Stoner HiVe: januari 2014

Lunarmare – Lunarmare

Lunarmare – Lunarmare
Self released – 2013
Rock, Space, Stoner, Psych
Rated: ***

We’re visiting Greece again today; but not for long. Cause as soon as the first track from the self-titled debut by Lunarmare starts we have a lift off. And soon we will be leaving earth’s atmosphere and transferring space towards the moon and beyond. Lunarmare delivers grade A space rock with some bluesy stoner elements and a heavy psychedelic edge. The mostly instrumental compositions leave you weightless and lusting after mind altering experiences. But there are vocals; that fit but are perhaps a bit too far back in the mix. That’s why Answer might be the best track due to the fact that the mix of both male and female voices isn’t a hindrance. But otherwise the tracks glow with enchanting beauty and sometimes even blinds with its glare. The Greek quartet formed in 2010 and with their first release they have built a space ship that could in fact reach event horizon. Let’s hope they don’t run out of fuel…

(Written by JK)

Stoner HiVe's Quick Fire Friday

Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

The Stoner HiVe Quick Fire Friday segment will be a weekly feature of a handful of bands and only a small amount of words to help spread their musical prowess…

Mother of God – Black Ocean

Founded in 2008 the Swedish four-piece named Mother of God uses seventies inspired rock in a totally nineties way. On this incredible seven inch single entitled Black Ocean the two tracks hammer their point none to subtle home: Mother Of God is here to break down your door and rock your interior to pieces! Holly hell; this is good!

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Opossum Holler – It Comes In Threes

Hailing from the bloody grounds of Kentucky, Opossum Holler are known for their high octane fast moving rock and soulful moments of dry heat. This is the soundtrack for those stomping ground parties where the bourbon flies through the air and the metal, rock and stoner are only used to let the billy influenced hoedown get even wilder. Shit, you can swing a dead possum around and be sure to hit a biscuit!

Under Static Movement – Bad Hill

The Italian alternative metal band Under Static Movement is one those five-pieces that know exactly what goodness certain metal styles had to offer. And the boys decided to lift exactly those parts and decided to let the rest wither away. Just watch their video for Bad Hill below and be blasted into pieces…

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donderdag 30 januari 2014

We Hunt Buffalo – Blood From A Stone

We Hunt Buffalo – Blood From A Stone
Self released/Southern Cross – 2013
Rock, Stoner, Hard
Rated: *****

The Vancouver trio We Hunt Buffalo bring the words heavy and awesome to a completely different level. On their new EP Blood From A Stone they bring massive rock with so much grime and fuzz; one is inclined to think nothing will ever top this four-track EP in massive cumbersome rawness ever. Period. Squashed like a bug; which keeps jittering thanks to the rhythms, melodies and damn contagious vocal lines and compositions. It reminds of the Belgian Triggerfinger and electrifies the body and soul just as much; or maybe even more. But where the Belgians move more towards blues and slowdown in every way possible all together during some of their songs; this is always on some weird level disturbingly booming and rowdy. It is loud, powerful and almost overwhelming. But as the sound washes over you, you simply move with the tide and let your bones drift away. And you wouldn’t even mind drowning; as long as this EP is the soundtrack of your doom. Hell, if anybody is able to squeeze blood from a stone, its We Hunt Buffalo. With sonic power alone…

(Written by JK)

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Goya – 777

Goya – 777
Opoponax Records/Self released – 2013
Rock, Stoner, Doom, Sludge, Metal
Rated: ****

The American trio Goya released their first demo at the end of 2012 and finished putting together their full-sized debut in December of last year entitled: 777. It’s an almost hour long onslaught of massive riffs and hammering drums. And on some moments the brutish guitar seems to get out of control; and that’s what we want to hear. Too bad the sound gets a bit reigned in again. But then the slow gallop starts and you’re immediately transported to an age where that heavy evil sound was first explored. On some moments it feels like a lost recording of Sleep or Black Sabbath turned up. Also in part due to the amazing vocals that even sound like Ozzy on occasion and that small bluesy twinge reeking of something occult. But it’s that heavy doom and sludgy hard rock that gives us that furious malevolent boost. 777, it’s the new number of the beast!

