ALBUM REVIEW: Salem's Pot - "Pronounce This!"

By: Jake Wallace

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 22/07/2016
Label: RidingEasy Records

…a tripped out, fuzzy journey through the minds of these mysterious occult rockers, but hidden behind their disguises, there is a band who are certainly serious about making themselves heard and this release has all the necessary ingredients for the cauldron. Overall, 'Pronounce This!' is definitely a contender for one of the best releases of 2016

“Pronounce This!” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Tranny Takes A Trip
2). Just for Kicks
3). The Vampire Strikes Back
4). Coal Mind
5). So Gone, So Dead
6). Desire

The Review:

Swedish spooky psych outfit Salem's Pot are back with their latest release on Riding Easy Records. 'Pronounce This!' is a tripped out, fuzzy journey through the minds of the mysterious occult rockers. Hidden behind their disguises, there is a band who are certainly serious about making themselves heard and this release has all the necessary ingredients for the cauldron.

With 6 tracks resulting in around 50 minutes of eerie stoner bliss, 'Pronounce This!' delivers a huge variety of sounds and atmospheres. Their vintage style and well-established spooky vibe is something that people can appreciate and fans of this type of music will certainly get behind this release. In a world dominated by stoner rock/doom bands who are very similar, Salem's Pot stand out for taking a fresh twist on the old approach. Their fascination with horror emanates throughout the album and the freaky enigma is a great complement to the music.

The first track 'Tranny Takes A Trip' is a great opener as it sets the scene instantly with the creepy organ sounds and traditional psychedelic rock style. The breakdown has a great rolling guitar riff and the vocals soar overhead binding the lyrics to the sound. There are elements of Hawkwind present with the space-rock influences and some of the transitions are very reminiscent of The Doors. The last section of the song is a great jam with guitars and organs fusing together creating a very similar vibe to New Orleans' The Mystick Krewe of Clearlight.

'Just for Kicks' brings some other genres into the mix as Salem’s Pot seem to be able to work all angles into their craft. The track maintains the catchy, fuzzed out guitar riffs but the addition of some slide guitar brings some country/folk elements to the table. The organs hang nicely in the background and keep the ominous tones rolling through their music. There are some great transitions during the middle part of the track after the guitar solo which show the seasoned musical capabilities of this group. Around the 4 minute mark the track dies down and some effects are used in creating a very trippy backdrop to the slow guitar riff building up into a great doom section and when the drums kick in it's a fucking solid groove. The outro has another ferocious guitar riff and the rhythm section is on fire in delivering a great finish to the track.

The third track 'The Vampire Strikes Back' has a more traditional stoner rock sound with some great riffs which remind me a lot of Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats and Greenleaf. One thing that Salem's Pot are very good at is keeping your attention, there are no boring, never-ending passages. It is constant barrage of great riffs, scary vibes and fluid transitions that never slow down or get boring in any way. Another breakdown around the 5 minute mark really emphasizes the horror themes as even the guitar licks sound haunting and eerie as the track comes to a close.

The longest track (12:47) 'Coal Mind' begins with another great doom section which shows that this band has everything to offer in this genre. They can quickly transcend from the upbeat blues/country sound to an absolutely filthy piece of slow doom metal. This is what makes Salem's Pot really stand out for me as some bands want to stick to a particular area and find their comfort zone whereas these guys are extremely comfortable in all areas. Around the 5 minute mark, the effects come back into play, fuzzing away and jousting with your sanity. Some delayed guitar creates another ominous sound and you can't help think that these guys could've provided a soundtrack to every horror movie ever. This track also leans heavily on the harmony guitar styles of Thin Lizzy and the Celtic-sounding riffs are definitely present. It winds down with that same gloomy doom section from the start which I personally enjoyed thoroughly as that intro was too good to just use once.

The penultimate track 'So Gone, So Dead' is a nice breath of fresh air after the sludgy ending to 'Coal Mind'. An acoustic country song might be entirely out of place for most bands, but yet again, Salem's Pot have found their niche and it works like a charm.

