Polarbeers – Polarbeers

Polarbeers – Polarbeers

Self released – 2013

Rock, Punk, Grunge, Stoner

Rated: *****

Formed in 2007 the Milan based Polarbeers have gone through many line-up changes before finally arriving at a comfortable, steady and exciting trio. Which ofcourse calls for a celebration; which they did in the form of a full-sized self-titled debut album. Re-recording the songs from their first two EP’s Everywhere But Home from 2010 and Tetris from 2011 and adding some intros, intermissions and extra tracks. Combining it all to reach a tracklisting of no less than eighteen songs. If the amici had not revisited their earlier songs the album would have been a confetti-explosion of different styles and energies. But now, even though it is still a highly eclectic record, there is something that ties it all together. It’s their exuberance, playfulness and their very own energy that binds their moves from punk to grunge and on to stoner and even a bit of sludge together. It’s sheer heavy magic that allows the gritty riffs but also for an abundance of hooks and melodies and it flows across this record, and it’s all thanks to these three guys fitting perfectly together like a Tetris highscore. A beast of a drummer, a wizard bassplayer and a high-octane axe-slinging vocalist! A frozen moment in time where everything sounds like it should sound…  

(Written by JK)

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Bad Trip – Bad Trip

Bad Trip – Bad Trip

Self released – 2013

Rock, Post, Noise, Sludge, Instrumental

Rated: ****

Bad Trip is a four-piece post hardcore instrumental sludge outfit from Thessaloniki, Greece. Viewed as a very romantic city on the mainland is it the birthplace of many legendary songs and has produced quite a few amazing artists. But most of those songs will probably only ever bring memories back from steamy hot vacation nights and dirty dances with those beautiful Greek girls. Bad Trip however does not aim to please and does not aim at the tourist heart. Bad Trip takes you out there, towards the horizon, where the sky meets the sea and everything seems possible. Their highly eclectic selection of three tracks on this release implore some noise and hardcore influences to weather the storm and postrock for the airy moments filled with that easy breeze. And there there’s their progressive sludge side that seems to want to build mountains out of all that water that surrounds their ship. Climb onboard; for this is one passionate trip worth taking!

(Written by JK)

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Mockingbird – Live Cuts

Mockingbird – Live Cuts

BirdRock Records – 2013

Rock, Hard, Classic

Rated: ***

There’s this old school metal and classic rock festival in the east of Belgium not far from Gent at a little town called Aalter known as Wizzfest. Organized by Belgian rockformation Wizz Wizzard it sells out almost every edition without ever advertising it. Strictly a word of mouth kind of thing. The second act on the edition earlier in March of this year was the Irish classic hardrock trio Mockingbird. The guys decided to record the performance and release that before putting out a full-sized debut album. Their honest blues inspired rock winks at metal but usually stays the course plotted out by bands like Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Free and their blues sometimes reminds of countryman Rory Gallagher. Upright and honorable guitar music that leans heavy on those timeless riffs and true workmanship spirit. On stage they seem to be a force to be reckoned with and their no-nonsense approach during the gig; makes for a damn fine live album. With a few good Belgian beers on hand; it almost makes up for not having been there…

(Written by JK)

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Oliveri car crash...

Oliveri car crash...

Looks like things got hairy on the road. But that might be due to the cocaine rodeo or the fact he never sleeps or because he wants it all smashed apart. Luckily he walked away with minor injuries. We wish Mr. Oliveri a speedy recovery. And hope that an auto pilot automobile will soon be on the market…

Fever Dog – Lady Snowblood

Fever Dog – Lady Snowblood

Self released – 2013

Rock, Desert, Psychedelic, Seventies

Rated: ***

“I'm flying high over the Coachella Valley, High Desert, California... with America's hottest band... and we're all about to die.” And indeed, Fever Dog sounds just as inspired and honest as everything beautiful about the Almost Famous movie. The boys even still seem to have a bit of naiveté about them that’s translated to open minded rock excellence. Formed in the spring of 2007 the band started out as Snot Rocket and under that moniker they delivered three releases. But in spring 2012 they caught up with their love for something bigger and decided it would be best to change their name. After which the album Volume One was released. Which would be the first of a trilogy and the Lady Snowblood single is here to herald the next one. Two amazing tracks that pay homage to an American actor and a Japanese movie / Manga story. But most of all show that once again something is stirring out there in the desert. It’s organic power-trio stuff by way of the Seventies and Hendrix and sounds like the doors are being blown wide open once again. It’s all happening man. It’s all happening…

