XII BOAR ARE BACK!!!

XII BOAR are a Sludge/Stoner Metal Band from Aldershot, Hampshire, UK.

The members are:

Tommy Hardrocks - Guitar & Vocals
Bad-Dog Williams - Bass & Backing Vocals
Dave Wilbraham - Drums

XII BOAR play a superb blend of Sludge/Stoner Metal at a fast and furious pace. Influenced by the NOLA Scene but adding their own blend of modern Stoner Metal. XII BOAR are a band on a mission to serioulsy to rock the fuck out.

XII BOAR got a lot of acclaim with their debut EP last year which was published on every well known blog including this one.

Well the guys are back with their new outstanding release - "Split Tongue, Cloven Hoof". A 4 song blast of almost 20 mins of brilliant Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs which the band are giving away for free on their excellent website. BandCamp, Soundcloud and Mediafire Links are all held on there. So get over there now.

If your into PANTERA, DOWN, CROWBAR and EYEHATEGOD then your going to love this EP as it fucking rocks from start to finish.

Superbly played and produced by all involved this is some of the finest Sludge/Stoner Metal the UK has to offer at the moment.

XII BOAR know how to play a brilliant and hard-hitting Sludge/Stoner Metal riff. Especially on the superb track "Hellspeed Viper". The other 3 songs are superb as well in their own right.

XII BOAR got a lot of praise and fans from their debut EP but this EP is so better in every way. Louder and Heavier Riffs along with some great lyrics as well. It has got a wicked sense of humour too especially with the added soundtracks that pop up now and again.

Dont let the short running time put you off I have listened to this EP about 4 times now. And it gets better with each and every listen. Simply a great release from a great band to look out for.

XII BOAR have proved with this superb EP they are one of the best UK Sludge/Stoner Metal bands around. This EP will surely enhance that reputation once more. Simply awesome stuff.

So get downloading this brilliant release now and spread the word of XII BOAR.

Highly Recommended.

Check these hugely talented rockers below.

Official (All download links are available here. Including Soundcloud, Mediafire and BandCamp)

BandCamp

Facebook

Check out the superb track "Hellspeed Viper" from their brilliant new EP "Split Tongue, Cloven Hoof"

BEZOAR

BEZOAR is a 3 Piece Psych Doom/Stoner/Sludge Metal Band from Brooklyn, NY, USA

The members are:

Sara Palmquist - Bass/Vocals
Tyler Villard - Guitar
Justin Sherrell - Drums

BEZOAR plays an amazing blend of Experimental Doom, Sludge, Stoner Metal with a great Psychedelic Edge. Taking influence from a whole range of bands but adding their own unique take on the genre. These guys are one of the most original bands I have heard in a long while.

They have been receiving a lot of praise for their intense live performances. Now the guys are ready to back up this fearsome reputation with their debut full length release.

BEZOAR are about to release their brilliant and outstanding new album Wyt Deth. An 8 song 48 minute masterpiece of Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal that will shake you to the core.

All I can say about this album is wow, wow and fucking wow. This album is simply a masterpiece of Sludge/Stoner Metal. Full of crunching guitars, heavy pounding drumming and the sultry vocals of vocalist Sara.

She is one of the best vocalists I have heard in a long, long time. She just rules this record from start to finish. She has such a beautiful, haunting, hypnotic and intense voice I was hooked from my first listen.

Credit must also go to members Tyler and Justin for playing such outstanding drums and guitars. Full of heavy pounding passion that will have you begging for more.

The album starts off rather quietly with opening song “Burn Everything”. An amazing 1.54 minute acoustic folk rock track. If you think this is going to be the same style and atmosphere all the way through then think again. After this all hell breaks loose and doesn’t stop until the dying seconds.

Next track “Vitamin B” is a 5.35 minute of brilliant Sludge/Stoner Metal with a heavy pounding riff that is a total contrast from the previous brilliant song. This song is undeniably loud from start to finish that will have you head-banging in no time.

Other standout tracks include “Are We Not Alone”, “Friend Of My Enemy”, “ClockTower” and my fave track on the album the 10 minute epic “Knight”

“Knight” just rules. Full stop. This is the track which showcases the bands amazing talents to perfection. Passionate Vocals, Hard Hitting Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs and superb drumming that ends this brilliant album on a high.

The album is brilliantly produced from start to finish. All I can say is this album will definitely be on my end of 2012 best records list. It’s simply a brilliant album that will hopefully gain the band more exposure. As they definitely deserve it.

BEZOAR are one of the best underground bands that Sludge/Stoner Metal have to offer. They prove this with “Wyt Deth” that they are one of the best bands out there to discover. As this will be ranked as one of 2012’s most defining and original releases.

The album will be released on Vinyl in a limited quantity of 250 copies in March 2012 and will be on sale soon via BandCamp.

But the guys have kindly given me permission to hold a link where you can download this brilliant release for free right now.

All I ask is for you to go over their Facebook/BandCamp Page and buy some merch off them. Or let them know what you think about this brilliant album.

Help spread the word about this brilliant band right now. We need bands like BEZOAR in our lives to continue making sublime and brilliant music like this.

Well I have gone on long enough. Simply awesome and a classic album for everyone to own right now.

Check out these brilliant rockers below.

Facebook
BandCamp
Download Link (Which Band Have gave me permission to host)

CARETAKER - PROVIDENCE REVIEW

CARETAKER are a Progressive Post-Hardcore/Post Rock/Math Rock Band from Winchester, UK.

The members are:

Seb Carey
Harry Goodchild
Sam Mitchell

CARETAKER are a band that play Post-Hardcore/Alt-Rock with a Progressive Rock/Metal edge. They list   Converge, ISIS, Neurosis, Botch, Drive Like Jehu, Slint and Tool. as influences to their great blend of Rock/Metal Music.

CARETAKER have been mentioned on this blog before when I reviewed their superb Split EP with fellow UK brilliant Doom Rockers – Undersmile.

CARETAKER have been around a while and have released a few EP’s and split releases but the guys have finally released their proper full length album.

PROVIDENCE is a 10-song blast of amazing Post-Hardcore/Post-Rock/Prog-Rock riffs that runs for a blistering 54 mins or so.

CARETAKER started out as loud indie rock band which has now ventured into Prog Rock territory. The guys do venture into Post-Metal territory now and again but mainly stick with the Post-Hardcore/Math Rock route.

CARETAKER do blend their genres superbly as one minute it’s fairly quiet before the heavy riffage kicks in. They do have shades of ISIS and TOOL in their music but mix this with a great melodic and loud Post-Hardcore edge.

CARETAKER have been working on this release for quite some time and it shows. Each song has been perfectly crafted. All full of superb lyrics with brilliant riffs to match. All of the songs fits brilliantly together. This is an album that takes its time to impress the listener with.

The band do have a few epic tracks on show. Ranging from 7 to 8 mins in length. Their longest track “The Upper Air” is on for a highly impressive 13 mins or so.

The album is full of other standout tracks such as “Impasse”, “Rook” and “What We Have To Hold”.

Any major league Prog-Rock/Metal band would be proud to call this outstanding album their own. This album will definitely be receiving a lot of praise and attention when it’s officially released on 5th March 2012. As this is one of the finest examples of UK Prog Rock/Metal Music at its finest.

This is a band at the top of their game. CARETAKER have paid their dues on the UK Underground scene for a long while now. These guys deserve every bit of fame and fortune that comes their way. This is the guys most defining work to date and hopefully should see them as major players on the UK Underground scene.

As Providence showcases why CARETAKER are one of the best UK Underground acts out there. Now its time for the world to take notice.

A brilliant album that will definitely make my best of 2012 album list alongside Behold! The Monolith and BEZOAR.

A simply outstanding release from a brilliant band to check out. Simply Unmissable!!!

You can buy this brilliant album from the guys  BandCamp Page from 5th March. Definitely and Highly Recommended.

Check Out This Great Band Below

Official
Facebook
BandCamp

Check Out The Superb Track "Hellion" from their brilliant forthcoming new album.

CAPTIVES

CAPTIVES are a Sludge/Stoner Metal Band From Richmond, Virginia

The members are

Sean Geerdes- Guitar/Vocals
Brian Conlin- Bass
Wilson Cox- Drums

CAPTIVES play a great blend of Sludge/Stoner Metal with elements of Post-Metal in parts of their great music. If you’re into Baroness, Torche and ISIS you will find much to enjoy here.

