INTERVIEW: Doom from the Underground with Shadowmaster

By: Aaron Pickford

At the end of 2017, today’s featured band, Shadowmaster and their self titled debut full length was voted the 11^th best underground release by THE SLUDGELORD.  Since July 2017, we selected 13 albums a month that were either released via smaller labels and/or via bandcamp and took it upon ourselves to focus the microscope on those bands and at the end of the year we selected our favourites and Shadowmaster was one of them. 

Following in the footsteps of legendary doom royalty Candlemass and hailing from Sundsvall, Sweden, Shadowmaster are one of latest and heaviest of doom exports, and we talked to the band at the end of 2017, to get the lowdown on the roots of the band and the creation of their devastating new album, which was released via Seeing Eye Records. 

Can you give us an insight into how you started playing music, leading up to the formation of Shadowmater?

Micke (guitar): I guess it all started when we went to high school. We all found out that we shared the same interest in music, so we developed a friendship and started hanging out, both in and outside of school. As time went by we all started playing in various groups based in our hometown Sundsvall, and as our music taste developed with time, Cedermark and I felt that we wanted to play slow and heavy doom, so we started this band called Desert Crone. In the beginning it was a duo, with Cedermark on the drums and me on guitar. We soon realized that the music lacked a certain feel, so we started looking for a drummer. Eventually we called Jimmy and told him that we wanted him, and he gladly accepted. After that we had some gigs, did a short European tour, made an album, changed name to Shadowmaster and here we are!

For those people unfamiliar with your band, are there any bands on the scene past and present that you would use as a reference point bands to describe your band, and who or what continues to inspire you and push you to try new things?

Micke: Well, I’d be a fucking hypocrite if I wouldn’t mention Electric Wizard to start with, as they are the biggest influence (surprise, surprise). But for people who are unfamiliar with us I would mention Monolord, Belzebong, Burzum and Sleep, to name a few. But honestly speaking, I look for inspiration everywhere. We’re talking movies, nature, emotions etc. Obviously heavy music is the greatest influence, but sometimes when I write, I listen to OST-music. It sounds weird, perhaps stupid, but it’s true. There are no limits to our imagination.

What can you tell us about your debut record and where do you feel it sits within the context of current doom scene

Micke: Dark. Heavy. Disgusting. That’s at least our goal with the album. Nowadays there are tons of bands out there, but you are only drawn to a few. We believe that the reason for this is that most people think that you can just pick up an instrument and write slow music, with no feel to it at all. So we think (and hope) that this album is going to be one of those record that people will react positive towards, and not get bored the first two minutes in. We can only wait and see.

Does anything spring to mind when you think about the completion of your new record “Shadowmaster” and how is the mood in the camp at present?

Micke: Well first of all we are just relieved that it’s done, as we worked really hard on the album both in the studio and in the rehearsal room. But in the end we are very pleased with the results so we are feeling great about the completion of the album. We are excited at the moment. The signing with Seeing Red Records feels great, the music is finally going to be released physically and merch is in the making. Now we will focus on playing live so all is good!

What stands out as your overarching memory from the recording sessions?

Micke: The recording of “The Lizard King” went horribly, as I got nervous playing by myself and fucked up more than once. Because off this I wanted to scratch the song, but Cedermark didn’t agree. In the end we got it, but I was pissed at myself. The recording of “Under His Black Skies” was also a moment of aggression. We first failed at the end of the song, so we had to do a second take. As the song is almost 20 minutes and we play everything live in the studio, it was a pain in the ass. But it wasn’t all bad. The vocals went smooth as fuck, and they sound amazing. Plus we had some help by Björn, a close friend of ours. He helped us with everything during the recording session and mixing.

With you new record in the bag, how is your schedule shaping up over the next 12 months?

Micke: Play as much gigs as possible, spreading the word of Shadowmaster and write more music! We already have a lot of ideas for new songs. Releasing the album on vinyl is also something we will try to do as soon as possible. But mostly perform live, since we truly enjoy it. Releasing some merch is also something we will do. T-shirts will be available in a couple of weeks with a design made by none other than Wizard Of Meth (Mephistofeles).

Finally, do you last words?

You can only die once. After that, nothing, and nobody, can harm you.

