dinsdag 30 april 2019

Eyes Of Egypt – Blood Showers


Eyes Of Egypt – Blood Showers
Self-released – 2019
Doom, Metal, Stoner
Rated: ****

South Carolina's Eyes Of Egypt have ushered forth a truly unique and individual take on Modern Doom. Macabre, grisly and unsettling, Blood Showers drips with evil atmospheres and dread-filled dark corners of Sludge, Metal and Electronica, all combined to lure the listener into a twisted, chaotic world of utter despair. The creepy, rasping vocals on ‘Drain’ crawl up your spine, possessing and subjugating your will. ‘Pansy’ ‘s chugging riffs and cryptic snarling, bite and tear at your throat whilst ‘Slither & Wither’ does exactly what's described. This is an album that creeps you out but draws you in repeatedly... like that fairground House of Horrors tent that beckons and repels simultaneously. This is Macabre Doom and all the dark things bow in homage...

(Written by Reek of STOOM)



maandag 29 april 2019

Stoner HiVe’s Top 5 artists listened to last week…


Stoner HiVe’s
Top 5 artists listened to last week…


The last few days of silence were due to the fact that my father in law got decorated by the King. So, there was much to prepare for the secret festivities. And ofcourse during those days we did not listen to anything new. But before we went off, clad in Orange and bearing gifts abundant, we had quite a spell of great albums, soon to be released, released recently and released a bit earlier. We had Little Steven’s new album Summer of Sorcery on repeat due to an interview. Which is good, great blues married to rock and soul and funk and a whole lot more! Excellent tunes for the approaching summer! Pristine’s album Road Back To Ruin out on Nuclear Blast has been on heavy rotation. Steamy classic hardrock injected with the blues and the spirit of the golden age. Subtle, the new Lo-Pan, soon to be released on Aqualamb Records has been on heavy rotation for a while. Which is only logical for Lo-Pan are the only cats that can really marry those easy to the ear melodies from hardrock with stoner trucking and a spacious groove. Subtle is definitely subtle and all the intricate layers give their new release something gigantic. Amazing record! Tempel is the new Kvelertak-drummer vehicle and seems to continue on where the other band signs off. The melody that suddenly appears when you get used to the hardcore sound is beautiful. Tempel by Tempel, out on PIAS. And Brutus we already mentioned, Nest (out on Hassle Records) will bash and grate and whip you into a frenzy! So, check it out! Check’m all out!

donderdag 25 april 2019

Liquidacid – Ethyl Heptanoate


Liquidacid – Ethyl Heptanoate
Baby Gorilla Records – 2019
Psych, Stoner, space rock
Rated: ***

Liquidacid are a three-piece Heavy Psych/Stoner band from Hungary and Ethyl Heptanoate seriously puts the 'Bud' in Budapest! Three tracks of spaced-out, rambling transmissions that transport you through gargantuan oceans of lysergic vapour, solar flares and star-glittered nebulae. Fans of Mythic Sunship, ØSC, Kanaan etc should be on this like measles!

(Written by Reek of STOOM)




Brutus – Nest


Brutus – Nest
Hassle Records – 2019
Rock, Post, Alternative
Rated: ****

I always proclaim to have an open mind about a truckload of things. And I do. I really do. But I always have a bit of an issue when a band picks a name that is already in use. You would not go around naming your new formed band Black Sabbath right? But the Belgian three-piece Brutus decided that Brutus was the only moniker the band could go by. Okay, so be it. Yes, I’ve gotten past my peeve that easily. And it helps that the music on their new release Nest is damn good. Backbone to it all is female vocalist and drummer Stefanie Manaerts who has a chased quality in her voice that chills the spine and rocks the soul. There’s fire in her belly and the world needs to know! On Nest it’s easy to let the drums and the voice take all of your attention. But the guitar and bass work are there to bash and grate and whip you into a frenzy. And as the album progresses the dynamics start to take center stage, leave you breathless for the approach to certain melodies. Or the choppy and catchy perkiness of certain guitar parts. It’s a good Brutus this Brutus, breaking down boundaries and incorporating everything their heart desires into their alternative postrock. A bit of prog or grunge, a lot of metal or a little less. It’s all there and it’s all good. Brutus from Belgium. Diggin it!