CAPTIVES have just released their superb new record – “The Drop”. A 7 song and 30 minute blast of amazing sludge/stoner-metal riffs. The guys do include some ISIS type riffs later on in the release.

Especially on the two superb epic tracks “The Drop” and “Cairns”. Both excellent tracks where this great band come into their own style of music. Blending top notch Sludge/Stoner Metal with the ambient and fury of a great Post-Metal Band.

The band is extremely tight on this great release. The 30 mins just fly by as the album is played at a fast and furious pace. Most of the tracks are on for about 2 to 4 mins each in length. But “The Drop” and “Cairns” are on for over 6 and 7 mins each. These are the best tracks on this amazing release.

The guys can also play the short sharp angry songs to perfection as well. Especially on “Serpico” and “Repeater”. Both songs on for under 2.30 minute but both with fast and furious superb Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs to get you head-banging to in no time at all.

Just like one extended song split into two. The release is superbly produced from start to finish. The musicianship is just superb to listen to. Match this with the great vocals of vocalist Sean who sings from the heart.

Don’t let the colourful album cover put you off. This is pure Sludge/Stoner Metal brilliance delivered from the offset by a truly highly talented band.

This is just a brilliant release for everyone to check out. Full of superb songs to listen over and over again. An outstanding release by a great band to keep an eye out for.

You can download this great release for free from BandCamp.

Simply Brilliant and Highly Recommended!!!

Check Out This Great Band Below:

Facebook
BandCamp

GRIMPEN MIRE

Grimpen Mire is a Sludge/Stoner Metal Band From Erdington, UK

The members are:

Paul Van Linden
Ian Davis
Jim Goad

Grimpen Mire play a great hybrid of Sludge/Stoner Metal packed full of superb Sludge/Stoner Riffs.

These guys have been around for a while and will shortly be releasing their debut album in 2012.

Grimpen Mire have appeared on other blogs in the past and now its my turn to join the party. Better late than never. These guys play some outstanding music that never gets boring for one second.

They released their debut EP – “Death On The Moor” back in 2009. It’s a 4-song 23 minute blast of heavy pounding Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs with superb drumming and vocals to match.

The guys are going to release their debut album sometime in 2012 and if its anything like their brilliant debut EP then we are all in for a treat. This is another brilliant band coming from the UK Underground Scene.

All 4 songs on show are superbly produced and all pack a mighty fine punch to awaken the senses to. Especially on tracks “Crawl To Cold Earth” and “ForeDoomed”.

But the highlights of this excellent EP is the two part song – Grimpen Mire Part 1 and Grimpen Mire Part 2. These two songs are where the band come into their own style and show what great musicians they are.

Both full of great riffs and ideas to truly stand out from the crowd.

I can’t believe I have missed this EP all this time. As this is simply a brilliant introduction to a great band that everyone should check out now.

What is even better is the guys have kindly sent me a link where you can download this brilliant EP for free. So get downloading now. You won’t regret it.

Simply Superb and Highly Recommended. I can’t wait to check out their debut full length album.

Check Out This Great Band Below:

Facebook
MySpace

DOUBLESTONE

Doublestone are a Stoner Metal Band from  Copenhagen, Denmark

The members are

Mike James - Drum & vocal
Kristian Blond - Bas & vocal
Bo Blond - Guitar & lead vocal

Doublestone play superb fast and furious Stoner Metal. Taking influence from the usual big hitters of Stoner Metal but adding their own identity with the superb vocals and riffs driving their superb music through.

The guys have just released their debut EP – “Set The World Ablaze”. A 3 song EP on for about 13 heavy pounding minutes or so.

The 3 songs on show are superb and show this band can play a mighty fine riff with added great lyrics to match. Superbly produced from start to finish.

The riffs on show are quite impressive from start to finish especially on the superb song “LOW” – A 4 minute song that will have you begging for more.

All in all this EP is a great introduction to this band and shows there are a lot more great things to come from this hugely talented band.

A great start from a great band. You can download this superb EP for free from their BandCamp Page.

Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below

Facebook

http://doublestone.dk/
BandCamp

http://soundcloud.com/doublestone

Blastronaut

Blastronaut are a Sludge/Stoner Metal Band from Manchester

The members are

Cal Armstrong - Vocals
Danny Hughes - Drums
Nathan Mallon - Guitar / Vocals
Ben Roberts - Guitar
Ollie Ross - Bass

Blastronaut play some damn superb straight up Sludge/Stoner Metal to great effect. This is Stoner/Sludge Metal that is straight to the point. Loud, Heavy and superb riffs on show from start to finish.

Their S/T demo is 4 tracks and 15 mins in length. The 4 tracks here show this band can play a might fine Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs with great vocals to match.

OK it’s on the short side but there is much to admire here. The guys do have a talent for writing superb lyrics to match their great musicianship on show.

If you’re a fan of any of the modern Sludge/Stoner Metal bands then you will find much to enjoy here. It’s just a great EP that gets straight into the riffs. There is no waiting about for a loud heavy riff as Blastronaut are all about the loud Sludge/Stoner Metal riff.

The 4 songs are superbly produced and played by all involved. The songs have a great flow to them that lead on perfectly to the next song. It’s like one extended song broken up into 4 separate songs.

All in all this is a great EP to check out which you can download for free from their BandCamp Page or their Soundcloud Page.

The guys even include some 80s style old-school thrash metal riff on superb song “Piggy” but adding modern Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs to great effect.

All in all a great EP for everyone to check out. Highly Recommended.

Check Out This Great Band Below.

BlastroBLOG: www.blastronautmusic.blogspot.com
BLastFM: www.last.fm/music/Blastronaut
Myspace: www.myspace.com/blastronautmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BlastronautUK

SUN WORSHIP

Sun Worship is a Post-Black Metal Band from Germany

Sun Worship plays hard-hitting Post-Black Metal to superb effect. Taking influence from various bands such as Wolves In The Throne Room and Blus Aut Nord. Sun Worship is one heck of a heavy band from start to finish.

I am a new listener to the realm of Post-Black Metal but Sun Worship is a brilliantly talented band. These guys know how to play a heavy, loud and angry riff full of bleakness and despair all in equal measure.

The guys have just released their superb S/T 2-Song 15 minute demo which shows a band with a lot of promise and hopefully with a bright future.

Their music is loud, mean, fast and furious from start to finish. There are a few genres mixed together to superb effect to give the listener a wild ride in the realm of Black Metal music. The S/T release is produced rather well. The vocals are a bit under-produced but doesn’t deter from the overall feel of this great release.

Sun Worship has released a superb demo release that should hopefully gain them as many fans as possible. Within a couple more releases Sun Worship could be rising stars in the Post-Black Metal field. This demo is really that good and is more of a stepping stone onto greater things.

You can download this great release free from BandCamp.

Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band From The Links Below:

BandCamp

Akûma

Akûma are a 4 Piece Sludge/Post-Metal/Experimental/Stoner Metal Band from Mexico

The members are:

-xVâlx:
-xFâbriziox
-xwôntx:
-xJasonx.

Akûma play a superb hybrid blend of Sludge, Post-Metal, Stoner, Fusion Rock mixed together with a great Experimental Sound which you don’t hear much of these days.

These guys throw everything together without a care in the world. Their music is a mixture of all these amazing riffs and more. More like a crazier and brilliant Post-Metal version of The Mars Volta.

But Akûma play their own unique style of music. They have been posted on other blogs as well. Now its time for me to join their ever more popular fan club.

Their new album is an absolute blast of top-notch experimental Sludge/Stoner/Post-Metal riffs. 

"Invocations On A Storm_From Rampage Skies, Thunders And Cloud Of Distorion To Eve, Birdsongs And Golden Tender Fields"

It’s a brilliant title for a brilliant and crazy album. The album is a 6 song 32 minute blast of superb Experimental Sludge/Post-Metal riffage.

There are two versions of this album floating about in blogland. One is the 6 Part version which the band kindly provided me with. The other is all 6 parts put together as one long 32 minute song. This is easy to find on other blogspots so I am highlighting the 6 part version.

I have listened to both. There is not much difference apart from the gaps between the tracks. Both amazing versions of the same great album.

One minute your listening to a traditional genre riff and the next some other genre based riff comes out of nowhere. But these guys are masters at what they do. Definitely a truly original band for you all to check out.

The album will leave you breathless by the end of this. Its full of highly imaginative riffs that will have you begging for more. Especially on the track “Parte 5 – Annatar” A 9 minute epic that is definitely the highlight of this outstanding album.

