Stoner HiVe: oktober 2015

zaterdag 31 oktober 2015

Bedroom Rehab Corporation – Fortunate Some

Bedroom Rehab Corporation – Fortunate Some

Self released – 2015

Doom, Heavy, Rhythm

Rated: ****

You know all those stupid drummer jokes like; who's that with the band? Oh, that's the drummer. Yeah well what IF the drummer is the band, dickheads!!! Because that is 50% of the Bedroom Rehab Corporation. The duo consists of Adam Wujtewicz on bass and vocals along with Meghan Killimade on the kit. These two crushed it on their former Red Over Red album and they crush it on their latest release Fortunate Some, doing more with what they have than some four-piece outfits. Fortunate Some is called a doom record but I hear way more thought going on here. The couple is very pop savvy. They employ the soft to hard method of playing and singing which was very popular in the 90's. Adams voice is excellent on all four cuts and shows that he has more than just a shouting act. Adams bass playing is mysterious and subtle at times, only to then rise and reach out into the vastness of the universe. Meghan holds it down time after time, after time. The drumming is straight forward but excellent and is heavy in the mix. I truly enjoyed all four tracks but my favorite song on the record would have to be The Serpent The Smiler. Great record, great playing and great production. Do you think I liked it? Check’em out at the bandcamp below. You won't regret it. I promise...

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

donderdag 29 oktober 2015

Mutonia – Wrath of The Desert

Mutonia – Wrath of The Desert

Self released – 2015

Rock, Stoner, Hard

Rated: ***

Next up at the HiVe we have Mutonia from Rome, Italy. It sounds like they swung for the fences on their latest sophmore release called Wrath of The Desert. The album was recorded at the Rock And Bones studio in Fiuggi and has a very well-produced sound about it. The band is more than capable and the vocals to my ears have sort of a 90's delivery, and at times may remind you of Alice in Chains. But Mutonia also revisit some of those Sabbath style riffs that most of us love along with some more commercial style fair. Among The Gale And The Desert was an especially enjoyable track for me. Give these stoner musicians a listen. Check them out at the bandcamp below.

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

woensdag 28 oktober 2015

Sideburn – Evil or Divine

Sideburn – Evil or Divine

Metalville – 2015

Rock, Hard, Metal, Stoner

Rated: ****

Will their new album Evil Or Divine be as good as their previous one IV – Monument? Cause that fourth album of the Swedish quartet Sideburn really stood its monolithic ground. On the new album the guys move away from the more seventies approach we heard on that record towards more metallic influences, classic hardrock and almost sludge-like pounces. Not that the seventies are completely over and done with, just less of a definite go-to on these seven new tracks. For a band that has been around since 1997 they sure as hell have evolved and painted many a different picture on their records. And this time we are reminded more of Rainbow than Sabbath, and we head bang more than give we give the universal nod. With slow basslines and impressive guitar work Sideburn kicks every song into full overdrive. Especially when drummer Frederik Haake lets loose. Cause it’s the passion in those drums and the fire in the guitar solos that absolutely stand out. Traditional hardrock, with metal and stoner touches. What more could you wish for?

(Written by JK)

vrijdag 23 oktober 2015

Thee Arthur Layne – Hvy Drt Vol.I

Thee Arthur Layne – Hvy Drt Vol.I

Self released – 2015

Rock, Psych, Stoner, Seventies, Blues

Rated: *****

As seven inches go, this is without a doubt the best one that ever graced my record player. Period. Chicago born Thee Arthur Layne hits you full throttle with their Hvy Drt Vol.I single that is laced with two amazing tracks. Namely: Father Friendly and Scorpion Crawl. Both of which are full on dune boogie rockers straight out of the psychedelic seventies. Its punky, its proto-metal and grooves the hell out of every pants in the room. These four cats know exactly where the good mustard is stored! And they’ve taken all the bottles with them when they went into the studio. It’s so raw and soulful that the blues they bring becomes fuzzy, warm and shining. It gives you a warm almost delirious chill, especially when you also hear those howling vocals by Screamin’ Jay Walter. And together with all that visceral drumming and whirlwind guitar this amazing seven inch can’t stop spinning… Especially cause there are also those tiny mellotron, Wurlitzer or even wind chime sounds? Simply stunning!

