Yuri Gagarin – Yuri Gagarin

Yuri Gagarin – Yuri Gagarin

Levande Begravd Records / Self released – 2013

Rock, Space, Stoner, Instrumental

Rated: ****

Whenever the good Doktor420 gives us a tip we get all giddy inside and take it to heart, for we know that he has that guru ability. After which we delve headfirst into the music that he pointed us towards. In this case, the four-track debut album by Yuri Gagarin. Five Swedes from Gothenburg that deliver some excellent, enigmatic and colorful spacerock. The instrumental goodness they bring forth from the outskirts of the galaxy is simply irresistible. The multiple synth loops, waves, layers, drones and zooms make it a true space race adventure. And then there’s the cosmonaut riffage and exploring by the two guitars and the afterburner commanded by the bassplayer; which are truly inspirational. Complex, supersonic and mystical. For there’s some weird energy surrounding this release. It has something ancient and futuristic rolled into one and seems to have the blessing of the Gods…

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Lizzard Wizzard – Lizzard Wizzard

Lizzard Wizzard – Lizzard Wizzard

Self released - 2013

Rock, Doom, Stoner, Sludge

Rated: ****

Except for the drummer the rest of the quartet all take on some of the vocal duties. Something I always applaud and especially when they’re very different and abundant. But the Brisbane, Australian foursome Lizzard Wizzard don’t even need them. For their massive doom grooves and grimy stoner sludge does all the talking for them. Their screams and howls even seem to interfere a little on one or two occasions with the awesome doom march that we partake on. For on their self-titled debut effort the riffs and rhythms are of a legendary nature. They are wild and boisterous; while slow and precise even though the ever-present fuzz might seem to grind it all down to loose cement. It isn’t. It is rock-solid and with pure evil fun. These movie-loving freaks seem to have actually found some moves Sleep forgot to include on their masterpiece. And any Game Of Thrones fan out there will surely love their take on the intro. So grab a twenty-sided dice or two and get on the board with this incredible self-proclaimed turn based stoner doom band…

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Komatsu & John Garcia - July

No words necessary. And just imagine how damn great it was in reality... Komatsu joined by John Garcia to perform the Slo Burn song July...

The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 album of 2013

The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 of 2013

Two days ago we put out the first announcement to get the attention of all of you lovely freaks out there. Which already garnered quite some results. Even though the deadline to send in your list of favorite albums closes on December the 11th. We already receveived NINE lists in two days. Amazing! So send yours as well in the upcomming weeks; befor the countdown of the Stoner HiVe top 20 albums of 2013 starts on December 12th...

Send it HERE

Komatsu / Desert Storm - Nomen Est Omen

Komatsu – July

In a few hours the Eindhoven stoner armada Komatsu will play a hometown show at Speedfest; the annual houseparty hosted by none other then Peter Pan Speedrock. And there they will proudly present a new ten inch split they recorded with their UK buddies Desert Storm. On this EP entitled Nomen Est Omen the Komatsu freaks deliver two hard headed punches. One of them being the new track Cast Away the other being the cover of the Slo Burn song July. And what better way to celebrate that fact than to perform that very song with the man responsible for the lyrics and self proclaimed fan of that machinating stonerforce that is Komatsu… 

John Garcia…

30,000 Monkies – Somewhere Over The Painbow

30,000 Monkies – Somewhere Over The Painbow

Self released – 2013

Rock, Sludge, Noise, Metal, Core

Rated: ***

Massive and heavy and impressive basswork lead the way on the first three tracks of the new EP Somewhere Over The Painbow by the Belgian foursome 30,000 Monkies. Its unholy clamor and gritty cacophony are simply impressive and show us bitter darkness and foul tasting sweet and sour. And that’s just the beginning; for closing effort Batteram really goes for the gusto. Thirteen minutes of pure excellence filled with an awesome atmosphere and pounding drums, marching riffs and howling screeches and growling vocals. It starts with some eerie and frightening keys and vocals, which seem to point towards the listener as if the bell finally tolls for you. It then meanders from intense black through al the different shades of grey and back towards something with every color of the painbow. As if the boys wanted to stomp their musical dynamite in your belly and watch it blow out yer guts; like a rainbow…

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Triggerfinger - The Wall of Dolls

Triggerfinger ft Rinus' Garage - The Wall of Dolls

In anticipation of the new album this amazing Golden Earring cover. We love Triggerfinger...