(Written by JK)



dinsdag 23 april 2019

Reino Ermitaño – Reino Ermitaño


Reino Ermitaño – Reino Ermitaño
Necio Records – 2019 (August)
Doom, Stoner, Prog, Folk
Rating: ****

Reino Ermitaño are the undisputed Champions of South American Doom Metal; a band of legendary status in their native Peru and, after a series of well-received albums, well-known across Europe.  Their first self-titled album has now finally been pressed to vinyl, courtesy of Necio Records out of Lima. Considering this was first issued in 2003 it has lost none of the pure energy, the magic or the craftsmanship during that time. This is a brilliant blend of Doom with progressive flashes and stunningly beautiful glades of pastoral acoustic and traditional Peruvian Folk woven into tapestries of sound and emotion. Saint Vitus spring to mind immediately but Reino Ermitaño's sound has a richer, more lush feel; layered textures of equal Doom and Delight. "El Ensoñador" kicks in with pure retro aggression, giving way to Latin rhythms and choruses until the piercing solo of Henry Guevara jolts you back to Doomsville. "Espacio Interior" borrows the sorrowful refrain of Sabbath's "She's Gone" and overlays sweet, soaring guitar licks of melancholy. "La Danza de las Brujas" evokes Andean spirits and campfire gauchos whilst the dropkick riffs of "Melquiades" suddenly propel you back to hard reality! Not one second of this album is wasted - there are twists and turns, nuances and hidden portals a-plenty. An absolute Gem and a superb example of how to explore a genre and redefine it.

(Written by Reek of STOOM)




Raketkanon – RKTKN #3


Raketkanon – RKTKN #3
Alcopop – 2019
Rock, Experimental, Noise, Sludge
Rated: ***

We never really mentioned those earlier Raketkanon records. Which seems odd, since they have been grade A experimental noise and sludge and weirdness. And that is something the HiVe definitely loves. Well, the Belgian crazies are back with RKTKN #3 and we are ready to get treated to more tracks about all those weirdos that got a track named after them. Of course we shall never know for sure what their crazy exploits might have been since vocalist Pieter-Paul Devos growls wildly at us in a completely invented language. Anyway, Raketkanon’s new album is definitely crazy once again, crazy, wild and raw. But altogether more precise and thought through than earlier releases. As if the experimentation from before needed to be distilled into something that might serve a purpose. But then there’s the movement from modest or meandering to monstrous or massive which comes across as enormous and dark. Leaving the feel for this record as bouncing around between epilogue, conclusion and bridge. Which is an awful way to state that the album has brilliant moments and we wish it was filled with those…

(Written by JK)



woensdag 17 april 2019

Clouds Taste Satanic – Evil Eye


Clouds Taste Satanic – Evil Eye
Self-released – 2019
Instrumental Post-Doom Stoner
Rated: *****

Instrumental music sucks big time – boring jamming that no one wants to hear, recorded and presented as an album. You lazy fuckers, do not waste my time. And then something comes along to change your mind. Never listened to Clouds Taste Satanic before but was sent a promo and decided to give it a five minute spin ….. which turned into playing the whole thing, getting to the end and starting again. These guys just do it right. Expansive soundscapes carry you along – in my head I am riding a skeletal horse across a blasted city ruin being trailed by mutated wolves and shambling cannibal women who are strangely sexy. Stunning guitar work and song composition make me want this piped directly into my ears at all times. This is the good shit.

Thanks to Leanne Ridgeway @ Mettle Media for promo.

