vrijdag 30 november 2012

The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 albums of 2012


The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 albums of 2012

Tomorrow we enter the final December month of human society, as we know it, on this beautiful little planet called Earth. But even if we do not make it to the very end of this year we still forge ahead and try to do this Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 albums list of 2012 right. For everything worth doing, is worth doing right. So please make sure you send your list of three, five, ten, twenty or two hundred and thirty three albums to this email  before December the 11th… Cause on December 12 we start the countdown with number 20. So far already ten lists found their way to the inbox and I am thankful for each and every one of them! Get cracking; send yours and try to get your favorite album of this year on the number 1 spot! Even if it’s the last thing you do!


Bilis Sicario – Encuentro de Sutilezas


Bilis Sicario – Encuentro de Sutilezas
Torcaza Records / Self released – 2012
Rock, Stoner, Desert, Instrumental
Rated: ***

This time around we are treated to a genuine Mexican formation and after seeing the cover picture of their first EP I would already call them: Fangtastic! Bilis Sicario hails from the Californian region of La Paz; a place at the very end of the road. Which turns out to not be a bad place at all. Just a place where they stopped making roads. But for a place without any streets they do have a fierce driving rhythm, which sometimes shifts gear to make you float and dream like you’re at some great sky party. Weaving in all kinds of subtle shimmering changes and intricate little structures Encuentro de Sutilezas comes across as lost high desert diamond. A shining gem full of all these kaleidoscopic mutations and otherworldly visions. Something to keep you warm during the winter…


donderdag 29 november 2012

John Lancaster – Crash Test In Progress


John Lancaster – Crash Test In Progress
Self released – 2012
Rock, Stoner, Prog, Metal, Alternative
Rated: ****

Last year we already mentioned the amazing Phantom Moon record by Chum frontman John Lancaster. On where he enlisted the help of fellow great musical magicians from the Huntington, West Virginia area. This time he dove into the studio with the guys who have been playing the live gigs with him and who already earned their spurs with bands like Chum, Abdullah and Hybrid Zero. Which could have lead to the eclectic sound suffer and songwriting barriers be erected, since the first album was written over a long period of time and colored in by the guests. But no, the man seems to have a definite hold on his freedom and even if the band has contributed in the way of writing it seems to have been in minor variations which never interfere with the no boundaries take of Lancaster himself. Riffs straight off some colossal stoner record, structures that could be found on progressive metal albums and masterful melodies that are usually found less and less in heavy rock. Loud, huge, versatile and determined. It makes Crash Test In Progress once again magnificent and imposing.


El Straffo – Mespotine Sessions


El Straffo – Mespotine Sessions
Self released – 2012
Rock, Stoner, Doom
Rated: ***

Somewhere around September of this year the EP Hecho En Mexico found it’s way to the inbox. A tasty but rickety sounding doom groove ridden EP from a band called El Straffo. The band turned out to be two guys going crazy on their instruments, wilding out and exploding in slow-motion. One of them turned out to be the guy behind Vintage Cucumber. On their new also live-recorded Mespotine Sessions the still lo-fi sound has improved considerably and so has their groove. The duo is expert in creating mystique and entanglement. They weave you into their magical hazy tapestry and wrap you tightly with memories of things that might not even really have happened. For on their first EP they seem to cook up their structures and melodies like the great chefs walking the earth now; referring to your old sentiments and emotions but actually serving something completely different. The second one is more straightforward but whirls you into their universe and you just hold on tot the groove and ride out the storm…


dinsdag 27 november 2012

Rites – Rites


Rites – Rites
Self released – 2012
Rock, Sludge, Doom, Stoner, Metal
Rated: ****

The Irish four-piece Rites from the windy little city of Galway hits like a ten stone brick house filled with layers of lead and iron on an early Sunday morning. Founded somewhere in the ugly year of 2009 the guys quickly got to work on their project and carving a name for themselves by slaying on every stage they played. After originally releasing their self-titled EP in the midsection of 2011 it is now gathering new momentum and garnering the attention it deserves. For it is filled with colossal riffs and rhythms and is propelled by a very choppy drummer that hits like bleak lightning one second and bombards like hellhound thunder the next. And all these structures are painted black by intense grunts and guttural howling. The rolling groove that is spread out all over the record is hugely thanks to the expert basswork that slides into a homerun every time the riffs hit their peak. This definitely calls for some unholy celebration of our earthly vessels… Preferably naked and with copious amounts of red wine!



