TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 for November 2016

It is that time once again people to cast our minds back, and digest the 16 albums that would become November’s most viewed albums and form the basis for our sacrilegious ‘Sour 16’, the finest and most profane riffs around bundled together into a premium sized sonic soufflé.

You know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records that we featured in November, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  The ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. All reviews and streams can be viewed by clicking the artwork . (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red). 

16). Spirit Adrift - "Chained to Oblivion” (380)

This album is elegantly forged from beginning to end, and has no definable weak chinks in its armour.  Overall, this is likely to be an AOTY candidate for me, and one I have found myself returning to again and again in a variety of moods.

15). Superjoint - "Caught up in the Gears of Application" (381)

This is gnarly and nasty music made by a figure that is both revered and reviled. Through all the controversy, one thing keeps me coming back to listen to Anselmo: the quality of the music. And the music is as potent as ever. A storming return.

14) Animals As Leader - "The Madness of Many " (388)

Tosin Abasi and company find expressionism through mathematic complexity.

13) The Judge – “The Judge (399)

This one is crazy good, and crazy Sabbath inspired too. Give this band a listen, you’ll dig it.

12). Wasted Theory - “Defenders of the Riff (417)

11). Desolate Pathway - "Of Gods & Heroes" (420)

Make no mistake, Desolate Pathway have delivered an epic doom record of epic proportions: light and shade, massive riffs, great performances, a downcast atmosphere... it's all here

10). Fvnerals - "Wounds" (443)

“Wounds” is a captivating set of songs that are simultaneously heavy and delicate. FVNERALS unique brand of doom-filtered slowcore creates a powerful feeling that stays with the listener long after the final note has rung out.

09). Holy Serpent - "Temples" (473)

All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

08). Dusteroid – “To Fathom Hell” (475)

They serve up a king size slice of skull crushing, heavy Sludge that feels like being hit with a sledgehammer repeatedly. Job extremely well done and then some

07). The Dead At Sea - "The Dead At Sea" (479)

A potent blend of early-Pelican crunch and Kyuss-style riffage, The Dead At Sea distil the sound of desert rock sinking into a cold watery grave.  “The Dead At Sea” is a compelling combination of killer riffs and hushed menace that perfectly evoke the bottomless depths of the ocean

06). Ortega - "Sacred States (500)

Ortega are not the first band to fuse post metal, doom and spaced-out sludge but they succeed by doing it bigger, better and heavier than most.  Sacred States” sees Ortega take their sound to the next level, delivering on the promise of previous releases and stretching out towards bold new horizons.

05). Call of the Void "A.Y.F.K.M." (508)

Call Of The Void’s sound is a potent cocktail of punk attitude and rock’n’roll swagger coated in a thick layer of sludge aggression. “AYFKM” is an intoxicating adrenaline rush that will keep you coming back for more.

04). 11Paranoias - "Reliquary for a Dreamed of World" (512)

What sets 11PARANOIAS apart from other bands operating in the realms of psychedelic heaviness is the otherworldly atmosphere they conjure. Every note is enshrouded in a hazy fog that lends their music a darkly unsettling feel.

03). Ghoul – “Dungeon Bastards” (828)

So many bands try to do what Ghoul is doing and just can't fucking get it right. This is a perfect storm. Superior song writing, technical prowess, and an awesome aesthetic.

02). Mother Mooch - "Nocturnes" (991)

Their blend of psychedelia with grunge and stoner rock/doom is a highly sought after formula and Mother Mooch are keeping the secret closely guarded - and rightfully so.  ‘Nocturnes’ is an astounding album from a band that have the potential to conquer the world.

