ALBUM REVIEW: Geezer, "Groovy"

By: Chris Markwell

Album Type:  Full Length

Date Released: 12/06/2020

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds Records

“Groovy” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1.) Dig
2.) Atlas Electra
3.) Dead Soul Scroll
4.) Awake
5.) Groovy
6.) Drowning On Empty
7.) Slide Mountain
8.) Black Owl

The Review:

Let me get this straight: Geezer are a groovy band?
Yes, but also, they have a new album which is called Groovy.
I see.  So, groovy band Geezer create groovy record Groovy.  Which sounds… groovy. 

Well, this sounds… harmonious. 

In all seriousness, New York’s stoner trio have put their needle down and hit the groove just right on their upcoming release, due out 12^th June 2020 and released from Heavy Psych Sounds Records.  It’s following on from 2017’s “Psychoriffadelia” LP, and the 2019 EP “Spiral Fires”, and “Groovy” certainly does exactly what it says on the tin.  I’m honestly trying not to judge a book by its cover, but when the cover literally says what to expect, and the music delivers on that expectation… I mean, what’s a boy to do?

Groove is in the heart, so saith the Lord, and Geezer duly preach the word on this album.  If Pantera were a power groove band, Geezer are their stoner equivalent.  Each of the eight songs on display here are geared to make your body move to their rhythm.  I dare you – I double dare you – to try and listen through without tapping your foot or nodding your head.  It’s impossible. 

Like a mellowed out Kyuss jamming with Clutch, Geezer sound heavy without having to be frantic about it.  The album’s songs are meticulously paced to make you move at a cruising speed, rather than a pedal to the metal frenzy.  It makes for a much more laid-back journey, ‘Atlas Electra’ being a fine example of this.  It uses slide guitar, multiple guitar overdubs on the solos, and a steady building of texture to turn it from this initially simple riff and drum duet, to this rolling juggernaut of slow speed but undeniable force and power.  

The title track of the album includes Hammond organs, an overture of thick guitar riffs, bass badassery and drum domination which reminded me of a souped-up version of Electric Eel Shock’s ‘My Favourite No. 9’, with ‘Groovy’ being an ode to the raw joy of music, unlike EES’s ode to lead singer Akihito Morimoto’s favourite things in life.  ‘Groovy’ comes from a pure power source: a genuinely feel-good stoner smash that draws a smile on your face that would rival the Cheshire Cat’s. 

“Groovy” by name, groovy by contents.  Eight standout love songs to the gorgeous witch that is the Sick Riff.  Ash from the Evil Dead would absolutely rock to this while shopping smart… shopping S-Mart. 

“Groovy” is available HERE

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Disastroid, "Mortal Fools"

By: Peter Morsellino 

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 14/02/2020

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds Records

“Mortal Fools” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. 8hr Parking
2. Hopeless
3. Mortal Fools
4. The Crewser
5. Reset
6. Bilge
7. Insect Mind
8. Deep Well
9. Space Rodent

The Review:

San Francisco's Disastroid returns with an eclectic mix of hard hitting rock tunes. Acid dripping desert rock intermingles with fuzzed out doom and grimy proto-grunge to create a nonstop rollercoaster of riffs.

Brooding melancholy reminiscent of Alice in Chains mixes well with an overarching sense that these guys are having a great time. This dynamic is the driving force behind the album. “Mortal Fools” is a litany of contrasts, without becoming contradictory.  A yin and a yang that keeps this record spinning. 

Tracks like “Reset” greet us with a familiar bouncy rock and roll sound not unlike early Mudhoney.  In stark contrast are songs like the aptly titled “Hopeless”, with moody tones painting a bleak picture.  Keep an ear out for closing track “Space Rodent”, a bluesy romp with some delightfully crunchy guitars and an Oh so funky bass.

And speaking of the bass. I would be remiss to not make a special note of the incredible talents of bassist Travis Williams, whose superb tones lead this album straight to the top of the pile. From chunky distorted riffs to funky romps and bouncing passages, this guy is a star for sure.

“Mortal Fools” is an album that needs to be heard.  It needs to be experienced.  There is a sense of nostalgia running throughout it, but more so, a sense of origin. Disastroid takes us back to where it all began, reminding us of why we fell in love with these gritty filthy rock songs. Give it a listen. You won't regret.