Junkyard Birds – Freewheeling Freewill


Junkyard Birds – Freewheeling Freewill
Dead Bees Records / Dominomedia – 2012
Rock, Garage, Stoner, Punk
Rated: ****

The four French freaks of Junkyard Birds have released a new album and it’s called Freewheeling Freewill and sports some freaky fine tunes. After having been around since 1996 one might expect depleted inspiration or slow setting inertia. But apart from experience and ability these guys bring high-energy rock ‘n roll with a definite reckless, wild and crazed streak. Switching between sounding like lost recordings of Iggy Pop and MC5 or reviving greatness from Mountain, Blue Cheer and sometimes even Sabbath their eclectic tunes bring deep gratification and joy. And just when you get used to those very different moments they take you on speedrock mission or a stoner groove reminiscent of all those Californian greats. Varied and versatile are understating all these Birds bring to the table; songs that seem to hit from every angle and are an experience in their own right every freaking time again and again…

zaterdag 24 november 2012

Prehistoric Pigs – Wormhole Generator


Prehistoric Pigs – Wormhole Generator
Moonlight records / Self released – 2012
Rock, Stoner, Instrumental
Rated: ****

And there you are like some crazed Charlton Heston screaming at an almost completely buried Statue of Liberty or in this case Leaning Tower of Pisa. While behind the oink’s and grunts of the beasts in charge get louder and more ferocious. They will boar down you and devour you whole; cause these are the Prehistoric Pigs back to exact vengeance upon man. And there might only be three of them; but they produce a sound so huge and so crashing that you will assume it is a gigantic pack of wild boars hurling themselves towards you. And that’s when you hear the music in their righteous stamped called Wormhole Generator. This is seminal stoner with hints of sludge and atmospheric desert rock. With that edgy droning distortion that breaks necks and fuzzes out all need for salvation. For the rescue lies within the psychedelic and hypnotic abilities of these masterful riffs and expert compositions. And then to think that these guys started in March of this year!!! They’re maniacs! And they really did it!!!

Inflatable Best Friend – DMT Bike Ride


Inflatable Best Friend – DMT Bike Ride
Obvious Records / Self released – 2012
Rock, Punk, Psychedelica
Rated: ***

Inflatable Best Friend is made up out of three guys that have been playing together since their teens. Moving from one houseparty to the next filthy piss ridden hole to play in. Crashing punk parties and freaking out the respectable neighbors of some suburb townhouse. And after so many years they are now about to releases their first aptly named album DMT Bike Ride. For it is a cannon shot of lo-fi grimy, gray, gravelly and concrete psychedelic punk that seems intent on screwing with yer head. Excellent music for an early morning concert in some worn down factory filled with acid freaks and tekno hippies after having to endure an entire night of electric beats and crusty conversations. Will all know what we’re talking about. And on some days we all want to go back there. So here’s yer chance, you just have to blow it up: Inflatable Best Friend.



vrijdag 23 november 2012

Crobot – The Legend of The Spaceborne Killer


Crobot – The Legend of The Spaceborne Killer
Self released – 2012
Rock, Hard, Classic, Stoner, Seventies, Psychedelica
Rated: *****