1). Metallica - "Hardwired…To Self Destruct" (1565)

Metallica have rediscovered their mojo, brought the heavy and most importantly appear to be enjoying themselves. An album, of two halves, with a cracking opening salvo on side “A” and “B” side, marred only by one throwaway track.  If not perfect, it is the best music they have produced in over two decades and is the natural successor to the Black Album. 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler, Conor O’Dea, Jake Wallace, Eric Crowe, Rick Ahmed, Bobo Coen & Phil Weller

ALBUM REVIEW: Tombstoned - "II"

By Theron Moore

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 22/04/2016

Label: Svart Records

Tombstoned works.  It’s unlike anything I’ve heard in a while but it’s catchy and it’ll stick in your head.  It’s doom but a different kind of doom I’m used to listening to.  Give it a listen, I think you’ll enjoy it.

“II” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Pretending to Live
2. Brainwashed Since Birth
3. Time Travels
4. And I Told You
5. Haven’t We Seen All This Before
6. You Can Always Close Your Eyes
7. Remedies

The Review:

I’ll be honest with you.  I had to listen to this record several times to really get the feel for this band.  Musically I like what they’re delivering.  But the vocals I couldn’t figure out.  As strange as it may seem I heard influences like The Cure as well as Trouble, Candlemass and Cirith Ungol coming through.  I couldn’t figure out if I liked the vox on this record or not but they finally grew on me.  I think Tombstoned is best described as early 80’s straight doom, straight fuzz. 

“Brainwashed Since Birth” should’ve been the record’s opening track but I’m not complaining, I dug the vibe of “Pretending to Live” which sounds like a fusion between 80’s era Cure and the band Trouble.  Weird, right?  But it works. 

Tombstoned aren’t heavy in the same vein as Holy Serpent, or Sleep or Cathedral but more in line with, say, Trouble meets The Cure meets Candlemass.  Clear as mud?  But it works.  “Time Travels,” track three, picks up where “Brainwashed Since Birth” left off and continues this journey of cosmic strangeness.  Track four, “And I Told You,” is a cool little gem of heavy Cirith Ungol inspired madness.  That’s where the aforementioned early 80’s doom inspiration was kinda apparent. 

One of the best songs on this record is “Haven’t We Seen All This Before” that features, of all things, a Smashing Pumpkins inspired guitar groove combined with a traditional Trouble inspired doom breakdown.  But, damn if it doesn’t jam.   Look, without going into the rest of the songs I can tell you this.  Tombstoned works.  It’s unlike anything I’ve heard in a while but it’s catchy and it’ll stick in your head.  It’s doom but a different kind of doom I’m used to listening to.  Give it a listen, I think you’ll enjoy it.

“II” is available here

Band info: facebook

TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 Chart for October 2016

By: Aaron Pickford



Alter Bridge

It is that time once again people to cast our minds back, and digest the 16 albums that would become October’s most viewed albums and form the basis for our sacrilegious ‘Sour 16’, the finest and most profane riffs around bundled together into a premium sized sonic soufflé.

You know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records that we featured in October, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  The ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication is highlighted in red). 

16). Headless Kross - "Projection I” (377)

 

15). Holy Serpent - "Temples" (404)

All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

14) Truckfighters - "V" (406)

All in all, a solid offering; a sound that is current; one that rocks effortlessly and one that proves regardless of line-up changes Truckfighters continue to be strong.

13) Zaum – “Eidolon (423)

“What makes Zaum’s music so intoxicating is the sheer density of their sound. Layers of synths, sitars, flutes and who knows what else, build up to create a foundation of all-encompassing drone for the bands epic compositions.  Prepare to be transported to a higher realm.”

12). Various Artists - “Meantime (Redux)” (442)

Meantime (Redux)” is a face-melting reinterpretation of what many consider Helmet’s finest hour, it   pulls off the tricky balance of paying respectful tribute to a classic album while being an excellent listen in its own right. Hopefully it will introduce long-term Helmet fans to some exciting new bands and make any other people with their ears stuck in the underground realise that Helmet were great all along.

11). Charred Wall of the Damned - "Creatures Watching Over The Dead" (460)

Richard Christy & Co have created something special with “Creatures Watching over the Dead.” It needs to be heard and talked about.  This is metal with heart.  Metal with soul.  And most of all?  Metal that’s larger than life.