All in all this is a truly superb album from another brilliant band from Mexico to check out. What started with the brilliant Weedsnake as my first introduction to Mexican Sludge, the bands that have followed have impressed me over and over again. (WORDS, STONEFRONT, APOCALIPSIS) – But Akûma might just be the best band of the bunch I have published so far.

This is truly a superb album for everyone to check out. If you want some top-notch Experimental Sludge/Stoner/Post-Metal then I cant recommend these guys highly enough.

The guys have kindly sent me a link to where you can download this brilliant album for free. So get downloading now.

The guys have also kindly sent a download link for a short EP called "Twin" as well

They will be doing a physical release of this superb album fairly soon as the guys are about to sign a two records deal with Albany, NY based label "Magnetic Eye Records".

Highly Recommended!!!

Check These Guys Below:

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THOT - NEW SINGLE

THOT are a Heavy Post-Rock/Industrial Rock band from Belgium.

The members are:

Grégoire Fray : Guitar/Vocal/Keyboard
Gil de Chevigné : Drums /Electronics
Hugues Peeters : Piano / Keyboards
Julien Forthomme : Bass guitar
Arielle Moens : Live visuals

THOT play a great blend of Post-Rock and Industrial Rock with a loud and heavy angry edge. THOT have been featured on this blog a couple of times before. Primarily for their superb debut album which I raved on about in Summer 2011.

THOT are a truly brilliant band who always offer something unique and wonderful with each and every release.

Well the guys are back with their superb new single “I Buy The Rain” which is available for free download from BandCamp right now and off their newest release Fig.6: The rain buyer.

I will let THOT tell you all about it themselves with the following

"I Buy The Rain is about lies within love, within life. But don't you feel that you could connect this story to the actual economic crisis? How many lies did you hear for years? How much have you been betrayed? How much are you going to pay again? Would you pay for the rain? To reach your liberty?

This song has been written for Obscured by the Wind and has been recorded at the same time. But I wasn't satisfied with the final mix, and I kept this song hidden. Then, last fall, I've remade some vocals, keyboards, basses and I've mixed it again. Here's the result, and I hope that you're going to love it."

My verdict on the newest release is simply sublime and showcases even more evidence why I rate these Heavy Industrial Post-Rockers so highly.

I have stated previously even though these guys don’t fall into the Sludge/Doom/Stoner genres they are still undeniably loud. And they do add a great spin on the Post-Rock/Industrial Rock genre.

So get checking this great band now. And if you like what you hear from this brilliant song check out their other superb material from their superb  BandCamp Page.

Great Work Guys. I can’t wait for your next EP, Split or hopefully full length release.

Check these great self proclaimed “Vegetal Noise Rockers” below

Official Website
MySpace
BandCamp
Facebook

TUBER - NEW SINGLE

TUBER are a 4 Piece Instrumental Psych Stoner-Rock/Space-Rock/Fuzz-Rock Band from Greece

The members are:

nikos gerostathos
paris fragkos
yannis gerostathos

TUBER play a superb blend of Stoner, Space-Rock, and Fuzz-Rock with a sublime Psych edge. These guys have been this blog before early last year as they released their superb 2010 S/T EP.

It still is one of my fave EP’s that I listen over and over again. It blended all of their genres superbly well and with apparent ease. TUBER got a lot of praise from various blogs for their self-titled debut.

If you haven’t downloaded it yet then I recommend you do it now. As it’s a brilliant EP on for a breathtaking 35 mins or so.

Well TUBER are back with a new digital single called “Smoked Up Notes”. A 6.45 minute blast of superb Stoner/Space/Fuzz Rock riffs which is available for free download from their BandCamp Page.

If TUBER are going to release a new album I hope “Smoked Up Notes” is definitely on it. As this is an amazing single and features some of he best riffs that TUBER have laid down so far.

It’s loud, spacey, atmospheric, and groovy with an extra large helping of FUZZ. This is what TUBER are masters at. And prove once again these guys definitely have a bright future ahead of them.

The time just files but by then you will be listening to this superb song over and over again.

Simply brilliant. Get downloading this brilliant song now. Epic Stuff by a truly brilliant band.

If you like what you hear download their brilliant S/T EP which is available for free download as well.

Check out this great band below:

Facbeook
BandCamp

Here is the a clip of their brilliant song "Sex & Depression" from their superb S/T debut release. A brilliant 11 minute epic.

The Pledge Of Cain

 

The Pledge Of Cain are a 4 Piece Sludge/Doom/Hardcore Metal Band

The members are

Merk0))) S. : BASSDUBBING / VOKILLS
Ren0))) D. : FUZZWAVES / VOKILLS
Arn0))) D. : NOISESCAPES
Jumb0))) C. : DRONEPROPAGANDA / VOKILLS
Ravindranath0))) S-J : DRUMBOMBING

Pledges Of Cain play bleak down-tempo Hardcore/Sludge/Doom Metal with a great hardcore edge. If your into THOU, EHG then you will seriously dig these guys.

I have to thank HAXAN of superb blog Forever Cursed for recommending me this superb band as I wouldn’t of known about them.

Pledges Of Cain music is not for the faint-hearted. This is bleak from the word go. Full of pounding bleak dirge-ridden down-tempo Sludge/Doom monolithic riffs.

These guys are masters at what they do. Their musicianship is quite frankly astonishing.

They released their brilliant debut album “We,,, Martyrs” back in Dec 2010 which has been published on numerous blogs to almost brilliant acclaim. And its hard not to see why.

Their album is quite frankly a brilliant and under-stated release of the Doom/Sludge metal genre. You get 4 tracks which runs for 55 mins or so. One of the tracks “Magmatic Blood” is on for an epic 21 mins in length. This is simply a brilliant track to check out. And showcases the bands talent for writing a hard-hitting atmospheric Doom/Sludge Metal track that will surely chill you to the core.

The other 3 tracks on show are epic lengths as well. Ranging from 9 mins to 12 mins each. You will be left astounded by superb album.

Throw in brilliant vocals along with the amazing musicianship and you truly do have an amazing and classic album. How I never noticed these guys before I don’t know. But I am changing that now.

This is simply a brilliant release of the genre no denying. The album has a great under-produced feel to it which really adds to the eerie atmosphere already on show.

So do yourself a favour and download this brilliant album now. As the band are kindly given this amazing album away for free from the following link from their Facebook Page.

Simply an amazing album you need to check out now!!! – Highly Recommended!!!

Check Out This Brilliant Band Below:

Facebook
BandCamp

I WANT YOU DEAD ARE BACK!!!

I Want You Dead are a 4 Piece Sludge/Grindcore/Hardcore Metal Band from Greece

These brilliant bruisers have been on this blog before with their superb debut album. Read it about them all here. If you like pummelling, loud, heavy and angry Sludge/Grindcore Metal with a superb Hardcore Punk edge then these guys are for you.

The guys are back with their brilliant new release – ΑΩ 7inch. What you get is 4 tracks on for 12 mins or so. Full of brutal Sludge/Grindcore/Hardcore Punk greatness.

The band are definitely angrier than ever. This release will shake you to the core. It shows a superb band building on their last great release. The guys don’t hold back. Everything about this release is heavier and angrier than ever. That even includes the vocals which are full of passion and anger burning from his last great performance.

Superbly played and produced by all this is some of the heaviest 12 mins of Sludge/Grindcore music you will hear so far this year. Absolutely Outstanding Stuff by a brilliant band who have became on of my faves in the respective Sludge/Grindcore/Hardcore based genres.

You can download this brilliant release for free from Mediafire or from their BandCamp Page. If you like what you hear then check out their previous brilliant release "We Are The Legions Of Scum" as well. That is available for free download from Mediafire and BandCamp as well.

Superb Stuff and highly recommended!!!.

Check This Great Band Below

MySpace
BandCamp

CRYPTODIRA

Cryptodira are a 4 Piece Progressive Death Metal/Post-Metal Band from Mount Sinai, New York.

The members are

Scott Acquavella - Vocals/Guitar
Shane "57-Chokeslams-and-Counting" Kennedy - Bass
Mike Monaco - Guitar
Matt Taibi - Drums

Cryptodira play a brutal blend of Progressive Death Metal with Sludge/Post-Metal influences mixed in with their highly original music.

I have to thank Mike for sending me an email as otherwise this would of passed me by. The guys have just released their superb new album – The Four Quarters. A 5 Song 32 minute album of top-notch brutal Prog-Death Metal blended in with loud outbursts of excellent Sludge/Post-Metal riffs.