(Written by JK)

Dronegoat – Bootleggers & Baptists

Dronegoat – Bootleggers & Baptists

Self released – 2015

Rock, Stoner, Sludge

Rated: ****

The guys from Dronegoat don’t give a shit about conventions. About prevailing opinions about anything for that matter. On their first four track EP Bootleggers & Baptists they give us highly diverse yet very sludgy stoner rock tracks. These Dutch freaks impress with their perfect execution of stoner sludge. They have something crazy about them, something weird, but at the same time it’s straight truckin, straight hardrock influenced stoner. It's like mainlining on a speedball of Kyuss, Melvins, Mastodon, Karma To Burn and some grunge or alternative from the nineties. Shit, forget that, don’t mainline at all. Chug a big one instead and forget everything I said. Just go ahead and listen to Dronegoat, there is absolutely no way in hell you will not completely love them!

(Written by JK)

woensdag 21 oktober 2015

Prophets of Saturn – Retronauts

Prophets of Saturn – Retronauts

HeviSike Records – 2015

Rock, Psych, Seventies, Doom, Stoner, Occult

Rated: ****

On the new album Retronauts the Leicester formation Prophets of Saturn seem to want to pay tribute to an amazing array of bands, genres and legends. Which we could name and offer the same appreciation. But it might be wiser to dive headfirst into their very own realm of heady, occult and ancient lust for something sinful. They stomp on the terra like an antique copper golem and wield immense power with which they can choose to destroy or build. Filled with psychedelic jams and mammoth wall of sounds the four track Retronauts album just keeps on surprising with every turn they take. Especially on doom metal battleship closer Damāvand (16:33 minutes) which seems to show exactly what the album is all about and where the Prophets of Saturn are heading next. Onto a planet and a future filled with progressive doom, rock and occult psychedelic sounds. And thanks to the expert drumwork and intense vocals you are constantly in awe and praying that you may accompany theses Prophets on their next adventure… Simply stunning!

(Written by JK)

woensdag 14 oktober 2015

Lodestone – Non Fuit in Destertum

Lodestone – Non Fuit in Destertum EP

Self released – 2015

Stoner, Fuzz

Rated: ***

This has a really powerful guitar sound and the whole sonic stew sounds LOUD at whatever volume you play it at. Drawing on the fast and furious influences of Fu Manchu, Orange Goblin and Nebula, the Non Fuit in Destertum EP has all you want from a heavy stoner band and much more. Everything is drenched in thick fuzzed riffs and solos and as it goes from thuggish psychedelic rock to up-tempo, foot stomping tunes, the abrasive yet melodic vocals sit nicely on top of everything. This is for people who want some raw 100% stoner vibes. This is dirty fucked up rock’n’roll at its best - the band keep the riffs rolling along at white knuckle speed, economical solos stop anything getting too overblown or long, besides they ain’t got time for pointless fretboard wanking ‘cause here comes the next song, come on people, fucking jump on board this express train of stomping rock, Lodestone want to show you how this sort of thing should be done - in a genre that can be very boring in the wrong hands, this album is a breath of fresh air. Far too short though – gimmie an album fast!

(Written by Tony Maim)

Deafheaven – New Bermuda

Deafheaven – New Bermuda

Epitaph/Anti – 2015

Rock, Metal

Rated: ***

Back in 2013 Sunbather was rightfully received as a damn fine and almost sensational metal record. Deafheaven was able to combine black metal elements, screeching vocals, machinegun drums, shoegaze guitars and atmospheric soundscapes into one blissful outing. On the new record New Bermuda they try to perfect that strange mixture of dreampop and occult noise. But the six colossal desperate, blackened music offerings that still bring something uplifting fall a bit short this time. The bubbling black cauldron soup and punishing rituals once again turn into something soft and melancholic. But instead of offering refuge and solace, they seem to add to the despair of loss this time around. It will be hard to find middle of the road thinkers on this album, cause it will annoy, irritate or infuriate most listeners and will exalt the rest. But even so, that’s exactly what it is. Middle of the road and with no definite goal on the horizon…

(Written by JK)

dinsdag 13 oktober 2015

Reptile Master – In The Light Of A Sinking Sun

Reptile Master – In The Light Of A Sinking Sun

Blues For The Red Sun records – 2015

Sludge, Doom, Ear Bleeding

Rated: ***

If you like your Doom laced with filthy Sludge, welcome to Reptile Master. Sludge metal is the punishing sound that first hits your ears on In The Light Of A Sinking Sun - low-slung and primitive - and then, the riffs start... Huge magical riffs that slowly progress to different chord sequences but always with lumbering menace. The vocals are almost hardcore but perfectly suit this type of music. Like Iron Monkey meeting Sleep, these tracks are monolithic in nature and length but of such power that I can see a lot of traditional doom fans being put off by the unfettered violence that is on offer. This is one of the heaviest things I have heard this year and really is an awesome display of music that truly can stop you in your tracks. Jump aboard this unstoppable landslide of sonic attack and prepare to destroy everything in your path... ...HULK SMASH!