Steak – Corned Beef Colossus

Steak – Corned Beef Colossus

Purple Sage PR / Self released – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Desert

Rated: ****

Heavy cruisers on route to some generator party or biker freak out in some run down part of town! The new EP Corned Beef Colossus by the heroic UK foursome Steak thunders down the road like Genghis Khan on beer run. It’s the deep rumbling of the bass and the tumbling of the drums that propel these massive grooves forward. This rhythm section is all about keeping the pace moving fast and steady down that main line. Opening up the landscape for the fuzzed guitar and excellent vocals to go wherever the spirit might lead them. Just listen to that psychedelic purr exhumed by the great magnet; and the incredible kicks your having once Acid Dave has sold you his stuff and has you licking his red woolen shirt. This is high energy desert truckin and begs to be devoured whole and on a regular basis. It will surely make you lift off and soar through the sky!  

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Mud Shark – Bonzo Did It

Mud Shark – Bonzo Did It

Self released – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Hard, Psych

Rated: ****

Holy crap. The amazing quality of the debut EP Bonzo Did It by the Danish foursome Mud Shark takes you completely by surprise. With incredible production values the four tracks on this diamond shimmer and shine with pure hard rocking bliss. They also vibrate and oscillate due to the chaotic jumpy nature of the tracks. Especially opening tune When You’re In Vain seems to be all over the place with mad outro's, quiet passages and insane interludes. But after a couple of spins, those off-key changes hook you in your fishy face. And then after the straightforward heavy rocker Line Of Fire there’s the third track As I Lie Awake. Which starts with emotional keys and show a completely different side of the Mud Shark. A bigger, grander and more submerged dangerous side. It has soul and shows depth and promises so much for the future. As does the closer which you should discover for yourself… So jump in the water and swim with the sharks…

(Written by JK)

Facebook

Bandcamp

Helgamite – Ghosts Of The River Valley

Helgamite – Ghosts Of The River Valley

Lost Apparitions Recors / Self released – 2013

Rock, Sludge, Doom, Stoner, Metal

Rated: ***

Just listen to the opening track Witching Hour of the new album Ghosts Of The River Valley by this Rileyville, VA foursome and you too will immediately be swept away by the dark bluesy doom metal thunder that is Helgamite. After which the band takes a more gothic approach to their sludge and doom while the riffs keep blaring and solos find their way through the screams, howls, growls and screeches. They move back towards dark grey metal and keep their identity hidden as the sounds move through almost every metal genre ever coined. And they do this with a proud attitude and definite aptitude. Just like they did when they smoked out the bees from their HiVe for the Apiarist track. And soon many great moments have passed as the moon sets on their final track Cavernous Heart. After which you just have to go back to that amazing Witching Hour, the time when anything is possible… 

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Homepage

The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 of 2013

The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 of 2013

This is the first reminder to get the attention of all of you lovely freaks out there. On December the 12th we start once again with the countdown of the Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 albums of 2013! But to do so we need your help. We need to know what albums made your head spin, blood boil and your bones jump with pure euphoria! So please, my lovely fellow freaks, send your lists to our email. The rules: vote for any amount of albums or EP’s released in 2013. (And at the end of December 2012) If you dug only one; name that one. If you dug 78; name all of them! It doesn’t matter how much, one, five, 10, 13, 20 or 41. We just want to know which albums made you go crazy!