(Written by Tony Maim)

Read up on all the other Clouds Taste Satanic releases here



dinsdag 16 april 2019

The Madman’s Monthly Ruckus Round-up


The Madman’s Monthly Ruckus Round-up

As we mentioned last month and we hope you crazies out there remembered, Madman Tony Maim has fired up his Black Insect Laughter blog again. Well, fired up might be a big word perhaps, but you will get fired up after checking out those post. Once a month the Madman will put forth his choices of Punk and Hardcore releases that made him go: ‘fuck yeah!’. And that’s the most important reason we want to hear about new releases! So, head on over to Black Insect Laughter and read up once again on what January and February did for the Madman before you get a serious kick in the head by his March selection! A great freaking selection it is! Check out the wild Heckel & Jeckel for instance or the amazing Kurandera! “Punk and stoner mixed together to give you some dirges to delight your soul.” See… The Madman laughs, because he knows!

maandag 15 april 2019

Stoner HiVe’s Top 5 artists listened to last week…


Stoner HiVe’s
Top 5 artists listened to last week…


Morning everyone. It’s Monday! And at Stoner HiVe we usually try  to put together a quick list of the most listened to albums of the past week. We limit it to five even though there is a multitude of other records that got a few spins. Well, here’s the rundown. The Beast You Are might very well be the best Big Business record to date! Out on Gold Metal Records and Joyful Noise Recordings, there are so many different approaches on can take to this album. Intricate weirdness and twisted heaviness! Reek of STOOM tipped us about the Australian five-piece Giant Dwarf! What a freaking sweet fuzzy desert and stoner rock record. That went on repeat very quickly! Hell yeah! Sophomore album Dos(e) by Black Medicine out on Baby Gas Mask Records has this very different groove going on. Highly addictive once you’ve gotten a dose in ya! And you’d better, cause some medicine should be taken on a daily basis! And since all of you read up on the HiVe every day, (coughcough) you’ve already seen Hey Satan and their Orange Moon album come up. Featuring ten hard rocking, stoner trucking tracks that are comprised out of twin guitars and a stampeding crazy drummer. It’s a wild release once again by Cold Smoke Records! Last but certainly not least, Cracked Machine! The Call Of The Void comes out on PsyKa Records and the seven heavy psychedelic tracks will quickly make you turn on and tune in! Mostly instrumental and completely amazing! Check it out! Check’m all out!

zaterdag 13 april 2019

Hey Satan – Orange Moon


Hey Satan – Orange Moon
Cold Smoke Records/Domino Media Agency – 2019
Rock, Hard, Stoner
Rated: ****

Some factual info: Orange Moon was recorded, mixed and mastered by Serge Morattel at Rec Studio, Geneva in May and October 2018. Hey Satan is a rock trio from Lausanne, Switzerland. Formed by longtime friends François, Laurent and Frank (formerly from Shovel and Houston Swing Engine). After unveiling two music videos for the singles "Golgotha Beach" and then "Housewife Blues" the three good ol’ boys are now set to take on all comers with their Orange Moon album! Featuring ten hard rocking, stoner trucking tracks that are comprised out of twin guitars and a stampeding crazy drummer. Bluesy in nature, grungy in spirit the rock’n roll exuberance explodes from these songs in spectacular form. Hey Satan, powerful stuff with a wicked groove! O’ and look at that superb deal for both their debut and this one on vinyl!

(Written by JK)





vrijdag 12 april 2019

Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday


Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

The middle of a month seems less special nowadays. We’ve got that first of the month thing going with the Doom Charts and we start longing for the day the new edition goes online. To see what my fellow contributors have been listening to and what we might have missed. Cause even though we listen to so many amazing releases there are always a few that slip through the cracks. And then there are those that always seem to slip through the cracks. For whatever reason. The horror, the horror! So, on the Stoner HiVe Quick Fire Friday we try to put a band-aid on that ever growing crack and stop all that magic just leaking away. And yes, we know, we know, the albums and bands deserve more. More attention and more of our time! But there is so much out there and we just simply cannot ever do it all justice. So here it is. The Stoner HiVe Quick Fire Friday. And its burns hot like molten lava!