(Written by Tony Maim)

Blues For The Red Sun record label

Acid Western – Kisses In The Fire

Acid Western – Kisses In The Fire

Do you remember that damn fine French release from back in May? Those three amigo’s from Acid Western and the ruckus displayed on their Rampage album? Well, if not, here’s a video for their single Kisses In A Fire to get you reacquainted and ready to stomp the terra with them!

maandag 12 oktober 2015

Plant Tribe – Late Noon

Plant Tribe – Late Noon

Space Chant Records – 2015

Psych, Rock, Classic

Rated: ****

Ok kiddies, get your lava lamps out because the latest release Late Noon by Plant Tribe is up for pre-order. And believe me when I tell you the shits psych to the core. My first impression from opening track Croakin is that these guys are a seriously talented bunch and like to explore that real late sixties and early seventies vibe. Late Noon has got some real nice tasty bass and organ on it. Smooth powerful vocals, psychedelic guitar work and some nice drumming round out the record. They even have live sex! Oops, I meant live sax, hahaha. I really enjoyed the cut Fish Bowl Blues. Nice and laidback, it’s the kind of jam you could drift away with. The same goes for Gutterland, except that the lyrical content is darker and has a grittier edge. On the track Mice you can really hear the snare rattle in the beginning of the song. I for one enjoy little nuances like this. You know why? Cause it tells me the guys are actually fucking playing the song! Plant Tribe is keeping it real. In closing I can say there isn't one sleeper on this record. The cloud hangers will especially enjoy Late Noon. For all you cats out there with turntables pick up one of their limited run LP's released by Space Chant Records at the link below. I ordered the deluxe…

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

Mojo Waves – Heartquake

Mojo Waves – Heartquake

A new highly energetic, action packed live action video for their second track Heartquake of that damn fine new album All The Right Parts Fit The Wrong Way. Yes, the wild Mojo Waves are coming at ya and in full swing! They got style all you crazies! Check’m out!

vrijdag 9 oktober 2015

Philiac – This Appalling Ocean

Philiac – This Appalling Ocean

Self released – 2015

Rock, Psych, Prog, Stoner

Rated: ****

As enigmatic as Yawning Man or Across The River, but not quite that old, and for that matter the band we mention today shares a lot of the same qualities as well. Not just in sound or meandering music but also in the way that having been around for quite a period they only now found time to send out a first release into the world. It’s called This Appalling Ocean. And when you hail from an island like Ibiza one can only wonder at which ocean they are directing this outburst. Another thing they have in common is the fact that the band set foot in the famous Rancho De La Luna studio to record this psychedelic screed. We are talking about Philiac, a mysterious collection of friends from the Hills of San Carlos, Ibiza that started jamming together in a farmhouse in 2007 and changed their name to Philiac a year later. Since then they’ve been honing their progressive psychedelic rock craft until they were ready to record. Engineered by Mathias Schneeberger at the Rancho they had bassists Paul Powell from Masters of Reality join the ranks on certain tracks and Mathias delivers some synths. Cause even though the record is comprised out of Act One and Act two, there are definite separations to be heard. For instance, we hear Oppenheimer’s ‘Now I Am Become Death’ speech at the first interval right after the second track What If You’re Wrong? Yes, those first two tracks melt together seamlessly. Some additional tracks were recorded in Nagasaki, Japan and Ibiza, Spain. Among the recorded sounds are also the noises of children playing and the wind rushing through the trees at the Nagasaki Peace Park, which are mixed with Oppenheimer speech. And those sounds were recorded in the memorial park at the hypocenter of the explosion. Thats how deep these cats go. And the final master session was done at The Mastering Lab (Pink Floyd), where it was one of the very last albums they mastered before closing their doors after a decades long career. A lot of majestic background for two precious Acts of music. But does this story add to quality of the music? We’re not sure. We are sure however of the absolute beauty it conceals. There’s something precious about these psychedelic screeds. It’s an adventure and an experience. One that definitely feels liberating and shows you many sceneries, full of color, if you choose to follow. But these cats are gentle leaders and once you tune in, you will become like a shadow in the ocean, drowning in the endless and wonderful waves…

(Written by JK)

