ALBUM REVIEW: Throneless, "Cycles"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 01/04/2018

Label: Black Bow Records

Throneless do not break any musical barriers on “Cycles” but their mastery of riffcraft and ability to create massive, awe-inspiring compositions sets them high above the competition.

“Cycles” DD//LP track listing:

1). Born In Vain

2). Cycles

3). Senseless

4). Oracle

The Review:

Right from the opening subsonic bass rumble, you know you are in safe hands with Throneless. The Malmö trio’s new LP “Cycles” is a master class in monumental sludged-up doom bathed in a cosmic glow.

“Born In Vain” immobilises the listener with a ten minute onslaught of crushing riffs, each one striving to reach a higher plane of heavy perfection. The reverb-laden vocals and hazy atmosphere recall the rural horror of Electric Wizard’s “Dopethrone” recast as a science fiction epic. After this pulverising introduction, the title track initially offers some respite. Beginning as a laid back jam, there is an almost optimistic mood reminiscent of Colour Haze at their most blissed-out. It’s not long until Throneless unleash the full power of their earth-shaking backline once more, taking the track into lumbering Torche style thunder pop territory.

The second half of “Cycles” shifts towards slower tempos with an increase in punishing heaviness. This metamorphosis reaches its peak with the gargatuan “Oracle”. Over the space of fifteen glorious minutes, Throneless gradually build a sonic fortress of epic proportions from huge slabs of dense riffage worthy of Bongripper.   

Throneless do not break any musical barriers on “Cycles” but their mastery of riffcraft and ability to create massive, awe-inspiring compositions sets them high above the competition. This is a hypnotic trip that will have you coming back for more throughout 2018.

“Cycles” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

INTERVIEW: "A Body of Work" - An Interview with Stefan Koglek of Colour Haze

By: Victor Van Ommen

Ah, Colour Haze. For 25 years, this German band has been gently making big waves in the heavy psych genre. Their grainy, organic sound and melodies are unique to Colour Haze and have set a blueprint to which other European psych bands are trying to play to.

This month, Colour Haze – Stefan Koglek on vocals and guitar, Philipp Rasthofer on bass, and Manfred Merwald on drums – released on CD yet another masterpiece of an album, “In Her Garden,” on their own Elektrohasch Records. The review for this album is pending until I receive the vinyl release, because that’s the best way to take this band in. The vinyl won’t be out until May so you'll just have to whet your appetite for more Colour Haze with the interview below.

Band info: official || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Demonic Death Judge - "Seaweed"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 13/01/2017

Label: Suicide Records

The Finnish quartet deal in a potent blend of filthy sludge-encrusted riffs tempered by hypnotic stoner grooves and nasty gravel gargling vocals. The band conjure up the sound of a bar room brawl between Weedeater and Colour Haze.

“Seaweed” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Taxbear

2). Heavy Chase

3). Seaweed

4). Cavity

5). Backwoods

6). Pure Cold

7). Saturnday

8). Peninkulma

The Review:

There’s nothing better than a boatload of no-frills, weapons-grade riffage to blow away the January blues. Demonic Death Judge deliver the goods in fine style on new album “Seaweed”.  The Finnish quartet deal in a potent blend of filthy sludge-encrusted riffs tempered by hypnotic stoner grooves and nasty gravel gargling vocals. The band conjure up the sound of a bar room brawl between Weedeater and Colour Haze.

“Taxbear” kicks things off in punishing fashion. Gargantuan riffs pummel the listener into submission until they are enveloped in waves of swirling guitar noise and menacing samples. The pure low-end dirt of “Pure Cold” and the dangerously addictive “Heavy Chase” run “Taxbear” close for heaviest track on the LP but quality riffs abound throughout “Seaweed”.

Demonic Death Judge demonstrate that they don’t need to rely on constant hard-riffing to be effective. The title track begins the introduction of more melodic elements into the mix with suitably aquatic effects-laden guitars providing a hazy calm before the storm of the band’s arrival at full bore. “Cavity” sees the band explore this relaxed side further to achieve powerful psychedelic results while the brooding first half of closer “Peninkulma” creates an almost post-rock slow-burn before being crushed under one final tonne of leaden riffage.

“Seaweed” is a killer effort from Demonic Death Judge that strikes a good balance between no-nonsense sludge and minor excursions into more tuneful territory. In an often overcrowded genre, the band stick out by rocking hard while bringing their own distinct character to the fore. 

