Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

 

Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

It’s Friday… And we’re doing another Quick Fire Friday round! We just can’t help ourselves, there’s so much great music floating around. So diverse, so wonderful, cause that seems to be the main thing binding everything in the heavy underground. Diversity, openness, acceptance. The entire world should be like our little niche. But before we fall into that abyss, let’s state the obvious once again. Here are some quick words about some great releases. We know, they deserve more, but there’s so much good and heavy stuff, and we just simply cannot ever do it all justice. So here it is… Another Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday! And it burns hot like molten lava!

Creaturess – Creaturess

Cave doom from the wonderfully musical city of Portland, Oregon. Forlorn doom that experiments with field recordings and ambient sounds. Creaturess was started by the duo of guitarist composer Jesse Hamlin and singer, guitarist and visionary Joanna Sendejo in 2023 this is the perfect opener for the Quick Fire Friday of this week. For it is slow, slowcore, shoegaze, slow doom and recorded in a magma tub in Washington! That’s right, you can sense the reverb, hear the cave, touch the atmosphere and feel the underlying fiery force of it all.

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Weevil – Easy Way

Weevil! A five-piece from Athens that show definitely love for the stonerrock of yore and Fu Manchu in particular. A skater vibe, a punk attitude and that adoration for the good riff! That sandy sound! Heat incarnated! Incredibly entertaining, fuzzy and catchy! Makes you want to run out and take a ramp or two… Cowabunga dude!

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Fuzzing Nation – Into The Desert

More greatness from Greece! Fuzzing Nation! A stonerrock trio that knows how to capture that desert vibe, soaring fuzz and make it sound sun bleached and dusty! Build on a foundation of blues, always opting for the moving groove, this is the kind of music you can’t sit still with. Formed in 2022 this is their second EP and after hearing it you will be screaming for more!

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Waterboarding School – The Little Sports Mirror

The Little Sports Mirror is the third album by Swedish five-piece Waterboarding School! But listening to this sunny, fun-drenched record is no torture. Eight quick squirts of sunlight and flowery garage pop, make it undeniable friendly and enjoyable. A bit of surf, a bit of roots and a whole lot of high school prom atmospheres! Feeling a bit down? Listen to The Little Sports Mirror and a smile will surely cross your face…

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Eye of Aquila – Atavisms

There it was underneath the Christmas tree! The new Eye of Aquila EP Atavisms. That’s right, they released it on December 25th! And we loved their earlier Diviniis Requiem to bits, so we were sure that the four tracks filled with their take on grunge, alternative rock, metal and stoner would be going down smoothly once again. And it did! There was no room left for Christmas dinner cause Eye of Aquila filled me completely with wild riffs and intense atmosphere! Stunning!

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Death Wvrm – Reflections

How can we not fall in love with the wonderful sound of Death Wvrm? The UK three have released two singles before they put out their new one Reflections. A song that indeed seems to travel the energy current you might know from bands like Slift, Elder, King Buffalo and Full Earth. And on this wonderful almost seven minute long adventure, Nick DiSalvo from Elder and Delving delivers some extra instrumentation. Dragging back the echoes that were off with the current…

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Love Your Witch – Witches Burn Alive

The stoner thrash three from Tel Aviv, Israel delivered their new love child back in December. Love Your Witch put out their first release all the way back in 2018 and this new one called Witches Burn Alive celebrates their journey so far. For it is a live album, but with two new studio recordings bookending this wild and wonderful band. Stoner thrash indeed, seventies rocking garage and gritty metal. Punk by default and always Fucking Relentless! You should Love Your Witch! I know I do!

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The Devil's Cabana Boiz - The Devil's Cabana Boiz

We only ever got around to mention that wild single these crazies did with that the wild Johni Holiday from Ruff Majik. But since then, they’ve put out a full EP featuring that single! Which means five more tracks of fuzzy garage and sixties blues, seventies psych and a whole lot of energy! This is that lightning in a bottle kind of stuff! Powerful and electrifying! Fuck this is good! The Devil's Cabana Boiz bring you everything you need... 