The final track is 'Desire'. Probably my favourite track from the entire release, it reminds me of a Black Sabbath/Pink Floyd hybrid which is precisely what I set out to find in life. The organ sounds and patient tempo of the track is highly reminiscent of some of Floyd's more psychedelic releases but the guitar tone and riff styling has Mr Iommi written all over it. It makes me envision a desolate church in the desert with spell-casting sorcerers flocking towards it slowly, their hexes permeating the night sky. The track winds down and just as you think you've had your share of unsettling, creepy organ... think again - the outro is more than enough to raise some final goosebumps.

Overall, 'Pronounce This!' is definitely a contender for one of the best releases of 2016. Salem's Pot have a very distinct sound and have caught the attention of the stoner rock/doom world with their remarkable interpretation of horror-laced, '70s psychedelic rock.

“Pronounce This!” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

The Sludgelord Video Premiere - "Tyrants Tongue" by Greenleaf

Swedish heavy rockers Greenleaf returned with their sixth full length “A Million Fireflies” via Napalm Records way back in February, an album bustling with distorted bass, rumbling drums and fuzzy guitars,  which managed to be both raucous and measured at the same time.  Falling somewhere between Cream and Fu Manchu, but rather than just bludgeon the listener, the band combine weight with a lightness of touch- particularly with regards to the vocal melodies.  So overall, so if you like heavy rock, fuzzy guitars and vocals that stick with you then check out the exclusive video premiere of “Tyrants Tongues” below, a track which is perhaps a little more direct in approach, but always maintain a keen sense of melody and fuzz laden riffs.  

“Above The Meadow” is available here

“Above The Meadow” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. A Million Fireflies
2. Funeral Pyre
3. Howl
4. Golden Throne
5. Carry Out The Ribbons
6. Levitate And Bow (Pt. 1 & 2)
7. You´re Gonna Be My Ruin
8. Tyrants Tongue
9. Pilgrims

Band info: facebook

Greenleaf - "Rise Above The Meadow" (Album Review)

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full length
Date Released: 26/02/2016
Label: Napalm Records

Swedish heavy rockers Greenleaf return with their sixth(!) full length and “A Million Fireflies” kicks off the album with distorted bass, rumbling drums and fuzzy guitars. It manages to be both raucous and measured at the same time.  Musically, I suppose, this falls somewhere between Cream and Fu Manchu, but rather than just bludgeon the listener, the band combine weight with a lightness of touch- particularly with regards to the vocal melodies.  Overall, If you like heavy rock, fuzzy guitars and vocals that stick with you then this album is one to check out.

“Above The Meadow” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. A Million Fireflies
2. Funeral Pyre
3. Howl
4. Golden Throne
5. Carry Out The Ribbons
6. Levitate And Bow (Pt. 1 & 2)
7. You´re Gonna Be My Ruin
8. Tyrants Tongue
9. Pilgrims

The Review:

Swedish heavy rockers Greenleaf return with their sixth(!) full length. “A Million Fireflies” kicks off the album with distorted bass, rumbling drums and fuzzy guitars. It manages to be both raucous and measured at the same time, with quieter moments and an archetypical Swedish vocal- think Witchcraft...

“Funeral Pyre” is similarly earth shaking with some cracking riffs and a lovely reverb heavy drum sound. Musically, I suppose, this falls somewhere between Cream and Fu Manchu- think that sounds good? It is!  “Howl” goes for a more mellow but equally direct approach. Until a BIG riff kicks in at the three minute mark that is...

“Golden Throne” is a short, sharp ditty with a propulsive rhythm and strong melodies. “Levitate and Bow” is an expansive workout which spans over seven minutes of shifting sounds; ambitious and wholly effective. The likes of “You're Gonna Be My Ruin” and “Tyrants Tongues” are more direct in  approach, but always maintain a keen sense of melody- as the record does as a whole. Rather than just bludgeon the listener, the band combine weight with a lightness of touch- particularly with regards to the vocal melodies. “Pilgrims” finishes this fine and heavy rocking effort in style with a fine building track which is a memorable crystallisation of what the band does best. If you like heavy rock, fuzzy guitars and vocals that stick with you then this album is one to check out.

