Mojave Lords - 'Unfuckwithable' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 23/2/2015

Label: Self Release/Last Hurrah Records

‘Unfuckwithable’ CD//DD//LP track listing

01 Sweet Little Down & Out 

02 Hot Throwaway

03 Anytime Rock

04 Dancefloor Slammer

05 Second Skin

06 Knuckles 

07 Microwave Me Baby

08 A Whole New World

09 Sage

10 Unfuckwithable

Mojave Lords is:

David Catching | Guitars, Bass, Synth 

Kevin Bingo Richey | Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synth 

Brian O'Connor | Guitars, Bass, Drums, Backing Vocals 

Barrett Martin | Drums 

Joey Castillo | Drums 

Danny Frankel | Drums 

Chris Goss | Backing Vocals 

Sven Altmetz | Backing Vocals

Review:

Swagger. Mojave Lords is about the swagger. They’ll get your driver’s seat pushed all the way back so that your feet barely reach the pedals. One hand on the steering wheel, 115 degree recline, a shit eating grin on your face, and your favorite friends have joined you for the ride. You feel cool like Shaggy and as long as the black and blue don’t rain on your parade, there’s nothing that can kill this buzz. You’re “Unfuckwithable.”

At the helm of Mojave Lords are producers Dave Catching and Bingo Richey, who have now placed themselves in the band rather than behind the soundboard. With each passing song, guests either come or go, leaving their mark but not overshadowing Catching and Richey’s vision. It must have been one helluva party down at Rancho de la Luna when this album was being recorded, what with the likes of Joey Castillo, Chris Goss, and Barrett Martin all getting down for good times with the record button. We can thank our lucky stars that these guys chose to share these stories with us, even though the party was invite only.

From the get-go to the final crash of the drums, Mojave Lords’ “Unfuckwithable” tosses out ten  rhythm and groove tracks with the same attitude a smoker does with his cigarette butts. Whether it’s the stop and go of the guitars in “Sweet Little Down and Out” or the bluesy jump of “Hot Throwaway,” the cool guy attitude is abound. Then there’s “Anytime Rock,” an infectious jive that gets tables and chairs pushed up against the wall to make room for the awkward dancers among us. For those looking to flex their muscles, there’s plenty of that, too, be it from the witty “Second Skin” or the perfectly placed title track.

So yeah, Mojave Lords have swagger nailed. They know how to dress it, prepare it, and serve it. And let’s be honest, we all want to have that feeling of being cool every now and then. You know, that moment when the air guitar gets busted out and the volume is turned up so loud that the banging of the neighbors on the walls gets lost in the bass drum. That’s that feeling of being “Unfuckwithable,” courtesy of Mojave Lords.

Words: Victor van Ommen

‘Unfuckwithable’ is available here or on limited colour vinyl via Last Hurrah Records here

For more information:

http://www.mojavelords.com/ | http://shop.mojavelords.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MOJAVELORDS | https://twitter.com/mojavelords | http://www.lasthurrahrecords.com/

Mortals/Repellers - ‘Split’ EP (Review)

Album Type: Split EP

Date Released: 10/03/2015

Label: Broken Limbs Recordings

‘Split’ LP//DD track listing:

1. Mortals - 10 Years of Filth

2. Repellers - Descend

3. Repellers - From Jericho to Ai

4. Repellers - False Solace

Mortals is:

Lesley Wolf | Bass, Vocals

Elizabeth Cline | Guitar, Vocals

Caryn Havlik | Drums

Repellers is:

Rob Peraitis | Bass, Vocals

Tony Secreto | Drums, Vocals

Jon Rifenburg | Guitar Vocals

Review:

Mortals are one of the most exciting bands of the last several years. While they’ve been around for five years, their 2014 album ‘Cursed to See the Future’ through Relapse Records was one of the great albums of the year, and for many—myself included—it was their first exposure to the band. Now they’re back with a split EP on Broken Limbs recordings with Philadelphia’s Repellers.

Mortals starts the EP off in fantastic fashion with their sole contribution, “10 Years of Filth”. The track largely follows the same formula from ‘Cursed to See the Future’, a potent blend of High on Fire style sludge and melodic black metal. They also continue to write longer songs in a kind of movement-style arrangement rather than verse chorus. “10 Years of Filth” is a smorgasbord of towering riffs and thunderous drums, from its early sludge stampede to the borderline thrash and black metal section that makes up the songs later stages.