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Voodoo Garden – Age Of Mist

We've romped through a truckload of amazing albums, eps and singles. And we end it with something absolutely magical. Yes, the new Voodoo Garden and their debut  release Age Of Mist has something very special going on! Psychedelic doom with some definite magic. A touch of occult, seventies and sixties sprinkles and highly addictive. Recorded in a new studio in Prague called Deadzeus Sound owned and operated by Miki Hank who also plays in Miea. On Age Of Mist everything comes together in twenty five minutes of sheer perfect heaviness. And that voice! Once heard, you can’t escape Voodoo Garden…

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Peacebone – Blame The Bird EP

 

 

Peacebone – Blame The Bird EP
Sixteentimes Music – 2025
Rock, Hard, Stoner, Psych, Blues
Rated: ****

There are so many great record companies and labels that populate our lovely heavy underground niche. Perhaps we should one day devote a post on all of them or just single them out one by one. What do you think? Good idea? Well, one of my favorites is definitely Sixteentimes Music. They only deliver quality releases. Their roster grows slowly and they seem to choose all their bands very carefully. So whenever a promo arrives with a new Sixteentimes Music band, I know its going to be a great one!

And such is the case once again with the new five track, sixteen minutes long Blame The Bird EP by Swiss quintet Peacebone. Its short, its sweet and it comes out tomorrow! Guitar sounds that seem to drift along with the dream like vocals one minute and then shift gear to turn the composition into something much wilder the next. But Peacebone seem experts in staying within a psychedelic, blues based reverie. Even when those guitars channel that wilder sound from the desert those vocal harmonies and the spacious drumming leave so much room for sway and wonder, the dream will stay alive. Which also seems to live within the lyrics of the songs and its titles. Middle instrumental guitar ditty is not named Whisper Of Hope for nothing. Hope, even though they deal with issues like anxiety and the feeling of being shattered, there is always that touch of light and of that green light at the end of the pier. Even through the rougher parts. Peacebone, tender and embracing, like a warm water stream slowly cascading over you…

(Written by JK)

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FULL ALBUM PREMIERE – Plasticdrop - Life, Death and Miracles

 

 

FULL ALBUM PREMIERE 

Plasticdrop - Life, Death and Miracles

Welcome to this wonderful FULL ALBUM PREMIERE for the new album by Italian trio Plasticdrop! We are honored and excited to present Life, Death and Miracles to you all! Out on Argonauta Records is gives you nine tracks on energetic rock! Imploring that stonerrock sound that was so pervasive after in the early two thousands, that grunge edge of later and the bite sized punk that will always remains so tasty! Pop sensible, danceable and highly addictive! Check out Plasticdrop’s Life, Death and Miracles and jump around like a maniac!

Earlier words on Plasticdrop - Life, Death and Miracles


PR Words:

Italian alternative rock band Plasticdrop is set to release their anticipated new album "Life, Death and Miracles" on January 31, 2025, through Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records. Marking a significant evolution in their sound, the album delivers a dynamic fusion of melodic and heavy elements, infused with raw emotion and an unflinching exploration of personal and societal themes.

Today, Plasticdrop unveils their third single, "Miracles (Alive)", offering a glimpse into the album’s evocative and experimental soundscape. This track, like the rest of the album, showcases the band’s bold dive into a rawer and sometimes gloomier sonic direction: https://youtu.be/8twsdlONjDw

ALBUM TRACKLIST:

    Life (I Want You to Hear Me)
    Nothing to Share
    Death (Not for You)
    Simply Beautiful
    Don’t Leave Me Now
    2016
    It Turns to Bad
    Never Again
    Miracles (Alive)

Formed in Cagliari, Italy, in 2015, Plasticdrop is composed of Paolo Pani (lead vocals, guitar), Martina Manca (bass), and Alessandro Brundu (drums). The band members initially connected as teenagers, jamming in the same local studio while playing with different projects. Their shared musical chemistry culminated in Plasticdrop’s first live performance in March 2016.