Thanks to lucAs who had been on the lookout for Crobot’s debut album; we can now claim to be a fan for life of these four freaks. Cause on their first record The Legend Of The Spaceborn Killer they sport an unwavering love for all the good rock stemming from the seventies. With a huge booming sound and a majestic groove they swagger through the psychedelic era and transport all that good stuff through some nineties heaviness and into a classic future. For the future is definitely bright for these guys; they will surely start a new movement and things will surely start happening. They can boast about their classic riffs, excellent vocals, tasty melodies, otherworldly catchiness and a powerful undercurrent of absolute fabulousness. But that doesn’t matter; for these guys are the real deal and some of their songs already rival the ones provided by the masters of yore. Yes; they shine like a retro copper medallion; but the artistry is brand new and the details flicker like diamonds and radiate pure gold. This will definitely end high on my own top 2012 list!



Voltron – Kaventsmann


Voltron – Kaventsmann
Self released – 2012
Rock, Metal, Sludge, Doom, Core
Rated: ****

Straight from Berlin gutter comes a five piece doom sludge core metal band that tries to blast yer head clean off with a charcoal ray gun. Voltron debuted in 2007 and since then went through many line-up changes. But with their sophomore album Kaventsmann the five are back and ready for the assault. Leaving a bit of room for air and melody Voltron excels in crunching aggressiveness and powerful terra stomping heaviness. They have this classic sludge feel to them and drag the listener along on this marching tempo towards an unholy temple for the worship of some foreign deity. At times it sounds even to large and unholy to be captured and listened to at home. It feels wrong and brings waves of paranoia and irrational fears. So beware; for danger and evil seems to be lurking; but together with Voltron power you will surely be victorious. And if you are unsure after these somewhat wavering and weird words; check it out and be transported to a completely different universe. Build out of seeming absolute but shimmering walls of sound, depraved riffs and guttural vocals. Embark!



donderdag 22 november 2012

Black Science – An Echo Through The Eyes Of Forever


Black Science – An Echo Through The Eyes Of Forever
Self released – 2012
Rock, Space, Stoner, Psychedelica
Rated: ***

Space rock comes in many shapes, forms and dimensions but so blatantly sciency, esoteric and errrm spacy a band as Black Sience is, are rare to come by. On their third album An Echo Through The Eyes Of Forever they take us on another intergalactic hyper rock journey towards distant worlds and psychic plains. We’ve got warp drive noise explosions and electronic sounds cursing through the very fabric of these compositions without ever losing their rock foundations. But even then the music seems to be based more on a viscose fluid made of pure resonance. It’s a very own and very august universe of music and stylings that Black Science created. Twisted and distorted only by the overwhelming story lines and teachings that hide amongst the ruins of those slow dying song aftertastes. And a lasting aftertaste it has to be; for Black Science apparently has thrown in the towel for now… But a resurrection must surely be looming somewhere in this galaxy...

Mamont – Passing Through The Mastery Door


Mamont – Passing Through The Mastery Door
Ozium Records – 2012
Rock, Stoner, Psychedelica
Rated: *****

Swedish born Mamont released their debut album a month ago but when listening to the sound and ability that’s blatantly potent on Passing Through The Mastery Door one would think that these guys are old dogs that have been playing together since the seventies. From the first moments on Mammuten the gentlemen go for grand, heavy, gigantic and majestic. It takes a while before the psychedelic side becomes apparent just like their sublime sense of dynamics. But once the bass takes the lead and drags his companions a long you get a sense of how good these guys already are together and that the album is a true piece of art. One the listener is obliged to experience from head to tail; from the first bird noises to the whistling in the instrumental break Woods and the final chirps in closing track Satans Fasoner. Passing Through The Mastery Door is a true musical journey!