“Above The Meadow” is available here

Band info: facebook

The Moth Gatherer - "The Earth Is The Sky" (Album Review)

By: Chris Tedor

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 27/11/2015

Label: Agonia Records

The excellent songwriting continues on every track and The Moth Gatherer leaves just the perfect amount of space between the heavy and quieter parts and transitions in places that sound fresh and exciting. The way the last song on the album, “In Awe Before The Rapture,” ends even echoes Cult of Luna's “Vertikal” with an impressive melodic ambiance that few muster correctly but all fans of the genre love.  “The Earth is the Sky” was criminally overlooked on everybody's year end list, it’s never too late to check it out because it’s not just a good album, its fucking great.

“The Earth is the Sky” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Pale Expressions

2). Attacus Atlas

3). Probing the Descent of Man

4). Dyatlov Pass

5). The Black Antlers

6). In Awe Before The Rapture

The Moth Gatherer is:

Victor Wegeborn | Vocals, Guitar, Programming

Alex Stjernfeldt | Vocals. Bass

Svante Karlsson | Drums

The Review:

It's always awesome to get a review for something you already bought and loved. This was on my personal list of best albums for 2015 at number two behind Elder's seminal “Lore” and I'm more than happy to share my thoughts on it. The Moth Gatherer's second full-length “The Earth is the Sky” is a deep record that will immerse you in waves of spiralling consciousness if you let it. To begin, yes it is post-metal, but it is very, very different than almost every post-metal album I've heard. The Moth Gatherer uses some very interesting guitar effects that give the tones a very unique feel. In addition, the electronic programming is very good and very tasteful as can be seen almost immediately upon the album starting. The vocals that kick in shortly after the album start has distorted hardcore singing and some clean singing that sounds eerily like someone from Red Fang. You can tell almost immediately that THIS album is different than anything else you've heard. My favorite part of the album is the last half of the second track “Attacus Atlas” which actually has a part just past the seven minute mark which echoes the Mass Effect 3 soundtrack with some great synth programming. The best overall song of the album is the instrumental third track “Probing the Descent of Man” which has one of the best beginnings of anything I've ever heard in music. The way the electronics swirl in the background and the drums cut in is absolutely perfect. The coldness of the digital sound builds up into a construct that screams emotion, conjuring up images in your mind of ruined cities spanning the horizon.

The excellent songwriting continues on every track and The Moth Gatherer leaves just the perfect amount of space between the heavy and quieter parts and transitions in places that sound fresh and exciting. The way the last song on the album, “In Awe Before The Rapture,” ends even echoes Cult of Luna's “Vertikal” with an impressive melodic ambiance that few muster correctly but all fans of the genre love. The recording and mix on the album is great and features knob twiddling by Karl Daniel Liden known for his work drumming for Dozer and Greenleaf. The guitars sound huge and the layering of different tones, particularly on the quieter melodic sections is fantastic. All the voices can clearly be heard and sound huge. I'd also strongly recommend that you check out their first release “A Bright Celestial Light” which is also fantastic and worth checking out. “The Earth is the Sky” was criminally overlooked on everybody's year end list, it’s never too late to check it out because it’s not just a good album, its fucking great.

“The Earth is the Sky” is available here

Band info: facebook

Interview with Greenleaf @ Paradiso, Amsterdam, NL, December 8th 2015

By: Victor Van Ommen

Camera: Martin Luyckx

Greenleaf is the heavy rock power house built around guitarist Tommi Holappa. We know Tommi best from the Swedish stoner rock trailblazers Dozer. What a band that is. The status of Dozer is left somewhat in the middle – will they or won’t they? – so until we know anything more from that camp we can jump on board with Tommi’s other musical endeavor, Greenleaf. 

Greenleaf got their start around 2001. The band started out as more of a project than a band, never having a consistent line up but instead a revolving door of musicians borrowed from Dozer, Truckfighters, Lowrider, and probably every other Swedish band you know. As the years passed, the band got more and more recognition thanks in no small part to their powerful performances at our favorite parties. 