In 2019, the band released their debut EP, Phenicopters, solidifying their reputation as a fresh force in the alternative rock scene. Following years of live performances and songwriting, Plasticdrop unveiled the first single from their upcoming album in October 2024, shortly before signing with Argonauta Records.

Plasticdrop’s sound is rooted in alternative rock, post-grunge, and hard rock, with touches of stoner rock and punk rock. Their new album reflects their musical evolution, combining heavy and melodic elements to craft songs that are emotionally charged and sonically bold. The lyrics delve into themes ranging from personal relationships and the isolation tied to their island upbringing, to broader societal critique and introspection.

    “This album represents a new chapter for us,” the band explains. “We’ve embraced a rawer, more authentic sound that reflects where we are now—not just as musicians, but as people. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

ABOUT PLASTICDROP

Plasticdrop emerged from the vibrant local music scene in Cagliari (Italy), quickly establishing themselves with their energetic live shows and introspective songwriting. Their ability to balance intensity with melody has drawn comparisons to bands spanning genres, yet their unique voice and perspective firmly set them apart.

Plasticdrop’s third album promises to be their most compelling work yet—a must-hear for fans of alternative rock, post-grunge, and emotionally resonant music.

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Stoner HiVe’s Top 10 Most Listened Artists Last Week…

 

 

Stoner HiVe’s
Top 10 Most Listened Artists Last Week…

Duel
Bikini Beach
Volume
Ditch
Conan
Kryptograf
The New Bardots
Yawning Balch
Kwoon
Zement

Morning! It’s Monday over here and another dubious week ahead of us. Or perhaps yours look glorious? I hope so! For me the list below is glorious, and I guess that’s enough! We had a thoroughly busy week last week. But still managed to put up a few posts. And hope to do the same this week. We announced the FULL ALBUM PREMIERE of Plasticdrop’s new album Life, Death and Miracles, that will happen this Wednesday! And mentioned two singles, the new Katana and the new Kadavar. We also talked about two albums from 2024 that we thoroughly love and never got around to during that year. Which felt like something that had to be remedied! So, head over to the Volume and Duel reviews to see why! Glorious albums! Check’m out, check’m all out!

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Stoner HiVe's Weekly Top 10 Most Listened

Week 4

Duel – Breakfast With Death

 

 

Duel – Breakfast With Death
Heavy Psych Sounds Records – 2024
Metal, Stoner, Thrash
Rated: *****

Been having coffee, a boiled egg and freshly baked rolls every morning for the past months. And on all of those early morning meals I was joined by a smiling and courteous Grim Reeper. For mr. Death himself has been on the very best of behaviors ever since hearing the new amazing Duel album. It’s the perfect record from him. And yes, for me as well. That ferocious metal, the thrash influences, that sound so sweetly transported out of the glory days of the eighties. I love Duel. Ever since their first album Fears Of The Dead from 20216. Am happy to have seen them live at Helldorado Festival once.  Their Valley of The Shadows album ended up on the Number 5 spot of the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown of  2019 according to all the votes that came in. And together with their 2021 In Carne Persona album they have all been on heavy rotation over here... 