Pile – Dripping


Pile – Dripping
Self released – 2012
Rock, Post, Core, Noise, Punk
Rated: ***

A tip from the very venerable GuestDuder; and a damn fine one it is. The Boston based foursome Pile released their third album Dripping a few months ago. It’s filled with some postrock, post-hardcore noise and slow punk based on an indie rock foundation. There we’ve said it; and there is little more to tell. Apart from that it has a sauce that makes it all very easy listenable and wholesomely digestible. Thanks to some pop and melodic story telling going on in the compositions. With a high level of dynamics in almost every aspect, the record takes on a very own personality and keeps growing with every spin. It very sneakily seems to manipulate your mind into loving every track even though not all of them might deserve it. Nothing weird here but lots of lovely cleanliness!




Danko Jones – Rock and Roll is Black and Blue


Danko Jones – Rock and Roll is Black and Blue
Bad Taste / Suburban – 2012
Rock, Hard
Rated: ****

Rock and Roll is Black and Blue. Nah. Rock And Roll is Danko Jones! For you can always trust the man to deliver the good times. Sure you can let yourself wallow in all the tragic love songs, depressing times, difficult childhood’s and world issues. But we’d rather follow Danko down to the bar where he tries to score with every little lady in sight. Singing songs about every little part of her body and not care about etiquette or political correctness. Mean, sordid and heavy hardrock straight to the core and freakishly big boned. And on this record he’s definitely meaner and sincerer then on the two albums that came before. So if you wanna see the oil in your car start to boil or the blood in your veins start to scream: ‘party time!’  Then take heed and go no further; for it’s time to get your head bashed and turn all black and blue!



Deftones – Koi No Yokan


Deftones – Koi No Yokan
Warner/Universal – 2012
Rock, Metal
Rated: ***

We can always count on Deftones to deliver records of a certain quality. Even the lesser ones still contain some fine metal pieces. And ever since Around The Fur (1997) there has always been a melodic undertone which is even more overt on albums such as Deftones and Saturday Night Wrist. Team Sleep the other band of vocalist Moreno had even more richly colored soundscapes. This airy and light side would be even more present on the new album so they promised. But this is only partially so for the main theme on the album are still the iron hard riffs. Songs like Leathers and Rosemary feature somewhat experimental intros but apart from a few of those moments the album mostly just continues on where Diamond Eyes (2010 left off. This might seem like a disappointment; but it is one that fades after listening to Koi No Yokan a few times for the end result is impressive once again. Catchy melodies, tight drum and basswork, exulted guitars and a Moreno that on occasion still sounds like a beast in a slaughtering house; all the ingredients of Deftones we all hold so dear…



woensdag 21 november 2012

The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 albums of 2012


The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 albums of 2012

Ye gods, the end of the world is almost upon us! And if those old crazy Maya, Hopi, Indus Cultures and a handful of other freaks are right we shall never know who produced the best stoner affiliated album of 2012. Since the world will rumble and crumble on December the 21st. But like the Inca’s, who knew their empire would be destroyed, we will still forge ahead and try to make this 2012 edition even grander then the three that came before. Here’s the first post to get all of your attention. For on Wednesday the 12th of December we start with publishing the number 20 of the list. And work our way up to number ONE on the 31st of December. Like we did last year; when we received 48 lists. And the year before when 37 lists graced out inbox. And we ofcourse started this thing in 2009 and that’s when the Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 list was made up out of 18 beautiful lists. We hope that the rise in lists will continue and that the Top 20 will become more valid with every passing year. It would be awesome if we can pass the 50-list mark. Or even more; that would indeed be amazing! So here’s what you do. Compile your favorite albums of this year; if you can only find five great ones or if you have a list of over seventy send them to us. It doesn’t matter how many great ones you heard this year; just let us know which they were. We will enter them all in a gigantic matrix and compute the best 20 of 2012… Even if it’s the last freakin thing we do!!!


