Kadavar – Berlin

Kadavar – Berlin

Nuclear Blast – 2015

Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Cool As Fuck

Rated: ****

What do you do when your first two albums set the bar for retro seventies fuzz rock and your third album is eagerly awaited? A lot of bands would recycle their old riffs and leave it at that. Thank fuck, Kadavar have come up with new killer riffs, cool song compositions and a slightly more polished production sound which has expanded their sonic horizons meaning the tracks sound massive and rock like a bastard. No song wastes space and you are head nodding from start to finish. Huge guitar tones, heavy riffs, driving rhythms and melodic vocals combined with magnificent solos awash with fuzz give me all I require to have my day brightened up into something worthwhile and when it all ends I want to play again instantly. In a genre that sometimes depends on cut ’n paste rip offs, the lads from Berlin are swaggering down their own path… Grab some beer, put on your shades and follow then, you will not regret it.

(Written by Tony)

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Witchsorrow – No Light, Only Fire

Witchsorrow – No Light, Only Fire

Bertus/Candlelight – 2015

Metal, Doom

Rated: ***

Doom. Good old Doom like the Doom that ever was. That’s what we got from the British freaks from Witchsorrow on their first albums Witchsorrow and God Curse Us. And that is what we will be getting on the new record No Light, Only Fire. Which ones again illuminates the great ones of everything Doom that came before. Legends like Saint Vitus, Black Sabbath and all the rest. The difference that Witchsorrow brings, is the way they speed up on occasion. And with everything present, haunting howls and ditto atmosphere, shimmering compositions of traditional doom and slow lumbering giants. There is absolutely nothing missing on this album. Except perhaps something that makes it truly exceptional. Cause even though we will definitely spin Witchsorrow multiple times, it will probably be filed among the doom records that are unfortunately gathering dust. Because there are so many other records that do have that tiny extra that sparks the imagination and really lights that fire in your belly…

(Written by JK)

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Fatmate – Fatmate

Fatmate – Fatmate

Self released – 2015

Rock, Stoner, Grunge (Groner?)

Rated: ****

The nineties are back and fighting mad!! Fatmate from Leicester, England is the second band I have heard in the period of about a week that have a serious grunge vibe intertwined with stoner. The difference with these guys is they have got a hell of a boogie woogie goin on. I found myself shaking my ass at the stove this morning while tending to my coffee fix. I'm not gonna take you through it track by track because they’re all pretty much on the same level. All good. Fatmate claim that the release is more of a demo than a polished record, but I have heard records that have similar production quality. In this day and age of polished fake pop puke music on the radio; recordings that have a less than perfect production are welcome in my world. Go back and listen to Zeppelin. There are cymbal hits from Bonham that don't exactly time up with Jones. It's called being human and feel. Fatmate have plenty of both. Great job guys. And keep that shit real…

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

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Carnaval – Burning Sun

Carnaval – Burning Sun

We’ve already been hearing little snippets and tidbits of new music delivered by the best band of Slovenia for the past year. And now, Carnaval has released a full single via Youtube. Will this amazing track called Burning Sun be the precursor to a whole new awe inspiring album? We can only hope! Cause we’re still spinning Tennis Football Basketball and 2 religiously!

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Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats – The Night Creeper

Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats – The Night Creeper

Rise Above Records – 2015

Rock, Psych, Heavy, Fuzz Riff Fest

Rated: *****

After ‘Mind Control’, which I found a bit ordinary, Uncle Acid return with ten tracks of sonic psyche-frazzling heaviness and blood-drenched hooks that are simply awesome. A heavier sound which still retains the ‘69/’70 Blue Cheer vibes but at the same time turning up the psychedelic and druggy feel which holds so much allure to warped minds like myself – and indeed you – my dear Stoner HiVe readers. I have had this album on repeat and find myself drifting into the coldness of a foggy London night as twilight descends upon you and the dark, dank shadow shrouded streets beckon with hints of strange pleasures or the kiss of a razor blade only to be jolted out my fevered dream state with a fuzz filled solo and find my head is slowly nodding to the majestic songs that are starting to feel like the best thing I have played for ages. I have a slab of new releases to review and I despair of anything coming close to matching this. Without doubt, this is one of my contenders for Album Of The Year. Five blood soaked stars!