But nothing comes close to the manner in which I have been gorging on Breakfast With Death! The immediateness and intensity of it all keeps me coming back for seconds every morning of every day. They’ve punked out their stoner and thrashed their metal; and that instantly comes out blasting with opener Ancient Moonlight. That guitar tone, those drums, it burns, it sears and its only thanks to the dragging vocals that the speed with which it is delivered becomes palatable and the taste lingers. Especially since towards the end it all slows down, setting you up for the masterstroke that follows. Satan’s Invention, perhaps Duel at its most pop sensible, slower in riffs, gradual in drums, manages to combine every one of their strengths into a perfect delivery. And those vocals, the lyrics are so astute, but the magic is in the delivery, the rolling of the syllables that make Satan’s Invention undeniable and addictive. And that is once again so wonderfully off set by the most classic metal and thrash bridged Chaos Reigns track that follows. So scathing, so biting, aggressive and so full of powerful release. The guitar and drums, methodical, slaying and commanding, not giving any moment of respite until perhaps the wonderful solo that surfs on top of that maniacal thrash drumming. The vocals pulling you in and pushing you along, offering up the shout along on a silver platter. You will. You can’t help yourself. Even if the sun hasn’t yet risen. And all of that energy, all off those Duel strengths keep returning on all of the tracks that follow, and they close it all off with the incredibly gnarly, teeth baring, Greet The Dead and the knock out punch Burn The Earth. An opening salvo leads you to this anxious and tongue out groove that paves the way for another brilliant singalong chorus. Their most dynamic track on the album, switching it up, even in minute ways with every part of the composition. Ferocious and blistering, start to finish. As is the album. No better way to wake up. Listening to this will blast away every possible bit of a hangover. It will set your head right and the scythe will stay in a corner as you and Mr. Reeper grab another cup o’ joe, hit the repeat button and butter each other’s biscuit…

(Written by JK)

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Katana – Fake World

 

 

Katana – Fake World

Straight out of the war torn country of Ukraine, comes Katana! Their new single Fake World combines the best of nu metal, rapcore, hardcore and a bit of thrash and death. Indeed, this might cut your head off, but it will definitely blast you out of your seat!

PR words:

Ukrainian Katana's Fake World: The Anthem of Defiance You Need to Hear!

Immerse yourself in the unyielding spirit of Katana's latest track, Fake World. This searing anthem takes aim at the oppressive systems that bind us, delivering razor-sharp lyrics and thunderous beats that expose a society blinded by greed and deceit.
Fake World challenges you to confront the illusions that surround us and reject the false idols propping up a broken reality. Its relentless energy and unapologetic defiance will ignite your determination to break free and fight for truth.
Let the raw power of Fake World spark your drive for change and inspire you to reclaim your freedom.
Fake World · Katana Immerse yourself in the unyielding spirit of Katana's latest track, Fake World. This searing anthem takes aim at the oppressive systems that bind us, delivering razor-sharp lyrics and thunderous beats that expose a society blinded by greed and deceit.

Biography

An electrifying fusion of Nu Metal and Hardcore from this powerhouse Ukrainian band. Brace yourself for heavy guitar riffs, bone-crushing breakdowns, and intense vocals.

In 2019, guitarist Vitalii Bodnar and vocalist Vladyslav Byvalin serendipitously met in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, united by their mutual passion for music. Fuelled by this shared fervor, they swiftly decided to form a band. By July of that same year, drummer Oleksandr Matviychuk had joined their ranks, followed by guitarist Yevhen Lysenko in November, marking the inception of KATANA. Despite facing lineup adjustments and myriad challenges, the band persisted, culminating in the recording of their debut single, "Я не будую стін" (I'm Not Building Walls), with this lineup intact.

The band's trajectory encountered a stumbling block in 2020 with quarantine measures stalling their live performances. However, their inaugural live show at Docker G Pub in Kyiv garnered acclaim from Ukrainian rock luminaries, underscoring their potential within the European festival circuit. In February 2021, bassist Dmytro Voynarovskiy joined the ensemble, and KATANA unveiled their debut album, "Ворог" (The Enemy), delving into themes of self-betterment and the pursuit of happiness. Drummer Vladislav Zakharchuk took over from Oleksandr Matviychuk in December 2021.

Despite the tumult of 2022 amid the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, KATANA rallied for charitable concerts, extending support to the Ukrainian military and displaced individuals. On October 1, 2022, they dropped the music video "Твори" (Create), spotlighting the significance of creativity. July 2023 witnessed the launch of an English-language EP titled "Destruction," wherein KATANA explores human imperfections and the transformative essence of chaos.

Early August 2023 saw KATANA refreshing their lineup with bassist Bednarskyi Kostiantyn and drummer Hetman Yaroslav. The current ensemble encompasses a diverse array of musical influences, culminating in a distinctive amalgamation of Nu Metal, Rapcore, and Alternative sounds. KATANA remains steadfast in their philanthropic endeavors and looks forward to unveiling their second album, resolutely committed to leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. When probed about their moniker, they succinctly assert, "Because it blows your head off!"