2016 is going to be an even bigger year for the band because they’re beginning to settle on a formation of musicians and are slated to release a new album on February 26^th called, “Rise Above The Meadow.” They’re just off a tour with Clutch and have released a killer lead-off single named “A Million Fireflies” which you can watch here

I got to sit down with guitarist Tommi and singer Arvid after their show with Clutch and ask them a few questions about their past, their current state, and what they hope to see happen in 2016. You can watch that interview here:

Band info: facebook

Live Review: A Day in the Belgian Desert, Desertfest Belgium, Day 2, 10 October 2015

By: Victor Van Ommen

Desertfest Belgium 2015 was my sixth Desertfest. I don’t say this to brag, I say this because I feel this is an important factor to keep into account when I say that I wasn’t blown away by Desertfest Belgium. Orange Goblin, Fatso Jetson, Dozer, Ufomammut, Causa Sui, Mars Red Sky, Monomyth, Stoned Jesus, and The Machine? Well, I’ve seen them all live before, at Desertfest. That’s not to say that this line-up was sub-par – quite the contrary, the line-up was incredible – but I’m beginning to think that every time I go to the fest, I’m stepping into the same party, again and again. Nonetheless, I was able to set that feeling aside and dive into Day 2 of Desertfest Belgium with some degree of excitement. After all, Mars Red Sky and Causa Sui would be closing out my festival experience – I needed to head out early – so this was going to turn into a pretty good Saturday.

I pulled up at the venue nice and early because in my Fine Print feature I talked trash about you guys needing to get up and at ‘em, so it was only appropriate if I did the same. For me, however, being there early had to do with running interviews with some bands so I couldn’t catch any of the early shows. What I did manage was to catch !Pendejo!’s soundcheck, which sounded pretty tough, as well as a quick glimpse of The Progerians, who, due to their time slot, had to play to a lukewarm crowd but managed to bludgeon with their doom rock just the same. Belzebong’s set passed me by, too, which keeps them up top on my catch-ya-later list.

But there’s no sense mulling about what I missed because I also saw plenty of magic happen on the fest’s three stages.As was the case with Monomyth. Even though I’ve seen this band live more times than I can count, their brand of space-rock is one of guaranteed quality, so it was a no-brainer to go see their set. Good thing, too. It was incredible. Their build-ups were spot on and as the light show pierced through the low hanging marijuana smoke the band traveled through a multitude of dimensions, taking off on a first class flight of space-rock virtuosity. The tempos shifted in such a way that only Monomyth can do, and despite having seen them before, their grip on atmosphere kept me mesmerized, once again. They're already confirmed for Desertfest Berlin in April, and I’ll undoubtedly catch their show then, too.

A quick stop at the Beer Garden was necessary after a show like Monomyth’s. I threw back a cold one and took a gander at what food the fest had on offer. There was choice between vegetarian, Eastern European, fries, cocktails, and what I dubbed “The Meat House.” The day was young so I needed a solid foundation to build upon, so The Meat House it was. One Pulled Pork Sandwich and a Johnny Cash burger later and I was ready to take on Greenleaf.

Greenleaf is a band that I want to like considering Tommi Holappa’s involvement, but on record they just don’t do it for me. There’s no click. I’m willing to lay the blame for that on myself because up on stage the band nailed it. Holappa threw himself around like a bull in a china shop, strumming out riffs that reminded of Dozer but drew from a deep blues. His sound was thick and raw, which is something that doesn’t translate for me on their recorded efforts. The biggest surprise, however, was how singer Arvid Jonsson took the role of frontman to heart, putting on one of the most interesting performances of the fest. He’s got the pipes and the looks to do so with, and though he missed a note here and there, it was his passion before perfection attitude that had me hooked. All these elements came together best in “Ocean Deep,” which resulted in winning me over as a fan of their live show.