“Seaweed” is available here

Band info: Official || Facebook || Bandcamp

FFO: Cough, Dopethrone, Weedeater, Colour Haze

ALBUM REVIEW: Colour Haze - “Live Vol. 1 – Europa Tournee”

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 15/06/2016
Label: Elektrohasch Records

The live feeling pierces through, enhancing the flavor of these songs when compared to their studio counterparts, and thusly staking the claim that Colour Haze are masters of their craft.

“Live Vol. 1 – Europa Tournee” CD//3XLP track listing:#

1). Persicope (Frankfurt)
2). Moon (Frankfurt)
3). Überall/Call (Frankfurt)
4). She Said (Paris)
5). Aquamaria (Würzbug)
6). To the Highest Gods We Know (Paris)
7). Circles (Paris)
8). Transformation (Berlin)
9). Grace (Berlin)
10). Tempel (Paris)
11). Love (Paris)
12). Peace Brothers and Sisters (Frankfurt)
13). Get It On (Köln)

The Review:

What’s left to say about Colour Haze that hasn’t already been said? If you’re (still) unfamiliar with the kraut-rock meets Jimi Hendrix jams of Stefan Koglek (guitar), Philipp Rasthofer (Bass), and Manfred Merwald (drums) – collectively known as Colour Haze – then you better get your priorities straight. This three piece makes a special kind of noise, one that uses repetitive, wild, and hypnotic melodies as their building blocks. Their songs range from two minute sprints to thirty minute creations, each one as good as the last. They’re as creative as they are skilled, and speak to both the casual as well as the intense listener.

Last August, about ten months since their last studio release, Colour Haze released a live album, “Live Vol. 1 – Europa Tournee.” On CD, it’s a double disc whammy, and I can only imagine the wonderful packaging the three Germans have made for mammoth 3 LP vinyl edition. The set list draws songs from each album in Colour Haze’s vast discography, making a pretty good case for what Colour Haze does best.

From the riffy “Get it On” to the constant crescendo in “Love,” all the way out to a mash up of “Uberall” and “Call,” Colour Haze nails this live set from front to back. Even at its two hour run time, there’s not a dull moment. It’s mixed so well that each little detail in the music can be heard, and the mix gets even better when headphones are applied. The live feeling pierces through, enhancing the flavor of these songs when compared to their studio counterparts, and thusly staking the claim that Colour Haze are masters of their craft.

Here’s to counting down the days to the next volume of this live series! Cheers to you, Colour Haze!

“Live Vol. 1 – Europa Tournee” is available here

Band info: official|| facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Asteroid - "III"

By: Jake Wallace

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 11/11/2016
Label: Fuzzorama Records

It is a hugely diverse record and shows the advanced musicianship between the band, blending all kinds of stoner rock and fuzz. This is a band who are firmly on the rise to the top and know exactly how to get there. One of the best releases of 2016 without a doubt.

“III” CD//DD//LP Track listing

1). Pale Moon
2). Last Days
3). Til' Dawn
4). Wolf & Snake
5). Silver & Gold
6). Them Calling
7). Mr. Strange

The Review:

The Asteroid has landed. Swedish heavy psych giants Asteroid have set the release date for their highly-anticipated third album for 11th November through Fuzzorama Records. It has been almost 7 years since their well-renowned second album ‘II’ was released and the band are back with their most polished, solid record to date. A 7-track album following the naming trend of its predecessors, this is Asteroid - ‘III’.

Firstly, the album artwork is strikingly brilliant. Whoever is in charge of the design and creative direction of Asteroid deserves credit for an unbelievably eye-catching and vintage styled arrangement of their instruments taking pride of place as the album cover.

The album kicks off with ‘Pale Moon’ delivering a thick, rumbling bass line which gives way to some eerie psychedelic slide-guitar work. It has a triumphant sounding vibe with lots of dark nuances that give it a truly evil sound. It also has a somewhat spacey feel, with effects playing their part in the backdrop towards the end as the song comes to a close.