Every year we hope that more of you find the time and energy to send in your list. The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 list has been a steady grower going from 18 lists to 37 to 48 and on to 56 in the 2012 edition. So should we set our goal high and hope for the big 100? Or just hope to make it over that 60 mark? Either way it would be grand; just so that the list becomes more and more valid with each passing year…

The deadline to send in your list closes on December the 11th… So there’s still enough time to get crackin… Go on… If not for yourself or me; do it for all the rest of the lovely freaks out there… Scurrying in the HiVe… 

Send your lists HERE

Blood Red Water – All The Ills Of Mankind

Blood Red Water – All The Ills Of Mankind

Self released – 2013

Rock, Sludge, Doom, Metal

Rated: ****

After releasing a damn fine first EP called Tales of Addiction and Despair in 2012 as a foursome the Venice, Italy Blood Red Water returns with a fifth member and with an even grittier album this year. For All The Ills Of Mankind sounds crunchy, crusted and completely cranked up. Moody doomed sludge pounds and pulverizes your bones while the cymbals crash around your ears shattering what might be left of your hearing. And with an ever-present underlying undercurrent of hysteria the five tracks have this charcoal aggression and pitiful groove that sets the perfect emotive tone for a creepy trip through your toxic mind. Muddy, manic and sinister the mid-tempo and slow paced tunes move relentlessly forward and ever so often some speed or core comes into play; just so the furnace becomes even hotter.  And all this with a brutal intensity that has their riffs pumice your filthy soul and the sandpaper vocals grate your skin until it starts to bleed… And has the water turned to red…

(Written by JK)

Facebook

Bandcamp

Husk – Seven Pyramids

Husk – Seven Pyramids

Self released – 2013

Rock, Doom, Metal, Sludge, Prog

Rated: ***

The guys from Stoner HiVe will do just about anything when a cake is promised. And it doesn’t even matter if it ends up to be one of those freaky carrot cakes. Indeed. The guys from Husk were trying to buy us. Not for a positive review; but simply for almost 50 minutes of our time. To check out their debut album Seven Pyramids. But that ain’t necessary, cause we do that stuff for free. As long as the music we are served is done with the right set of nerves, the right heart and for the love of the heavy riffs. And not long after the opening track commences we’re already wiping the anticipating sweat of our heads and we can rest easy. True heavy music with the right kind of spirit. With a thin productional sound the record has an obscure and luscious charm. Their heavines comes in waves and crashes like the roaring surf of the ocean. There’s this proggy, post-rock element to their otherwise marching doom metal and muddy sludge. Which makes it all highly dynamic and it’s savory and august and we like it. We do wonder however who the bassplayer is from now on?!

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

RH – New Bedford Squall

RH – New Bedford Squall

Self released – 2013

Drone, Ambient, Noise, Doom

Rated: **

Ryan Huber is the full name of the man behind this project called RH. This freaky release New Bedford Squall is an ambient noise experience that implores some doom to get its hypnotic droning message across. The experimental landscapes painted by these slow arching noises are mysterious and dark. The little light exhumed by this five-track canvas shimmers and dissipates as quickly as the ethereal fog swallows it all. Monsters crack through the watery surface and that light that disappeared so quickly now seems like a lost memory when you struggle and fight for your life. New Bedford Squall is a tough ambient noise cookie that should be served around five fifteen in the morning with black coffee and absinthe…

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Doublestone – Wingmakers

Doublestone – Wingmakers

Levitation Records – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Hard, Seventies, Psych, Doom

Rated: *****

Copenhagen. One of those cities that just begs for weird and twisted adventures. And riding that highly futuristic train late a night when you’re out of your mind is worth the trip alone. And here’s another reason to travel to Denmark; the three amigo’s from Doublestone. With their new full-sized album Wingmakers they have delivered some grade A seventies inspired rock that implores the best from the doom and stoner genres that we all love so dearly. The vocalist has that chased quality that makes this kind of music quickly rise above the rest of the field. It’s a simple but difficult feat to accomplish; making the riffs, rhythms and melodies, the trucking, the soloing and riveting exploring fill each other’s gaps to sheer perfection. This is without a doubt the best ‘retro’ minded album released this year. A definite contender for the top region of the Stoner HiVe top 20. Which will commence in a few weeks...

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Homepage

Facebook

And ofcourse Lucas wrote a much better review on his Paranoid Hitsophrenic!