The album is brutal onslaught after brutal onslaught. These guys are hugely talented musicians and the ideas on show are just astonishing. They even blend Post-Rock Ambient passages into their music as well.

The 5 songs on show had me spellbound from start to finish. I know a lot of bands are mixing Death Metal with a lot of genres nowadays but Cryptodira are one of the best bands that I have heard doing this.

They know when to lay down the heavy death metal riff amongst the Prog-Metal, Sludge/Post-Metal riffs on show. They don’t fall into one specific category. They are not fully Death Metal nor are they fully Sludge/Post-Metal either.

They fall just in-between the two to give the listener a truly heavy and at times uplifting experience.

The vocals are handled superbly well delving from absolute hardcore carnage one minute and the next amazing clean based vocals to take the music somewhere it hasn’t been before.

This is undeniably heavy from the word go just with the added Post-Rock passages this superb band lets the listener have a brief rest before pummelling the listeners senses again.

The band lists their influences as Between The Buried And Me, Opeth, ISIS, Cynic and East Of The Wall.

Well if your into those bands and ever wondered what a supergroup of those guys would sound like. Here is your answer.

The Four Quarters is a sublime album to listen to over and over again. And is another brilliant example why the best bands are currently in the underground scene.

The album is superbly played and produced by all involved and showcases this bands talent brilliantly.

An outstanding release that the band should rightly be proud of.

The band is offering this great release as a free download from the following link on their Facebook Page. Now you have no excuses in missing this superb release. So get downloading now. Absolutely Superb.

Check This Great Band from the links below.

Facebook

Mediafire Link from Facebook Page

BISON MACHINE RETURN

BISON MACHINE is a 4 Piece Sludge/Stoner Metal Band from USA

The members are:

John deVries- guitar
Breck Crandell- drums
Tom Stec- vox
Anthony Franchina- bass

BISON MACHINE is an excellent Stoner Metal Band with superb influences to Hard Rock/Stoner Rock Bands of the 70s. The have a great Americana feel to their music which draws you in from the word go.

This great band has been mentioned on this blog before with their last great release. Unfortunately lead singer Jim has now left the band for pastures new. But the guys have found a more than suitable superb replacement in new vocalist Tom who more than makes the role his own.

I am not going to compare vocals as that wont be fair to either Jim or Tom. As they both have are superb vocalists in their own right.

BISON MACHINE has released their new excellent EP. Behold! O' Inhabitants of the Mortar (Live @ GBS Detroit) - A 4 Song-22 minute album of entirely new tracks played live. And its an absolute blast of top-notch riffs from start to finish.

The guys have really upped the volume on the riffs as they are louder than ever. The album is superbly produced for a Self Released Live Recording. There are no overdubs at all and it sounds fantastic for it.

It’s to the bands credit they decided to carry on without former vocalist otherwise we wouldn’t of heard these superb tracks.

The 4 tracks sound like they went down a storm with the local live audience in attendance as it’s a pummelling 22 mins from start to finish.

All in all this is a superb release to show the band is back and hopefully here to stay for a long time to come. As BISON MACHINE can write a superb Sludge/Stoner Metal riff to head-bang to drawing influences from the great 70’s Hard Rock Bands of the time.

So get checking these guys now. You wont be sorry. You can own this superb release from BandCamp Pay Anything You Want Type Deal. Highly Recommended.

Check Out These Great Rockers Below:

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MOTHER CORONA

MOTHER CORONA is a 4 Piece Grunge/Stoner Metal Band from Didcot, Oxfordshire England

The members are

Lee Cressey: Guitar
Daveo: Vocals/ Drums
Rob Glen: Bass 

MOTHER CORONA bio should tell you all you need to know about this superb band.

"Originaly formed as Nable in 2006, but after a few small recordings and line up changes the band changed its name to MOTHER CORONA in 2008.Formed by friends David Oglesby and Lee Cressey in the small Oxfordshire town of Didcot. The bands music is "a melting pot of Heavy- Distorded- Sludged out raw Grooves, Melodic Psychedelia and Spaced out Landscapes". 

They were joined by bass player Robert Glen that following summer.The band released its self titled debut EP on there own Button Mushroom label in the summer of 2010 to positive reviews from local rock press. Devolution mag said that "mother corona are one of those secret bands that everyone love's, well know this dirty little secret is out! 

While Heavy planet said "With sleazy grinding basslines, a fuzzy guitar tone and chunky rhythms, UK band Mother Corona have created an impeccable slice of psychedelic stoner rock madness! The band started to gig locally and make themselves a name on the local underground rock scene sharing stages with bands like Desert Storm, K-lacura, Undersmile, and many other local names.

In 2011 the band continued to gig up and around the country, and in may 2011 started recording there debut album "Out Of The Dust", due to be released in early 2012".

Well this is a superb band to check out. If you want to know how Alice In Chains and Soundgarden would sound like playing Stoner Metal then MOTHER CORONA is the answer.

As their music is a brilliant take of Stoner Metal mixed with early 90’s Grunge. The guys are offering their debut EP for free download from their Facebook Music Page.

What you get is 6 outstanding songs on for 31 mins or so. Not all songs are downloadable so here is a list of the songs you need to download.

These guys are superbly talented and these songs show what this band does so well. Play high energy Grunge/Stoner Metal riffs from start to finish. The vocals match the vocals superbly. Especially on “Dead Space” and Fifteen Minutes”. Amazing tracks for you all to check out.

Superbly played and produced by all this is another great band coming from the UK Underground Scene. This should keep everyone entertained until the guys release their long-awaited debut album due for release in early 2012.

I for one cannot wait. I will be buying a copy and reviewing their debut album as soon as it’s available. Brilliant work guys.

Check Out This Superb Band Below:

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BEHLOLD! THE MONOLITH - DEFENDER, REEDEMIST REVIEW

BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH are a 3 Piece Stoner/Sludge/Thrash Metal Band from Los Angeles.

The members are:

Matt Price - guitar
Kevin McDade - bass, vocals
Chase Manhattan - drums 

Most of you should all know how Behold! The Monolith are. They are one of the very best Stoner/Thrash/Metal combo’s who made a big impression with Sludge Metal fans and critics with brilliant 2009 S/T debut album.

The album was a perfect blend of Stoner Metal/Sludge Metal riffs with ferocity of Thrash Metal thrown in for great measure as well. And the vocals weren’t bad either.

It was one of my fave records from 2009 which I discovered from the legendary Sludge Swamp. After that I bought the album on CD and a copy of their great debut EP.

I have to thank Matt for sending me a copy of this great album. This is a great honour for me reviewing this as I am a huge fan of this great band.

Well the guys are back with their brilliant new album and best work to date. Defender, Redeemist. An 8 song 58 minute ride of superb Sludge/Stoner/Thrash Metal riffs.

There are a lot of bands who combine Sludge, Stoner and Thrash Metal to great effect. But Behold! The Monolith blast the competition apart with this great release. Hopefully this release should elevate these guys to the top of their respective scene.

The album is full of superb riffs from start to finish that mix Sludge, Stoner and Thrash metal superbly. These guys are experts at doing this.

Doommantia did a great song by song review the other week and I agree with every word they say. My thoughts are all of the songs show are brilliant even though if one of the songs “Witch Hunt Supreme” is their debut EP. But who cares. You still have 50 mins of brilliant new material.

Every song feels in the correct order. They all flow together brilliantly. The guys know how to write a brilliant epic lengthy track. Two of the tracks – Redeemist and Cast On The Black - Lamentor - Guided By The Southern Cross are both on for 11 mins and 13 mins each.

The 13 minute track "Cast On The Black - Lamentor - Guided By The Southern Cross" is a work of genius and one of the best tracks I have heard in a long, long time. 

A track that blend the genres superbly together. The time just flies by. You can really appreciate all the hard work the guys have put into this astonishing album. Especially on these two tracks which are the best tracks on the album which showcases the bands talent to true effect.

The album is superbly produced from start to finish. Every note is played loud, heavy and clear. The guys know how to play off each other. The vocals are another highlight of this album. They have the right blend of Hardcore Anger and Stoner laid back vibes when the time calls for it.

Defender, Redeemist is their most defining work to date. Behold! The Monolith have come on leaps and bounds from their superb debut album. The riffs are heavier, louder and angrier than ever. This will hopefully blast the band into the big league’s as they deserve it with this brilliant outstanding album.