‘Last Days’ is the second track from the album and was the first track that was publicly released on Bandcamp by the band after announcing the news of the record coming out this fall. The intro has some nice big chords and paves the way for what’s to come as the vibe changes abruptly. Robin Hirse’s vocals begin as the song slows down and takes on a very similar vocal feel to Alice in Chain’s late great vocalist Layne Staley in ‘Love/Hate/Love’. Memories of the opening track, ‘The Great Unknown’, from their first release are also re-kindled in this track. The guitar effects bring some very unique sounds to the table and the drum breakdowns are instrumental in making those parts as hard-hitting as they are around the 3:40 mark. The chord section comes back round again at 4:06 and reminds me of a Dead Meadow or Screaming Trees kind of feel. Two tracks in and we already have a diverse selection of music and it’s evident that Asteroid haven’t rushed into their song writing, it was most certainly worth the wait.

The third track ’Til Dawn’ rips back into the classic stoner rock style that we know and love Asteroid for. Their dynamic skill of switching from fuzzed riffs to beautiful, clean sounds is remarkable and they flit effortlessly between the two styles. The middle-end section slows down and each chord is powerfully punched out with some impeccable harmonised vocal parts between Hirse and Johannes Nilsson on bass. Drummer Jimmi Kohlscheen stands out on this final section as the drums are building in power and ferocity as the track climaxes before winding down with ease and ending on another sweet, clean chord.

‘Wolf & Snake’ has a very mellow vibe and reminds me of something that should be played as the sun sets on the beach at the infamous Dunajam Festival. This specific style of stoner rock is extremely pure and incorporates both the calm, mellow vibes and the earth-shaking fuzz. The intro section reminds me a lot of bands like Colour Haze and Sungrazer although Asteroid have their own brand of heavy psych and it’s still incredibly unique. At the 2:00 mark, the song takes off with a blasting rhythm section and some lead parts from Hirse, showcasing his searing guitar abilities. The drums and bass are extremely tight and give Hirse a blank canvas to let rip. Near the 3:50 mark, the tempo drops and the fuzz doubles and we’re witnesses to a crushing, sludgy section. The final outro section is another sharp contrast with clean guitar playing some beautiful sounds.

‘Silver & Gold’ begins with a slow, angelic sounding guitar section before the vocals come in and bring so much to the sound. This track stands out on its own and its superb blend of layered vocals and guitar, gives it that kind of Tarantino movie soundtrack feel, definitely one of my favourite songs on the album.

The penultimate song ‘Them Calling’ takes things back up a few fuzz gears and we’re dropped into an Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats style riff which just rumbles on ferociously throughout the song. It also has elements of the late Graveyard from Sweden. Around 3:35 they flick on the ‘evil’ switch and the riff gets steeped in gloom.

The final track ‘Mr Strange’ makes use of some awesome guitar harmonies to begin with before progressing into a lighter sounding, almost Zeppelin-esque section. Around 3:20 the vibe changes again and we have another killer, thumping riff with some spaced out lead guitar dodging and diving through the mix. The end section has some chanting vocals which go extremely well with the harmonies and it all blends into a perfect stoner rock package.

‘III’ is a masterpiece of an album from a band who need no introduction or a manual on how to create masterpieces. It is a hugely diverse record and shows the advanced musicianship between the band, blending all kinds of stoner rock and fuzz. This is a band who are firmly on the rise to the top and know exactly how to get there. One of the best releases of 2016 without a doubt.

“III” is available here

Band info: facebook

FFO: Colour Haze, Graveyard, Sungrazer, Dead Meadow

King Buffalo - "Orion" (Album Review) & Exclusive Song Premiere

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 05/08/2016

Label: Independent

King Buffalo’s music borrows as much vibe from All Them Witches as it does the headspace that Colour Haze finds themselves in. King Buffalo’s music is concise but it’s also psychedelic and free. Each note is hit with diligence, the builds take their time to unfold and every moment of these 45 minutes contributes something to the greater picture.  “Drinking from the River Rises” summarizes “Orion” neatly and therefore makes for a solid conclusion to this very impressive debut

“Orion” DD//LP track listing:

1). Orion

2). Monolith

3). Sleeps on a Vine

4). Kerosene

5). Down from Sky

6). Goliath

7). Orion Subsiding

8). Drinking from the River Rising

The Review:

In Greek mythology, “Orion” plays the role of a hunter. So when King Buffalo’s album opens by taunting “Orion” with the lyrics “Orion can you hear me?” I can’t help but think that this band from New York have taken on the courageous task of writing a concept album. This is merely speculation, but I do believe that the band is telling the story of a hunt - told from the perspective of the hunted - complete with ritualistic sacrifice. Themes of life, death, surrender, victory and sweet release are explored during this story, one that weaves its way through these nine fantastic psychedelic rock songs.