In honour of all the freaks...

dinsdag 20 november 2012

Missiles of October – Hangover


Missiles of October – Hangover
Pogo Records / Self released – 2012
Rock, Punk, Stoner, Noise
Rated: ***

As you guys may have noticed, I’ve been swamped with work lately and there is all this amazing music out there and loads of bands sending their music to the blog. It takes a while before they get the attention they deserve. They always do though and all requests will be met; but just bear with me. It seems like the wrong kind of name for this October and November; when the missiles have actually been flying over there in Israel and Palestine. But I’m sure the Belgian trio from Missiles of October (whose name refers to the Cuba crisis) has absolutely no quarrel with either side. Featuring three members of bands such as [P.U.T], ex-Monster Eaters, Big Peter, No Hope for All, Rotyes, Frau Blucher and The Drunken Horses, ex-Galvanized, ex-Contingent, Walpurgis the guys go for a heavy, dirty and loud sound that leans heavily on punk and plasters that sound with a bleak wall of cement ruckus. And just when you think you know where they will go with all this they suddenly slow it down and throw on noisy groove like a lumbering giant. Marvelous!



vrijdag 16 november 2012

Tumbleweed Dealer – Death Rides Southwards


Tumbleweed Dealer – Death Rides Southwards
Moshpit Tragedy Records – 2012
Rock, Instrumental, Stoner, Seventies, Psychedelic
Rated: ****

Canada, one of the chosen countries in this world so it seems. There are only a handful of countries that can sport the fact that the inhabitants are loved everywhere; and Canada is one of them. Sure their neighbors down to south make fun of them; but that’s only because they’re jealous. Another thing to be envious of is the mighty flow the Montreal born Tumbleweed Dealer has got going on their EP called Death Rides Southwards. Soaring through shimmering air and rolling across mighty plains the three tracks envelop the listener like a mighty current of psychedelic waves. It has this absolute classic feel and demands the listener to let go of all resolve; it terms total submission. Started as a one-man demo idea by Seb Painchaud (The Last Felony) he quickly enlisted help from his band buddy Felix Roberge. Soon however the conclusion was met that the music was too good for drumcomputers to be sufficient. After which Vincent Houde from Dopethrone came on board. Hitting every accent and never taking up space he lays out the mountains over which the guitars glide and the bass rumbles through. They’re currently recording their fullsized album and we can only pray that it will be as colossal and glorious as these trips…



Cube – Cube


Cube – Cube
Spinalonga Records – 2012
Rock, Grunge, Stoner
Rated: ****

As Europe plummets more and more into the financial abyss of something that does not really exist and Greece suffers most; a true revival of heavy rock seems to be happening everywhere and especially down south. For Cube is yet another great Greek band offering their debut album in this foul year of our lord 2012. Founded almost ten years ago the guys honed their craft up till now so they could stun with their first release. It shifts gear with ease as it maneuvers through Palm Desert stoner, dusty grunge and high-energy desert rock. With funky bass ditties, smashing drums and an absolutely slaying groove these guys freak the casbah like there’s no tomorrow. And they might just be right. But if they are; then this record feels like a righteous soundtrack to drive full speed towards that final sunset!




Mara – Demo


Mara – Demo
Self released – 2012
Rock, Doom, Stoner, Seventies
Rated: ***

The Scandinavians and especially Sweden have been releasing amazing album after amazing album for years now. And the steady stream of greatness even turned into a heavy rock tsunami a few months ago. With bands such as Graveyard, Witchcraft, Troubled Horse, Mamont, Molior Superum, Heroinne, Lugnoro and many more bringing us sweet tasty goodness. Add to this the demo or Mara. As a four piece hailing from Gävle they go for the darker doomier side of heavy rock. Inspired by Sabbath and sporting crushing riffs and intense drums the three tracks on their demo are of value for eternity. With convincing, woeful and boisterous vocals the demo captivates and crashes through your head like a wooly mammoth in a china shop. They waft of promise and of sincere necessity to rock hard and long. Absolutely salivating!