Alt – I’m An Actress

Alt – I’m An Actress

Domino Media Agency / Self released – 2013

Rock, Alternative, Indie, Stoner

Rated: ***

The French trio ALT returns with yet another EP, this one entitled I’m An Actress. It’s the fourth in the series that is now complete after releasing I'm A Dancer, I'm A Singer and I'm A Model the past years. They’ve branded their form of alternative rock music with definite indie and stoner elements as damaged rock. Add to this tiny piches of new wave, eighties pop and postpunk and you get the idea. Four highly eclectic and bombastic rock tracks that glow and radiate with pure luminensce. Interesting melodies, growling and reverberating riffs across sliding and whimsical drums. Rhythms that can change of a dime and a mighty production. And a singer that almost always convinces; there are just a few vocal moments that aren’t as satisfying as the others. But on most fronts; ALT kicks serious actress butt!

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Homepage

Traitors Return To Earth – Betting On A Full Collapse

Traitors Return To Earth – Betting On A Full Collapse

Self released – 2013

Rock, Doom, Sludge, Metal, Noise

Rated: ***

After an impressive five track EP called Smoke Screen in 2011 the Ohio foursome Traitors Return To Earth, err, return with their full-sized debut called Betting On A Full Collapse. The focus has shifted from political criticism on war and US foreign policy towards economical criticism and the policies of the World Bank. Darker, raw and more brutal riffs are applied and the atmosphere becomes as bleak and twisted as the economic reality of our future world. The sheer magnitude of this sludge metal extravaganza almost becomes unbearable which again mirrors our society and its in-equality. Harsh, coarse and possessed vocals scream their truth into you ears as the drums beats away your false armor of doubt and belief. Sludge noise and Cimmerian vibrations at its best. Plus the vinyl release will feature all original cover art from W. Ralph Walters, including an original Traitors Return to Earth themed comic book by W. Ralph Walters as well as a download for the album plus two bonus tracks!

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

The Chewers – Chuckle Change and Also

The Chewers – Chuckle Change and Also

Self released – 2013

Rock, Art, Punk, Blues, Roots

Rated: **

Ever wondered what the weird and demented do when they get lost in the woods? Sure, some of them turn into axe-wielding homicidal wingnuts. But otherse form a artpunk duo that implores black, dark and wavey elements to their avant-garde rock. It’s The Chewers. A duo from the outback of West-Virginia. And on their album Chuckle Change And Also they give us ramshackle blues on pots, pans and batskulls. It rinkles and tingles and never seems the settle. Volitale elements swirling around and always on the verge of exploding. Raw and eerie, trippy and grungy. Filthy… Just filthy.

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Homepage

Wangunst – Kempisch Ongemak

Wangunst – Kempisch Ongemak

Self released – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Sludge, Doom, Instrumental

Rated: ****

On their first EP Kempisch Ongemak this Dutch trio might come across as all over the place. But when the boys from Wangunst drag us to all those corners, nooks, crannies and outreaches of their musical endeavor we can only sit back and enjoy the trip. The first three original tracks burst out of the gates with stomping heaviness but soon implore a seventies doom flow and even allow some psychedelic colors to warp your mind. But the crown on their first EP is (unfortunately?) the last song. A cover version of the 1984 Blackbird Special originally by the Dirty Dozen Brassband from their first album My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now. Which was already a dark groovy New Orleans blues track back in the days; but these boys turn up the groove and the dark and make it all about letting go and freakin out. And you just have to love how they translate the sax and trumpet to the guitar… Wangunst, let’s hope these guys turn out something new quickly…

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Antero Sleeps – Antero Sleeps

Antero Sleeps – Antero Sleeps

Self released – 2013

Rock, Doom, Sludge, Metal, Space

Rated: ***

We might be starting in Austin, Texas but we soon soar through space towards a destination unknown and a place where no man has gone before. Antero Sleeps brings us a science fiction adventure that goes on and beyond most boundaries. The five freaks take you there in a spaceship that’s about to explode. It’s shoddy and shaky and is leaking rubble and dust. But among all the wreckage and debris there’s some privateering brilliance going on. Heavy space truckin sludge riffs and growling vocals propel this ship ever forward towards the event horizon. And alien planet, its moon and the discovery of an ancient weapon that will destroy them all. Explosive, atmospheric and with an abundance of twists and turns that take you through doom, sludge and spacey… err… landscapes… Wake up! Cause we’re entering unknown territory… 