Greenleaf turned into Mars Red Sky, a band that has a special place in my record collection. From the moment I heard the album teaser for their debut, I was hooked. Their appearance at the inaugural Desertfest in Berlin played a huge role in why I went to Germany that April, and I still talk about that show to this day. The fuzz, the heft, the melody, the tempo, the thematics – it’s all there, and these factors are accentuated in a live setting. Their show at Desertfest Belgium may not have been as impressive as that in Berlin, but that has more to do with the power of first impressions than the band’s performance. They were in good form on the Canyon Stage, extremely confident, and slowed their songs down to a snail’s pace, melting our brains in the process. 

Considering how Mars Red Sky turned my brain to mush, I skipped out on Orange Goblin. I saw them headline in Berlin last April, which made my decision to check out USA Out of Vietnam easier. Turns out I wouldn’t be able to watch USA Out of Vietnam after all due to some internal scheduling conflict, so up the stairs I went for Causa Sui.

Causa Sui was, as expected, right on. They tore off with some cuts from 2013’s “Euporie Tide” before bending our minds with a new cut. Even though Causa Sui have moved onto some improvisational projects since “Euporie Tide,” the new stuff seems to be in line with the classic songs from their 2013 album, perhaps with a little more edge. Causa Sui jammed until the stage manager told them to stop, which they responded to by playing another new song that made my mind ‘pop.’ I expected the house lights to go up some time during this last song because the band was way over time. Luckily that didn’t happen and Causa Sui was allowed to close out my Desertfest Belgium experience in a state of psychedelic bliss.

That’s right, I left without seeing the day’s headliner, Earth, destroy the main stage. One part of me wanted to hang around for that but considering the three hour drive ahead of me and a 9am role call at work, the voice of reason convinced me to get my ass in the car. A good Desertfest nonetheless, but in the future I would like to see a little more diversity in the line-ups.

I’d like to send a shout out to Claire and Dimitri at Desertfest for providing me with the opportunity to check out the festival as a Sludgelord representative. Thanks to Aaron Pickford, too, for coordinating this whole thing.

Greenleaf - Trails & Passes - Album Review

Greenleaf

Trails & Passes

Small Stone

May 2014

The band:

Bengt Bäcke - bass guitar

Sebastian Olsson - drums

Tommi Holappa - guitar

Arvid Jonsson - vocals

The songs:

1. Our Mother Ash

2. Ocean Deep

3. Equators

4. Depth Of The Sun

5. Humans

6. With Eyes Wide Open

7. The Drum

8. Bound To Be Machines

9. Trails & Passes

Alright it seems that I again have to to be the village fool. 'Trails & Passes' is my fellow Swedes' 5th full-length but up til now I have never heard of them. I know I should be more than ashamed especially since I like guitarist Tommi Holappa's other band Dozer. Let me blame it on having lived in the States for too long. Regardless my pettiness I am glad this album was sent my way because the trippy, spaced out stoner-psych Greenleaf are playing is absolutely fantastic. And it gives me some backtracking to do since these bonged-out Swedes are well worth checking up on.

Guitarist Tommi Holappa and bassist Bengt Bäcke are the only mainstays through the band's career and this time they have brought in singer Arvid Jonsson and drummer Sebastian Olsson. And this new constellation don't disappoint. Of course, I don't what their previous releases sounds like but that doesn't matter because Greenleaf lets the riffs and the groove dictate this wax.

A bluesy riff starts off opener 'Our Mother Earth' before the band launches into a barnstormer of a song. Leaning heavily into heavy rock of the 70's it's a brilliant starter indeed. Going for groove and jam 'Ocean Deep' builds up slowly until this psych-sounding piece kind of explodes in the second half with a brutal guitar solo. Starting almost like 'Mississippi Queen', 'Equators' quickly turns into a stoner tune mixed with a good pinch of power blues of the highest order. Amazing, you hear?!?!?! It's back to groove and spaced out rock on 'Depth Of The Sun'. Almost like a Clutch song with John Garcia or Mark Lanegan on vocals 'Humans' is that type of song that builds up increasingly in parts. Slightly different but very good.