(Written by JK)

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Horrors That You’ve Seen – Smokin, Skatin, Satan

Horrors That You’ve Seen – Smokin, Skatin, Satan

Made In The Meth Lab Records – 2013

Rock, Core, Hard, Doom, Stoner

Rated: ***

For some weird and possibly insane reason the new four-track EP delivered by the freaky Horrors That You’ve Seen from Edinburgh, England took me back to those twisted skater days. Lounging around on those grey afternoons around the self built ramps and getting high on dubious quality weed, Suicidal Tendencies, Pantera and mediocre punk outfits. Cause in some weird way these tracks reminisce of that feeling of freedom and airtime and punky attitude. It’s extremely loud, aggressive but still retains some crazy underlying funky groove that makes you dance like Cyco Miko. Looking for something fast and furious? Check out Smokin, Skatin, Satan! But beware; cause you will be blown backwards by the slowest hardcore and fastest doom you ever heard! Get out of ma freakin way; I’m headed for the ramps!

(Written by JK)

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Weedpecker – Berenja Pipe / Mindbreath

Weedpecker – Berenja Pipe / Mindbreath single

Self released – 2013

Stoner, Psych, Grunge

Rated: ***

As new and fresh as the latest baggie of Hindu Kush, Polands Weedpecker play a heady mix of stoner rock, psychedelic, and grunge and they’ve decided to whet our beaks with two singles off their forthcoming debut album.  “Berenja Pipe” locks in with a plodding, thick-as-molasses riff that serves as a launching pad for some fun psychedelic lead work and gruff, shouted vocals a la 90s grunge (think Gonga). Occasionally Weedpecker go into some vocal harmonizing that’s pretty uncommon in the Stonerscape and works well. The next and last track “Mindbreath” picks up the pace with a snarling main riff and liberal use of the vocal harmonies mentioned earlier. We should certainly be looking forward to the full-length and so should you if you dig bands like Acrimony, Iota, Black Heat Shujaa….

Side Note: The artwork –a naked babe smoking a spliff  and chilling in a field of pot- is wicked but I can’t figure out what that thing she’s leaning up on is… Some  strange combination of bony, human limbs, feathers and what appears to be a bird skull?? Please assist me in the comments!

(Written by Matthew McGarity)

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Karma To Burn – Special Gig Announcement

Karma To Burn – Live at Moulin de Piot

For all those freaks out there in the center of France and all those freaks that are going on holiday somewhere in the middle of France; take note of the following. After a show in 2011 that had a huge impression on the boys, Karma To Burn returns to the wilderness to play yet another gig at Moulin de Piot, Cheniers. It’s a outdoor show, right smack dab in the middle of nature with a brook running nearby and old ruins everywhere… So take note; for there will be good wine to drink and damn fine tunes to be heard! Take the stance, do the dance and get freaky with Karma To Burn in France on the 12th of July!

Sleestak – Book of Hours

Sleestak – Book of Hours (EP)

Self released – 2013

Rock, Metal, Psychedelic, Doom

Rated: ***

My first experience with Milwaukee Wisconsin’s Sleestak –named after a fictional character from Land of the Lost- came in the form of their mind-expanding half-hour jam session EP The Fall of Altrusia. The group took listeners on a rocket ship through the solar system and pretty much straight into the heart of the sun with a true space rock gem. With Book of Hours the group takes a much different approach by ramping up the detuned riffs, tossing in some vocal efforts and actually penning a few songs. The result? A much different beast that may alienate the space cadets who took flight with Altrusia as well as win fans who gravitate more towards good old fashion stoner metal.  ‘Seven Sorrows’ is a good example of the new Sleestak with suffocating guitar riff heaviness and a newfound speed element. The middle part of the EP starts to give more hints at Sleestak’s spacier side with echoed vocals and guitar effects galore. “Lone Wolf” is the albums slow burner and gets downright psychedelic with its opening wolf howl and use of a piano. Book of Hours is a well-crafted, more lucid side a Sleestak that shows a clear progression from the spacier side of life.

 (Written by Matthew McGarity)

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Polarbeers - Everywhere But Home

Polarbeers - Everywhere But Home

Do you feel that cold air around you? Do you smell that foul hangover perfume? Indeed; the Italian Polarbeers are back and in the house and pissing on your carpet; for it isn't their own home; and that's just how they roll. On the verge of releasing their debut full-sized album they have put out a first single: Everywhere But Home. A monster of a song that incorporates a little Americana and Rockabilly in the intro; but soon turns into a heavy thunderstorm that quickly and then slowly starts to get out of control… We cannot wait to hear the rest of their album… Get drunk on Polarbeers!