(Written by JK)

woensdag 29 januari 2014

Ethereal Riffian – Aeonian

Ethereal Riffian – Aeonian
Nasoni Records/Tartarus Records/Mulligore Prod – 2014
Rock, Doom, Stoner, Space, Psych, Prog
Rated: ****

Extremely esoteric and enormously heavy is what the album Aeonian is all about. The four guys behind the Ukrainian band Ethereal Riffian have chosen their moniker well. Within the space of four voluminous compositions the meditative chaos and spiritual bedlam explores fast moving heights and slow paced peaks as much as freezing depths and dangerous fissures. The mantra-esque vocals try to ease the listener but the progressive psychedelic doom and stoner refuses to be lulled into peace. The sonic landscapes created are simply impressive. The way the riffs, the rhythms and aural noises complete each other comes across like pure alchemic gold. And while one marvels at the strings dueling, completing and besting each other it is the underlying drum patterns that take the hummus and eat it too. For it sometimes makes you insecure like its foundation is built on shifting sands; but it all makes sense. In fact; everything seems to make everlasting sense while listening to Aeonian…

(Written by JK)

Evil Can Evil – Winter Rider

Evil Can Evil – Winter Rider
Self released – 2013
Rock, Stoner, Blues
Rated: ****

Ye gods, it actually took me a few listens and pronouncing the band name a couple of times before realizing its auspicious link to the American stuntman. Or maybe it is the other way around? For Evil can definitely Evil. Evil Can Evil. After releasing their first self-titled album in 2010 the Canadian quartet return with a damn fine sophomore release entitled: Winter Rider. It is meant for those dangerous nights where you motor along the highway with headlights, howling at the moon like werewolf on the prowl. There’s no pulling back on the curves on those nights and there is only one way forward. Full speed. And that’s what Evil Can Evil brings to the table. Seventies inspired blues rock played at the very edge of the needle and with the motor crowd in mind. With just enough sprinkles of stoner and no nonsense hard rock you can count on the record to show you a good freakin time and startled that thirst for bourbon soaked nights filled with action deep in your bowels… Tonight’s going to be a wild night!

(Written by JK)

dinsdag 28 januari 2014

Kamchatka – The Search Goes On

Kamchatka – The Search Goes On
Despotz – 2014
Rock, Stoner, Blues, Seventies
Rated: *****

Somedays, when you put on a new record you are simply blown away start to finish. And with the new album The Search Goes On by Sweden’s Kamchatka that is exactly the case! Founded back in 2001 the guys quickly convinced us of the necessity of their very own style of rock. Their mixture of seventies heavy blues, stoner trucking and psychedelic free garage rock has this wild and ferocious inevitability. It’s a visit to a highly volatile volcanic landscape and dancing upon its surface with your arms stretched out. Every album had that exact quality and either moved more towards that bluesy sound or towards the stoner side of their character. This one has found an amazing third road; that which uses all of the above but aims even more towards that ‘free’ rock aspect of the seventies. Like they state themselves; think about Cream, Zeppelin and Hendrix but with a Robin Trower or Warren Haynes approach. It’s groovy, it’s funky and it moves like a caged tiger ready to pounce. With Per Wiberg (Opeth) on bass the band has found its ultimate incarnation and let’s pray that their search never ends!