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Dopelord - "Children of the Haze"

By: Ben Fitts

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 16/01/2017

Label: Independent

“Children of the Haze” is defined by loose grooves, ghoulish riffing and a very vintage sense of wickedness. Dopelord prove that, unlike many other stoner metal bands, they are not content to just create the same song several times over and call it an album.

“Children of the Haze” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Navigator

2). Scum Priest

3). Children of the Haze

4). Skulls and Candles

5). Dead Inside (I & II)

6). Reptile Sun

The Review:

If music could manifest itself in nature, Polish stoner doom quartet Dopelord would be a murky, black fog. “Children Of The Haze”, the band’s aptly named third album, envelopes you like a cloud of smog that swarms your senses and leaves you lost and helpless at the side of the road. Dense slabs of syrupy guitar and bass fuzz purr underneath clean (with some exceptions), retro vocals. “Children of the Haze” is defined by loose grooves, ghoulish riffing and a very vintage sense of wickedness. Dopelord prove that, unlike many other stoner metal bands, they are not content to just create the same song several times over and call it an album (although it is worth noting that sometimes that trick can be executed wonderfully).

Each of the six tracks on “Children of the Haze” has its own identity, while still managing to retain all the key elements of Dopelord’s sound. The album’s opening track, “Navigator”, creeps like a limping tortoise. Although the opening track oozes with tranquillity rare to metal, “Children of the Haze” quickly changes moods on the next track, “Scum Priest”. The album’s most aggressive track, “Scum Priest” is loaded with bombastic riffing, a vicious demeanour and has the harshest vocals to be found anywhere on the album. “Scum Priest” is followed by the album’s title track, whose chant like vocals and archaic atmosphere makes it the ideal soundtrack to any and all coven based activities.

With clean guitar tones, cavern-like reverb and absolutely no attempt made at heaviness, “Skulls and Candles” is the most fiercely individualistic track on the album. “Skulls and Candles” is a spooky yet oddly assuaging little number, whose location as the album’s fourth track makes it a very effective and pleasant palate cleanser after the twenty-one minutes of thick fuzz and heavy riffs that precede it. This divergence is followed by the albums longest and possible standout track, “Dead Inside (I&II)”. Over the course of nine minutes and nineteen seconds, “Dead Inside (I&II)” unfolds from a sluggish grind into the album’s fastest, most propulsive and hardest-hitting track. The payoff is gradual, but is all the more effective for the time that it took to get there. “Children of the Haze’s closing track, “Reptile Sun”, sees the album at it filthiest. Squalid tones, gruffer vocals and overall nastiness give “Reptile Sun” just the right amount of punch to perfectly end the album.     

“Children of the Haze” is available digitally here and you can preorder/buy the CD//LP edition here

FFO: Belzebong, Electric Wizard, Black Sabbath, Major Kong

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Major Kong - "Galactic Cannibalism" EP (Review)

By: Mike Wilcox

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 01/12/2015

Label: Independent

Whilst I listened to an array of different instrumental, sludge, doom, and experimental groups Major Kong stands out to me because it doesn’t feel like they are trying. They seem like they enjoy playing Stoner Metal and as such they do it well. “Galactic Cannibalism” rips like a bong and leaves your head spinning. If their next effort went more the route of stoner fuzz, power to ‘em. They’ll have no problem at all pulling that off.

“Galactic Cannibalism” CD//DD track listing:

1). Supercluster

2). Diabolic Mind Control

3). Morlock

4). Magnetar

The Review:

What an interesting and refreshing recent find Major Kong has been! Born from the ashes of previous project, Fifty Foot Woman, this three piece instrumental stoner/doom outfit has been churning out riffs from Poland since 2010. The listener’s introduction to the new album, “Galactic Cannibalism”, summons the feeling of sludge mixed with the nostalgia created by Stoner legends Sleep.

“Supercluster” lets listeners know that they picked a good album and that they are in for a ride…about half way through the opening track the guitar work of Michal Skula ascends the mix and lulls you like a siren calling your name. The riff emphasis returns and the song is taken out, closing with pushed yet un-distorted playing. “Diabolic Mind Control” follows “Supercluster” but this time takes you almost directly into the land of riff and honey. You can’t help but headbang when it’s playing. I find myself headbanging in traffic listening to this…in the back of my restaurant…before I go to sleep….it’s a real problem!  Actually it’s a sheer joy.