Eisenhower – Eisenhower

Eisenhower – Eisenhower

Self released – 2012

Rock, Seventies, Stoner, Pop

Rated: ***

And steaming up from the North of the Netherlands is a four-piece formation called Eisenhower. They’ve been winning competitions left and right and there’s a damn good reason for it. Their raw and soulful rock makes incredible use of harmony and multiple vocal-lines. It’s their very own blend of hardrock and seventies inspired bluesrock twisted round and given an exceptional poppy feel. Think Zeppelin, Heep, Purple and Sabbath but than with that catchy element that Audioslave brought to the Soundgarden table. That everybody likes from the Foo Fighter stuff that Mr.Grohl knows how to conjure. On some level their main vocalist seems to falter in delivering their message; but after a few spins he hooks into your ears and combined with all the other voices it turns into something pervertedly enigmatic. Add to this the tight riffs, freakishly good drums and awesome basswork and you can understand that we regard Eisenhower a force to be reckoned with. Let’s see what these cats do on their full-sized album: Enough…

(Written by JK)

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Grim Tim – Cygnet Strumpet House

Grim Tim – Cygnet Strumpet House

Self released – 2012

Rock, Seventies, Blues

Rated: ***

Hailing from the south of the Netherlands this trio suffered a major setback immediately after the release of their debut EP called Cygnet Strumpet House. The drummer of Grim Tim, the name under which this formation scours the earth, suffered a serious shoulder injury and had to take quite some time off to regain his health and strength. But a few months ago these guys made a triumphant return and staged concerts with the motto: Claiming The Throne. Well, they’re not King just yet. But what if they went a bit more the way of the fuzz and opened up a bit more of distortion? It would surely bring out the best of their seventies influenced bluesrock and sweet groove. It already has that sweltering and steamy soulful quality. So with a little more gutter and a little more bravado their classy and sophisticated rock would turn into a howling werewolf looking for prey. They would turn into a hairy mixture of Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin and Triggerfinger. And we would howl at the moon with them…

(Written by JK)

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La Chinga – La Chinga

La Chinga – La Chinga

Self released – 2013

Rock, Hard, Seventies, Stoner

Rated: *****

Canadian stoner boogie power trio La Chinga has the strength to make the earth vibrate and tremble and change the flow of different energy currents. They feel how the planet zooms through space and time and they have a finger on the wrist of everything profound. Hear their spectacular beat and rhythm drift along with the pulse. That oscillating 'flutter and flinster' that goes in and out with the tide. This is top shelf old school blues rock straight from the seventies transported into our very own moment in history to let us know that it all might happening sooner than later. This is all the good stuff we know from Zeppelin, Sabbath, MC5 and all the bluesier outfits that came before and after. ‘Those that never went anywhere’. They seem to claim the magical groove discovered back then without any effort and they smile like a Tao master in the face of the future. This is no low down and dirty fuck but the act of making hot steamy, sizzling, sensuous, sweating and endless love…

(Written by JK)

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The Ruiner – The Bull

The Ruiner – The Bull

The Ruiner is a 5-piece sludge/doom/stoner outfit from Melbourne Australia, formed out of various members of Bloodduster, Christbait, Pillow, Dern Rutlidge and Legends of Motorsport. They’re about to release their debut EP and found it fit to release an appetizing first track: The Bull. Heavy, rough and ominous. Something evil is on its way. And it will be here before the break of day. Something wicked this way comes. It will be here before the rising of the sun!

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Voodoo Mule – Voodoo Zoo

Voodoo Mule – Voodoo Zoo

Slušaj Najglasnije – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Doom, Metal, Sludge

Rated: *****

In about a month I will depart for Slovenia once again and terrorize the countryside before diving headfirst into their Capital. Where I hope bands like the magical Carnaval, Grrizli Madams or Voodoo Mule will play a show. Perhaps it will be time for another underground picnic called Barakafest (the 8th edition?) and all of them will play together on their very own festival? After years of trucking through their home country and neighboring states Voodoo Mule finally reckoned it was time to release an album after an already amazing EP in 2011. Their full-sized debut entitled Voodoo Zoo is filled with stoner tunes that are sludge heavy and doom trodden. Highly fuzzed out grimy, gritty and grungy songs. With foul sounding guitars that explore the psychedelic sixties and seventies, monstrous drums, impressive basswork and dirty vocals the three amigo’s plow their way across the metal and rock soil with feverous energy and wicked stubbornness. Jump on… Take the ride! And no matter what; you will get stoned…