10). Vermin Womb - "Decline" (541)

Vermin Womb succinctly distill the essence of their sound into one word: “Violence”.  It is a grimly exhilarating ride, but an oppressive racket that is hard to resist.

09). Yawning Man - "Historical Graffiti" (563)

“Historical Graffiti” is a drug that calms the soul of the listener”

08). Obsidian Kingdom – “A Year of No Summer” (578)

 

“This record is well constructed and the instrumentation is very impressive. But for those looking for similar fare to their previous work, they’d best keep looking.”

07). Black Tomb - "Black Tomb" (585)

 

06). Fistula - "The Shape of Doom to Cumm)))" (612)

The Shape of Doom to Cumm)))” is dripping with sardonic hatred for scenesters and fad chasers, scrapping rusty barbed wire across the speakers as if to wound those who listen. They bring the noise, the hate, and will tell you to your face if there’s even a hint at being a douchebag.

 

05). Witchthroat Serpent - "Sang-Dragon" (640)

This is a dominating record and something which the band can be sure will appeal to all kinds of fans of stoner doom and sludge. Witchthroat Serpent have left a deep scar in the genre and it will take a long time to heal with a record so devastatingly heavy.

 

04). Watchtower  - "Concepts of Math: Book One" (781)

The guitars crunch, the vocals bite, and the band chemistry shines through on each song, almost as if they know what each other’s gonna do before they do it. A near perfect record, which for Watchtower, is pretty much par for the course.

03). 40 Watt Sun – “Wider Than The Sky” (827)

Although the record may find itself on the fringes of metal, the empathetic feelings Walker shares over soaring ten minute tracks should cause anyone who has felt anything before to reflect in some meaningful way. “Wider than the Sky” challenges its listeners to reflect for themselves, because after all it’s important to remember where one stands. 40 Watt Sun’s latest record is likely to find itself among the best records released this year.

02). Asteroid - "III" (1716)

 

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.

 

1). Alter Bridge - "The Last Hero" (20494)

If you have any interest in the more commercial end of the rock and metal spectrum i.e. Metallica, Maiden, Soundgarden and so on then this album could be a fine intro to the band. If you are a fan already you will enjoy this one immensely. Alter Bridge are leading lights in modern rock and may well be the last of a dying breed.

 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler,  Victor Van Ommen, TJ Kliebhan, Jake Wallace, Hunter Young, Kat Hilton, Stiq & Jay Hampshire







ALBUM REVIEW: Holy Serpent - "Temples"

By Theron Moore

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 30/09/2016
Label: Riding Easy Records

All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

“Temples” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Purification By Fire
2. Bury Me Standing
3. Toward The Sands
4. The Black Stone
5. Sativan Harvest

The Review:

The snake is writhing; the storm is brewing from beginning to end with “Temples.” Clocking in at 43:19 seconds, Holy Serpent delivers five songs the way music was meant to sound – heavy, psychedelic, fuzzed out sludge. And the Serpent, on this their second record, have seemingly perfected their sound.  I point this out because it usually takes most bands several records, maybe three or four, to truly dig deep within themselves and pinpoint their musical identity and really work that out on a sonic level.  Holy Serpent managed to do just that right here. 

The band is re-inventing the wheel with this record, they’re making said wheel much more efficient and effective.  Its better parts Cathedral and Sleep, fused together, performed as only Holy Serpent can.  The bass and guitars drive this record.  Heavy wah-wah, down tuned, low end, that dance and play around a wall of distortion, mapping song routes and musical direction for singer Scott Penberthy’s hypnotic, almost dream-like vocals that define and carry each song.  “Temples” isn’t doom or sludge for the sake of such.  The songs are well done, well structured, that speak to you on visceral levels, stimulating cortex and neurotransmitters.  They’re easy to connect with and stay connected with.   