These aren’t simply riff heavy songs; they have dynamic and depth in them. Shrill feedback reminds the listener of EHG and the like, and the album’s third track, “Morlock”, has introduced itself. While I hear parts where I would expect vocals or think that maybe some vocals would help to deepen the mix, Major Kong is one of the bands that can pull off an instrumental approach. “Magnetar” takes the album out, and in my personal opinion is the most impressive and enjoyable cut on the 4 track album.

Whilst I listened to an array of different instrumental, sludge, doom, and experimental groups Major Kong stands out to me because it doesn’t feel like they are trying. They seem like they enjoy playing Stoner Metal and as such they do it well. “Galactic Cannibalism” rips like a bong and leaves your head spinning. If their next effort went more the route of stoner fuzz, power to ‘em. They’ll have no problem at all pulling that off. If Major Kong’s next effort is more on the side of Post-Metal, power to ‘em. They’ll have no problem at all pulling that off. Whatever they decide they are doing, they’ll have no problem pulling it off. These guys are having fun and they want you to join in. All you have to do is listen.

“Galactic Cannibalism” is available as a name your price download here and CD here

FFO: Sleep, Belzebong, Dopelord, Thorun

Band info: bandcamp | facebook

A Year in Review: The Stoner Sonic 6 2015

By:  Aaron Pickford

Everyone gravitates to a favourite genre and each has its own merit, therefore I thought it would be a good idea to highlight, “six of the best” releases of 2015 within our most popular genres.  So today, as we reflect upon an awesome year of music in 2015, we present the Stoner “Sonic 6” for 2015

The Sludgelord’s ‘Sonic 6’ for 2015 is compiled based upon page views alone and calibrated into the list below, we will be presenting further lists during the lead up to Christmas, but for today roll up, kick back and Hail the riff!  Check out the Stoner “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). Godsleep – “Thousand Sons of Sleep” (625)

I think the reason why the record works so well is the musical chemistry which is fantastic. “Thousand Sons of Sleep” is a deep and complex record with a lot to offer. I’m recommending buying this record, the boys in Godsleep are quite good at what they do and this record proves it well.

5). 
The Midnight Ghost Train – “Cold Was The Ground” (685)

When they opened Desert fest last year, they were the band that I compared all other bands to and with the exception of Clutch, the conclusion was always the same; The  Midnight Ghost Train did it better. With this album already in my fixed rotation, 2015 is looking like it’s going to pan out like that one weekend in Berlin. Though music is not a competition, I’m curious to hear who will bring out an album this year that tops “Cold Was the Ground.”

4). Acid King – “Middle of Nowhere, Center of Everywhere” (712)

There are countless stoner and doom metal bands around in the modern era, however when you get a band like Acid King that have been around for over two decades, you have to feel a sense of excitement over a new release. They helped write the book of stoner/doom/fuzz rock emanating from the early nineties, and their new opus is one of absolute greatness. The eight tracks on, ‘Middle of Nowhere, Center of Everywhere’, flow majestically and organically. This is an album that will only mature and sound better each time.

3). Kult of The Wizard – “The White Wizard” (975)

Kult Of The Wizard have delivered a truly wonderful EP for everyone to check out. Lets hope their full length record is good as this as this band have potential to something very special in the years to come.  This is Outstanding.

2). 
The Atomic Bitchwax – “Gravitron” (979)

With ‘Gravitron’ the band has done a great job at solidifying their sound. Though familiar, it’s still fresh and hopefully the beginning of a long chapter for TAB. ‘Gravitron’ is an album on which you can hear the band having a good time and playing from the heart. There’s not a note out of place and even the instrumental cuts are worth their time. Here’s to a job well done for TAB.

1). Belzebong – “Greenferno” (1162)

‘Inhale in Hell’ honestly is just one massive slow chug fest, filling every available space with some ridiculous throbbing string torture with a sweet backing beat. It sounds akin to a giant walking the earth, simply moving things aside without noticing. True evil blues this band has summoned, and you the listener, shall reap their rewards! From that slow, massive chugging into feedback and staccato wah picking, they have no problems slamming you up against the wall and rifling through your pockets for some loose cash.