Behold! The Monolith are one of Sludge Metal’s best kept secrets but its now time for that secret to be shared with the world.

The guys should rightly be proud of this amazing new album. It’s simply that sensational. The first masterpiece of 2012 has truly arrived. This will definitely be on my best of 2012 list that is for sure.

Defender, Redeemist is out on Jan 24th 2012 and I recommend you all to buy a copy. You won’t be sorry.

Absolutely fucking epic and an amazing album to listen to time and time again.

Check The Band Below

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ORB OF CONFUSION

ORB OF CONFUSION were a Sludge/Stoner Metal Band from San Francisco, CA

The members were (or are)

Laurie Safdie Bass, Vocals
Clint Baechle Drums, Vocals
Leo Buckley Guitars, Vocals
Chris Corona Guitars, Vocals

ORB OF CONFUSION was a prominent Sludge/Stoner Metal Band in their local area who released a couple of releases during their brief time together.

Now you may recognise a few members names as when ORB OF CONFUSION disbanded, 3 of the members formed the equally brilliant Hazzard’s Cure, who have just release their own superb S/T debut album. If you don’t have it then I recommend you get it as it’s a superb Stoner/Doom/Thrash/Sludge thrill ride.

But back to ORB OF CONFUSION. This excellent band split-up in 2008 but they played a reunion show in August 2011. And they have just released a new S/T Album. A 7 song 76 minute epic of an album.

2007 – Demo – 3 Songs on for 19 mins
2009 – EP – 5 Songs on for 33 mins
2011 – Orb Of Confusion – 7 Songs on for 76 mins

You can download all these brilliant albums for free from the band’s BandCamp Page.

ORB OF CONFUSION play fast and furious Sludge/Stoner Metal with great Male and Female vocals thrown in for great measure. If you’re into KYLESA then you will seriously love this band’s music.

The band know how to play a mean loud, mean, dirty, down-tempo Stoner/Sludge Metal riff. This band seriously kick butt. It’s a shame they split up as their music is simply superb. Especially their newest S/T Release.

It’s an amazing record to show what his band can do so brilliantly well. Full of brilliant Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs from start to finish and amazing vocals to match. They are brilliant musicians as the band know how to play some great Sludge/Stoner Metal riffage.

I have heard these guys have a fearsome reputation on the live stage and I would love to see them in action. But their music is the next big thing.

The Demo and EP are slightly under-produced but that doesn’t detract from the great Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs they play from beginning to end. Both recordings have a great DIY feel to them which really adds to the effect of this superb band’s music.

Their new S/T release is brilliantly produced and captures the band at their heaviest and most creative. Originally recorded in 2008 but not released to their recent reunion show in August 2011.

This is their best release out of the 3 on offer. Full of heavy pounding riffage to get the most jaded mosher head-banging in no time.

The highlight of this superb release is the 39 minute epic “---“. An epic journey of loud sludge based guitars with heavy pounding drumming to match. Some people might this track a bit repetitive but I loved it. Mainly an instrumental track. This is what Sunn0))) would sound like if they went full Sludge/Stoner Metal.

Well check these guys out now as they rule. Hopefully they will get back together to release more brilliant material. But it might be a while with the bands respective new bands.

But if not at least they leave a brilliant impression that will last long in the memory of any listener.

Simply brilliant. Did I say that you can download all their brilliant music for free from BandCamp.

Well get downloading now.

Check Out These Great Sludge Metallers Below:

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MOLOKEN

MOLOKEN are an Atmospheric Sludge Metal Band from Sweden

The Members are

Jakob Burstedt - Drums
Kristoffer Bäckström - Guitar & Vocals
Nicklas Bäckström - Bass & Vocals
Patrik Ylmefors - Guitar 

MOLOKEN play an intense blend of Hardcore, Doom, Sludge and elements of Post-Metal to create a truly haunting blend of Atmospheric Sludge Metal.

If your into CULT OF LUNA, ISIS and NEUROSIS then MOLOKEN will definitely appeal to you as it did for me. They make truly spellbinding Atmospheric Sludge Metal with superb riffs and vocals to match.

MOLOKEN have released two brilliant albums available for free download from BandCamp

2009 – Our Astral Circle – 9 Songs. 54 minutes
2011 – Rural – 7 songs – 53 minutes

Both of these releases are simply stunning examples of how superb Atmospheric Sludge Metal should be done. Both full of heavy pounding Sludge Metal riffs with the right blend of Hardcore, Doom and Post Metal influences to stand out from the crowd.

These guys are superb musicians and know how to play a brilliant and epic Sludge Metal riff. Each album has an epic track each you have to check out.

Our Astral Circle has a 12 minute track called 11:12. Rural has a 16 minute track ULV

Both of these tracks show that MOLOKEN do brilliantly well. Playing epic Atmospheric Sludge Metal with heavy pounding riffs to get the senses pumping in no time.

Both albums are brilliantly produced and you can hear every note played to perfection.

So get downloading both brilliant albums now. You won’t be disappointed. Brilliant stuff.

Check out this brilliant band below.

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Los Disidentes Del Sucio Motel and FlashFalcon Split Album Review

Los Disidentes Del Sucio Motel and FlashFalcon are two superb Stoner Rock Bands from France who have just released a superb Split LP called East Side Story.

The LP has 8 songs. 3 new songs from each band. And the band covering each others material. So LDDSM are covering FlashFalcon’s “Eternal Lonesome Boy” and FlashFalcon are covering the LDDSM classic “Sir Dany Jack”.

The LP is on for 35 raucous upbeat brilliant Stoner Rock minutes. LDDSM have been on this blog before when I reviewed their superb 2011 album – SoundTrack From The Motion Picture.

So I know what these guys can do when they get into full flow. The 3 new songs on show are a bit different from their last great release. They are all great releases but the band have gone in a more straight forward Stoner-Rock direction than their experimental vibe from the great album.

Not that I am complaining as the 3 new tracks really do capture the same LDDSM spirit especially on Lucha Libre. And it’s always good for a band to experiment a bit with their own established sound.

All 4 songs that LDDSM perform including a cover of FlashFalcon’s “Eternal Lonesome Boy” are played brilliantly and the 16 minutes just flies by. This part of the release confirms LDDSM as one of France’s best kept Stoner Rock secrets. And why I rate them so very highly. Check them out on Youtube to see their live raucous shows which has got them a bit of fame.

Now to FlashFalcon’s side of the split. I haven’t heard anything by these guys. But after these songs that is going to change real soon.

Their 3 songs are more high energy Stoner Rock vibes we all fans of. Their cover of Sir Dany Jack is one of the highlights of this great Split LP as it shows a great song done rather differently.

Plus I loved their song “Numb”. A great Punk-Rock/Stoner Rock song that ticks all the right boxes with some mighty fine riffs.

So all in all this is a great Split Release to check out when its released in March 2012 as it showcases French Stoner Rock at its best.

You can order this great album here:

Cbheck Los Disidentes del Sucio Motel Below:

Official Website
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MySpace

Check FlashFalcon From the Links Below

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STONE MAGNUM

Stone Magnum are a Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal Band from Michigan City, Indiana.

The members are:

Guitars: Jim Brucks
Guitar/Vocals: Dean Tavernier
Bass: Marty Buchaus
Drums: Brad Toth

Stone Magnum play a great blend of Sabbath Influenced – Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal to superb effect. The guys have just released their superb S/T debut album. A 7 song 43 minute album of epic Doom Based Sludge/Stoner Metal Riffs.

The album is full of superb Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs and if you’re into Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus or any of the classic Doom Metal bands then you’re going to find much to enjoy here.

As Stone Magnum’s music does have an old school Doom Metal feel to them but they add a superb modern Sludge/Stoner Metal influence to them as well.

Brilliantly played and produced by everyone involved. This is one album you will be revisiting time and time again.

It might not be the most original thing on the scene at the moment. But it sure is one of the most satisfying Stoner/Doom Metal releases around. And the band do know how to play damn fine mighty Stoner/Doom Metal riff.

The album is full of superb Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal tracks to get your teeth stuck into. Especially “Locksmith Of Misery”, “Rolling Storm” and “Am I Really Insane”.

All in all this is a superb album to check out if you fancy a modern Sludge/Stoner Metal album with references to the good old days of 70’s Doom Metal. And I applaud the band for bringing back a little bit of history to their music.

You can own this great release on BandCamp Pay Anything You Want Type Deal.


