Beastwars are a sludge/stoner metal band from New Zealand and this is their fifth album.
Following on from 2019’s IV, (via a covers album in 2023 called Tyranny of Distance), comes the 40-minute The Ship // The Sea. I was excited to listen to this, as Beastwars always deliver, and it hasn’t disappointed. Continue reading “Beastwars – The Ship // The Sea (Review)”
Space Witch are a stoner doom metal band from the UK and this is their third album.
Space Witch’s style is instrumental, and takes from the sludge, stoner, and doom metal styles. Their new record – Mountains of Neptune – contains just a single eponymous song, but it’s a 37-minute behemoth, so you’d better prepare for a crushing, cosmic experience.
Continue reading “Space Witch – Mountains of Neptune (Review)”
This is the debut album from German doom metal band Mriodom.
Vlies contains 44 minutes of music that takes elements of doom metal, stoner metal, and psychedelic rock into itself, producing five songs that earn their own keep. Mriodom’s music hits the spot nicely. Continue reading “Mriodom – Vlies (Review)”
This is the fourth album from French heavy rockers Appalooza.
The successor to 2023’s The Shining Son, The Emperor of Loss contains 50 minutes, (with bonus track), of Appalooza’s characterful hard rock. Blending the classic rock, stoner, alternative, and grunge styles together into a collection of compelling songs, Appalooza have once again hit that sweet spot that most modern rock bands easily miss. Continue reading “Appalooza – The Emperor of Loss (Review)”
This is the sixth album from Norwegian doom/stoner metal band Kal-El.
I thoroughly enjoyed 2021’s Dark Majesty, so I’m chuffed that there’s a new Kal-El album. More than just this one too, apparently. The first part of an ambitious double album, Astral Voyager Vol. 1 contains 42 minutes of new material from Kal-El. Let’s get stuck right in. Continue reading “Kal-EL – Astral Voyager Vol. 1 (Review)”
An Evening with Knives are a stoner/post-metal band from the Netherlands, and this is their third album.
With an intriguing album cover and band name, and a promo blurb that saying it is for fans of Cult of Luna, Amenra, Neurosis, and Isis, I had to give End of Time a listen. Continue reading “An Evening with Knives – End of Time (Review)”
Raging Speedhorn are a sludge metal band from the UK and this is their seventh album.
Following on from 2016’s Lost Ritual and 2020’s Hard to Kill, we’re now treated to the 35-minute Nightwolf. Raging Speedhorn are such a great, fun band, that a new album from this act is always a treat. Continue reading “Raging Speedhorn – Nightwolf (Review)”
This is the third album from UK post-metal band The Grey.
The Grey blend post-metal with stoner doom riffery and post-rock grace. Kodok spends 42 minutes building a variety of sonic soundscapes that are immersive and absorbing. Stylistically, we’re in the territory of acts such as Pelican, Red Sparowes, Mountain Caller, Russian Circles, Bossk, and similar, at least as a rough starting point for Kodok. Continue reading “The Grey – Kodok (Review)”
This is the third album from Ocultum, a doom band from Chile.
Buena Muerte is a 39-minute doom record that takes influence from the stoner and sludge styles. Ocultum have big presence, heavy riffs, a filthy sound, and crushing songs. What’s not to like? Continue reading “Ocultum – Buena Muerte (Review)”
Sergeant Thunderhoof are a stoner rock band from the UK and this is their fifth album.
2022’s This Sceptred Isle made a big impression on me, even breaching my end of year list, so The Ghost of Badon Hill is one I’ve been looking forward to. With much expectation riding on it, I’m immensely pleased to report that it has not disappointed at all. Continue reading “Sergeant Thunderhoof – The Ghost of Badon Hill (Review)”
Wonderbox Metal 