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Swarm of Spheres – Invest In Your Death

Swarm of Spheres – Invest In Your Death

Self released – 2013

Rock, Metal, Stoner, Sludge, Core

Rated: ****

The Ottawa, Ontario, Canadian threesome Swarm of Spheres returns with a follow-up to their damn fine self-titled debut from 2012. And on their new record titled Invest In Your Death we find the boys continuing on to form their very own legacy of fast paced sludge core and stoner metal. With the intensity of a live performance and the force of jackhammer the seven tracks stomp their way into your very heart and make you remember the days when NYHC was something that still looked for creative paths to walk on. But that’s just on those moments when the guys go full force without relent. And then their are those breaks, those groove and doom parts that have you dancing like an ape and beating your chest like a gorilla. It’s on those moments that start seeing the absolute brilliance of these Spheres and the fact that they combine that speedy core and that soundscapy sludge to almost sheer perfection. Fuck me and the fixed gear I rode in on; this is vicious and addictive!

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Menhir – Uberlith II

Menhir – Uberlith II

Self released – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Metal, Sludge, Instrumental

Rated: *****

Hailing from the north of the Netherlands, a trio is approaching that will ram it’s way into your brain with ancient chisels and hammers. Menhir! On their new and second EP Uberlith II soon to be released we find yet another three songs that stand tall in the face of evil. With a mechanical sound and interesting samples the mostly instrumental EP quickly becomes one of those wonderful standing rocks you cannot let go and just want to keep on rubbing. The way it feels and puts you in touch with that atavistic side or mankind; highly addictive! The first track Mt.Aloha has the exact amount of mysticism, enchantment and pure heavy power to sweep you of your feet and keep your mesmerized. These boys take their music seriously but with Buttcake they show that seriousness is an entirely different deal with Menhir. Fun, raw and an absolute smash’n grab! Just like Mt. Aloha was. And closer Dance Dance Dance has little to do with disco; but a lot with putting the groove into their stoner and sludge metal! As for comparisons; well; these cats make their own niche. But think Karma To Burn, think Komatsu, 35007, Red Fang and Down. No, don’t think. Act. Get your hammers out; it’s time to build some weird Stonehenge… With Menhir!

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Menhir - Mt. Aloha

Menhir - Mt. Aloha

Menhir is a three-piece stonerrock-band from somewhere between a rock and a hard place. Menhir is solid, Menhir is heavy, Menhir is a big-ass monolith but in stereo. Menhir was founded in January 2012 and will go on 'till the second coming of the Stone Age, and then they will sleep. And just made a freakin great video for their new single: Mt. Aloha! Check it out!

Bandcamp 

Facebook

Plastic Gods - Burning of the Midday Bowl 

New song and video by Iceland's seminal doom effort; Plastic Gods!  

Facebook

 

Plastic Gods - Quadriplegiac

Plastic Gods - Quadriplegiac

Plastic Gods have been leading the trail in doom and stoner rock in Iceland for the past eight years with a significant cult status in Iceland. And their debut album Quadriplegiac is up on youtube... 

Facebook

Bruto – Bruto

Bruto – Bruto

Self released – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Sludge, Metal

Rated: ***

It very quickly become clear that the name of this Chilean foursome is well chosen. Bruto is and sounds like a brutish stoner overlord that simply enjoys every brutal sound that he can make while enjoying his favorite meal and drinks. For on their self-titled debut effort the four amigos slay all the simple melody minions with true fuzzy aggressiveness. Or as they like to call it themselves: Fuzzgressive. They’re sweating blood and every note played has this double-edge power sword in hand. It not only kills with intense rhythms, gravelly riffs and bulldozing drums but also with sheer and almost illimitable force.  There is little room for anything else but that distorted metal sound we all love so dearly. So put on Bruto and prepare to be leveled by nine tracks of almost barbaric intensity. Viva a los nuevos reyes de la brutalidad!