Reviews featured in this article were written by: Hunter Young, Victor Van Ommen, Steve Howe, Dominic Walsh, Theron Moore

Desertfest Belgium - 'The Fine Print': Belzebong

By: Victor Van Ommen

Belzebong

Belzebong are going to smoke out the Desert Stage on Saturday at 16:00. They’re going to come in and blow rings of fuzz so thick that every other band who will play that stage after them will enjoy a contact high. What will make their show even better is that their thick, evil, stoner blues isn’t a gimmick and judging by the last Sour 16 (LINK), there are quite a few of you who can get down with the Belzebong party. So as part of our ‘Fine Print’ feature for Desertfest Belgium I decided to sit down with Belzebong and get to know them a little better. Dig in:

SL): What was the first song you ever performed in front of an audience when you were learning your instrument and how did you experience that?

Sheepy Dude: “Bong Thrower” in Cracow, it was a blast, man!

Alky Dude: For me it was some Unleashed cover, back in the secondary school days.

SL): What was the album you were listening to the first time you got high?

Sheepy Dude: The first time I got high I was listening to The Sky.

Alky Dude: Ha, I don’t remember.

SL):  What album made you decide to start playing in a band?

Sheepy Dude: A lot of albums by a lot of different bands playing different genres led to that point but I would say that Sleep’s “Dopesmoker” is the one that’s most to blame.

Alky Dude: I guess it was Venom’s “Black Metal” and Sodom’s “In the Sign of Evil.”

SL): What song will you play first at Desertfest and why did you decide to open your set with this song?

Sheepy Dude: We’ll open with “Bong Thrower!” Its simple and as far as I’m concerned, the best opening track. It’s lazy slow and sets me in the right mood to go.

Alky Dude: Yeah, “Bong Thrower,” I love it’s narcotic power of hypnosis.

SL): Which bands do you want to see at Desertfest?

Sheepy Dude:  This is the best line up ever, dude! I want to go see Bongzilla, Goatsnake, Earth, Moon Duo, Causa Sui, and USA Out of Vietnam!

Alky Dude: Man, there’s a lot but Goatsnake is the one!

Band info: facebook | bandcamp

DESERTFEST BELGIUM 2015
October 9-11th at Trix Muziekcentrum – Antwerp
3 day tickets (96€) on sale HERE

Belzebong - 'Greenferno' (Album Review)

By: Hunter Young

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 20/10/2015

Label: Emetic Records

‘Inhale in Hell’ honestly is just one massive slow chug fest, filling every available space with some ridiculous throbbing string torture with a sweet backing beat. It sounds akin to a giant walking the earth, simply moving things aside without noticing. True evil blues this band has summoned, and you the listener, shall reap their rewards! From that slow, massive chugging into feedback and staccato wah picking, they have no problems slamming you up against the wall and rifling through your pockets for some loose cash.

‘Greenferno’ CD//CS//DD//LP track listing

1). Diabolical Dopenosis

2). Inhale in Hell

3). Goat Smoking Blues

4). Undertoker

The Review:

Like their forebearers Sleep, OM, High on Fire, to the newer degenerates of the Fuzz Gods like Dopethrone and Super Chief, Belzebong has simply crafted a riff mountain that will take you to the lushest sonic nirvana. From their haze covered lookout, they pump the most vibrant, riff powered  aural delights that aren't toned down for vocals. This newest offering, titled ‘Greenferno’, is for those that love to get high on the riff, with no distractions like vocals, lyrics, or anything that detracts from pure amp excess.

4 tracks long, they waste no time dragging you under the smokey currents issuing forth from their stacks, with the opener ‘Diabolical Dopenosis’ rocking your face right off. Using, but not leaning on, some sound bites from something decrying mother earth's medicines, they set the mood of a downtoned and downtuned rhythmic riff off that runs almost 9 minutes, giving you plenty of time to wind down and roll up. And from there, the album simply just gets heavier. ‘Inhale in Hell’ honestly is just one massive slow chug fest, filling every available space with some ridiculous throbbing string torture with a sweet backing beat. It sounds akin to a giant walking the earth, simply moving things aside without noticing. True evil blues this band has summoned, and you the listener, shall reap their rewards! From that slow, massive chugging into feedback and staccato wah picking, they have no problems slamming you up against the wall and rifling through your pockets for some loose cash. 