“Purification by Fire” opens the record with a somewhat sinister, ominous vibe, building and prodding along, laying the foundation of what to expect with “Temples.”   Slow, methodical and dirge-like at times, is a great way to describe second song “Toward the Sands,” however, there’s a buried gem at the 6:25 mark with an up tempo Sabbath meets Cathedral boogie-groove type section, which quite frankly, I’d like to have heard more of, but, what a cool way to cap off the end of this song, I really dug it, it fit perfectly. 

“Bury Me Standing,” track three, reminds me a lot of Sleep but changes tempo and goes full on Serpent.  The guitar parts on this song are remarkable, they really guide this track from start to finish.  “Sativan Harvest,” like “Toward the Sands,” hits that melancholy, dirge like vibe again, but harder, slower, allowing Holy Serpent to showcase that sheer wall of sound technique they’ve been developing throughout this record. 

Capping off “Temples” is “The Black Stone,” a dreamy, psychedelic slab of distortion laden goodness that properly ends the record.  All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

“Temples” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

FFO: Sleep, Black Sabbath, Cathedral, Electric Wizard

Interview with Scott from Holy Serpent

I'm a huge fan of the rising Aussie Stoner/Doom/Psych Scene and it's been a while since I've interviewed an Aussie Stoner Rock band. Well I think it's time to change that with today's guests who are about to release their brilliant S/T on RidingEasy Records.

It's already winning praise within the Doom/Stoner Metal community and why not as it's a fucking MONSTER of huge epic riffs. Our very own team member – Håkan – raved about this album and he said this about it recently:

“Daaamn! Where have these guys been hiding? A brand new acquaintance to me, Holy Serpent from Melbourne, Australia are phenomenal! Not knowing what to expect when I pressed play, The album blew me away completely. Fuzzed out, trippy and low end heaviness emantes from the speakers, engulfing me in a wonderful trance. Going slow and for emotions, Holy Serpent can add another disciple in their psy quest for world domination. Each spin bring out more and more, leaving me flabbergasted at how they can put so many angles into their songs without suffocating the music. Because the music flows so naturally and with such ease that I'm left speechless....and that's a damned good thing!”

I'm talking about rising Aussie Psych Stoner/Doomsters – HOLY SERPENT – And I've been given the chance to speak to Scott (Guitars/Vocals) from the band.

Hi Scott. How's it going. Thanks for doing this interview. Much appreciated.

Our pleasure!

For people not in the know can you give a brief history of how the band came together and where it is today.

The band came about when Scott and Nick started working at the same bar in Melbourne. Couple of muso’s chatting about stuff. It lead to a collaboration and Holy Serpent was born. We’ve been a band for less than a year and are absolutely blown away by the attention we’ve received so far. We’d like to take this thing as far as it can go!

Now we have to talk about your new album. WOW. What an album. What can people expect from the album. 

Its a real slow-burner… Melodic at times but always Heavy as Fuck.

Was it a hard album or easy album to write and record for.

Some of the songs came together super quick, others we had to spend a fair bit of time on the arrangement / melodies. The recording process was a breeze. We did it in Scott’s lounge room over one weekend. These were supposed to just be demos, we never intended on putting these recordings out on vinyl, it all just happened.

Why did you choose the name HOLY SERPENT for your band. Any particular reason for this. 

Nick came up with the name. I think he just liked the imagery it conjures up in ya brain. Culty, religious, snake stuff…. There’s no deeper meaning to the name, it just sounded cool to us. 

RidingEasy Records are releasing the album. How did you hook up with Daniel and his fantastic label. Did you have any other offers from other labels. 

Daniel contacted us a couple days after we had put our initial demo’s online. We had no idea it was gonna make this sort of impact. We got contacted by 3 or 4 companies, all offering different sort of deals. Riding Easy seemed like the right choice because Dan was so enthusiastic about Holy Serpent.. He seemed motivated as hell and we knew we would be right at home with all the other bands on the label.

Good to see your album is being released on Vinyl. Betcha stoked on that one. Not a lot of upcoming bands get there debut albums released on Vinyl. And in 3 separate editions with 2 of them sold out. Congrats on that one.