Into Orbit – Kinesis

Post rock and so much more! Yes, we are digging the first singles from the new Kinesis album by New Zealand duo Into Orbit. A dynamic offering of guitar and drums whose immersive, genre-defying sound contains aspects of experimental rock, metal, prog, doom, ambience & drone. Check out Horus for instance. The seven minute prog/doom-metal epic opens with eerie guitar dissonance before erupting into a storm of frenzied drums and furious riffing and concluding with a hypnotic, loop-driven build to a cataclysmic end. And that’s the only end we could think off when we are slowly pushed up hill towards the edge of a cliff… Push us over! Make us fly!





Six Steps Above The Earth – Step 4

More minimalistic droning doom comes from Thessaloniki, Greece. Six Steps Above The Earth is another duo man project that implores the help from others from time to time. The project is already on Step 4 and has of course been through the other steps as well. It’s heavy monotone doom gaze and it’s not for the lighthearted. There is meaning to the slow instrumental doomy madness and if you don’t step on board; you will surely loose your mind.




Electricjezus – Cmex

Guess what, we have another duo on our hands! Straight from the heart of Moscow comes Electricjezus and it’s down tuned lo-fi doom sludge. We already mentioned their Грязь поколений release back in 2013 and then kind of lost track of them. Luckily they found us and put forth their new Cmex release. Muddy sludge, sludgy mud and some crusty demonic offerings. Another release that is surely meant for deep dark dungeons and twisted minds!




Heavy Traffic – Garage: Bad Dream Adventure

Remember Plastic Surgery? Written about by Madman Tony Maim? Well... We slowly move, slowly, very slowly move away from the drone and the doom. We approach Heavy Traffic and their Garage: Bad Dream Adventure release with arms outstretched. This is more in league psychedelic doom and lo-fi punky noise influences. Even though there are once again a few shoegaze moments; there is no way you shall be hypnotized this time around. No, this is freak out stuff, this is maddening on a very different level. You shall go wild! Berserk even!




Sküma – Vol. [0]

Berserk and wild you shall go as well when you hear Sküma and their Vol. [0] release! If the former mention already stepped away from the droning doom this moves completely out of its way. The Greek five-piece gives us heavy grungy hardrock and stoner trucking. Metal moments pop up here and there and poppy influences grab you by the head and scream in your face. And on those moments when sun dried guitar tones are thrown into the mix we can hear something blossoming that not only sounds promising; but sounds deliciously cool! Listen to the P4nda track for instance; dang!




woensdag 10 april 2019

Bees Made Honey In The Vein Tree – Grandmother


Bees Made Honey In The Vein Tree – Grandmother
Pink Tank Records – 2019
Doom, Dark Psychedelia
Rated: ****

Stuttgart Doomers Bees Made Honey In The Vein Tree make a welcome return to the scene with their latest opus, Grandmother. Four strychnine-drenched blotters of loathing which immerse you in pustulent dissonance, atonal atmospheres and crawling cacophonies of gloom. 'Cinitus' moves with the slow, brooding tomes of tectonic shifts... 'Craving' swirls with psychedelic guitars and mesmerizing harmonies; 'Grandmother' cackles with Matriarchal Oppression, yoking you to the crippling weight of ancient expectation... 'Dionysus' is the soundtrack to the dark alley, the creepy, echoing subway... The sonorous wail of the grey thing festering in the corner. BMHITVT have drawn the dark psyche of the subconscious to the surface, the horrible fascination and rancid beauty of rot - the distilled essence of Doom. They invite you to look inside.....

(Written by Reek of STOOM)




maandag 8 april 2019

Isla Fortuna – Verity


Isla Fortuna – Verity
Self released – 2019
Rock, Stoner, Psych
Rated: ****

I absolutely adore the cover image of the Verity album by Isla Fortuna. The surrealistic, magic realistic almost Salvador Dalí like picture speaks to your imagination and will have your fantasy run wild. At least, it does in my case… And that is something the eight tracks on this album will do for you as well. The three Cypriots have managed to produce a psychedelic stoner rock album that will be easy to grasp but then surrounds you with so many atmospherical elements and such a warm whirling tonality it will seem like you’re being transported to that tiny gramophone island in the middle of a vast ocean. That desert edge, those progressive touches, the way the spin out their melodies and all of that on that tiny island… And then that final track Thinker’s Cave. What a send-off. High energy. Proper fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio…