“Mortal Fools” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Mondo Generator, "Shooters Bible"

By: Peter Morsellino

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 28/02/2020

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds Records

“Shooter’s Bible” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Dead Silence
2. Invisible Like the sky
3. Burn a Bridge
4. Won’t Let Go
5. Central Nervous System High (School)
6. This Isn’t Love
7. We Are Mondo Generator
8. Smashed Apart
9. Dog Food
10. Night Calls
11. Hang Me High
12. The Way I Let You Down
13. The Last Train

The Review: 

Here it is folks, the moment you've all be waiting for. The long lost “Shooter's Bible” by Desert Rock mainstays Mondo Generator. Three words: Worth The Wait.

Now while we have heard many of these songs reworked and rerecorded on 2012's “Hell Comes to Your Heart”, it is immediately apparent that this is a different animal entirely. A dirtier, angrier, much more dangerous animal. This is rock and roll as it was meant to be heard.

Now, I'm not one of those people who feels the need to deride something for sounding good. I personally always found the notion silly. There were a million reasons to take these songs and polish them into what we heard on “Hell Comes to Your Heart”. Tastes change. Maybe the draw of commercial appeal was too hard to exist. “Hell Comes Your to Heart” doesn't suffer for sounding as good as it does. Not one bit.

What we have here on “Shooter's Bible”, though, is raw and uncut, unpolished and magical. Those songs that you loved on “Hell Comes to Your Heart” now stand before you naked, dripping in afterbirth and screaming. It's natural. I believe this to be what Nick Oliveri's head sounds like. We even have the gritty cover of Iggy Pop's "Dog Food" back on the album proper (a track that I can't neglect to note features the drum work of a very talented young upstart by the name of Dave Grohl). This is the way the album was conceived, the way it was meant to be heard, reminiscent of the deluxe edition of Sublime's self titled, but with so much more to offer.

Once again, none of this makes “Hell Comes to Your Heart” a bad album. It's just a different take.  I for one am glad to have both albums. To compare and contrast. To hear the evolution.

No doubt, this release will prove to be divisive amongst hardcore Mondo Generator fans. But either as a peek into the history of what could have been or as a damn fine gritty rock and roll record on its own, it deserves a listen at the very least.

“Shooter’s Bible” is available HERE

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Ryte, "Ryte"

By: Peter Morsellino

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 17/01/2020

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

“Ryte” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Raging Mammoth

2). Shaking Pyramid

3). Monolith

4). Invaders

The Review

Who's got the funk?  Ryte's got the funk.  And these fast rising stars of Psychedelia are willing to share it with you on their self titled debut.  With bone rattling grooves and an ear for the cosmos, Ryte is going on a trip and they're taking you with them.

Across the albums forty minute listening time, the thunderous grooves are prevalent.  Bass is the driving force behind this band. Psychedelic jams abound in a swirling sea of galactic jelly, drums shift from earth shaking to swinging, while that funky ass bass keeps you dancing.  Couple that with some of the best used gratuitous wah wah guitars this side of a porno, and you have some killer, trippy acid grooves.

Ryte begins its debut with the rumbling “Raging Mammoth”. With bouncy seventies style riffing and guitar licks to put a smile on any hippies face, this track quickly melds into an all out stoner romp. It’ll have you moving the whole time.

“Shaking Pyramid” starts off as a solid acid rock jam. The groove is good, beat is hard, good stuff. And then they take it in a whole new direction. That bass, those drums.  What am I listening to?  Whatever it is I'm happy to say I love it.

“Monolith” brings us right back to that hammering pace.  Stoner riffs abound as the drums and bass pound out that groove that Ryte just refuse to let go of.  Vocals are introduced into the mix as haunting cries from within the void, creating a surprising but very welcome effect.

We close things out with “Invaders”. A trippy trek through time and space.  Another great funky bass and drum combo kicks in while a hypnotic guitar tries to take complete control of the listener. Let it take you, dear reader, let it compel you to dance.

In a world progressively losing its mind, Ryte offers up some simple pleasures.  A chance to shed the weight of life and have some fun. This is a good time record, whether odds used to enhance them or start them up. Ryte being the funk and they bring it well.

“Ryte” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Acid Mammoth, "Under Acid Hoof"

By: Andrew Davie

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 24/01/2020

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

“Under Acid Hoof” CD//DD//LP track listing

1). Them!

2). Tree Of Woe

3). Tusks Of Doom

4). Jack The Riffer

5). Under Acid Hoof

The Review:

Acid Mammoth, from Greece, delivers with their sophomore release “Under Acid Hoof”. As the title implies, listeners will be bombarded with all of the standard hallmarks of excellent doom, stoner, and sludge metal in the form of thick distorted riffs.