(Written by JK)

Facebook

Bandcamp

Barbarian Fist – Demo

Barbarian Fist – Demo

Self released – 2013

Rock, Sludge, Stoner, Metal, Doom

Rated: ***

I remember the good ol’days. When the C64 was the only available computer to play decent games on and you could just club a woman over the head and drag her back to your tent. One of them games was Barbarian and one of the women was named Jackie. An amazing fighting game in which you could take your opponent's head off with the right angle and joystick move and Jackie has similar tricks. Ofcourse my mind wanders back to that time, it's only logical when the Oslo band Barbarian Fist pointed me in the direction of their two-track demo. It sounds like a generator party in a tar pit. The three near cavemen might be extremely hairy and smelly but they put down some absolutely magnificent fuzzed out guitar sounds and crackling drums. Sure, it might taste like charred boar from another fire on occasion or rotten elk from a different tribe. But that’s hardly the point when it tastes this good and has you lusting for more…

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Supervoid – Filaments

Supervoid – Filaments

Self Released – 2013

Stoner, Sludge, Psych, Doom

Rated: *****

Filaments, It’s hard to believe this is a debut album. There’s just too much solid songwriting, muscular musicianship, tasteful psychedelic musings, all cradled in a slam bang production job fit for the Mastodons and Baronesses of the world. But that’s exactly what we’re dealing with when it comes to Supervoid, a monster debut album that incorporates elements of bludgeoning stoner rock, ultra-aggressive NOLA swamp stomp, and nicely crafted bluesy psych workouts. The tracks come in pretty heavy at about 5-8 minutes per tune and remarkably, that often feels like it’s not enough time to kick out the surplus of ideas and pure drop-tune stoner jam. There’s really not a dud on the album and the balance between softer, spacier dynamics and blunt force death metal trauma is near perfect. ”Arcane Groves” demonstrates this well enough through its 9 ½ minute length.  It’s tough to draw up comparisons but the touchstone of Supervoid’s sound is the meat n potatoes metal of bands like Solace and Sasquatch, along with the quirky prog tendencies of Mastodon, everything just expands into metal mind-fuck territory from there. Highly recommended.

(Written by Matthew McGarity)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Endless Planets EP

Exporting White Elephants – Organic Raw

Exporting White Elephants – Organic Raw

Self released – 2013

Rock, Hard, Stoner, Grunge, Garage

Rated: ****

The Chilean duo Exporting White Elephants just released their debut effort called Organic Raw. Which turns out to be an excellent title for their first ten-track album. The bass rumbles highly organic and the drums pound and stomp like a massive beast. The outlines have a very natural raw and jagged edge to them. The record starts off tranquil and moving; and soon you are swept away by their grungy take on stonerrock with a blues twist. Their fuzzy take on garage and hardrock is supplemented by something that psychedelics it’s way into your brain and it’s amazing to hear the bass switch color and turn into an entirely different entity with almost every track. It’s easy to hear these guys have been at it since 2008; for it sounds highly accomplished and complete. Exporting White Elephants prove once again that you only need two true artists and the right spirit to churn out something fabled...

(Written by JK)

Soundcloud

Facebook

Black Spiders – This Savage Land

Black Spiders – This Savage Land

Listenable / Suburban – 2013

Rock, Hard

Rated: ****

Unpretentious hardrock exactly like we like it. Black Spiders is a formation that already blew our heads off at Speedfest a few years ago. This Sheffield, UK battalion knows the exact amount of fun, speed, stoner and punk to put into their classic no bullshit straightforward rock to make it exactly sound like their very own. This Savage Land is their second album and it’s a damn find kick in the nuts. With their polyphonic refrains, long solo’s and lyrics stuffed with humor and honesty the band seems to have leapfrogged from the eighties. But their trashy swagger and tin plated rock resembling in part the Mötorhead, Mötley Crüe, Turbonegro and AC/DC sound would not be this enjoyable if it did not have that little bit of extra. That little bit that reminds of Monster Magnet or Soundgarden or even something bigger. Which turns out to be that little twist that spins this record from a simple fist waving, head shaking, beer drinking pubrocker into something better. But that’s something that you will need to discover yourself…

(Written by JK)

