The Sludgelord "Sour 16" for March 2016

The Sludgelord’s ‘Sour 16’ is back to present another selection of the finest riffs around.  You know the deal, each month, you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  To put it simply, the ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

So here is the The Sludgelord’s ‘Sour 16’ for March 2016.   Dig in, spread the word and perhaps revisit some records you may have overlooked.  The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. So roll up, kick back, chug a beer and Hail the riff! All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red)

16). Mondo Drag – “The Occultation of Light” (316)

Compared to their self-titled from last year ’The Occultation Of Light’ is more intense and direct in its offering. Yet similarly to that previous effort, the album’s strength again lies rather in that which is left unsaid. What can also be heard is a matured band more comfortable in delving into different frames of mind, knowing full well how to stay the course on an even keel, paying reverence to their array of influences yet earnestly exploring previously uncharted territories.

15). Burn Thee Insects - “Droid Intelligence” (317)

The album starts with "Hydroponics," a killer track that pulls out all the stops. This song sets the tone immediately with a rough and tumble riff and monotone vocals. In a nutshell, this is the Burn Thee Insects sound. "Concrete Pillow" carries the torch of the opener into some heavy plodding, reminding a bit of Mars Red Sky, an influence that rears its head again in the slower "Through the Fog.” The riffs that Burn Thee Insects bring to the fore are compelling enough that even though we are four months removed from the release date; it’s still worth noting that "Droid Intelligence" exists and that it is recommended by us here at The Sludgelord.

14). Latitudes – “Old Sunlight” (326)

Their crunchy take on Pelican’s colossal ambition shot through with Mastodon’s progressive grit is as potent as ever, particularly evident on the monstrous “Altarpieces”. “Old Sunlight” is no retread of former glories though, every track crackles with the energy of the band expanding their horizons.“Ordalian” and “Gyre” are riddled with frantic black metal-influenced tremolo picking, injecting an air of grandiose melody to the Latitudes already epic sound. “Old Sunlight” consolidates all that was great about Latitudes and stretches it in intriguing new directions to intoxicating effect. Hopefully they won’t leave another four years until the next time.

13). RIP – “In The Wind” (333)

This is a doom record, for sure, but of the vintage variety and with a distinctly American flavour. Retro in approach, satisfying in content, R.I.P. are a welcome addition to the great tradition of rebel outsiders which litter the US cultural highways; get your motor running: R.I.P. are here!

12). Beastmaker – “Lusus Naturae” (346)

“Lusus Naturae” is a fine entry into the Book of Doom; and one that points towards great things to come. With the backing of Rise Above Records, the band are sure to become cult favourites. The upcoming April UK tour seems like one to catch while the band is still playing smaller venues. Definitely check this record out and find out for yourself.

11). Ifrinn – “Ifrinn” (355)

  

I’ve spent a lot of my life listening to 90s black metal, and those bands seeking to duplicate that sound in the present. There are bands that that can do it well, even if they’re outright re-using another band's ideas. That’s not Ifrinn. This isn’t a clone band. They’re a band entrenched in the past creating music that would be revered alongside the classics of that era, were it released at the same time. Instead, “Ifrinn”is one of the great black metal albums of 2016, despite looking backward rather than forward.

10). Station Twenty7 – “Beyond The Darkness” (364)

“Before The Gates” lets you know exactly what you are in for; thrash metal, no more and no less- resolutely traditional but with strong production, world class hooks and world class performances on display.

09). Zun – “Burial Sunrise” (379)

The slowness of “All That You Say I Am” or the moment in “All For Nothing” that the bass loses its raunchiness and transforms into a lush swelling of lower tones, define this record. The mood is laid back, the pretense is absent, and the vocals that drift by like a breeze on a cold night add up to something special. “Burial Sunrise” is a record that is musically spot on as well as one that encapsulates the spirit and soul of Desert rock.

08). Monomyth - “Exo” (380)

The quintet from The Hague deal in a potent brand of Hawkwind-style space rock, driven by relentless krautrock rhythms, coated in a sticky stoner fuzz. The band employs hypnotic repetition to cosmic effect throughout the five tracks that make up new LP“Exo”. The languid “Uncharted” begins the voyage, a minimal groove emerging from a cloud of intergalactic synth squall. The highlight of “Exo” though comes in the form of the hulking robotic funk of “LHC”, a huge ten minute propulsive groove, powered by layers of pulsing electronics and choppy riffs. Imagine Zombi covering the theme from Knight Rider with a little help from Colour Haze. “Exo” is a compelling journey to the outer limits. Monomyth will have no problems enlisting willing recruits to join them on this trip to the beyond.

07). Capsized – “Overwhelming the Circles” (386)

Gravelly harsh vocals collide with discordant riffs that get glued inside your mind very quickly and the off centre type riffs remind me of what Hydra Head Records used to do. The weight of this album is intense and at times an immeasurable force that can be uplifting and downtrodden at the same time, which is great to hear in songwriting these days. Things are stirring in the South, that’s for sure, and I know for a fact it has more to offer than just NOLA. Keep listening, keep looking. Capsized is one that’s moving and gaining momentum!