Oh hell yeah! Its all pretty crazy. Its surreal to see pictures online of your record in other peoples homes! We haven’t even seen them in the flesh yet, they’re being shipped over from the states in time for the Release (May 12th).

What is your setup when playing live and recording in the studio. Do you have a a basic setup or a more advanced setup. 

Live its just your regular guitar, drums, bass scenario. Pretty basic. We don’t want stuff to be too complicated otherwise it ruins the fun. We just need loud amps and beer onstage. 

Which bands and artists have influenced you all as musicians. Any particular bands or albums that have made a lasting impression.

When we first started writing together, Nick and I bonded over Uncle Acid, Witch, Pentagram and Roky Erickson to name a few.. I think the melodic nature of these bands really helped shape the Holy Serpent sound. We wanted to be brutally heavy but have some ethereal melodic vocals, just to change it up a bit..

The album is winning some major praise within the Doom/Stoner Metal community. Has that surprised you in anyway. Or did you know you had something special on your hands. 

Total surprise. We were just hoping the local community would be accepting of it and maybe throw a few gigs our way, we had no idea it was gonna garner so much attention, especially overseas. That was just mind-blowing. It still is.

Which bands are you currently digging at the moment. Are there any bands/albums you would like to recommend to our readers. 

The new Monolord is on heavy rotation. So brutal! Watchtower from Melbourne just released a sick 2 song EP which is killer!

What's the song-writing dynamic in the band. Is it down to one individual or a group collective. 

These songs came about through Nick and Scott recording early demo’s on Scott’s computer.. Programmed drums, there were synths on some of the tracks when we first started writing them. I was playing a moog synthesizer for a lil while there...Generally though, Nick will come up with a few riffs then Scott and Nick will arrange the song. From there, Scott goes away with a pen and paper for a good while and really hones in on what the lyrical and melodic content should be. Then the song is sorta fleshed out at band practice. 

The Aussie Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal scene is currently riding on the crest of a wave at the moment. Tons of great bands starting to appear and winning fans all over the world. Has that surprised you and other Stoner Rock bands back in Australia that the world is discovering so many great bands such as yourselves. 

Well, I guess its just getting its time in the sun a bit more now. People been slogging away for ages, it’s not a new scene down here. It definitely surprised us with the attention we received. Especially cause we were a brand new band. Not so surprising for other bands doing awesome things down here, they deserve it!

Is that vibe being discovered by the Aussie Stoner Rock scene back home. Especially when a ton of great bands are getting signed to overseas labels.

Yeah, because of the attention Aussie bands are getting overseas, people here in Australia are starting to pay attention too.. like, “ if people overseas dig it, maybe I would too!”. The overseas attention is definitely helping build the local scene.

You're about to go on an epic Tour of Australia in June/July. You guys excited for that. What can people expect from that tour.

Super excited! Our good friend Anthony from Von Grimm Records put the whole tour together for us.. Wouldn’t have been as EPIC otherwise. If you come to the shows, you can expect it to be Loud as fuck, Fuzzy as hell and God-damn Righteous! 

Are there any plans to tour overseas at any time in the future. Or is that too early to tell at the moment. 

It’s something we would love to do, but at this stage it’s too early to say. Hopefully after a second album we will have enough reason to tour overseas.

What other plans do you have in store for you in 2015. Anything you like to share with our readers. 

We are writing for album #2 already. Hoping to put something out early next year. our main focus is just writing a follow-up album that is considered as good as or better than our debut.

Well Scott, thanks for doing this. Before you go, do you have anything to say to your fans. 

Thank You all so much for the incredible support. It’s been an amazing ride so far and there’s no way we wanna slow this train down at all! You’re all fuckin’ champs! 

Words by Steve Howe and Scott Penberthy

Thanks to Richard Jones at Sheltered Life PR for arranging this interview. Holy Serpent- S/T will be available on CD/DD/Vinyl from RidingEasy Records.

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