(Written by JK)



Stoner HiVe’s Top 5 artists listened to last week…


Stoner HiVe’s
Top 5 artists listened to last week…


Monday Monday, So good to me. Monday morning, it was all I hope it would be… What were The Mamas & The Papas thinking when they wrote those lines. Sure, it’s to mislead you at the beginning before the true nature of the song kicks in; but still… What if you can’t make it that far? And the lousy feeling that you have because the weekend is over sticks with you until the following weekend? What then? Luckily we don’t have to actually listen to that song; we have tons of magic floating around that will brighten up every day! On repeat for instance has been Isla Fortuna and their Verity album. Which we will post a mention about in a few minutes. Instrumental space extravaganza Earthling, Go Home! By Hhoogg has also been spinning a lot. Just like Green Lung and their Woodland Rites album. Hey, it didn’t end up at the Number 1 position of the Doom Charts for nothing! Noise, punk, thrash, metal and more is featured proudly on the High Anxiety album, out on Thrill Jockey, by Oozing Wound. Seven past paced bangers that will stomp out every last bit of hangover! Come on Monday! I’ll take ya down! We dug the shit out of the Elefantes release back in 2013 and must confess we for some reason did not take notice of the releases after that one until Picaporters slapped us silly with their new XXIII record! Psychedelic doom, metal and more metal and more metal and an occult flavor all with a very own sound. Amazing record! Check it out! Check it all out!

vrijdag 5 april 2019

Solar Halos – Coiled Light


Solar Halos – Coiled Light
Cursed Tongue Records – April 12 2019
Stoner, Doom
Rated: ****

Two seconds in and your fingers are drumming the coffee table in anticipation... …And then BOOM! A sonic wave of thundering, bass-driven Stoner Doom assaults you like a Tsunami as Coiled Light unfurls... North Carolina's Solar Halos invoke subterranean noises; crusted walls of intense riffery, threaded motifs of mournful, despairing vocals from Nora Rogers underpinning overwhelmingly bleak landscapes of abrasive guitars and shuddering rhythms. 'Personal Levee' rumbles with a Brume-esque power, deep and alluring... 'Ground The Fire' crawls with an evil, maleficent intent… 'Rivers of Grass' pulls you into Anubian other-worldly domains with a shrill, ghostly quality... Title Track 'Coiled Light' staggers with odd time-signatures and pummeling drums; compelling and beguiling... Solar Halos open a portal to an all-encompassing journey through the dank tenements of Doom. Witches and Vulpines move aside... A new Siren arises...

(Written by Reek of STOOM)






Remember that wild Solar Halos self-titled debut?

donderdag 4 april 2019

No Man’s Valley – Outside The Dream


No Man’s Valley – Outside The Dream
Tonzonen Records – 2019
Rock, Psych, Blues,
Rated: *****

For some weird and probably insane reason we never got around to mentioning that wild adventure called Time Travel back in 2016. So, now, two years later, we have the chance to correct that and go crazy on the record Outside The Dream by Dutch five-piece No Man’s Valley. We’ve been spinning the shit out of it for the past months, slowly getting more immersed in the dream. Slowly losing all sense of the outside world. ‘Psychedelic blues infused organ wave rock’, quite a lovely description by the band itself. But it has so much more! It aims for the stratosphere with certain element without ever becoming too spacey and it surges through all kinds of nooks and crannies to serve up an entirely own universe. A heavy and thick universe with depth and width. The atmosphere is so compelling, it transports you to ringside seats at a twisted carnival or will have you trapped inside a tin can that might be floating around in outer space or deep beneath the ocean. Who knows? It might just all be a dream. It is without a doubt based on the bluesrock of yore and the psychedelic transformation that happened in the seventies. The Doors could learn a lot from these cats!

(Written by JK)