Superb Stuff from a great band to check out.

Highly Recommended.

Check Out These Great Rockers Below.

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HESPER PAYNE

Hesper Payne are a Sludge/Doom/Death Metal Band from Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.

The members are:

Richard Pickman - drums and percusion
Alexandra Durning - Keyboards
Ian Fenwick - Bass
Brooke Johnson - Guitars and Vocals

Hesper Payne play an intense blend of Sludge/Doom with the odd dash of Death Metal to brutal effect. These guys come from my neck of the woods. As they say - Doom From The Cursed North. My lovely  hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne. And frankly I do agree with them at times. But that is a different story.

I have mentioned Hesper Payne before early last year when the blog was first setup. These guys are quite prolific and you can download all their brilliant music for free from BandCamp.

They have received praise from a few blogs with their superb music. So if your into down-tempo bleak Sludge/Doom/Death Metal then these guys are the ones for you.

Well the guys have released their best work to do date with their stunning new EP – The Strange Tale of Samuel Gonzalez. A 3 song 25 minute brilliant EP of bleak down-tempo superb Sludge/Doom Metal. The Death Metal influence noticed in earlier releases has been stripped back a bit. You can hear a few influences hear and there but mainly it’s just down-tempo Sludge/Doom Metal.

The EP is superbly played and produced by all concerned.

If this is the new way forward for Hesper Payne’s music then the guys have came on leaps and bounds since their last great release.

What you get here is 3 superb epic songs to chill the soul to. Full of passionate vocals and riffs to head-bang to. The 25 minutes just flies by.

Hesper Payne are seriously a superb band to give their big-league counterparts a run for their money.

Check out the awesome EP cover which gives the viewer a true reflection on what to expect.

So if you want something mean, dirty and loud from my neck of the woods then Hesper Payne is your band. Plus since this release is free you have no excuses.

If your into Electric Wizard and Ramesses then you will definitely find a kindred spirit with Hesper Payne.

Brilliant work as usual guys. Highly Recommended.

Check these brilliant sludge metallers below.

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RITES

RITES is a Sludge Metal Band from Ireland.

RITES play superb down-tempo Sludge Metal which deserves to be played heavy and loud. They have released their brilliant S/T album. A 5 song 27 minute blast of top-notch sludge riffs to get your body pounding to.

RITES play some mighty fast riffs in their great music. These guys have a talent in writing a superb Sludge Metal song. If your into EHG, Down, Ramesses then you will find much to enjoy here.

Superbly produced and played by all this is a superb album for you all to check out. Yon can get this superb album free from the band’s BandCamp Page.

A brilliant album full of top-notch Sludge Metal Riffs with great vocals to match.

Highly Recommended.

Check Out These Great Sludge Metallers Below:

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From The Minds Of Madness Book Review

Well I don’t normally do book reviews on the blog but I am going to make an exception for this one. Blair Gibson contacted me to check out his book –   From The Minds of Madness: The Origins of Heavy Metal Band Names

So I told Blair I would check out his book. Any book that has an introduction by Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride is fine by me.

This book is mainly about how 300 individual bands got their name and how they decided onto that name. It doesn’t feature the stadium bands of metal but the more influential underground/well known bands that we know and love.

So this is more like a mini-encyclopaedia of how bands from various genres such as Stoner, Doom, Sludge, Death, Progressive, Power, Symphonic came up with their names.

And 300 is quite a lot to pack into one book. But credit to Blair he is pulled off a great feat here. He has done a brilliant job and deserves credit for writing a well-written and brilliantly researched book.

If you want to know how bands like Sleestak, 35007, Kylesa, Across Tundras, Amen Ra, Cowboys & Aliens got their name and many other amazing bands then this is the book to check out.

This might not seem the most exciting book to read about Metal and I was hesitant at first but I shouldn’t of worried as this book was an absolute blast to read. I loved every word of it.

The book is full of great articles of how bands came up with their names. Some from personal experiences and others from films & comic books.

This is probably one of the best metal based books I have read in years. Action packed with brilliant bits of trivia of well known bands and not so well known bands advising the viewer how they got their name.

Blair even advises for each band the genre, country of origin and how long they have been going. This book is a great book to own for all us metal heads.

Even if you don’t like some of the genres that Blair highlights you will still be impressed about the majority and calibre of bands Blair has contacted.

All in all this is a brilliant book that you should all check out. You can buy this brilliant book from here.

Only $2.99 eBook and $12.99 in print (234 pages!)

available at: Amazon Kindle * Amazon Print * Lulu eBook * Lulu Print * Barnes & Noble * Amazon

So top marks to Blair for writing a brilliant book. I hope he writes more books likes this in the future. He definitely has a talent of keeping the viewer intrigued from start to finish.

Brilliant.

WORDS - Amazing Mexican Sludge

WORDS is a 3 Piece Crust Punk/Sludge Metal Band From Mexico

The members are:

CHAPU - Drums
MARCOS HASSAN - Guitar and Vocals
JAPONECIO - Bass

WORDS play a brutal blend of Crust Punk/Sludge Metal to brilliant and heavy pounding effect. The band have just released their superb S/T 12 inch release where you can download for free from BandCamp or from Mediafire.

WORDS contacted me via Facebook in early December 2011 and I stated I would check out their music and provide my opinion on.

Well I discovered that the guys would be releasing a new release in Dec 2011/Jan 2012 so I decided to hold back till then. And I am glad that I did. As they have added a few new tracks from the first release I checked them out from.

Their S/T release is an absolute blast of top-notch Crust Punk/Sludge Metal Riffs blended brilliantly together. Their S/T 12” release is 7 songs and runs for less than 20 mins or so.

This is another brilliant Crust Punk/Sludge Metal release that doesn’t outstay it’s welcome. Its actually the right length to show this bands talent for writing superb top-notch Sludge Metal riffs.

The riffs are played fast and furious and to precision at times as well. Some songs are only on for 2 mins or so but they still pack a hard hitting Sludge Metal punch. Especially on tracks like “When Civilisation is No Longer Enough” and “Liagonemerte”.

The release is superbly produced and performed from all concerned and showcases another brilliant band coming from Mexico. Another country becoming one of my fave countries for Sludge/Stoner Metal especially with top-notch bands such as Weedsnake, stone Front and Apocalipsis.

I hope to hear more from our Mexican brothers. But this is all about WORDS. And my word on WORDS is Absolutely Superb from a hugely talented band to keep an eye on.

Great Stuff guys and highly recommended.

Check out these brilliant Sludge Punks below.

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SWORDS OF TEXAS

Swords Of Texas are an Experimental Stoner Rock Band From Hamilton, Ontario.

Swords Of Texas play a very trippy haleucogenic brand of Experimental Stoner Rock/Sludge/Noise/Ambient all wrapped in one highly addictive package.

This is the work on one highly talented individual -   Schmoog Lebowski. A bit of Electric Wizard worship and magic substances to the other dimension later and Swords Of Texas is the nearest you can possibly get of a so called legal high.

They have just released their brilliant and spell-binding Experimental EP – Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die. A 5 song 20 minute journey into the unknown corners of your mind.

Full of superb ambient noises, trippy and insightful voiceovers covered with top-notch Noise/Stoner/Sludge Rock riffs.

This is one EP that is so far out there it should be classed as illegal. Brilliantly produced and put together this is one of the best experimental releases I have ever heard.

Imagine if Philip K. Dick and Frank Zappa joined up to start a band this would be the spaced out messed up result. And I loved every cosmic minute of it.

It might take you a few listens or trips to get it but once you do this is one trip you will take time and time again.

Brilliantly produced with all of the noises and riffs blended together I can’t wait to see what Swords Of Texas does with a proper full length release. Brilliant stuff from a highly warped out trippy individual. You can buy this EP for the low price of $0.99 from BandCamp and it’s highly recommended.

Great work Swords Of Texas. Highly Recommended.

Check Out This Great Band Below.

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MOLLUSK

MOLLUSK are a 4 Piece Crust/Punk/Sludge Metal Band from Cincinnati / Pittsburgh

The members are:

Neal Hunter
Chase Schleyer
Zach Hendrickson

MOLLUSK play a fast and furious blend of hard hitting Sludge Metal with Crust/Hardcore Punk blended in for brutal and brilliant measure.

The guys have just released their superb S/T album. A 9 song 25 minute epic of crushing Crust/Hardcore Punk/Sludge Metal riffs to destroy your fragile mind to.