Every member of Mortals plays a vital role. Vocalist/bassist Lesley Wolf’s coarse howl has all the power and savagery of later-era Chuck Schuldiner, but she also knows when to lay out and let the music carry the moment. Elizabeth Cline’s guitar work is deceptively simple-sounding. Having seen her bring these riffs to life in a live setting sees her seemingly doing the guitar work of two people, with sprawling, layered chords. Drummer Caryn Havlik’s varied drumming approach is equally impressive. While she certainly hits as hard as anyone, she’s also has an exceptional mind for crafting unique rhythms and drum beats within a heavy metal framework. It should go without saying that this split deserves a listen based on this track alone. Luckily, the split would warrant an easy recommendation even if this were just a Repellers EP.

Repellers have been active for a few years now, though they’ve only put out short-form releases to this point. This split is my first exposure to the band, but it’s clear they're onto something with their crusty melodic death metal approach. “Descend” is anchored by alternating riffs that would sound at home on an early Amon Amarth or (forgive the obscure reference) Prophanity album, complemented by some His Hero is Gone style crust throughout.

Elsewhere, Repellers evoke the moodiest material of crust legends Misery and late 90s Impaled Nazarene, all while giving their own unique spin on things and gracefully avoiding coming across as a band too closely tied to their influences. One can’t help but see great things for Repellers as time goes on, as they’ve got all the pieces in play for a fantastic full length some day. Repellers is a band on the ascent that absolutely demands your attention if you have any interest in the genres they blend.

While there are definitely splits where one band is clearly at a higher level than the other, that isn’t really the case here. You might have an inclination towards one band or the other based on genre preference, but these are two bands making excellent music, and that’s all you can really ask for on a release like this.

Words by: Daniel Jackson

You can pick up a digital copy here and a CD/LP copy here.

For more information:

Mortals Facebook | Repellers Facebook

Blackout - 'Blackout' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 31/03/2015

Label: Riding Easy Records

‘Blackout’ CD//DD//LP tracklisting:

1). Lost

2). Blackout

3). Nightmare

4). Sprites

5). Cross

6). Tannered

7). Human

Blackout is:

Christian Gordy | Guitar, vocals

Taryn Waldman | Drums

Justin Sherell | Bass

Review:

When the new Blackout record hit my mailbox the first thing that comes to my mind was that Sludgelord had sent a Scorpions cover band to review, then I saw the record-sleeve I was convinced it was another Magic Numbers in the pipe, so thank God it wasn’t.  Instead I was served another crushing release from Riding Easy Records. A delightful piece of doom-perfection.

It’s not an easy record to listen to at first because it demands the listener’s attention, but following several spins you will be rewarded.  Expect at least 5 or 6 times before it opens up. The record which at first was a little bit anonymous, unfolds itself to be a beautiful meal served with crushing riffs, a spicy bass sound and delightfully furious vocals.

Kicking off with the first song ‘Lost’, it begins with its self-sustained oscillation, sounding like a beeswarm, feedback going between fuzzy and screechy until the abolishing riff commences.  The track still feels groovy and intimate in the same way, but the breakdown in the middle of the song is a high point, speeding up the song to the end.

Blackout follows up with the angry riff and furious vocals to ‘Blackout’ and the epic enchanting lyrics of “You say you’re blacked out”. There is much to enjoy as it gives the listener the picture of a mad man in a psychic ward howling the same line again and again.  As the medics kick in and leave a broken man behind, the song ensues into another world with a much slower riff.

The well-soaked grooves in the third track sound very much in the same vein as Torche. ‘Nightmare’ sounds fresh and Gordy’s acrobatic wailing is a little bit on the spooky side. I especially like the way Blackout fuses these heavy-riff moments into an experimental psychedelic melting pot.  ‘Human’, at nearly 7 minute, is full blown eargasm, with its epic Black Sabbath riff opening things up, with a nice long intro of two chords leading us into the main riff. I just adored the way the song is built around the riff and how it’s structured with both heaviness and serious mid-tempo thunder.

In my humble opinion I really would like the band to go further with songs in the same vein as ‘Human’ on forthcoming records because it’s a good mix of what I love about the band. It has heavy moments mixed with psychedelia and for me this approach adds another dimension to their sound.  Overall though, this is another quality release from Blackout and Riding Easy records.   