While Acid Mammoth has managed to capitalize on the staples of the genre, at no point is it derivative. They establish themselves as a band that will help to define the genre in the future. The album only has five tracks, but the shortest song clocks in at almost four and a half minutes. The opening track “Them!” sets the scene for what will follow: a slow tempo assault with a melodic delivery of vocals and instruments creating a landscape incorporating all the elements fans have come to expect.

Acid Mammoth has constructed a stellar album with song titles such as “Tree of Woe”, “Tusks of Doom”, and “Jack The Riffer”, which set the scene for what to expect. Acid Mammoth demonstrates both playfulness with a pun on Jack The Ripper, as well as more straightforward doom titles in “Tree of Woe” which refers to a scene from the film Conan the Barbarian. Listening to the band, one gets the sonic experience of a wooly mammoth trapped in a tar pit, as it slowly sinks into extinction.

Acid Mammoth sets the bar high with this album. I’m looking forward to more from them in the future.

“Under Acid  Hoof” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Yawning Man, ‘Macedonian Lines’

By: Andrew Field

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 14/06/2019

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

What you have here is sublimely crafted and utterly beautiful musical moments which don’t outstay their welcome and leave you wanting more.

‘Macedonian Lines’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Virtual Funeral

2. Macedonian Lines

3. Melancholy Sadie

4. Bowie's Last Breath

5. I'm Not An Indian (But I Play One On TV)

6. I Make Weird Choices

The Review:

It has often been said that bands who stick around forever eventually lose some or all of their creative pulse and start churning out music of ever-decreasing relevance and quality. That claim can be laid at the feet of so many acts: from the Rolling Stones to Helmet and Aerosmith to Metallica. Those groups might remain incendiary in a live setting but let’s be honest – when was the last time you listened to “A Bigger Bang”, “Dead to The World”, “Music from Another Dimension” or “Hardwired…. To Self-Destruct?”

Kudos then to Yawning Man for turning that theory on its head by brewing up their best works thirty-odd years into their musical journey. Those generator parties outside La Quinta in the Californian desert in the mid-1980s must feel like a long time ago to sonic travellers Mario Lalli and Garcy Arce, but the spirit of those events can still be found deep within the grooves of “Macedonian Lines”.

If their stunning 2016 third album “Historical Graffiti” started a purple patch, last year’s “The Revolt Against Tired Noises” consolidated their reputation as masters of their art. Ambient and achingly melancholy, it tingled and shone and soared and sounded like heaven. “Macedonian Lines” wisely doesn’t try to trump it. There was no point them trying: nothing will ever better “Black Kite” which opened that 2018 opus.

On this new record the trio take their “less is more” approach one step further: from the flab-free 31-minute running time to the effortless ease with which these six tracks roll and undulate without any unnecessary excess. Whilst all the Yawning Man trademarks are present and correct, “Macedonian Lines” belongs to four-stringer Mario Lalli. His bass owns this album, underpinning everything. On seven-minute opening cut “Virtual Funeral” Gary Arce’s instantly familiar guitar progressions are anchored by Lalli’s fat, fuzzed bassline and from there on his presence dominates the album’s sound.

The title track reeks of wide-open spaces and is pure musical cinema, whilst “Melancholy Sadie”’s echo-drenched sweet gloop of multi-tracked, picked guitar notes builds into a thick and filling sonic melange. An album highlight is “I’m Not A Real Indian”’s elegiac final 50-second sprint, which motors along and will sound fantastic this summer with the top down on a mid-American highway. It’s the kind of musical moment you don’t ever want to end.

They leave the best to last. Final cut “I Make Weird Choices” is a monster, gliding along until it’s explosive coda before fading into an unassuming close which neatly defines everything that’s great about Yawning Man. Lalli’s rumbling, guttural bass is the perfect counterpoint to Arce’s lush soloing, with Bill Stinson’s subtle drum work giving both of them acres of room to breathe. No showing off, just sublimely crafted and utterly beautiful musical moments which don’t outstay their welcome and leave you wanting more.

When “Macedonian Lines” ends, all you want to do is listen to more Yawning Man because nothing else will do. And that is why this defining, vital band is as important today as it was way back in 1986. Long may they reign.