Barbarella – Quid Pro Quo


Barbarella – Quid Pro Quo
Poema Productions / Bigmouth – 2012
Rock, Stoner, Garage
Rated: ***

Albums always seem to be released later than planned. Why is that? Anyway; the first full-sized album from Barbarella has finally arrived. After the damn fine EP Neon City in 2008 and a few loose tracks after that featuring their new guitarplayer we now can enjoy Quid Pro Quo. The Nijmegen foursome delivers in sexy riffs and even some dragging tempos. But the guys convince most in their tight hard-hitting songs. They propel you to exciting heights and keep a thrilling brooding tension going. But be advised the bark is harder than the bite. There is more melody and more room for different influences. Even a few radio friendly. But there is some definite gold here; just listen to the dangerous and mischievous Traitor, seductive Sparkle Plug or catchy Welcome To The Inferno. Barbarella, luscious and tempting like a biography writing mistress…

vrijdag 9 november 2012

Manta – First EP


Manta – First EP
Self released – 2012
Rock, Hard, Stoner
Rated: ***

It’s a relief to know there are bands like Manta out there. Cause sometimes you just need some straight up, no questions asked and none taken, kind of rock ’n roll. A full speed drive down dirty streets with the widows rolled down of yer ugly green car and the fox’s tail swinging like a coked up baseball pro. The Scottish four piece Manta does just that on their first three songs counting EP. Like a Danko Jones that feels like singing about more than girls and their anatomy the songs blast out of the speakers and you can imagine feeling the full force of their energy when they’re live on stage. So grab yer keys, run out the door, start the car and get on the road. Towards a Manta gig or some smoky saloon in the run down part of town. Like a man on the move. And with a swagger just sick enough… Indeed; totally confident!



donderdag 8 november 2012

Vultures of Cult – Fathoms


Vultures of Cult – Fathoms
Self released – 2012
Rock, Stoner, Metal, Sludge, Post
Rated: ****

We thank HjS for making us aware that Vultures Of Cult released their sophomore album not so long ago. Their first stoner rock opera Cold Hum from 2010 already hit our stomach like a lead brick and we can only hope Fathoms does the same. And it did and probably even harder and more vicious than their first one! Hefty sludge metal with some atmospheric elements of breezy post rock that is expertly offset by fierce growling vocals and dizzying riffs and rhythms. Think of some old school Baroness, Kylesa or even Isis and you’re in the vicinity. But with absolute wrecking ball drums and unwavering guitars this album has that air of frantic necessity and seems to stomp on the terra like an insane colossus. Everybody needs to hear it; that is the main feeling you are left with after almost putting yourself into a hospital. And we do absolutely concur; for this is sheer brilliance. For this is: whiplash music!



woensdag 7 november 2012

Graveyard – Lights Out


Graveyard – Lights Out
Nuclear Blast/PIAS – 2012
Rock, Hard, Psychedelic, Blues, Stoner
Rated: ****

After Norssken broke up in 2000 we were presented with the amazing Witchcraft and Albatros. But after five years the members of Albatros were bored with the grim musical course they were sailing and they buried that project. So in 2006 Graveyard was founded and a year later we were treated to their debut album which featured tasty songs where the guys paid homage to the dark seventies. On the follow-up which was released last year called Hissingen Blues they waved goodbye to even more darkness and the blues got hugged even more tightly resulting in an album that got hailed as one of the absolute best of 2011. The amount of fans grew explosively and everyone was excited when a new album was announced this year called Lights Out. And justly so, cause those expectations are almost completely met with only one small point of regret: parts of the raw and gritty edges have disappeared. But it were those dangerous gravelly and moments that gave Graveyard its amazing sound. But nonetheless; Lights Out is yet another amazing Graveyard album! So fellas can we expect yet another one next year?!