(Written by Tony)

Rise Above Records

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Motörhead – Bad Magic

Motörhead – Bad Magic

UDR – 2015

Rock, Hard, Metal

Rated: ***

My pre-show interview almost a year ago got cancelled a few hours before the scheduled time. Without a reason, but between the lines you could hear that the man would be needing all the rest he could get before the final show that night of the European tour. And on stage that night, the man, our God, Lemmy, looked fragile. Something nobody would have thought to say about the Motörhead frontman. After which the shows went on and some got cancelled, just like cancellation last week. So when the new album Bad Magic was released one wondered how it would hold up to all those great records of the past. Would it sounds just as good? Or would it come across as brittle? So let’s state the obvious: Motörhead has been making the same great album for the past forty years. And how good that record is, depends on the state of Lemmy and his muses. And guess what, the for the most part live recorded, Bad Magic, sounds much more vital and fresh than expected. Robust rock songs like Victory Or Die, Fire Storm Hotel and Shoot Out All Of Your Lights are without a doubt fully charged weapons. And Till The End even gives us an emotional Lemmy. Ofcourse there’s also a cover, and this time it’s Rolling Stones, Sympathy For The Devil. And guess what there’s enough power and blood left in the Motörhead gunners to turn it into something evil, dangerous and highly Motörhead. So, put away all the obituaries and remembrance articles, Motörhead is still running the show. I guess there’s some Bad Magic involved…

(Written by JK)

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Stone Em All – Villains

Stone Em All – Villains

KY BackSlider Records – 2015

Alt. metal, Heavy metal, 80's style American metal

Rated: ****

Stone Em All, let Charlie Tooth sort it out! Stone Em All is a group hailing from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Where? That little speck of dust in the water between France and the United Kingdom. No matter, because they have recently unleashed their new EP Villains for all the world to hear. I gave it one listen and waited a bit to let sink in what I had just heard. It was very unexpected. These guys are a straight up kick ass Metal style band. Here is the easiest way I can sum it up. Crüe meets Anthrax, meets Scorpions, meets a heavier version of hair metal. Villains took me back to a time of no worries and party time. I listened to the EP a second time. Now I want to listen some more. I'm not usually a fan of this style of music anymore but Stone Em All have won me over. The musicianship is great on this record. Thumping bass guitar, powerhouse vocals, double bass and a lead player that makes me wish I would have practiced more. Is Villains, Stoner HiVe material? I'm not sure, but these guys are filling a niche and I for one like it.

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

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Seedy Jeezus – Seedy Jeezus

Seedy Jeezus – Seedy Jeezus

Self released – 2015

Stoner, Retro, Punk, Garage

Rated: ****

Seedy Jeezus combine hard rock with some punk roots which lead to a highly energetic and explosive sound mixture. The songs on the debut are straight-ahead ones that are full of speed and power. It feels like a 40 minute tail spin, driving a car with two accelerators and no brakes! Full on Stoner with Garage/Punk vibes drive, this Aussie band speed along with blazing guitars and snarled but clean vocals. This is Rock ’n Roll played with power and a Detroit edge that hints of influences from that town circa ’71. Frenzied leads are sprayed like machine gun bursts lodging inside your brain. Do not drive whilst playing this album or you will end up jumping red lights, overtaking recklessly, plowing through road works and generally trying to match the adrenaline rush these songs produce. If you have ever laid awake at night – like I have – and wondered if anyone could continue the legacy left by the sadly defunct Hellacopters, wonder no more and get this now!

(Written by Tony)

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Arrakis – Ammu Dia

Arrakis – Ammu Dia

Self released – 2015

Rock, Heavy Psych, Stoner, Instrumental

Rated: ****

Straight outta Greece comes the trio Arrakis. Formed in 2012 these guys are a straight up heavy psych instrumental crew with some nice chops and dynamics on their debut record Ammu Dia. When I received this I thought to myself "hhmmm, this should be interesting." Guess what; it is! Six of the seven tracks kept me extremely engaged. What's good is I do not have a favorite track, for the album is kind of like a winding road in that a surprise lay around every turn. What's real nice is how Arrakis dabble right at the edge of metal from a time gone by with some old time slow Slayer-ish riffing on a psych binge. The players all have their moments and shine individually throughout the journey.  For fans of improve Ammu Dia is something to check out and maybe give Greece a financial boost by making a purchase at their bandcamp site.