(Written by JK)

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Crybaby Deathmatch – Triumph of the Wounded Animal

Crybaby Deathmatch – Triumph of the Wounded Animal

Self released – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Punk, Metal, Doom

Rated: ***

Crybaby Deathmatch apparently started out in the late nineties under the moniker Needlebliss and played rip off music from bands like Iron Monkey. But after years of jamming they have come into their own and are now producing damn fine ruckus. On their first EP entitled Triumph Of The Wounded Animal they sound like a hybrid monster re-incarnation of Motörhead, MC5, Queens Of The Stone Age and something that reminds of the great rock’n roll bands of the seventies and some small efforts from old school heavy metal outfits. Their Lo-fi and sometimes even open source sounding recording add to the obscurity of the tracks but does not aid in the acceptance of the obvious awesomeness of these guys. For it sometimes distracts from the sweet riffs, melodies and tight grooving yet aggressive drums. The EP might be an acquired taste; but one that can be procured by everyone and will leave a savory taste in your mouth…

(Written by JK)

And for all you freaks out there living in London… Go check’m out on June 21ste at the Midsummer Bash at the Boston Music Room together with the great Death Ape Disco!

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Liblikas – Wooden Spaceship

Liblikas – Wooden Spaceship

Self-Released – 2013

Prog, Psychedelic, Metal, Stoner

Rated: ****

Lo!  And Liblikas unleashed a chugging, churning and mulching juggernaut of a sound, angelic in consistency, demonic in intensity and almost biblical in scope.  Drums and guitars put in work like pistons fired by the fuel of a thousand goblins, on a narrative track that tells road stories of epic proportions.  Heavy and intense as being trapped in a car crusher, ‘Wooden Spaceships’ is more smothering than abrasive however, and there’s an undeniable, almost folk-like warmth to the record that invites the listener in before dinner is served… But unfortunately, no matter how inviting; you’re still on the menu.  Jazzy arrangements with teeth let you know this Estonian quintet is willing to fight for its meals and nothing comes easy.  That’s just the way they like it.  Can you make it out in one piece?  There’s a really cool concept behind this record, and with Joop’s permission, I’d like to reprint it for you right now:

“[Wooden Spaceship] tells the story of a man who awakes to find himself in our bewildered world, with no recollection of his past, trying desperately to get his innocent and unwitting head around the everyday proceedings of a world hell-bent on needless hustle and haste, a world he now finds himself stranded in. Over the course of his journey, he lives through a wide spectrum of emotions never felt before: amazement, insanity, love, panic. Eventually finding it all a little too much to bear, he flies away into the peaceful space.”

(Written by Lucas)

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DEEP – Vol. 1

DEEP – Vol. 1

Self released - 2013

Stoner, Doom

Rated: ***

Hailing from Gorizia, Italy, DEEP is a new Stoner/Doom band with a new LP and another in the works. Vol. 1 starts off as a thick, plodding menace setting the stage for what appears to be an all-doom procession straight up Sleep’s Holy Mountain, chanting vocals and all. Before loading the bong however, prepare, DEEP quickly barrel back down the mountain straight through the Italian desert (there are deserts in Italy right?) with a number “Let It Roll In” that amps up the pace (not to mention the fuzz) and rips in pure, high octane desert rock fashion. The remainder of the album firmly places itself between these two opposites (you can load that bong now) and if that “Fuzz” sound is your thing, you’ll be happy to know that sound dominates the recording. Further highlights include the monstrous groove on “Hyperventilation Revelation” and the fist-pumping closer “Sonic Mantra”. If you’re a frequent flier in both the Stoner/Doom and Desert Rock skies, give this a shot.

(Written by Matt)

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Lovijatar - Hämärän Kulkija

Lovijatar - Hämärän Kulkija

Self released – 2013

Rock, Metal, Folk, Stoner

Rated: ****

Finnish is a difficult language that I know very little even though I speak a few sentences of Hungarian; which are apparently sister languages. My Finnish has never amounted to more than the few words everyone should know in every language. Kippis, Tiistai, Hiero Ankka and ofcourse: ‘Pikku aasi sanoi siili: “älä huoli, en usko, että se oli sama kivi...”’ So it is hard to understand the folk poetry going on, on Lovijatar first album Hämärän Kulkija. It tells the olden tales from Finnish lore, legends and poetry. The same goes for some of the melodies that have been transcribed out of ancient Carelian (a region consisting of Finland and Russia) and Finnish folk requiems. It has a traditional, earnest and significant feeling to it. As if it is a last ditch effort to save something that otherwise would be lost forever. And then there are the flat out impressive riffs; swirling rhythms and stirring vocals. Uskomaton!

