of them running between eight and eleven minutes in length. Coma Hole are deceptively loud with their bass/drum driven sound. The band switch musical genres from the last 40 years of Hard Rock and Metal with Doom, Grunge and Stoner Metal being the main driving force.

Opening song The Familiar has echoes of Soundgarden, Black Sabbath and Alice In Chains with its musical DNA but with a fresh modern distorted gloomy perspective that’s very hard to describe but real easy to fully admire and appreciate. The heavy pounding psychedelic rhythms are bound down to reality thanks to the superb instrumental work from both Eryka and Steve. The vocals from Erika are passionate and fiery that remind me of Royal Thunder’s Mlny Parsonz when Erika lets rip with highly pitched aggressive growls. 

Second song Old Climb is less progressive than the opening track with Coma Hole playing a shorter song which is more direct and allows the band to have more creative freedom with a faster style of music shining through. Perhaps more FUZZ based but still bursting with Psych Doom/Stoner Rock passion. Maybe influenced by Fu Manchu and Truckfighters with the FUZZY Stoner Rock sounds that the band play on this track. 

The remaining two tracks Wind And Bone and Sinking sees Coma Hole return a lengthier progressive style of music with the band expertly switching genres with expert precision yet again. Aggressive and so downright catchy with the grungy and gloomy psychedelic elements allowing Eryka to lay down the best vocals on this part of the EP. Though, it’s the music that’s the winning factor here with Coma Hole proving they could be a great asset to the Doom/Stoner Metal underground with future releases. 

Coma Hole show “huge” potential on this release and this is a great start from the band with their self debut release being a highly confident and self assured release packed with a collection of great songs for the band to make themselves known with.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to C Squared Music for the promo

Coma Hole debut EP is now available to buy now on CD/DD.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

GNOME Premiere 2nd Song Wenceslas From Their Upcoming New Album

Wenceslas, the second video taken from Gnome's upcoming album "King". Out May 6th, 2022 on Polderrecords.

Music by Gnome:

https://www.facebook.com/officialgnomeband/

http://gnome.bandcamp.com

Recorded & Mixed at Rockstar Recordings by Frank Rotthier - Mastered by Larsson Mastering

Video by Rutger Verbist

-------------------------------------------------------

Gnome packs a bigger punch than their name suggests: combining irresistible hooks and thundering guitars, drums and bass with adventurous twists, they brew their unique and ultimately satisfying potion of stoner, prog and hardrock.

After the success of 2018 debut ‘Father of Time’, which demonstrates their knack for stacking riffs like lego bricks, and having conquered stages across Europe with their shin-kicking live sets, the power trio from Antwerp raise the bar with their majestic second outing ‘King’.

They sound bigger and heavier with more vocals (including special guest Oskar Logi from The Vintage Caravan) but never losing sight of the quest for the golden riff.

‘King’ was recorded with Frank Rotthier at Rockstar Recordings in between lockdowns in the fall of 2020 and will be released by POLDERRECORDS digital, on cd and on vinyl May 6th, 2022.

Chimpgrinder: Remasters (Album Review)

Release Date: April 22nd 2022. Record Label: Electric Talon Records. Format: Cassette/CD/DD

Chimpgrinder: Remasters - Tracklisting

1.Obliteration and Bliss (VOL666)

2.Paid (VOL666)

3.The Blonde Lab Assistant (VOL666)

4.Oxygen Thins Out (VOL666)

5.She Had Visions (VOL666)

6.An Ill Advised Harem Experiment (VOL666)

7.Warm Beer, Cold Ape (OLIVER)

8.Turning From The Sun (OLIVER)

9.Meetin' My Baby (OLIVER)

10.Just an Animal After All (OLIVER)

11.My Crime (OLIVER)

12.Sacred Ape (OLIVER)

13.The Arrow Ritual (SSK) 02:22

14.High Ground and Looking Down (SSK)

15.Waylaid Way Out (SSK)

16.Simian Space King (SSK)

17.Stomach of God (SSK)

18.Infinity Creep (SSK)

Review

Chimpgrinder released 3 excellent releases from 2012 to 2014 with Volume 666 being released in January 2012. Oliver in August 2012 with Simian Space King following in May 2014. All 3 releases were great examples of the Black Sabbath template of Doom/Stoner Metal with elements of Punk, Sludge, Southern Metal and Blues Rock being heard within the bands overall sound.

Fast Forward to 2022 and all 3 releases have been banded together into one kick-ass package by Electric Talon Records called Chimgrinder: Remasters. You may notice the new album cover heavily inspired by classic Black Sabbath artwork and logos. Well, that tells you want to expect with this great release with all 3 releases given a full remix and remaster to make a superb sounding three album anthology. Though, you can expect to hear NOLA vibes and even early-era SLEEP on certain parts of the album.

If you're new to Chimpgrinder's world then this is perhaps the best place to start with everything held in one place. My favourite releases of Chimpgrinder have always been Volume 666 and Simian Space King but it's good to have all 3 of their celebrated releases housed in one glorious package.

Give this a try and be prepared to be slayed by the heavy SABBATHIAN sounds and dirty Sludgy grooves of the mighty CHIMPGRINDER.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to The Metallist for the promo.

Chimpgrinder: Remasters will be available to buy on CD/DD/Cassette Tape from Electric Talon Records on 22nd April 2022

Links

Facebook | BandCamp