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

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Red Mountains – Down With The Sun

Red Mountains – Down With The Sun

Nasoni Records – 2015

Rated: ****

Rock, Stoner, Grunge

Nice!!! Red Mountains kill on this freshman offering. You wouldn't know Down With The Sun was their first release. The writing and playing has a certain maturity that comes with having experienced craftsmen. Not knowing their age I can only assume these guys have been around a while in other acts. Everyone in this band is solid on record. Styles on the LP span the decades of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s guitar driven rock. The LP has a very nice production with the drums having a sort of 70's lo-fi thing going on and of course heavy guitars, killer vocals at times bordering on grunge, and nice low end bass. The band is far from drone. Not that drone is always bad. But I prefer diversity; and this album has it. The opening cut ‘Six Hands’ reeks 90’s, which for me is a little refreshing with that time past and turned into classic. Second track ‘Sun’ is dynamic with nice tempo changes, ode to Maiden. So on and so forth right up to the tune ‘Silver Grey Sky’. Stylistic and tasty I may find myself sporting a Red Mountains tee soon. Nasoni Records is releasing a limited press of 300 vinyl available September. Charlie Tooth says: "take a bite outta this one". You won't regret it!

(Written by Charlie Tooth)

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Introducing: A new member to the team! Charlie Tooth!

Introducing: A new member to the team! Charlie Tooth!

The man digs everything as long as it’s good. But if it’s not, he politely kicks the shit out of it. He is a musician, the man behind Eichen Tooth and he can dream like a realist and realize it’s all a dream. A true music lover if ever there was one and with a burning rage second to none!

And he immediately sank his teeth in Red Mountains album Down With The Sun!

Welcome Charlie Tooth and go ahead a gnaw everything to hell!

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Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

Wow. It’s been a long time since we had a moment to get wicked with a Quick Fire Friday! But finally, it’s here a new Stoner HiVe Quick Fire Friday segment. Meant to spread the good word on all those great bands out there. Just a small amount of words to help spread their musical prowess and our melodic belief… 

Eichen Tooth – P.T.K

The man is looking for artists to join him on stage. Eichen Tooth! So if you live near Philly or Delaware be sure to send him an email on: Eichentooth@gmail.com. Cause so far this crazy cat has been recording all the instruments and vocals himself. Turning that one track P.T.K. into one damn fine psychedelic seventies dune boogie adventure. It’s wild and it sounds like the good times are here! And stay tuned, cause tomorrow we got some more things to say about this cat!

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Beastmaker – You Must Sin

Sinful we are, sinful we be. Yes we must sin! And it’s the Californian trio Beastmaker who show us the way on their five track EP called You Must Sin. Expert vintage sounding proto doom metal and psychedelic rock. So if you by any chance dig something along the lines of Pentagram or Sabbath or Electric Wizard you should check out Beastmaker! If only so you can blame them once you have sinned!

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Jupiterian – Aphotic

Even darker, doomier and scarier is the new release Aphotic by doom metal outfit Jupiterian hailing from Sao Paolo, Brasil. Forty-two minutes of highly impressive doom and death that still has something sludgy and muddy in there as well. Moving over to funeral marches one moment and lurching over the cauldron the next, there is absolutely nothing small about this titanic album. So pull up your hood and join the trudge, cause you can only submit to their demands…

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Black Titan – Black Titan

Mobile, Alabama. This is Black Titan country and what a country it must be. Cause on their four track self-titled EP they combine stoner, rock, proto, metal, sludge and something doomy like big hair motherfuckers. Ye gods, this is simply amazing and we are lost for words. So check your coat on the gate, get yer spacesuit on and head off to Black Titan, cause that’s where the good tunes are at!

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The Sun The Moon The Stars – The God

The Sun The Moon The Stars – The God

Self released – 2015

Metal, Sludge, Stoner, Core, Doom, Punk

Rated: ****

They hail from New Jersey, the four animals that make up The Sun The Moon The Stars. And with their new six track release The God they want to devour you whole. The ground shakes violently and an unholy abyss opens up beneath your feet as the first tones of To Dethrone A God blister your ears. This is loud, bludgeoning and wicked. Meandering between metal, stoner, core and sludge the band sports a couple of vocalists that scream like banshees, howl like madman and growl like otherworldly beasts. There is no rest for the weary here and the march towards the fire goes on relentlessly. Where the sludge metal was filled with hardcore riffs and speedy tempos for the first tracks they slowly turn into doom and darkness and despair for the latter bunch. It’s the fish. Those bastards. Not sure what those little floppers did, but their dastardly ways turned us on with that fifth track, what a monster, what a cathedral, simply stunning. And then there’s the guitar work in the final show stopping song Queen. Ye gods, having your head on an anvil in a steamy hot metal works. We always have and surely will keep worshipping The Sun The Moon The Stars…

(Written by JK)

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