(Written by JK)

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maandag 27 januari 2014

Gods Monkey – Slow Hunch

Gods Monkey – Slow Hunch
Ozium Records / Phonosphere / Self released – 2013
Rock, Stoner, Pop
Rated: ***

After the excellent debut album Room For A Pony the Eindhoven born rock effort Gods Monkey aimed for a quick follow-up. But Slow Hunch turned to be plagued with many a setback and emotional pain. Bassplayer Wannes Coolen decided to leave the band and when they finally concluded their search for a new bassist by employing the skills of former 7Zuma7 member Ronald Herregraven; the man sadly passed away from the horror that is cancer. The band decided to buckle on and use the spirit Herregraven had given to the recordings. Marc Lemmen from Miners Of Muzo stepped in to help out on bass and with producing help from Theo van Rock and mastering aid by Peer Rave the foundations that were laid slowly turned into the magnificent arrangements we can now enjoy. And where their debut effort sometimes came across as all over the place; this one is much more structured. They might have lost a bit of that raw and gutter edge; but instead came a layered blues and open heavy rock sound that is much more accessible. Don’t worry, it’s still alternative, there’s still a lot of stoner and it still moves towards Masters Of Reality, Queens Of The Stone Age and Tool but has a more open and poppy feel to it. No longer Gods Monkey; now they’re everyone’s favorite simian primate!

(Written by JK)

Tricorn – The Walk of Shame

Tricorn – The Walk of Shame
Bad Shrink Records/Plastic Head – 2013
Rock, Hard, Stoner, Alternative, Metal
Rated: ****

The Walk of Shame was released at the tail-end of 2013; and it’s the sophomore effort by English quartet Tricorn. After some trials and tribulations most bands seems to suffer they found a new line-up and new goals to shoot for. The new album continues where their self-titled debut from 2010 left off; but with even more energy and chutzpah. Cause where their first release could be considered as an ode to how this particular heavy rock ‘scene’ got started; this one decides to forget most of what they’ve learned and go their own way. Sure we still hear that stoner riff; the alternative metal edge from the nineties and the hard rock drive. But this time around they aim for the big groove and gigantic rawness and still retaining a truckload of melody and something that constantly reminds but never pinpoints. It moves ever forward from the desert heat towards the city gutter. A gutter filled with bourbon stains and loose women. And together with this Tricorn album you will have a damn good time!

(Written by JK)

zondag 26 januari 2014

Smokin’ Ace – With Honour On Fire Confused

Smokin’ Ace – With Honour On Fire Confused
Self released – 2014
Rock, Stoner, Blues
Rated: ****

They released their first EP Breath back in 2012 and have now returned with a full-sized debut called: With Honour On Fire Confused. We are talking about the Russian trio Smokin’ Ace. A classic power trio that once again knows where the good mustard is stored. They got this hard rocking diesel blues edge that motors their engine straight through the seventies where this bluesy sound was first explored and which they are using with extreme prejudice and a tight screwed stoner twist. A rhythmic bass and steady drums propel the fast trucking force towards great heights and the guitar finishes it off with damn great colorful lines and skinny riffs. Enter the main vocalist: bassist Alex’s voice seems exactly right for their musical color scheme. Which varies a bit to the left or right with each song but never leaves their very own chosen path. They feel when they need to slow down and when they need to speed up. So everyone, get on board with Smokin’ Ace; cause these guys know how to soar through the haze!

(Written by JK)

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vrijdag 24 januari 2014

Dresden/Leningrad – De Tirannie

Dresden/Leningrad – De Tirannie
Self released – 2013
Doom, Metal, Sludge
Rated: ****

After an impressive and desolate debut called Vader in 2012, the Dresden/Leningrad trio hailing from Amsterdam is back with another offering. De Tirannie continues where Vader left off. But where the bleak charred charcoal atmosphere prevailed on their debut; the doom and sludge manifests itself more like a bloody drone and in an almost torturous plague way. Their sound has turned even more obscure, creepy and dragging. And for the none-Dutch listener the album could just as easily be about occult rituals and the sucking of blood. But instead it tells tales of the Finnish World War II sniper Simon Häyhä, the inhumane Eastern front and a medic resting among a mountain of limbs around Leningrad. In the end, the forty-two minutes of slow paced doom turns out to be a menacing masterpiece that will leisurely wrench the air out of your throat and leave you breathless…

(Written by JK)

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Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

The Stoner HiVe Quick Fire Friday segment will be a weekly feature of a handful of bands and only a small amount of words to help spread their musical prowess…

Insula – Unfulfilled

Insula is an alternative-metal band from Piacenza, Italy. With their first two track single Unfulfilled they storm out of the gates with a very modern view on metal. Using elements from stoner, prog and something extremely groovy and funky. Want to feel good and fulfilled? Check out Insula!