KATANA is:

 Vladyslav Byvalin - Vocals
Vitalii Bodnar - Guitar
Yevhen Lysenko - Guitar
Bednarskyi Kostiantyn - Bass
Hetman Yaroslav - Drums

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Volume - Joy Of Navigation (a trip through the eternal unknown)

 

 

Volume - Joy Of Navigation (a trip through the eternal unknown)
Kozmik Artifactz / Golden Robot – 2024
Rock, Stoner, Desert, Space
Rated: *****

Almost instantly, the illusions will start. Shifting gear on you like some quicksilver mind-altering odyssey. There’s something absolutely freeing about listening to the new Volume album. It will pilot you into the unknown and once you get locked into that state you know you will have to take it all the way. For that is the pure and beautiful Joy Of Navigation. And that by sheer coincidence, cough cough, is the title of the album. Recorded in the legendary Rancho De La Luna studio under guidance of the maestro himself: Dave Catching. Who of course had to also deliver a few synth and Moog touches, because when the energy flows the right way, you can’t help yourself. And that makes the Volume outfit even more star-studded, founded by Patrick Brink, for a small moment in time member of Fu Manchu taking guitar and vocals. Ed Mundell from Monster Magnet on lead guitar. Mike Amster from Mondo Generator, Nebula and Blaak Heat Shujaa on Drums. Abraham William Parker on bass and loads of other instruments. Star-studded and the lift off of opener Mercury Pull will have you zooming around the stars in no time. Over nine minutes filled to the brim with freak out psychedelic rock, punked up acid and something entirely proto. Sixties love, seventies blend, mantric and liberating. Throw out your arms, go wild! You’re gonna wanna take this trip all the way. Title tack Joy Of Navigation grounds you, goes wilder still and offers up more of a garage and punk take on the freak rock they are delivering throughout. But there’s still that stoner trucking, desert rocking that keeps you zooming. Heavy Sunshine opens entirely like a radical lift off, aiming for something explosive and a different planet all together, but then they just keep it going and keep you coming. That slow rising anticipation almost become unbearable. A cover version of The Golden Age by Swedish Union Carbide Productions goes into the laidback flow of the desert even more, the rootsy energy it contains and their version sounds like it could be added to the Orquesta Del Desierto live set without any problem. Spacebaby has a definite Monster Magnet touch, subdued monolithic and with so much of raw freedom coursing through all those guitar lines it will drive you crazy. It’s entirely liberating listening to Joy Of Navigation, its full Volume, it’s planet Volume and the living is good!

(Written by JK)

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Kadavar - I Just Want To Be A Sound

 

Kadavar - I Just Want To Be A Sound

 

The first single for the new Kadavar album coming in a few months. It's out! And it's called I Just Want To Be A Sound. Which seem to be going for more psychedelic pop overture take on what they want to do, perhaps that MGMT reminiscent glide and build. Kadavar is always changing and evolving and this is their next step...

"This is where our journey as four truly began. With this riff, Lupus planted the seeds for the rest of the album. How do you honor with words the world a few guitar notes can open up? That question kept us busy longer than I’d like to admit. Then one day, I remembered Simon’s answer when I asked why he avoided social media: ‘I just want to be a sound.’ And that was it—just be a sound. The lyrics celebrate what we’ve always defined us as a band: freedom, joy, and love for what we do." - Love Tiger

Go see them live on tour with SLOMOSA!