Mos Generator – Nomads


Mos Generator – Nomads
Ripple – 2012
Rock, Stoner, Metal, Seventies
Rated: ****

The three amigos of Mos Generator have been rocking around for about twelve years now and have in that time produced some damn fine records. It all started with their self titled debut album in 2002 that already stood like a brick house and was re-released this year for its tenth anniversary. And ever since that foundation the rock has only gotten more solid and salivating.  Their classic heavy rock stylings swirl without any effort through the psychedelic seventies, the hard rocking nineties and take care of capturing all that we hold dear in riffs, rhythms and lines. They are pure, hefty and massive without becoming to aggressive and with so much melody to offset the driving thunderous pieces the water will run from your mouth in a steady stream. Groovy and intensely alluring like the gait of camel through the desert. It’s the way the beast moves. Slowly with an ever shaking tread it moves majestically towards its destination…



dinsdag 6 november 2012

Town Portal – Chronopoly


Town Portal – Chronopoly
Subsuburban – 2012
Rock, Instrumental, Math, Post, Prog
Rated: ***

Earlier this year we already discussed Town Portal’s debut release Vacuum Horror which transported us back to some weird and twisted nights in their capital Copenhagen. And now the trio has returned with their first full-sized album Chronopoly. Their complicated time signature rock has continued to expand into foreign territories dragging the listener along on mesmerizing waves of leisurely produced riffs and lines. For that is the biggest difference with their first EP. There is more air and has a less cluttered feeling to it. What stayed are the ingenious breaks, progressive colored guitars and intensely groovy bass. There is a lot of variation and the tinge of jazz floating around professes their deep cool humor while their apparent ability is of an very own almost self-evidently brilliant level. A tiny bit clinical at times; but only a mope would be distracted by those few silly moments. Cause above all Chronopoly enchants and delivers once again melodies like whirling dervishes!



vrijdag 2 november 2012

Mendozza – Mendozza


Mendozza – Mendozza
Self released – 2012
Rock, Metal, Sludge, Doom
Rated: ****

The next Canadian threesome on the list is Mendozza! But they take their doom in a different direction and add more groove to it then their dark Canadian counterparts Dopethrone. Their self-titled fifth record is an ever climbing and ever menacing album that excels in crunchy and endless riffs. With seemingly exact and massive pounding drums offset by intense cymbals and lumbering evil bass lines they move smooth like some kind of weird energy current. And apart from all the heaviness the guitar also brings a different layer of emotions; with the instrumental Bifrost being the prime example. Add to this a versatile singer that knows how to use his chords right and you know that this is a power-trio that has the ability to conquer all. And they do; they stomp on the terra like a huge tattooed Inuit harpooning everything in their way. And after The Undertaking has passed all you can do is submit and worship the Mendozza…




Dopethrone – III



Dopethrone – III
Self released – 2012
Rock, Metal, Doom, Sludge
Rated: ****

Canadian’s very own trio of grimy sludge freaks is back with their third installment. After a superb debut in 2009 and an amazing follow-up in 2011 Dopethrone takes one elegant step towards the very edge of the abyss with every riff they produce. The characteristics of doom, and sludge have been carved in stone for years and between those lines you have to grow your own slow way like a poisonous fungus. It starts with an eerie church bell, howling wolf or vampirous words straight out of hell. This time around we hear an occult sample pronounced by a James Earl Jones kind of voice which talks about the beast in the world of blackness. After which a new exercition in deep dark gloom and somberness begins. Against a background of stumbling tempos, howling guitars, dirty riffs and snarling lines singer Vincent recites his bleak and hopeless poetry. Images of endless burning fields, moss overgrown ruins and mopish apocalyptic cities all under the control of the beast run rampant through the mind. Music as solidified darkness and death. A unique band; and that after only three albums.


donderdag 1 november 2012

Down – Down IV – The Purple EP


Down – Down IV – The Purple EP
Roadrunner – 2012
Metal, Groove, Sludge, Doom, Southern
Rated: ****