Cassette Store Day

donderdag 8 oktober 2015

Ponamero Sundown – Veddesta

Ponamero Sundown – Veddesta

Transubstans Records – 22015

Heavy, Stoner, Hard, Rock

Rated: ****

Ponamero Sundown out of Stockholm Sweden is back and fighting mad with their newest LP Veddesta. In the bands bio they claim this newest release is a bit of a retooling. I haven't heard their earlier work so I cannot vouch for that. I can vouch that Veddesta is killer! This is a down and dirty rock album period. The vocalist Niclas Engwall has a polished yet hard edge voice that is quite pleasing for the style. A slight bit Alice in chains at times, which to me isn't a bad thing. The dude has some killer back up as well. Peter Eklund on drums, Robert Trisches on bass and Anders Martinsgard on the Guitar. These guys know how to serve a song, heavy and rockin'. The shits got more hooks than the Gorton's fisherman, with no dull moments in my opinion. The band definitely have a certain feel to them; I wouldn't call it funky, but it's that behind the beat type of playing if you know what I mean. It's the kind of playing that makes you want to move. I promise all you fans of kick ass hard rock are gonna like this one. You can check out all seven tracks below at their bandcamp site.

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

Truls Mörck – Truls Mörck

Truls Mörck – Truls Mörck

Fetish – 2015

Rock, Psych, Sixties, Seventies, Folk

Rate: ****

As lead guitarist on the first Graveyard album he played an important part for the sound of the band but was soon afterwards replaced by Jonatan Ramm. He returned back to the band this year as the new bassist since Rikard Edlund has not yet returned to the fold. In between those moments he played with Den Stora Vilan and released a self-titled solo record this year. We are talking about Truls Mörck. On it we hear a very subdued version of psychedelic rock, folk and blues that serves as a time warp towards the sixties and seventies on many occasion and only warms the blue cold atmosphere that this Scandinavian album unfolds with a small flickering candlelight. It might be a cold album, but because it feels so intimate and precious it also become cozy and secretive. As if you are stuck inside his pocket as he sits on a stool and composes his stories. Don’t think you will be getting the hints of proto metal here. There is none and no driving speed like Graveyard produces. No, this moves towards psychedelic folk and campfire storytelling. And it is done so well…

(Written by JK)

woensdag 7 oktober 2015

Brond – Feint Ep

Brond – Feint Ep

Magnetic Eye Records – 2015

Metal, Prog, Core

Rated: *****

In my neck of the woods hardcore had a son and it was called grunge. And if that's true, the grandson of hardcore would have to sound like Brond from Bulgaria. Their new EP Feint is out on Magnetic Eye Records and it is quite captivating. My best description of Brond would be Prong meets Yes or Rush. I know it sounds weird, but progcore fits the bill. These guys are the shit; the real deal Holyfield baby!! They roll up a shit storm of influences and not only make it work, but they sound killer. The record is technical and on point. The drummer is on fire. The guitars and bass are fuel for that fire, and the vocals are very NYC hardcore; Reminiscent of Helmet and Tommy Prong. But I am pretty sure there maybe more than one vocalist on the EP. The vocal style does change here and there. I really love this record. It reminded me of the first time I heard Nirvana. Maybe not as extreme, but it was something new and fresh and gave me hope that there was a new scene on the horizon. Awesome job Brond. Also, thank you to Magnetic Eye Records for bringing us this excellent act. I urge all music fans to check them out!

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

Magnetic Eye Records

Rise Of The Wood – Rise Of The Wood

Rise Of The Wood – Rise Of The Wood

Self released – 2015

Rock, Stoner, Metal, Punk

Rated: ****

Five crazy cats from the Netherlands who were just messing around with their instruments for years on end finally took up the right gauntlet, turned themselves on to each other formed Rise Of The Wood and started producing some grade A stoner metal. On their debut self-titled record they deliver six balls out, heavy drinking and stoner trucking rock songs. This is strong armed heaviness gunning for the endless horizon. They have no use for nonsense or bullshit, they just want to freaking party and fill the room with a multitude of damn fine speeding riffs. Monstrous and beastly drumming that has hints of some insanity hidden between the fills and a damn fine vocalist that has just the right amount of rawness. Just do it. Check out Rise Of The Wood, hop into the back of their truck and cruise along!

(Written by JK)

dinsdag 6 oktober 2015

Doom Chart for October 2015

Doom Chart

"You gotta look beyond the mainstream… the mainstream’ll drown you, you know? There’s always a pulse in the underground that I love. And the pulse in the underground is what keeps heavy metal alive."

(Phil Anselmo)

This post is dedicated to The Black Captain (1972-2015)

Welcome to Doom Charts, representing some of the finest bloggers, radio and podcasters and album reviewers from the doom-stoner underground around the globe. Each month, our critics submit their picks for the best new doom-sludge metal and stoner-psychedelic rock albums. The results are compiled and tabulated into the chart below. This is a one-stop shop for the best new albums in the world.