 

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Plasticdrop – Life, Death and Miracles

 

 

Plasticdrop – Life, Death and Miracles
Argonauta Records – 2025
Stonerpop, Alternative, Rock
Rated: ****

Italian trio Plasticdrop are about to release their debut full-sized album Life, Death and Miracles. It will be let loose upon the world through Argonauta Records on Friday January 31st. But Stoner HiVe has the honor to do a FULL ALBUM PREMIERE two days before the release. So be sure to check in on Wednesday the 29th! Cause Life, Death and Miracles is filled to the brim with highly infectious, super danceable stoner pop and alternative rock. A bit of pop punk, power rock and a whole lot of fun loving attitude. But if you can’t hold on till then, they’ve released the three singles that make up the album title over on their bandcamp site. It’s got as much gleaned from Foo Fighters as Nirvana, from Greenday or Bad Brains and then put it all in the mix with the sounds from the infectious stoner deluge that happened after 2002. Which means, highly energetic rock that inspires you to shout along and jump around. Great bass work, compliments powerful drumming and the axe-work can slay as easily as it shows its melodic side. And you can state the same thing about the vocals. Paolo Pani has a great voice, especially when he uses his sharp edge. And then there are those moments of harmony, simply lovely. Plasticdrop is an absolute pleasure to listen to… So, mark your calender… Cause it will be our absolute pleasure to premiere Plasticdrop’s Life, Death and Miracles to  you on Wednesday the 29th! Bella zio!

(Written by JK)

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Stoner HiVe’s Top 10 Most Listened Artists Last Week…

 

 

Stoner HiVe’s
Top 10 Most Listened Artists Last Week…

Manic Street Preachers
High Desert Queen
Plasticdrop
Acid Magus
Brant Bjork Trio
Pentagram
Warlung
Lorquin’s Admiral
Mouth
Tumbleweed Dealer

And I wish you the best of weeks once again! It’s Monday, my start of the week. Lots of work to be done. So, not sure how many updates we can get out. But there will be some! And if not, there is always that list above for you to check out, the posts from last week and the playlist below. As you can see from the list, the new Manic Street Preachers album has been on heavy rotation, not really heavy underground material of course, but we’ve got an interview with them coming up. And the rest of that list is made up out of last year and new year material! And all awesome!

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Stoner HiVe's Weekly Top 10 Most Listened

Week 4

FULL ALBUM PREMIERE - Caprahed – Empire

 

 

FULL ALBUM PREMIERE

Caprahed – Empire

Welcome to the first FULL ALBUM PREMIERE of 2025! It’s a one song, made up out of four parts, lo-fi, doom punk narrative called EMPIRE! Delivered by one man project Caprahed. Which is an entirely solo project by Phil Howlett (Lucifer's Fall, Solemn Ceremony, Zlórtcht & Rote Mare) who aims to mix Doom, Metal, Punk, Alternative & Progressive styles. Indeed, and he’s right! For there is a lot of classic doom spliced with all sorts of alternative avenues, touching base with progressive wanderings and all brought to you in this poetic punk style here. The on track, comprised out of I. Phase IV, II. Masters And Slaves, III. The Rebellion & IV. Until The End continues the story started on that first Caprahed release. Here, the enslaved population starts to fight back against the EMPIRE… Strap yourselves in and grow fierce as you experience the Caprahed fable of EMPIRE!

PR Wire:

Caprahed - Empire
Esoteric, progressive doom from Adelaide, Australia
New album “Empire” out January 20th
Genres - Doom metal, punk, alternative, primitive prog

Caprahed was formed in 2022 in Adelaide, Australia as an entirely solo project by Phil Howlett (Lucifer’s Fall, Solemn Ceremony, Zlórtcht, Rote Mare & Devils Victim (coming soon!)) as a vehicle for recording anything and everything a little bit different or strange that doesn’t fit in with the other more traditional projects mentioned. The first self-released self-titled Caprahed came out in 2023 and was a mix of Doom, Punk and more alternative influences. The second album and current release (January 2025) titled EMPIRE is a single 30 minute track which could be described as a mix of Doom, Punk, Alternative and a kind of primitive Prog. The usual more traditional doom influences plus something like Sonic Youth, Voivod and maybe even King Gizzard.
The artwork for Empire is by long term collaborator Sean Wiskin. Caprahed the band is based entirely upon the coming of goatmen from a parallel universe who use a machine of six pillars and a crystal humanoid skull to generate a portal through to our world, the power being generated through the draining and enslavement of the collective mind of humanity. The debut album began the story and the second album focuses on humanity’s fight back against the EMPIRE.
Caprahed is a purely studio project with the only current long term intention being to release further material.