(Written by JK)

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And Lucas on his amazing Paranoid Hitsophrenic mentions it as well!

Talbot - Scaled

Talbot - Scaled

Self released - 2013

Stoner, Doom

Rated: ***

Talbot, the Estonian stoner metal duo are back to treat us to “Scaled”, another serving of their well-executed (if derivative) soup of stoner-doom. Previous full-length, 2010’s EOS generated a significant buzz among the most stoned palates, so many will be eyeing this release with anticipation. “Spectral Express” gets things kicked off in rocking fashion with an eight+ minute beating of thick, meaty riffs, stoned guitar leads and vocals that alternate between Death Metal’s “Cookie Monster” stylisms and gruff, distanced shouts. Stoner Metal fans typically get their feathers ruffled when the vocals are something outside of the Ozzy/John Garcia mold but these vocals are in fact, a Talbot strength, holding the cosmic riffs and thundering rhythm section in check and keeping things interesting. The group doubles-down on this potent formula on “Shadowbird”, the highlight of the album and a good representative in the current state of affairs within the stoner/doom landscape. The final two tracks are dedicated to stretching outside the constructs used earlier and produce some interesting moments, I mean sheesh, how many stoner albums end with what sounds like Church organs? With Scaled, Talbot have certainly taken a big step forward from EOS and continue to make a seemingly stale genre relevant again... 

(Written by Matt)

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The team grows...

Let us introduce...

After last weeks call to arms a few replies rushed through the door; a few hands willing to help out and go for the gusto. The first review by our new fellow HiVer will follow shortly. Here are a few words from Matt! Great to have you on board amigo!

Matthew 'Matt' McGarity

Born and raised in Philadelphia, I used to write a blog called Cheopian Field where I reviewed pretty much whatever I felt like. I work in IT and the hours made keeping the blog up to date were a bitch... Fear not! I'm back on the horse now. I have a passion for heavy music especially stoner, desert, psychedelic and doom (metal)… Just an average Joe preaching the gospel of Iommi...

Welcome Joe! Errr.. I mean Matt!

Huge Rat Attacks – Organic Babies

Huge Rat Attacks – Organic Babies

Self-Released – 2013

Psychedelic, Stoner

Rated:  ***

Veteran twin cities’ quartet Huge Rat Attacks will be unleashing their third full-length album on July 27, you can listen to a two track preview stream on their bandcamp page right now.  On ‘Organic Babies’ HRA spend the majority of their time feeling their way along the flowing walls of a lysergic truck stop, taking care not to be swallowed alive by the breathing curtains.  At the truck stop, the band picks up some pep pills in the form of the riffs, which provide a sludgy prescription for a mostly carefully navigated course.  Largely atmospheric, HRA find themselves in a miasma of psychedelic sound walls, which begin to melt and flow, but they’ve got to get as close to them as possible, even though every flowing wave of wallpaper threatens to knock them away, they’ve got to stay in tight to those riff walls because those breathing curtains of atmosphere may just inhale them or eat them alive.  So they spend most of their time feeling their way along the flowing walls of a lysergic truck stop, taking care not to be swallowed alive by the breathing curtains…

(Written by Lucas)

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Rocketpick

Rocketpick

All hail the new riff in town! Young and old, gather ‘round! Black and white, red and green. It’s the heaviest riff man, the heaviest you’ve ever seen! All hail the new riff in town!

There’s a new and great concept on the horizon to help us filter out the great from the amazing. The absolutely wonderful from the spectacular. And the kings from the kings!

All hail the new riff in town! And all head over to Rocketpick! Subscribe if you are a fan of all that’s good and heavy so you can vote. And if you are playing in an up and coming band; sign up and get some more airplay and attention! It’s all in good fun and it’s all meant to pay homage to the new riff in town…

The first battle of the riffs has commenced…

Head on over and join the fight!

Rocketpick

Paranoid Hitsophrenic - The Monthly Super Doom Charts

Paranoid Hitsophrenic - Super Doom Charts

Wanna stay on top of everything hot 'n heavy? Check out the monthly polled charts on Paranoid Hitsophrenic! Lucas did a damn fine job collection, studying and delivering all the facts. The first edition referring to the month of May is now online. Check out them riffs!

Super Doom Charts