‘Macedonian Lines’ is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

TRACK PREMIERE: 1782 deliver the perfect blend of stoner doom with "Oh Mary"

In 1782 Anna Göldi was condemned, she was tortured and killed, this was the last witchcraft trial in Europe. Fast forward to the present day and in honor of all the "witches" murdered by the bigoted minds of many generations, Italian duo Marco Nieddu and Gabriele Fancellu formed the stoner doom band 1782 and today at THE SLUDGELORD you can check out a brand new track by the band entitled “Oh Mary” which is taken from their debut album “1782” set for release on May 24th 2019 via Heavy Psych Sounds. Now douse those fires with water, turn up the volume and prepare to let your speakers die!!! You can preorder the album HERE

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Brant Bjork, "Mankind Woman"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 14/09/2018

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

The new album is an experience and should be taken in as a whole. It’s an album that flows, jumps, and jives. It’s what Brant wants to do. It’s the Brant we know. It’s the Brant we love. Long story short, this album is a fine extension to his varied discography.

“Mankind Woman” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Chocolatize

2. Lazy Wizards

3. Charlie Gin

4. Mankind Woman

5. Pisces

6. Swagger & Sway

7. Somebody

8. Pretty Hairy

9. Brand New Old Times

10. 1968

11. Nation Of Indica

The Review:

Brant's a cool dude. That's a fact, Jack. Be it his cool blues of 'Saved by Magic,' or the cool drummer-dude-from-Kyuss-on-a-solo-trip with 'Jalamanta,' all the way to the cool-guy-on-a-couch vibe of 'Local Angel.' No matter which album you pick up, one thing’s for certain; Brant's cool. Always has been. And if his new album, 'Mankind Woman' is anything to go by, Brant will remain cool.

This time out, Brant's joined by Bubba DuPree on the songwriting credits. You know Bubba as the guitarist on Brant's last 2 albums. Brant has also opened the studio door for his 'special guest' Sean Wheeler, who steps behind the mic on 2 tracks. By opening up this release to the influences of his friends, Brant is also opening up his mind to a new songwriting approach.

Don't fret, Brant's box riffs and blues solos are still here. The 60’s and 70’s are still very much at the forefront. As is Brant’s desert home. It’s just that this time out, Brant’s given his riffs even more room to breathe. This is found in his slow, almost reggae like approach to how he performs these songs. And it’s also abundant in the album's production. The space creates a much more open atmosphere this time out. Certainly in comparison to his 3 album run over at Napalm Records. With this approach, Brant brings the listener directly to the studio. Don’t be shy. Come on in, the door's open!

Given that riffs have more space to breathe, so do the songs. The general pace on this album is slower but no less ripe for some good time live jamming. Yeah, there's a scorcher here and there, but for the most part, Brant has cooled down considerably and is playing it cool. And that's cool by me.

There's no sense cherry picking songs for this review. The new album is an experience and should be taken in as a whole. It’s an album that flows, jumps, and jives. It’s what Brant wants to do. It’s the Brant we know. It’s the Brant we love. Long story short, this album is a fine extension to his varied discography.

So if it's cool you're looking for, dig in to 'Mankind Woman.' The world's tense enough as it is nowadays, certainly for Brant as an American artist, so why not give yourself the opportunity to enjoy the things you love. Be it your partner, your weed or your rock and roll, there's something on this new Brant album that'll help you put things into perspective. Just be cool and let it happen.

“Mankind Woman” is available here

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Yawning Man, ‘The Revolt Against Tired Noises’

By: Andrew Field

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 06/07/2018

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

Yawning Man have upped their game. They’ve always been life affirming, but now they’re just plain vital. ‘The Revolt Against Tired Noises’ is nothing short of sheer sonic perfection.

 ‘The Revolt Against Tired Noises’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Black Kite
2. Revolt Against Tired Noises
3. Skyline Pressure
4. Grant’s Heart
5. Violent Lights
6. Catamaran
7. Misfortune Cookies
8. Ghost Beach

The Review:

It’s been a long, strange and beautiful ride for Yawning Man. From their infamous generator parties in the Californian deserts in the late 1980s to their stunning 2016 third album ‘Historical Graffiti’, guitarist Gary Arce and bassist Mario Lalli have built their musical legacy at a snail’s pace and with scant regard for commercial considerations. Their lush, trippy, widescreen instrumental compositions have thrilled those in the know, with live shows becoming borderline religious experiences. ‘The Revolt Against Tired Noises’ is easily and by some stretch the best Yawning Man album to date.