Caprahed - Empire

Album out January 20th, 2025
Self-released (CD, Digital)
Adelaide, Australia
FFO: Cathedral, Sonic Youth, Voivod, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Recorded by Phil Howlett
Artwork by Sean Wiskin

Caprahed is Phill Howlett

Tracklist:
Empire (30:26)

Four Song Version (Parts I-IV):
I. Phase IV (6:28)
II. Masters And Slaves (10:12)
III. The Rebellion (8:50)
IV. Until The End (5:11)

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High Desert Queen – Palm Reader

 

 

High Desert Queen – Palm Reader
Magnetic Eye Records – 2024
Rock, Stoner, Desert, Metal
Rated: *****

How can we justify to ourselves not mentioning one of our absolute favorite albums from 2024 on Stoner HiVe. It flies high on our Personal Top 20 and turned out to be one out of two albums on that Personal Top 20 that we did not write about when said album was released. Well, we’re here to remedy that fact. And yes, there will probably also be a Duel review in the near future…

But right here, right now, are a few words about High Desert Queen and why we love their Palm Reader album so hard. First off, there’s the diversity, their devious choices of dynamics, their obvious restraint in going for the riff till they drop options. And don’t get me wrong, the riffs are there, huge and ten-fold. But always in supreme service of the song, the structure and the delivery. Opener Ancient Aliens for instance, with its stoner trucking groove, the bass heavy breakdown towards the third part and the guitar solo that’s goes off into the stratosphere. The main riff returns and points out the simple fact how thunderous it always was. It was always that bulldozer. But because of the excellent vocals by Ryan Garney that early part feels like a pusher that adds layer after layer to its foundation, and not like the all-leveling, all-freeing riff you can feel powering through your veins at the very end. Death Perception, continues with a more bluesy touch and a wonderful guest spot by Emma Näslund of Gaupa. It has thunder doom riffage once the middle part rolls around, but before it we are treated to a lot of subdued and bluesy guitar work, all so, Emma can shine. And where the riff and the punch sits obvious and loud on Head Honcho, there so much extra in the way of building up the anticipation that comes so easily to them. The vocal hook being the song title, the round going twice before the breakdown takes things into more of a slam dance territory. Which is another eagerness that builds up while listening to the album, you will want to catch these crazies live. Desperately. And then the breakdown goes deeper, slower and rustling with melancholy before they once again go back to the colossal side of heavy. Head Honcho, might be the perfect articulated promise. No need for experimentation, stick to your guns, make ’em shine and aim for nothing but headshots.

If there’s one song that has the Karl Daniel Lidén, responsible for the mixing and mastering, signature over it, it might be title track Palm Reader. The swirling guitar work, the whirling drums, that pounding groove, there are definite moments where its surely easy to imagine the Swedish touch. And you can see the crowd go wild as the chorus hits. Time Waster stays in more broken hard rock boogie territory, a bit of funk, a whole lot of vocal prowess and an axe wielding maniac serving up string poetry with every note played. And hear that drummer and bassist rumble in the distance. All chops and class there! And then we’re hit by the Tuesday Night Blues, soft melodic melancholy surfing on top of a current of jazz and blues, as Garney offers up his spoken word, his graceful bourbon bottom memories about a fateful dreary night. And they end their album with Solar Rain. Fuzz-heavy, straddling the line between heaviness and transcendence, the paradoxical touch between the melancholy drizzle that continues from the Tuesday Night Blues song into Solar Rain, slowly becomes this warm tempest. A psychedelic monsoon showering you with grit, power and a shove that turns into the biggest push of the album. The intensity doubling, tripling and finally thrusting you into the deep end…