Synsophony – Rabbit Hole

The UK duo Synsophony are experts in creating a dystopian black drone, industrial doom and dark psychedelic ambient adventure that leave the listener confused and almost at the end of their tether. Their weaving waves of sound and noise disheartens and disorientates. So take heed and listen when you want to leave Kansas…

Valfader – Opening

The Whispers of Chaos album by English trio Valfader still spins regularly around the house and soon a new offering will be released. The single Opening goes on where their earlier release left off but with an even grander sound and wider arrangement. This one goes for the gusto in every way conceivable and with majestic gestures. We hereby pledge allegiance to Valfader…

donderdag 23 januari 2014

Avgrunden – Det Stora Oväsendet

Avgrunden – Det Stora Oväsendet
Ominous Recordings & Drömatoriet – 2013
Rock, Metal, Doom, Drone, Folk, Psych
Rated: ****

Mood metal. An interesting label put on their music by the Swedish Avgrunden themselves. A project started in 2008 by one man that quickly grew into a quartet, then a quintet, down to a duo and now releases their new effort Det Stora Oväsendet as a trio. It’s their third and final release for their Scandinavian Trilogy. With previous efforts Den fördömda jorden and Vid världens ände released in respectively 2011 and 2012. On their new record their sounds move like Morricone inspired glacial motion. But instead of frostbitten or getting cold; it seems to warm the inner being and give this sense of relieve or awe. As if you immediately know there’s something great at work; like your witnessing a mythical beast perform a hallowed dance. And especially on the airy, wide and calm compositions you feel a part of something legendary…

(I do wonder what their relation is to the 1974 incarnation of Avgrunden?)

(Written by JK)

71TONMAN – 71TONMAN

Self released – 2013

Sludge, Doom, Stoner

Rated: ****

I love Poland. Been there a couple of times and all of those visits were legendary. I’ve never visited Wroclaw before though. But that is definitely next up on the list after hearing the mighty rock heavy weight 71TONMAN. On their self-titled debut effort the five-piece hit hard like a sludge driven battering ram. Their slow, fat and muddy sound keeps grinding down on you and with sheer perfection the riffs seem to bring their point home. And together with the feedback and the samples there is no escaping the obvious fact: this is heavier than heavy. Add to this the mad pounding of the drums, the guttural vocals and all the shrieks and all the howls forced down your neck and you can see why heavy is the operative word here. In the end you feel like you were squashed into a neat little briquette by a machinated compressor. With only your own mass intact and quivering like an excited little atom giddy for more 71TONMAN goodness!

(Written by JK)

woensdag 22 januari 2014

Grit – Surge

Grit – Surge
Self released – 2013
Rock, Instrumental, Psych
Rated: ***

With an air of mystery the Heidelberg, Germany trio Grit deliver a highly psychedelic and bluesy adventure. On their four-track EP Surge they combine that jazzy feel from the seventies with something extremely heavy and atmospheric sounds, samples and noises. Some moments call for clenched teeth and tightened fists; but most have this airy and natural feel like that of the Kahuna surf. As if finally the Lono king approaches to deliver its people from evil and free their spirit completely. Sure this power trio reminds of stoner sugar and desert honey, but thanks to the rhythmic waves and the bass rollers we find ourselves more often transported to the ocean; where we ride the crest of big swells in front of the isle. Those guitar movements are like the dolphins guiding us… And hey, anyone who lists Hunter S. Thompson as a muse we can only herald as a true hero and applaud their lust for exploration and living their very own weird life…

(Written by JK)