The fact that there’s a concept running through “Orion’s” lyrics is enough to keep me coming back. The meaning of the lyrics falls differently with each listen, let alone how they come across when being read from the lyric sheet. Singer Sean McVay may not have the most impressive pipes in the business, but he sure does know a thing or two about delivery and phrasing, and the effect this has on the meaning of the songs.

King Buffalo’s music borrows as much vibe from All Them Witches as it does the headspace that Colour Haze finds themselves in. King Buffalo’s music is concise but it’s also psychedelic and free. Each note is hit with diligence, the builds take their time to unfold and every moment of these 45 minutes contributes something to the greater picture. How this album is mixed underscores King Buffalo’s mission in pulling the listener in; the bass and drums sit out front and pound away as the guitars float below the surface, subtly grabbing hold of the lead, begging the listener to tune in closely in order to hear everything.

Like we’ve come to expect from bands in this genre, “Orion” covers a lot ground. The introductory build of the opening track takes two and a half minutes to get going and only then are the first lyrics uttered. By the time the album has hit its halfway point, everything from spacey guitar solos to the deep, bass-led groove of “Kerosene” has passed by. The swaying in “Sleeps on a Vine” lives and breathes, breaking free from the emotive heft during the song’s infectious chorus.

The album’s (soon-to-be) Side B leads in with a beautiful piece on the acoustic guitar. Steady drumming in the song’s back half is reminiscent of All Them Witches’ “Call Me Star,” but King Buffalo quickly take back control of their own musical landscape with a wash of echoing guitars in “Goliath.” Lyrically, things get pretty spiritual at this point as McVay tells of rising to the heavens to the tune of the guitars running a victory lap and the drums crashing away with reckless abandon

Album closer “Drinking from the River Rising” pulls everything back together. It pushes past the nine minute mark, and does so by pulling out all of the stops. The ground that King Buffalo covered in the eight preceding songs gets mashed together into this one. An interesting choice that strays from the band’s credo of giving each song the time and space to develop one idea at a time, but “Drinking from the River Rises” summarizes “Orion” neatly and therefore makes for a solid conclusion to this very impressive debut.

Do yourself a favor and hit play on the Exclusive Song Premiere of the opening track "Orion". Enjoy.

“Orion” will be out on 5/08/2016 but is available for pre order here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Monomyth - "Exo" (Album Review)

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 18/03/2016

Label: Suburban Records

The quintet from The Hague deal in a potent brand of Hawkwind-style space rock, driven by relentless krautrock rhythms, coated in a sticky stoner fuzz.  The band employs hypnotic repetition to cosmic effect throughout the five tracks that make up new LP “Exo”. The languid “Uncharted” begins the voyage, a minimal groove emerging from a cloud of intergalactic synth squall.  The highlight of “Exo” though comes in the form of the hulking robotic funk of “LHC”, a huge ten minute propulsive groove, powered by layers of pulsing electronics and choppy riffs. Imagine Zombi covering the theme from Knight Rider with a little help from Colour Haze.  “Exo” is a compelling journey to the outer limits. Monomyth will have no problems enlisting willing recruits to join them on this trip to the beyond.

“Exo” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Uncharted

2). Surface Crawler

3). ET Oasis

4). LHC

5). Moebius Trip

The Review:

Most of the heavy psychedelic music I have enjoyed recently has relied on ear-bleeding distortion and barely restrained freak-outs. Monomyth offer a stark contrast to this, taking a more measured and restrained approach but delivering the same mind-expanding results. The quintet from The Hague deal in a potent brand of Hawkwind-style space rock, driven by relentless krautrock rhythms, coated in a sticky stoner fuzz.

The band employs hypnotic repetition to cosmic effect throughout the five tracks that make up new LP “Exo”. The languid “Uncharted” begins the voyage, a minimal groove emerging from a cloud of intergalactic synth squall. The track slowly unfurls over its fifteen-minute duration, crafting an otherworldly atmosphere, worthy of fellow instrumentalists Grails, then shattering the calm with some crunching riffage. The lack of super-heavy riffs throughout the rest of the album makes their appearance here all the more powerful.