Homepage

Facebook

SpiralArms – Freedom

SpiralArms – Freedom

SPV/Suburban – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Hard

Rated: ****

On Saturday the 23rd of November, Speedfest is coming to Eindhoven, Netherlands. That amazing houseparty Peter Pan Speedrock organizes every year. Orchid was billed to perform but due to mismatch in touring schedules SpiralArms is going to take over their spot. And this is not a bad thing. For the bearded sextet from Frisco has the knack to unite all kinds of hard rock in it’s sound. On their second album Freedom we hear that sound that originated in the Californian desert, speedrock, metal, blues and southern influences. All topped off by lead heavy riffs that would please Iommi. And where some albums which are made up out of ten completely different songs can feel like quicksand; this turns out to be a wonderful and righteous landscape of variation. Up-tempo Dropping Like Flies, wailing stoner psychedelica in Hold Me To The Sky, grungy stoner a la Kyuss in Exit 63, old skool heavy metal in Drugs & Alcohol and a damn fine cover version of Black Sabbath’s very own Tomorrow’s Dream. The high points are possibly the keys and piano that weave through the wall of guitar and drums. The only lower moments are probably the ballad Freedom and the semi-acoustic Lovers Leap. But without those the earlier peaks would have become unassailable…

(Written by JK)

Homepage

Facebook

Glory Owl – Glory Owl

Glory Owl – Glory Owl

Self released – 2013

Rock, Stoner, Doom, Sludge, Metal

Rated: ****

Bella zio! Hailing from that crazy bordertown Trieste in Italy, the five amici that make up Glory Owl have just released their first self-titled EP. An absolute gem in the stoner and doom genre that excels in aggressive high energy full force metal. The four tracks on this EP serve as a true battering ram. Starting with a massive guitar tone you can hear the thunder approaching and once it arrives; there is little Shelter from this Italian hurricane. And the second track is just as strong as the first one with impressive breaks and attention curveballs. But all that fades in comparison to their third song Gretta. One four and a half minute powerhouse of a song that has it all. With a build up that has you on the edge of your seat they drag you along down to hell as soon as the vocalist starts. And the middle part has this heavy burning guitar color that ignites every last part of your remaining soul. I for one, have a sore arm now from air drumming along… Hottdamn…

(Written by JK)

Facebook

Bandcamp

Hukkunud Hinged – Puhastustuli

Hukkunud Hinged – Puhastustuli

Self released – 2013

Rock, Doom, Metal

Rated: ***

Doomed and perished souls from some forlorn cave in Estonia are speaking, nay howling, nay grunting and growling to us through the new album Puhastustuli from the Hukkunud Hinged fivesome. With both female and male vocals we are confronted with Estonian poetry. And even though most of us will probably understand very little of the actual lyrics; the voices, melodies and vocal rhythms fit perfectly with the doom and hardrock riffs that chug away on the foundation of some damn well excellent drums. A fuzzy lo-fi production adds to the arcane atmosphere that seems to flow like an underground river beneath it all. Heavy and with grand gestures the nine tracks deliver in highly musical doom that also has a naturalistic quality to it. I reckon it’s time to learn Estonian… Terviseks!

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Trashqueen – Wicked Vanity

Trashqueen – Wicked Vanity

Self released – 2013

Rock, Hard, Classic, Blues

Rated: ***

After the damn fine Dirty Attraction EP in 2012 the Brisbane quartet Trashqueen have released their first full-sized album Wicked Vanity a few months ago. A record filled with thirsty swagger and nasty sauntering meant for dubious nights in dark and dusty drinking-holes. There’s some high-class dirtiness going on here, which reminds of something glammy and implores most of that bluesrock adagio from many many years ago. The somewhat thin production adds to that pure honesty that shines through in these songs. This is denim and leather music that could easily go on tour with fellow Australian greats Airbourne, Rose Tattoo or their American counterpart Rhino Bucket. But also with Mötley Crüe, Guns ‘N Roses and Aerosmith. So in short, Trashqueen has some fine ass booty!