As we roll into October and the weather slowly changes for the worst we find ourselves being treated once again to a new edition of the Doom Chart. The list containing all the hot albums of the past and upcoming month. Last month had saw Kadavar peaking at the Number One spot. Are they still there or has a gust of wind blown the band away? Find out for yourself and head on over to the Doom Chart!

Spoiler alert for Number 18

On Number 18 we find an instrumental masterpiece full of intricate details and overwhelming accuracy. Like a high prized Swiss clock it turns and shifts and balances out at the exact right moment every time again. The time-umbrella concept really feels like an righteous adventure, and thanks to all the minutiae you keep discovering all kinds of little musical trinkets with every new listening session. Yes, Glowsun outdid themselves this time around and the band definitely deserves their moment of glory…

Doom Chart for October 2015

Grass – Rippers

Grass – Rippers

Self released - 2015

Rock, Psych, Acid, Heavy Blues

Rated: ***

Lay it on me brotha! So says the Grass band out of Allentown, PA. (Not to be confused by any of many other bands with the name Grass like, the Catalan version mentioned here earlier.) Who's new record Rippers is out for human consumption. Rippers was recorded by Richard Puke at Shithouse studios. The record is heavily guitar driven. I mean Holy Hendrix and a 70's space trippin' freight train headed your way. These guys lay it down live jam style. What I mean by that is the recording has a certain rawness to it and adds to their freestyle uniqueness. The guitar playing has that heavy blues stoner sound that most fans of the genre will enjoy. The rhythm section has a similar early 70's vibe. I checked out one of their videos and they are just as good or even better live. If you are really into Hendrix style playing and vocals with a twist check these guys out. You may very well end up being a fan...

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

Doctor Doom – This Seed We Have Sown

Doctor Doom – This Seed We Have Sown

Ripple Music – 2015

Rock, Seventies, Psych, Hard

Rated: ****

We’ve been digging the hell out of the good Doctor since their 2013 release called DoomO. Filled with dirty riffs and analog recording values the albums had you bopping along on those classic sounding tunes. And we all knew it immediately that the Doctor would be able to keep helping us out in our time of need. So. Looking for some serious seventies boogie? Looking to get your head right, to turn on and tune in? Then get yourself some prescribed medicine by Doctor Doom! On their new album This Seed We Have Sown they serve up some highly natural and cascading shuffle and groove. Their upbeat yet subdued offerings calms the spirit and warms the soul. This is psychedelic lounge music for all us heavy rock freaks that long for the long nights and for those desperate adventures. With Doctor Doom on your side, you will be getting it all and a whole lot more…

(Written by JK)

Sworn To Oath - Gave In To God

Sworn To Oath - Gave In To God

Stoke metal trio Sworn To Oath have just revealed their new video for 'Gave In To God', the final single to be taken from their debut album Pillars which is out now via Transcend Music.

vrijdag 2 oktober 2015

Whooom – Lager

Whooom – Lager

Self released – 2015

Doom, Heavy, Psych

Rated: ****

Yeah baby! Whooom out of the Netherlands is keeping it old school. They recorded their newest LP Lager at Duct Tape Studios on reel to reel, and mostly in one take. Lager has that nice warm sound of yesteryear. This is a doom record but with some warm and fuzzy psych hiding inside. You'll get my point when you here their second song Muffnut, the song really just melts in your mouth and gives you that sort of inner peace feeling. Where their first song had some faster punkish elements to it. Ok, moving onto the track Sandwitches. Whoooooom, I thoroughly enjoyed this one too. Although unlike the first two it has vocals on it that I feel aren't needed. But that is just one opinion. I know there are other folks out there that will say the opposite. That's why music enjoyment is a personal experience. Track four is more of the same; maybe even better. It has some faster psych based fair in it and just rips! I've said it before, I'm not the biggest fan of so called "doom records”. I tend to lean toward the the psychedelic end of the spectrum. The more this record plays the more it leans that way as well. For those of you that lean more toward doom, they bring it on track five for sure. I'd like to say In closing that these guys seem like a talented bunch. I enjoyed all the players equally and wish them the best. Hey Whooom! You've just gained a fan.

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

donderdag 1 oktober 2015

Happy World Kyuss Day !

Happy World Kyuss Day !

A very happy World Kyuss Day from all of us at Stoner HiVe! We've started the day by listening to the Sons Of Kyuss recordings. After which we will move on to Wretch, Blues For The Red Sun, Welcome To Sky Valley and ending with ...And The Circus Leaves Town. Rest assured we will be listening to the Demon Cleaner EP's, Green Machine 7 Inch, Gardenia and all the rest as well... But what should we continue with after the Kyuss / Queens Of The Stone Age split?

How will you continue on?

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