Belzebong play low, slow, and to the bluesy roots of riffing leads played with crushing rhythm guitar, splashed liberally with some wah pedal and fuzzy overdrive turned up with knobs ripped off. Its a huge sounding album, and it will rock your denim back into the heyday of guitar-centric psychedelics. The music itself is as close to perfect as you can get, balancing blues with the aforementioned heaviness, effects and production with legitimate talent, and darkness with dankness. You've heard similar, but you ain't heard better!

Belzebong hits a homerun on this album, laying down track after track of stone cold, rock solid heavy blues doom that will dig into your brain and make a nice little nest for itself. ‘Greenferno’ is going to rapidly crawl to the top of your playlists, so just let it happen.... roll in those cosmic notes as you see the planes unfold in front of you. Belzebong, forever and if you want my pick off the album, listen to the velvet rancor of ‘Undertoker', dragging you down a technicolor dirt road, where all that loose, grainy overdrive just seeps into your being. Oh yeah man, it's a fun damn time!

‘Greenferno’ will be available here from 20/10/2015.  Belzebong will be undertaking a European Tour from 02/10 including an appearance at the forthcoming Desertfest Belgium on 10/10 (info here). If you’re lucky enough to catch them in Europe, the band will have copies for sale.  Pressing info and Euro date below

Band info: facebook | bandcamp

‘Greenferno’ release:
- CD's
- Tapes (limited to 200 pcs)

- Vinyl:

         600 Black
         200 OLIVE (band color)
         200 SWAMP GREEN (Emetic color)

Belzebong Euro Tour Dates:

02.10 Würzburg / Immerhin / DE
03.10 Pratteln / Up In Smoke / CH
04.10 Freiburg / White Rabbit / DE
05.10 Strassbourg / Mudd Club / FR
06.10 Nantes / Le Scene Michelet / FR
07.10 Paris / Glazart / FR
08.10 Lyon / Hotel de la Musique / FR
09.10 TBA
10.10 Antwerp / Desertfest / BE
11.10 TBA
13.10 Amsterdam / The Cave / NL
14.10 TBA
15.10 Solingen / Waldmeister / DE
16.10 Chemnitz / Talschock / DE
17.10 München / Keep it Low / DE

The Sludgelord Presents: Belzebong 'Greenferno' Artwork & New Song Exclusive

Formed in Kielce, Poland in 2008, Belzebong have become something of a cult name on the underground scene and have created such a following, they have toured Europe many times over including an appearance at ‘Desertfest’ in 2013.  The band was last seen leaving their bong vapour across Europe in November of 2014, on their appropriately named ‘Bake the Dead’ tour. 

Having been signed to Emetic records a few years back, fans were treated to reissues of their debut record ‘Sonic Scapes & Weedy Grooves’ on vinyl for the first time, as well as the reissue of their 2013, release ‘Dungeon Vultures’ which included their original 2009 demo.  It has now been 2 long years since their last new material and 4 years since their last full length. 

The Sludgelord are psyched to see them back and present details of their forthcoming album.  Unsurprisingly they have chosen 20/4 of all days to debut new music in the form of ‘Diabolical Dopenosis’. 420 is a code-term which refers to the consumption of cannabis.  So I’ll leave it up to Belzebong to tell you more

‘Happy 420!! On this glorious day, we're presenting you with information about our second album "GREENFERNO".  It will be released later this summer by Emetic Records as a LP, CD and cassette’.

As well as releasing the official artwork for the first time, the track listing of ‘Greenferno’ is as follows

1. Diabolical Dopenosis
2. Inhale in Hell
3. Goat Smokin' Blues
4. The Undertoker

Now, hit one and listen to "Diabolical Dopenosis"



For more information

http://belzebong.bandcamp.com/ | http://www.soundofliberation.com/
david@soundofliberation.com | http://belzebong.8merch.com/