'With Eyes Wide Open' takes us on a trip and a half. Just stick your nose in the rose in the hole and it smells like a dream if you know what I mean. An awesome space trip on the slower side so just close your eyes and you'll be somewhere else, somewhere good! Knee deep in blues with blistering guitar work and some heavy hitting drumming 'The Drum' is over too quickly. Remedy is right around the corner though in 'Bound To Be Machines'. Greenleaf play some real good riff-infested stoner here with Arvid sounding like Mark Lanegan which is a big plus in my book. Round of the album is the title track and the Screaming Trees references are here in abundance and I love it. Musically it's more spacey and stoner than the Trees ever were. It's in the vocal delivery and the harmonies it comes out and it is amazing.

Well, what can I say? A better introduction than this to a "new" band is virtually impossible. 'Trails & Passes' took me by storm and it is constantly growing which is a great trait in a great album. Not only that, it also has given me a purpose, a strong purpose, in getting my hands on the band's other releases. These guys are way too good to be ignored so get off your asses and investigate and invest in Greenleaf!

Håkan Nyman

Thanks to Small Stone Recordings for sending ourselves a promo to review. Trails & Passes will be available to buy from May 13th 2014 on CD/DD from Small Stone Recordings on BandCamp and their official website.

Check The Band From Links Below

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Greenleaf - 'Nest of Vipers' (Album Review)

By: John Slaymaker

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 12/6/2012 

Label: Small Stone Recordings

 

‘Tree of Life’ has a fantastic psychedelic introduction and Truckfighters vocalist Oskar Cederamalm gives his all during the verses with slightly dreamy sequences which lead into some sweet band wig out’s.  The beauty of this album is that each song is an epic stoner masterpiece, each song is completely different from the next with epic structuring and assorted vibes and grooves

‘Nest of Vipers’ CD//DD//LP tracklisting

1) Jack Staff (4:10)

2) Case of Fidelity (4:01)

3) Lilith (4:07)

4) Tree of life (4:07)

5) Dreamcatcher (3:54)

6) At the Helm (5:47)

7) Sunken ships (4:11)

8) The Timelines History (4:06)

9) Nest of Vipers (A Multitude of Sins) (8:12)

Greenleaf is

Tommi Holappa | Guitar

Bengt Backe | Bass

Olle Marthans | Drums

Johan Rockner | Guitar

Oskar Cederalmam | Vocals

The Review

Immediately as ‘Jack Staff’ comes in bouncing off the back of the guitar intro to be blown across the room by this formidable huge sound. Reminiscent of Dozer and Demon Cleaner but that’s ok because Greenleaf is made out of members from those bands and more. Former and current members from Lowrider and Truckfighters too

Tracks like ‘Case of Fidelity’ and ‘Lilith’ sound a lot like they should be on Dozer albums, especially the latter,  but that again is ok too. With Tommi Holappa’s exciting and exuberant guitar riffs and licks he makes this album stand out from the rather crowded stoner scene for sheer quality of the song writing.  Greenleaf truly are a super group of the Swedish underground.

‘Tree of Life’ has a fantastic psychedelic introduction and Truckfighters vocalist Oskar Cederamalm gives his all during the verses with slightly dreamy sequences which lead into some sweet band wig out’s.  The beauty of this album is that each song is an epic stoner masterpiece, each song is completely different from the next with epic structuring and assorted vibes and grooves. Just listen to ‘At the Helm’ clocking in at 5:47 with its wave smashing riffs; it is a serious contender to fight off a Kraken any day.

Now the most commercial track is the four minute perfect pop of ‘Sunken Ships’ which really does immediately remind me of the Foo Fighters at their stadium filling best.  Oh well!  The last track clocks in at over eight minutes and is called ‘Nest of Vipers (A Multitude of Sins)’ and is my favourite by far.  As a very typical and catchy opening guitar line of about four or five notes at most but with timing and pace to kill for, complete with real chilled out vocals and slow fuzzy breaks accompanied by Hammond splurges creating just the right atmosphere.  Hazy, warm and stoned. This band Greenleaf, 12 years old and five corking albums under their belts.... not bad for a side project eh?

You can buy the DD and Limited Edition vinyl here

FFO: Truckfighters, Dozer, Lowrider, Demon Cleaner

 

Band info: Facebook