These guys play with a sense of passionate anger and fury not seen or heard in most bands today.

Taking influence from a whole range of bands but adding their own unique take in the realm of Crust-Punk/Sludge Metal. MOLLUSK have the talent to back up the loud and angry riffs on show.

Superbly produced and played by all involved this is a brilliant album to check out. Don’t let the short running time put you off. This is hard hitting stuff from start to finish.

Definitely and highly recommended.

You can buy this brilliant release from BandCamp for $3. Or you can download it for free from the Band’s Blogspot. You might have to add your own tags to the couple of songs but it’s worth it for a brilliant release like this.

So brilliant work guys. I can’t wait to see what these guys do in the future as they have the potential to have a very long career indeed.

Check out these brilliant rockers below.

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Blogspot - Download this superb release here.

GAUL

GAUL is a Sludge/Hardcore/Black Metal Band from Gainesville, Florida

The members are:

Derek ~ Guitar/Vox
Hencher ~ Bass
Vidge ~ Drums

GAUL play a hard hitting blend of Hardcore/Doom/Sludge Metal mixed with elements of Black Metal to impress the listener with. And GAUL impress brilliantly from start to finish on their superb S/T new album.

A 4 song 38 minute blast of top-notch Sludge/Doom/Hardcore/Black Metal carnage that forces the listener into submission. This is music at its most bleak and most raw.

If you’re into Wolves In The Throne Room and Nachtmystium then you will find much to enjoy here. But GAUL added a great Sludge Metal twist into their music. Imagine if WITTR decided to team up with THOU for a supergroup then they would sound like this.

GAUL is extremely loud and heavy for a 3 piece. You could be mistaken that these guys could actually be a 4 piece band.

Their new album is full of hard hitting riffs with added Black Metal Vocals to drive their super music through to the bitter end.

Each of the 4 songs are about 8 to10 mins in length. So don’t be expecting fast riffs as these guys play in their own pace and no one is going to tell them any different.

GAUL do add impressive Ambient Noise Effects as well to give their music a truly haunting and eerie atmosphere. Especially on the superb track “Departure”.

The album is superbly produced but still has a great Punk DIY feel to it as well. So it’s not overly produced. Just the right amount of sound and texture to their brilliant musicianship which is on show. As they guys are superb musicians in their own right.

GAUL are a brilliant band to keep an eye out for and this album shows why they could have a very bright future indeed. Awesome stuff.

You can download this superb release from BandCamp Pay Anything You Want Type Deal.

Highly Recommended.

Check out these great Sludge Metallers below:

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Apocalipsis

Apocalipsis is an Instrumental Sludge Metal band from Mexico

The members are:

Mico - Drums
Chamaz - Bass
Fabian - Guitar

Apocalipsis play a superb hybrid of Doom/Sludge/Hardcore Instrumental Based music to highly original effect. These guys sound like a faster and harder version of Pelican but adding their own unique spin.

They have just released their brilliant S/T Debut album for free download on  BandCamp and Mediafire. It’s an 11 song 30 minute blast of hard hitting Sludge riffs from start to finish.

Brilliantly played and produced by all involved. If you want something heavy to get you head-banging straight away then I recommend you check these great Sludge Rockers now. As this album is simply superb to listen to time and time again.

Apocalipsis are another brilliant Sludge Metal band coming from Mexico. This is simply unmissable stuff and Highly Recommended!!! – Brilliant.

Check this great band from the links below.

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SLEESTAK - NEW ALBUM

Brilliant Cosmic/Space-Rock/Doom/Sludge/Stoner-Metallers and all round nice guys SLEESTAK have released a new album - Altrusian Moon - A Lo​-​Fi Collection Of Psychedelia and Space Rock

SLEESTAK released one of my fave albums of 2011 - The brilliant and epic - The Fall of Altrusia. A brilliant piece of work by one of the best creative metal bands out there. Here is my review from July 2011.

Well the guys are back with a new album available on pay anything you want type deal from BandCamp.

Read the following from Sleestak Blog about their superb new release.

"Sleestak is kicking off the new year with a new release called "Altrusian Moon - A Lo-Fi Collection Of Psychedelia and Space Rock". Yes, we know: we didn't warn you.

It is available at Bandcamp and is a "pay what you want" digital album - you can pay $0 or be as generous as you wish. We dug deep into our rehearsal archives to give our fans a glimpse into our relaxed free-form jams, a very psychedelic improvised musical exploration of song ideas. Yes, there are mistakes, missed drum hits, wrong notes, etc. but the journey is there - a raw yet sublime document of our times playing together in the basement over the years. Also included is the live remix jam version of "The Fall Of Altrusia" from 2009. You'll hear some our wider influences in this material and may appeal to fans of Bardo Pond, Hawkwind, USX, Red Sparowes, Dead Meadow, White Hills, and Yawning Man.

If you dig it, please consider purchasing the download as we start gathering funds to record the studio follow up to "Altrusia" hopefully to be released in 2012."

Well I downloaded this the other day. And its a great release from a truly brilliant band. What you get is 95 mins of brilliant SLEESTAK tracks. Enjoy!!!

If you like what you hear you can download their brilliant first album Skylon Express previously published here. A brilliant album that I recommend you all to check out.

If you like their music head over to their Official web-page and buy some merch. Guys will really appreciate it.

Check this great band from the links below.

Official
BandCamp
MySpace
Blogspot

AT ALL TIMES

AT ALL TIMES is a Sludge/Post-Metal Band from California, USA.

The members are;

Justin - Drums
Mikey - Bass, Vocals
Topher - Guitar, Vocals

AT ALL TIMES play the same blend of hard-hitting Sludge/Post-Metal as pioneers such as Neurosis, ISIS and CULT OF LUNA.

They have just released their new album - The Writhing Sea. A 4 song 35 minute hard hitting monster of an album which you can download for free from BandCamp.

The Writhing Sea is a brilliant album for all you Sludge/Post-Metallers. If your a fan of the bands mentioned above then your going to love this.

It's full of superb Sludge/Post-Metal riffs to get stuck into. It has some great Ambient Post-Rock passages included as well. All of the 4 tracks are superb tracks to listen to time and time again.

Especially "Ghost Tides" and the title track. All of the 4 tracks are epic tracks full of passionate and hard hitting Sludge/Post-Metal Riffs.

Brilliantly Produced and Played by all concerned. This is a truly outstanding album that I can't recommend highly enough.

There is not much information about this great band. I can only find their MySpace Site which hasn't been updated in a while.

But the guys deserve much credit for releasing a brilliant album into the world of Sludge/Post-Metal. As its fucking awesome.

So get downloading now. Definitely and Highly Recommended!!!

Check Out This Great Band from the links below:

BandCamp

MySpace

Re1ikt

Re1ikt is a Sludge/Post-Metal Band from Belarus now based in Russia.

Band Member Vitaly emailed me about his truly brilliant band. This is what he had to say about his superb band.

"We would like to introduce you the band and our latest album called "Reki prabili liod" (Rivers broke through the ice). It is the first Belarussian-languaged post-metal album. Also it has some progressive and Belarussian folk music influence. Mayby it doesn`t sound like typical post-metal record, but we believe we do something really special. This album is the modern look on Belarussian traditions and culture."

Well what more can I add to Vitaly’s great description. Well are Re1ikt a Post-Metal Band. All I can answer is they are and they are not.

To most people they will fall under that description. But they guys are more than that. Especially on their brilliant 2011 new album available for free download. – “Reki prabili liod” which translates as “Rivers broke through the ice”.

This is a 7-song 62 minute thrill ride of brilliant Experimental Sludge/Post-Metal. The band incorporates Folk, Doom, Stoner, and Sludge into their unique blend of Post-Metal.

Who cares that all the vocals are sung in the band’s native tongue. You can still hear the emotion coming through Vitaly’s vocals. This is proper emotional Experimental Post-Metal on a grand scale.

If you’re into TOOL, ISIS and Neurosis then you will hear a direct influence but these guys make their own mark on the genre to brilliant effect.

Their new album is simply brilliant. I can’t rate it highly enough. Full of top-notch Sludge/Post-Metal Riffs that incorporates the genres listed above to brilliant effect.

Re1ikt really do know how to write a truly brilliant emotional tune that really does tug at the heart strings even though there are no English lyrics or vocals. But please don’t let that put you off as you are missing something truly special.