This lack of crushing heaviness is no bad thing though. Monomyth are at their best when they bring the keyboards to the fore, offset by overdriven lead guitar. The cosmic synth textures of “Surface Crawler” and the warm, organ-infused melodies of “ET Oasis” offer strong examples of this combination. The dirty bass throb that powers “Moebius Trip” creates an almost glam stomp which evolves into a blissed-out jam. The highlight of “Exo” though comes in the form of the hulking robotic funk of “LHC”, a huge ten minute propulsive groove, powered by layers of pulsing electronics and choppy riffs. Imagine Zombi covering the theme from Knight Rider with a little help from Colour Haze.

“Exo” is a compelling journey to the outer limits. Monomyth will have no problems enlisting willing recruits to join them on this trip to the beyond.

“Exo” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Albinö Rhino - "Uphold The Light: Part II" (Review)

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Single

Date Released: 09/02/2016

Label: Independent

“Uphold The Light: Part II” DD track listing:

1). Uphold The Light: Part II (20:47)

The Review:

Helsinki trio Albinö Rhino plays a fluid form of heavy psych exploration on their new single “Uphold the Light Part II.” Part I was the 14 minute closer of their 2014 self-titled sophomore outing and rumor has it that Part III will make the scene later this year as the B-Side to Part II.

Albinö Rhino’s sound is wide and colorful like the vast expanse of the ocean on a hot summer day yet strangely fitting for late night smoke outs in the dead of winter. Part II takes off from Part I, and calms the mood down a little by carving out a niche somewhere between the monotony of Death Hawks and the grittiness of Colour Haze. A driving bass line and repetitive drumming is what pulls this song through its twenty minutes, allowing the guitars to lightly jump and skip around this rhythmic foundation. For those looking for a jam to get lost in, be sure to check this mind-bender out.

Their Bandcamp page hosts part I, Part II is out now, and we’ll just have to wait patiently for Part III.

“Uphold The Light: Part II” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

A Year in Review: The Psychedelic Sonic 6 of 2015

By: Aaron Pickford

The Sludgelord’s ‘Sonic 6’ for 2015 is compiled based upon page views alone and calibrated into the list below, so check out the Psychedelic “Sonic 6” for 2015 (full reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and total views since the date of publication are highlight in red). 

6). Snail – “Feral” (597)

As far as tone and mood are concerned, “Feral” is far from untamed. To the touch, these eight cuts are smooth, the production doing what it needs to do to keep this beast domesticated. At the end of the day, though, this beast is hard to ignore, which is the justification for the album’s name.

5). Colour Haze – “To The Highest Gods We Know” (879)

Whether the band is up on stage nonchalantly kicking ass or their records are spinning on a turntable, Colour Haze is one of few bands that has consistently produced music of quality and integrity. “To The Highest Gods We Know” is no different. Though this album may not fully exemplify the band due to its short running time, it is an album that will stand proudly as the latest addition to the Colour Haze discography.

4). Weedpecker – “II” (913)

Weedpecker have created a sonic experience that demands your full attention as this is one of the most powerful Stoner Metal albums you'll hear all year. II is a contender for one of the albums of the year. Brilliant.

3). Sacri Monti – “Sacri Monti” (1091)

Sacri Monti's debut album is one that surprised me in a big way. Yeah it did take around 4 to 5 listens to fully appreciate the whole experience. So expect to take your time with this album. All in all Sacri Monti have created a stunning debut album.

2). My Sleeping Karma– “Moksha” (1421)

What can I say? My SLeeping Karma are one of those rare bands who follows their own path 100% and that's called freedom and liberation. Add excellent instrument skills to this and you have 'Moksha'. Rarely will you find a band or an album this good. We all make our own decisions but I urge you to seek out this band and follow in their foot steps. Your life will be so much better for it!

1). Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats – “Night Creeper” (1737)

If the record will be met by their adoring fan base with the same hype and admiration 2011’s insatiable ‘Blood Lust’ was, or be deemed as an adequate successor to the robustness of ‘Mind Control,’ only time will tell. What we do know, however, is that it’s another impressive release from this consistently unique and enrapturing Cambridge quartet.

Reviews featured in this article were written by: Victor Van Ommen, Steve Howe, Hakan Nyman, Philip Weller