(Written by JK)

Facebook

Bandcamp

Sumeru – Sumeru

Sumeru – Sumeru

Self released – 2013

Rock, Metal, Doom, Stoner, Core, Southern

Rated: ****

Aussie five-piece metal band Sumeru sound like a garbage truck outside your window two hours before your alarm goes off.  Wait … no.  They sound like a garbage truck hauling dumpsters outside your hated enemy’s bedroom window three hours before the bastard is set to wake up.  Or maybe it sounds like the bastard losing a fight with a garbage truck outside anybody's bedroom window.  Any way you slice it, the garbage truck wins.  Sumeru IS that garbage truck.  Simply put, Sumeru sounds like brutal and hard-won victory.  Their debut self-titled EP contains four brisk cuts which bludgeon with a pounding rhythm section and eviscerate with a sandblasting two guitar attack.  Sumeru is new enough and the EP short enough to only give a glimpse of what they have to offer, but first impressions are of a band capable of southern-tinged Down-sized riffs with a hardcore edge.  One thing is certain, this baby moves with groove at a solid pace, mowing down any and all obstacles in its way, including that hated enemy of yours.  And when you see that hated enemy peeking his or her dreary head with its confused, frowning face out the window, beat your chest to a soundtrack of Sumeru.

(Written by Lucas)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Paranoid Hitsophrenic - Super Doom Charts - October

Paranoid Hitsophrenic - Super Doom Charts - October

Did you hear those beasts scratching at your door the past few days? They were coming to drag you towards your inevitable doom. And what better way to end it and checking out by checking out and listening to that sound that belongs to the end of the month… Check out this months Super Doom Chart on Lucas’s Paranoid Hitsophrenic. It’s where he makes sure, along with all the valuable contributors, everyone stays on top of everything hot ‘n heavy! Check out them guitar melting riffs man!

Mudfest - III

 

Mudfest - III

Mud, Sweat and Beers!

Don’t forget about the free-of-charge Friday for the third edition of Mudfest this very night! With none other than Stonerfront Nijmegen, Downfall of Gaia and Abrahma! So let’s all head over to Perron55 in Venlo, Netherlands tonight and drink good beer while listening to good music… And ofcourse to buy those tickets for the morning after… When the line-up features such bands as Windhand, Toner Low, Pendejo and many more! And the heavy tunes will easily blow away any hangover that might be plaguing your head and have alcohol replace every drop of your sweat…

Homepage

Horse Drawn Death Machine – No Light

Horse Drawn Death Machine – No Light

Self released – 2012

Metal, Core, Black, Doom

Rated: ***

On the verge of releasing their first full-sized album, it might be fitting to revisit the Ohio quartet Horse Drawn Death Machine’s last EP called No Light released at the tail end of 2012. Four intensely black and twisted metal tracks formed by full on aggression and screams of doom and despair. There is indeed little light exhumed on this EP and the endless barrage of screams, drums and riffs are only offset by some guitar solos and snaking rhythms. The seemingly chaotic compositions whip the listener into a frenzy; and you can either cooperate or bleed to death from all the lashings. And then there’s the third track Early Graves; that takes all that came before and adds some majestic guitar to it and keeps the pace droning away as it rolls and weaves and blueses up the atmosphere. Closing track Dark Days quickly blacks out the blue; but before it turns off the light completely the imperial guitar comes back one more time to appease and strap you back into the Horse Drawn Death Machine. On to the next town…

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Wolf People – Fain

Wolf People – Fain

Jagjaguwar / Konkurrent – 2013

Rock, Seventies, Sixties, Folk, Psych, Prog

Rated: ***

On Wolf People’s second album Fain, (or third, if you count Tidings) we hear folk melodies conversing with seventies inspired fuzz rock and something atavistically psychedelic. It’s a weird blend of Zeppelin, Tull and even some Sabbath. But perhaps it’s easier to come to grips and see their obvious love for Mighty Baby, Cream and Faiport Convention. The most astounding aspect of Fain is probably the almost complete lack of contemparary influences. Except perhaps they way it was recorded and made available. With lofty refrains and worldly memories of something ancient the psychedelic flows and rolls continue like the oceantide. Like the great storytellers of yore the four confidently stride backwards towards that small indent in time where classic hardrock and frilly folkrock got together to make flowerbabies. And judging from this highly interesting and intelligent album, the kids are all right…

(Written by JK)

Homepage

Facebook