The band has crafted a brilliant album that needs to be heard by a bigger audience as possible. This was 62 mins I would listen to time and time again. It simply is a brilliant and unique album. Superbly played and produced by all involved. Re1ikt are a truly exceptionally talented band that everyone needs to check out.

Their new album is full of epic tracks. Some of them go past the 10 minute mark. They have the quiet/loud aspect of Post-Metal played to perfection. You know when the album is in quiet Post-Rock/Ambient mode a loud riff will kick in triumphantly. And it does time and time again.

Brilliant. Just Brilliant. I can’t recommend this album highly enough.

You can download this album for free from their official website. What is even more is that Re1ikt are a prolific band in their own right. You can download their other brilliant albums as well.

I have been listening to their other releases and I was astonished by the quality releases the band actually has. This is where I advise the guys are not exactly Post-Metal. Especially on the brilliant releases Vytoki and Home Songs.

Now Re1ikt now go into Acoustic Rock, Folk, Prog Rock on their other superb releases. All available for free download from their brilliant website.

This shows why I think Re1ikt are a truly exceptional band in the realm of Experimental Rock/Sludge/Post-Metal.

On their other releases I can only compare Re1ikt to legends Neurosis. As they now venture into other areas of Rock/Metal music on their other brilliant releases.

So check out the other brilliant Re1ikt releases to get the bigger picture of these truly wonderful experimental Sludge/Post-Metal Band.

What is even more Re1ikt even have another side of the band called Re123+.

Re123+ is the more experimental side of Re1ikt brilliant music. This is where the guys venture into Drone/Ambient/Noise side of things.

They have a few releases to check out as well. They released their proper debut MAGI in 2010 to acclaim on the web. Unfortunately this release is not available for free download.

I have listened to the Re123+ side of their brilliant music. And it’s full of top-notch Drone Based Ambient/Noise/Doom rock/metal with a great experimental feel.

So if your into Drone/Ambient/Noise Metal then Re123+ might be for you as well.

I make no apologies for the in-depth article but I feel this band deserves this especially with the amount of brilliant free music they have to offer on their excellent website.

They even offer a free downloaded of a full live filmed acoustic gig of Re1ikt as well. I even watched this as well. Another great release to check out as well which shows these guys are simply superb on the live stage.

This is simply a brilliant and amazing band that you should check out. I can’t recommend these brilliant Experimental Rockers highly enough.

So go over to their website and download everything in sight. You wont be sorry. Highly Recommended.

I hope these guys get as much exposure by us fellow sludge rockers as they can. They truly deserve to be noticed on the global Sludge/Post-Metal scene

Check out these brilliant Sludge Rockers below.

Official
Facbeook

YouTube Channel

Last.FM

ALEGIONNAIRE

Alegionnaire are a Sludge/Stoner Metal Band from  Somerset, Kentucky.

The members are

Aaron Todd - Bass
Chris Clough - Drums, Vocals
Adam Nicholson - Guitars
Phillip Claunch - Guitars, Vocals

Alegionnaire are (were according to sources they are on an extended hiatus) a brilliant Sludge/Stoner Metal Band delivering their own heavy slabs of Sludge/Stoner Metal.

Their 2009 album “Realms” is a 7-song 49 minute blast of heavy Sludge/Stoner Sonic Riffs. It’s mainly instrumental but a few of the songs do have vocals attached to them.

The album is full of heavy pounding Sludge/Stoner Metal Riffs to get your teeth stuck into. “Realms” got a lot of love from the usual top blogs back in 2009 and it’s not hard to see why.

“Realms” is simply brilliant. The 7 songs on show just highlight how brilliantly talented this band is or was. I wish I took notice of this truly talented band a few years ago.

The songs are superbly written and played through out. These guys definitely put their own spin on the Sludge/Stoner scene. The riffs on show are simply sublime.

Top tracks include “Seventh House”, “Hall Of Dead Kings” and “Coliseum Asunder”.

All full of amazing heavy pounding riffage from all involved. I can’t rate this album highly enough it’s simply a brilliant album that everyone should be checking out.

The people involved have gone onto form other project like Audible Burst and Below which I will definitely be checking out based on this brilliant outstanding album.

I hope one day the band will get back together and releases another brilliant album like this one.

You can now download the outstanding “Realms” for free from BandCamp. So get downloading now!!!

Highly Recommended.

Check Out These Great Sludge Rockers Below.

BandCamp
MySpace

THE LOATHSOME COUPLE

The Loathsome Couple is a 3 Piece Psych/Sludge Metal Band From Seattle

The members are:

Matt - Guitar
Tobias - Vocals
Mike - Drums

The Loathsome Couple play a bleak down-tempo blend of Sludge Metal with Hardcore and Psych influences thrown in for great measure.

Their new S/T album is a 6-Song 47 minute masterclass of Down-Tempo Heavy-Pounding Sludge Riffage.

The band mix different genres into their music with great success. Throw in Hardcore, Death Metal, Noise Psych and Doom Metal for an album that truly stands out in their respective genres.

This album is rightly getting a lot of praise on different blogs at the moment. Another standout album which has came out of nowhere.

This album just blew me away the first time I listened to it. One minute quite and calm, the next all hell breaks loose with the carnage of thrashing Sludge Metal guitars with superb Death Metal vocals leading the way.

The superb album cover will tell you what to expect on this amazing album. The band takes you on a bleak journey through the dark realms of Sludge/Doom/Death Metal.

The band has come up with excellent song titles to exactly match the songs on show. If you’re not into bleak down-tempo Sludge then I urge you to move on. But if you are then get checking these brilliant Experimental Sludge Rockers now.

The album is full of top-notch Sludge Riffs and the songs are just brilliant. There is not one band song on this brilliant album They all stand out brilliantly on their own.

For a 3 Piece band these guys are LOUD. This feels like a 5 Piece band not a 3 Piece. So these guys are extremely talented at what they do.

If your into THOU, EyeHateGod then you going to love these guys. The album is superbly produced from start to finish. Every note is played heavy, loud and brutally raw at times to give this an edge over their rivals.

Simply a brilliant album from a great band to keep an eye out for.

You can download this brilliant album for free from BandCamp. So what you waiting for .Get downloading now. If you like what you hear then buy the physical copy of this amazing album.

Highly Recommended!!!

Check Out These Great Sludge Metallers Below.

Facebook
BandCamp

WENCH

WENCH are a Sludge/Stoner Metal band from Sydney, Australia

WENCH play a great blend of Sludge/Stoner Metal to join the other great bands from Australia that I have featured on this blog – ADRIFT FOR DAYS, HYDROMEDUSA, HAWKMOTH, OVER-REACTOR etc…

I have to thank Wayne for emailing me about his great band.

WENCH have just released their superb S/T EP. A 5-song 35 minute thrill ride in the realm of Sludge/Stoner Metal that you need to check out.

Taking influence from the usual big-hitters of Sludge/Stoner Metal. WENCH add a great Punk DIY Vibe to proceedings.

WENCH get down to business straight away with their great blend of Sludge/Stoner Metal on first track – Slippery Wall which starts off with a great bass and drum section before the crunching guitar riffs kick in.

From then on this great EP never stops in providing first class Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs at a fast and furious pace. The vocals have a great “I Don’t Care” Punk Edge to them that I found hard to resist.

The other 4 superb tracks show what this band does so well. Playing ballsy straight-forward Sludge/Stoner Metal music to get stuck into. There are no complex prog sludge riffs on show here. Just straight forward and straight to the point top-notch Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs to head bang to.

I am not dissing the band’s playing as I think they are all excellent musicians. WENCH just play in-yer-face Sludge/Stoner Metal that we all need to hear from time to time.

It isn’t WENCH’s style to play over-complicated riffs. They know what they need to do. Just to entertain the listener with their brilliant in-yer-face music. They really do add a great Punk edge to proceedings to make this stand out from the crowd.

I loved every minute of this great release. Other great tracks to check out is Sludge and Hornsby’s Finest.

Both brilliant examples of finely tuned Sludge/Stoner Metal that the Aussies are becoming masters at.

Superbly produced and played by all involved. This is another top-notch Aussie Sludge/Stoner Metal band to keep an eye on.

I don’t know what is wrong with the Aussie Record Labels as all of the bands from Australia I have featured on this blog have all been brilliant releases. They should all be signed to some sort of label.

Well it’s our gain then as these guys have released an outstanding record you can download on BandCamp pay anything you want type deal.

So get downloading now. You wont be sorry. Highly Recommended.

Check Out These Great Stoner Rockers Below:

MySpace
BandCamp