Opening cut ‘Black Kite’ is the finest piece of music they’ve put their name to. Indeed, it might just be the most perfect five minutes of rock you’ll wrap your ears around in 2018. Ambient, achingly melancholy, it tingles and shines and soars and sounds like heaven. There are several other equally breath-taking Yawning Man classics here, but the big curve ball and shock news for hardcore fans is that two songs feature Mario Lalli on vocals. And wonderful they are too: ‘Grant’s Heart’ benefits from his wondrous syrupy crooning, adding a whole new emotional layer over the sumptuous lead guitar lines underneath. The second sung song sees Yawning Man finally commit ‘Catamaran’ to vinyl: their own composition, but one made famous by Kyuss on the stoner kings 1995 album ‘The Circus Leaves Town’.

Yawning Man have upped their game. They’ve always been life affirming, but now they’re just plain vital. ‘The Revolt Against Tired Noises’ is nothing short of sheer sonic perfection.

‘The Revolt Against Tired Noises’ is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM PREMIERE: "Filthy Flowers Of Doom" by Italian heavyweights TONS

“Filthy Flowers of Doom" is Tons' second full length album. Five tracks of in your face sludge/doom metal riffs, tight drumming and a demonic voice all characterize the latest effort from Turin’s finest. Low-league occultism and weed devotion are the basis of this crushing album that will drag you into a sulphurous and sabbathian void. “Filthy Flowers of Doom” is recorded by Danilo “Deepest Sea” Battocchio, while mastering is helmed by Brad Boatright (Sleep, NAILS, Obituary) at Audiosiege (USA).Today you can check out the album in full before its official release on 20^th April, let doom flow. Preorder here

Band info: facebook

ALBUM PREMIERE: High Reeper's debut self titled album is doom in which we trust

Formed in 2016, HIGH REEPER and originally started as a studio band, it rapidly became apparent that these songs were meant to be heard live and loud. The band made their debut in the Philly stoner rock scene in early 2017 with success, which was followed up by the recording of their self-titled debut in May. With a sound deeply rooted in modern stoner rock, while still giving a nod to the earliest Sabbath records, HIGH REEPER's first offering is driven by pounding rhythms, thick guitars and soaring, screeching vocals. Running from uptempo straightforward rock to slowed-down, heavy, early doom, with a rhythm section throwing down grooves that are deeper than the darkest abyss and guitars big enough to put a hole in your chest, HIGH REEPER is meant to be played loud and on repeat!.  With the album set for release on vinyl for the first time via Heavy Psych Sounds on Friday 16^th March, it gives us great pleasure to be able to debut this album in full below for your listening pleasure. Preorder/buy this joint here

    

Band info: Facebook

ALBUM PREMIERE: Fuzz Popvli deliver "The Fuzz of The Gods" on debut "Fuzz Dei"

"Fvzz Dei" which in latin means "The Fuzz Of The Gods", is the debut album of the roman fuzz trio Fvzz Popvli. Featuring members of the bands The Wisdoom and Beesus , "Fvzz Dei" will be released via Heavy Psych Sounds on 22^nd September  and is a grandstand example of fuzz sounds, an amalgamation of garage rock and powerhouse song writing, catchy hooks and most importantly Queens of the Stone Age-style riffing, you can check out “Fuzz Dei” in full below, this is music for the gods.  You can preorder/buy the album here

Band info: bandcamp

ALBUM PREMIERE: Deadsmoke’s new record “Mountain Legacy” comes crashing down like the heavens themselves have cracked

You like your doom loud and vicious?  Then ask no more because today you shall receive it, indeed straight out of the ethereal haze and armed with a tone that could rupture the tectonic plate, Deadsmoke’s new record “Mountain Lagacy” comes crashing down like the heavens themselves have cracked. 

“Mountain Legacy” is set for release via Heavy Psych Sounds on 29^th September and is the natural evolution for the band, whilst the album retains their archetypal deep fuzz guitar tone and the snarl of the bass, as a follow up to their 2015  self titled debut, “Mountain Legacy” ups the stakes and takes the listener on  a aural journey their debut only dared touch upon, a perfect juxtaposition of light and shade, this album is ultimately cavernous scale and could literally reduce mountains to dust.   

Taking cues from the likes of Conon, Monolord and the mighty Sleep, stylistic it may be rudimentary metal, but this is bludgeoning stuff and maddeningly effective doomentia, that will infect your mind and rattle your soul.  “Mountain Legacy” is available for preorder/buy here and you can check out the album in full below. 

Band info: bandcamp || facebook