Words by: Sven-Åke Alveving

‘Blackout’ is available now here

For more information:

https://blackout666.bandcamp.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/BlackoutNYC



Ironrat - Monument (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: March 02nd 2015

Label: Pro Sonic

Monument - Track Listing

01. Eye Lucifer

02. The Last Outlaw

03. Feed The Pigs

04. Monument

05. Thunderlord

06. King And Master

07. Lung

08. Morphine Soul

09. Swamp Rat

10. Weed Machine

Members:

Chris Flear - Vocals

Wayne Hustler - Guitar

Martin Wiseman - Guitar

Stuart Hillman - Bass

Gordon Wilkinson – Drums

Review:

Ironrat's debut album is the type of album that will appeal to fans across the whole Blues Rock/Stoner Metal spectrum as it ticks all the right boxes to keep you rocking out for almost an hour or so. Well 54 minutes to be precise but it's one hell of a ride from start to finish. Opening with the hard rocking – Eye Lucifer – Ironrat prove they have the balls to last the distance as they don't fuck about here. Paying homage to Desert/Stoner Metal legends – Kyuss – and spliced – with the ballsy attitude of Orange Goblin though with lead vocalist Chris sounding uncannily like James Hetfield in his prime.

Blasting onto your speakers is one of the albums standout tracks – The Last Outlaw – as Ironrat will demand your attention for the next 7 minutes or so. Southern Rock/NOLA tinged riffs make you feel Ironrat are from the Californian Desert/Stoner Rock scene instead of from the UK. Shades of Kyuss is running through this songs hazy desert rock vibes. It's got a thumping rhythm section in the middle of the song where the band prove their Stoner Metal credentials.

I will admit there's nothing groundbreaking here but there doesn't need to be as Ironrat know what needs to be done an that's to play TONS OF GREAT RIFFS!!! - Damn these guys even worship at the hard rock school of Thin Lizzy at times as Wayne and Martin play some fantastic dual guitar riffs that would make Thin Lizzy proud. For the third track – Feed The Pigs – Ironrat venture into snarling Punk Rock territory with the Stoner Metal grooves giving this track a more faster and threatening approach. It's a 3 minute number that's more suited to the jukebox's to the Rock Bar's located around the world where you can sing out loud with your pals. Beers in one hand and your other hand up in the air shouting along to FEED THE PIGS!!!

Other tracks to check out are Monument, Thunderlord, Lung and the brilliant Weed Machine as these are the songs where the album becomes a more exciting experience as Ironrat prove what they're really made of. It's a shame the band ended the album with the 30 second song – Reprise. It brings nothing to the album as such. Sure it's a fast-paced and heavy number but the album just ends. Instead of ending on a massive finish that the album deserves it ends abruptly and I was hoping for another song. I shouldn't be too hard on the guys as they have written a 54 minute album that's got a lot going for it.

Other than that Monument is a fantastic debut album to prove Ironrat are another great band to checkout within the UK Hard Rock/Stoner Metal scene.

Thanks to Ironrat for the promo. Monument is available to buy from all good stockists now.

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

Facebook | Reverbnation 

BRETUS - The Shadow Over Innsmouth (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: April 18^th 2015

Label: Blood Rock Records

The Shadow Over Innsmouth - Track Listing

1.Intro 01:16

2.The curse of innsmouth 06:05

3.Captain Obed Marsh 06:14

4.Zadok Allen 07:07

5.The oath of dagon 07:38

6.Gilman house 05:10

7.The horrible hunt 05:28

8.A final journey 07:47

Members:

Ghenes (High and Low Guitars),

Zagarus (Vox),

Azog (Bass),

Striges (Drums)

Review:

I'm a huge fan of Italian Doom/Stoner Metal misfits – Bretus. I've reviewed a couple of their past releases so I already know what to expect from their 2^nd album – The Shadow Over Innsmouth - with their blend of Doom/Stoner Metal with dark and creepy Occult Rock overtones.

This album is a very different beast compared to their past releases as this one is heavier with more emphasis on mood and atmospherics that 70s/80s Old School Doom Metal fans will appreciate the most. The Curse Of Innsmouth is a loud as hell song that sees Bretus pay homage to their musical heroes whilst still keeping the mood very modern. Zagarus is the demented storyteller spinning tales of things that go bump in the night. The music has quite an experimental feel where the atmosphere goes through many different stages of Doom/Stoner Metal as Bretus change the riffs from one moment to the next.