With their debut album NOLA back in 1995 the guys from Down blew us away. After which followed two lesser albums ending with number III Over The Under in 2007. But the Phil Anselmo and his brothers are back and promise to deliver four heavy and diverse EP’s within the next two years. Taking the place of Pantera bassist Rex Brown is Pat Bruders of Crowbar. But that is the only big change for the sound is still as heavy, loud, gritty and muddy as ever. The riffs almost seem to want to bury the listener but thanks to the dark dance of bass and drums we keep a float. But above this gigantic metal groove it is still Anselmo’s impressive voice that commands the most attention. Even when the mood swings even lower and the speed even slower to produce a dark march with the song The Curse Is A Lie we easily recognize it as Down. Let’s hope the remaining three EP’s follow fast and have this incredible amount of commitment.


Down – Live at Melkweg, Amsterdam


Down – Live at Melkweg, Amsterdam, 2012

After returning from Poland the next gig on the list was Phil Anselmo and his Down brothers who came to Amsterdam to freak out like the madmen they are. And as Phil was listening to some twisted organ music in his dressing room, Bower confessed he had been hearing that same music for the past months and it was slowly driving him insane. Since the guys from Down started their world wide In The Year Of XII tour back on September 18th. This to celebrate their new Down IV – Part I – The Purple EP and announce the upcoming three other ones. But also to let the fans enjoy all those freakishly loud tracks from their past like the opener of that night Eyes Of The South of their 1995 debut album NOLA…


After the demise of the legendary metal formation Pantera and the violent death of guitarist Dimebag Darryl in 2004 the only way to immerse ourselves in concrete hard groove metal is via the former side project Down of singer Phil Anselmo. Anselmo started the band back in 1991 with guitarplayer Pepper Keenan (Corrosion Of Conformity), guitarist Kirk Windstein (Crowbar), bassplayer Todd Strange (Crowbar) and drummer Jimmy Bower (EyeHateGod). Strange quickly gave up his place to Pantera bassist Rex Brown who gave up his seat in 2011 to the new Crowbar-bassist Pat Bruders. Inbreeding has its merits!




Heavy

Even before the sounds of Harry Nilsson’s intro song Down have died away it becomes obvious that the guys are psyched. Animated and with a bottle of beer in his hand Anselmo entertains the crowd after which the first notes hit like an atom bomb. That this night promises to become one full speed fast ride without pulling back on the gas, damn the consequences, is apparent after the first song. Anselmo’s head is already sporting some blood. The crowd is awake and prepares for a boorish heavy night. Crowdsurfers fly across the pit and everywhere the sweet smoke of weed circles and spirals towards the ceiling. Tonight there is no control possible!





Perfection

The masses in front dance and sweat while Witchtripper and Open Coffins of the new record buzz around the eardrums. With grim expressions and his typical voice Anselmo rips though the songs. Of the old flaw that the guys take themselves a little too serious from time to time is no trace whatsoever. Jokes and quips, mostly at the expense of Windstein, keep getting more and more as the night continues on as do the multiple thank you's towards the crowd. Lysergik Funeral Procession is next and Bower seems to pulverize his drums while the guitars scream and roar. Every next brutal riff seems even more tighter and heavier than the one before. And as Temptation’s Wings continues Keenan and Windstein seem to masterly and neatly move their strings to produce that heaviness. Newcomer Bruders makes the dark undertones come alive together with the drummer and make it their very own dance macabre. Together the four musicians form the perfect support for Phil ‘phenomenon’ Anselmo who does not tolerate resistance and commands complete attention.





Heavenly

Highlights are without a doubt New Orleans Is A Dying Whore, Stone The Crow and closing tune Bury Me In Smoke at which point the smoke machines of the venue are tested to its limits and the guys from opening act Warbeast take over the instruments. And after the last guitar dies down the guys walk off stage; but not before Anselmo grabs the mic one last time and has the audience sing along: ‘And she’s buying a stairway to heaven…’ An intense brutal night but it was indeed heavenly…