And as you fly, you realize, Palm Reader is not just a continuation of High Desert Queen's upward trajectory—it's a statement. This album is a monster, full of swagger, grit, and raw emotion, of knowing your forte, your riffing strengths and sneakily build upon that, layer by layer… It came out in May 2024 and has sneakily become one of my favorite records of the year, listening to it, more and more and more…

(Written by JK)

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Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

 

 

Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

Welcome to the first Stoner HiVe Quick Fire Friday of 2025! That definitely has a ring to it! And we’re happy to get the fire started quickly in January this year! Soon, there’s also the Doom Charts Peroration for December going live today. So, there’s a lot of music to contend with. But that’s what we love right?! You can never have enough of it! So, here are some quick words about some great releases. We know, they deserve more, but there’s so much good and heavy stuff, and we just simply cannot ever do it all justice. So here it is… Another Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday! And it burns hot like molten lava!

Icarus Burns – Minotaur

Here’s the first drop of scorching lava! This four-piece from Berlin released their new single Minotaur exactly a week ago! It’s Icarus Burns and they deliver their mythical psych and prog in instrumental metal style. It’s the first single to set the scene for their debut album to arrive on February 10th. Incredibly thick bass sounds, wild guitar tones, thrilling riffs and drums captured to perfection. And then those shifts in structure and composition, furious! See, it burn! It burns! Icarus Burns!

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Slumlord Radio – Snakebit

Another single released about a week ago, it’s Slumlord Radio and their Snakebit track. Starting off with a QOTSA vibe, thanks to the little opening background choir, it quickly turns more gritty, punk and into an action packed hard rocker. Although the background choir returns at the end, turning it back again, and turning you on again, and having you push the play button again. Perfect for getting your revved up to visit your local dive bar! Shirley is waiting! Again!

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Dakû - Endless

Their debut Post Apocalyptic Atmospheric Black Metal EP Endless was released yesterday! It’s the Polish two piece Dakû. With VladO doing the instruments and vocals and Mati on Drums, these five tracks are crushing, brain shattering, yet retain melodies that flow through the remnants of your grey matter like icy water. Nothing like their other band MüuT and their amazing Make Me Do It album, but still… Endless proves once again they are brilliant artists!

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Da Beumb Project – Fairly Consistent

Bass and drum duo Da Beumb Project hails from Montréal, Québec, Canada and are about to release a new album called: Closer, Warmer. First single, Heck Yes, out since December 16 is a righteous calling card. Fast paced punk, all sludged and grunged up, and not a huge time commitment, since it only lasts one minute and forty-five seconds. You want a video for this? Heck Yes!

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Sha-La-Lees – O, Oblivian!

Been following these cats ever since the best drummer from the Netherlands joined their ranks in 2021. New album Hex is coming out January 24th, this is the first single O,Oblivian! O, and they’re called the Sha-La-Lees. O, and the drummer is Ries Doms. Once from The Spades, Hooghwater, Vanderbuyst, Reaching Forward and more. O, and the rest of the band is made up out of Belgian rock royalties, from bands like The Sore Losers and El Guapo Stuntteam. Garage and proto punk! O, and very addictive!

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Kova – Firça

The Turkish four piece Kova is made up out of musicians from various stoner doom and heavy psych bands, residing in Ankara. They came together in a studio and recorded a four-hour, fully improvised session. The first single Firça was released a week ago and delivers some spicy instrumental doom noise. Savage and wild, the psychedelic paintbrush used does not paint happy little trees but serious deliriums…

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Stonerhenge – Solaris

Belarus is not an easy country to reside in at this moment in time. Perhaps it never was. But the three piece Stonerhenge have their music to escape into. Solaris takes you on a progressive stoner metal adventure. Based on the book by Polish author Stanisław Herman Lem, they translate the mystique and strangeness of the story perfectly, with their shifting colors and compositions. Stonerhenge’s Solaris deserves to be explored.

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Fish Basket - Cartboard Racer

The Cartboard Racer single was released in 2023 but will feature proudly on the new album coming out today through on Interstellar Smoke Records. It’s a new Fish Basket record and delivers their progressive instrumental madness in fine form! And look at that fun video!

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