If you're a fan of Saint Vitus, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple you will be in your element here as Bretus love the 70s legendary sound where the ideas were as loud as the riffs. The Shadow Over Innsmouth already has it's fair share of admirers including my good friend Lucas who did a fantastic review on his blog. His review will tell you all you need to know as he's perfectly described what the album is all about.

One of my fave moments from the album is on 3^rd track – Captain Obed Marsh – as it's another crazy psychedelic offering that shows you what Bretus can do that some bands can only dream for. I love how the band create different sounds and noises that shouldn't really work. I'm pretty sure I've heard influences such as Queen and even a few NWOBHM bands on this song. I maybe hearing things but you can't deny this isn't a fantastic song that's packed full of superb Doom/Hard Rock moments to listen to over and over again,

The album can be very dark and intense at times as Bretus thrive on their doom and gloom reputation. Though that's what makes Bretus such an exciting prospect in Doom/Stoner Metal world. They're willing to take risks with their music and blend different genres that shouldn't really work but they pull this off with style. What you end up with is an exciting and brave album that's packed with tons of scary moments and kick-ass riffs to to rock out to.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album now. It's seriously that good. Awesome stuff!!!

Thanks to Bretus for the promo. The Shadow Over Innsmouth is available to buy on BandCamp Now

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

Facebook | BandCamp

Red Mountains - Sun (Single Review)

Album Type: Single

Date Released: March 2015

Label: Nasoni Records

Sun - Track Listing

1.Sun

Members:

Simen Mathiassen

Sverre Dalen

Jostein Wigensad

Magnus Riise

Review:

I tend to stay away from reviewing singles as I like to focus on EP's and Albums. But am going to make an exception for Red Mountains new single – Sun. Red Mountains are a Psychedelic Stoner Metal Band from Norway who are going to release their debut album in Sept 2015. Such a long fucking wait as their new song – Sun – is incredible. I've been listening to this song for the last 24 hours or so and it's possibly one of the finest Stoner Metal songs I've heard this year.

It's an intriguing mix of Desert Rock, Fuzz Rock, Psychedelic Rock and Stoner Metal that gives Red Mountains a heavy and original sound all of their own. The vocals bring an air of confidence and grizzled authority to a band that feels they have seen it all. Though it's the music that's the winning factor here as Red Mountains prove they're going to be one of the most talked about bands to look out for in 2015. Sun is loud, heavy, distorted and even uplifting as Red Mountains will put you in an hypnotic trance.

It's been a very long time that a single has left me feeling very excited to hear a bands debut album. Red Mountains you definitely have my attention and I think a huge number of other people in the months to come as this song is a stone-cold classic in the making. WOW.

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

Facebook | Soundcloud

Band To Check Out - Open Wide, The Sky

Members:

Vincent Fedetz - Lead Guitar |

Rob Saltsman - Guitar/Vocals |

Max Gillman - Drums |

Joe Carrere - Bass |

Bio

In 2010 "Open Wide, The Sky" began as a trio of like-minded musicians looking to play. As jam sessions became more frequent and our playing more and more cohesive, we reached the unanimous decision to step into bandhood. If Mastodon, Opeth, and Between the Buried and Me had a three way baby, that'd be us. So check out our album Monolith, a mixture of jazz, metal, rock, and a WHOLE lotta love!

Band To Check Out Info:

Open Wide, The Sky are self proclaimed – Progressive Space Metal Band. Interesting description as their music does fall under a lot of different categories. Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Jazz, Hard Rock and Space Rock. If that feels a lot of different genres to take in then I suppose it is but the band make this work in their favour. They play extremely fast when the time calls for it.

Parts Mastodon, Opeth and Between The Buried and Me – their bio briefly states and it's a very good description. Open Wide, The Sky is probably a band that won't appeal to everyone as their music can be very hard to listen to at times. Their latest release - Live @ JingleBalls Dec 20th, 2014 – is a live album no less. It's a challenging, frustrating and exciting album to listen to as Open Wide, The Sky venture off into 100 different musical directions and still sound so different to everyone else.

I wish I knew about these guys earlier as I'm became such a fan of their music within a short space of time. They are a very exciting prospect indeed if you dig Progressive Metal. My advice – Check them out as Open Wide, The Sky are definitely worth your time. All their music is available on BandCamp Buy Now. Their 2012 debut album – Monolith – is a fucking blast from start to finish. So you have no excuse!!!

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

Facebook | BandCamp