06). Tombs – “All Empires Fall” (407)

Tombs are swiftly becoming a force to be reckoned with in today's bloated extreme metal landscape. They are a band that take no prisoners and continue to push the envelopes in terms of originality. This EP is quite simply exceptional. Mike Hill's vocals are more acerbic than in previous efforts as the blackened riffs from Hill and Evan Void are full of contempt as they burn and scrape like razorwire being dragged across bare skin.

05). New Keepers of The Water Towers  - “ Infernal Machine” (517)

Whilst the tracks are lengthy, the album as a whole does not feel too long. Not once will you find yourself wanting to hit skip. New Keepers of the Water Towers are a hidden gem of a band, mixing the influences of heroes such as Pink Floyd and King Crimson along with modern day prog masters such as Opeth and Steven Wilson is not an easy trick, but New Keepers …pull it off excellently.

04). Elephant Tree – “Elephant Tree” (680)

If you’re on a quest for the next hit of sludgy psychedelic riffing to satisfy your music addiction, Elephant Tree is the thing to go for. They offer up the heaviness of slow, European doom and counter it with a classic rock swing. This is blended seamlessly with melody, both in the riffing as well as the vocals, drawing as much from the annals of rock music as it does from the modern stoner scene. The album is made up of riffs that beg to be played over and despite the amount of repetition Elephant Tree does in fact use, the inherent quality of these riffs is that they aren’t given their due no matter how many times they get thrown at us. The quality of this album will prove itself once year-end list season comes around.

03). Curse The Son – “Isolator” (720)

Massive fuzzy riffs, wailing vox and swinging rhythms abound from the off. The production is spot on; nice and live sounding with care and attention applied (double tracked vocals) to make the record sound thorough and mapped out. The title track shows all of the aforementioned in abundance. Ron Vanacore delivers his vocals with full conviction, all the while laying down tar thick riffs. “Gaslighter” is more Sabbathian with its swinging riff and plodding pace. Overall this is a very strong record which mixes doom and stoner in equal amounts to equally great effect

02). Lord Mantis – “NTW” (800)

01). Goya – “The Enemy” (916)

"The buzz saw grind that so powerfully embodies Goya is, on this four track EP, infested with a horripulation that sees the Arizona three-piece sounding creepier and more terrifying than ever before."

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  March’s “Sour 16” features reviews by, Chris Bull, Philip Weller, Richard Maw, Daniel Jackson, Dominic Walsh, Victor Van Ommen, Charlie Butler, Joosep Nilk and Eric Crowe

Monomyth - "Exo" (Album Review)

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 18/03/2016

Label: Suburban Records

The quintet from The Hague deal in a potent brand of Hawkwind-style space rock, driven by relentless krautrock rhythms, coated in a sticky stoner fuzz.  The band employs hypnotic repetition to cosmic effect throughout the five tracks that make up new LP “Exo”. The languid “Uncharted” begins the voyage, a minimal groove emerging from a cloud of intergalactic synth squall.  The highlight of “Exo” though comes in the form of the hulking robotic funk of “LHC”, a huge ten minute propulsive groove, powered by layers of pulsing electronics and choppy riffs. Imagine Zombi covering the theme from Knight Rider with a little help from Colour Haze.  “Exo” is a compelling journey to the outer limits. Monomyth will have no problems enlisting willing recruits to join them on this trip to the beyond.

“Exo” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Uncharted

2). Surface Crawler

3). ET Oasis

4). LHC

5). Moebius Trip

The Review:

Most of the heavy psychedelic music I have enjoyed recently has relied on ear-bleeding distortion and barely restrained freak-outs. Monomyth offer a stark contrast to this, taking a more measured and restrained approach but delivering the same mind-expanding results. The quintet from The Hague deal in a potent brand of Hawkwind-style space rock, driven by relentless krautrock rhythms, coated in a sticky stoner fuzz.

The band employs hypnotic repetition to cosmic effect throughout the five tracks that make up new LP “Exo”. The languid “Uncharted” begins the voyage, a minimal groove emerging from a cloud of intergalactic synth squall. The track slowly unfurls over its fifteen-minute duration, crafting an otherworldly atmosphere, worthy of fellow instrumentalists Grails, then shattering the calm with some crunching riffage. The lack of super-heavy riffs throughout the rest of the album makes their appearance here all the more powerful.

This lack of crushing heaviness is no bad thing though. Monomyth are at their best when they bring the keyboards to the fore, offset by overdriven lead guitar. The cosmic synth textures of “Surface Crawler” and the warm, organ-infused melodies of “ET Oasis” offer strong examples of this combination. The dirty bass throb that powers “Moebius Trip” creates an almost glam stomp which evolves into a blissed-out jam. The highlight of “Exo” though comes in the form of the hulking robotic funk of “LHC”, a huge ten minute propulsive groove, powered by layers of pulsing electronics and choppy riffs. Imagine Zombi covering the theme from Knight Rider with a little help from Colour Haze.

“Exo” is a compelling journey to the outer limits. Monomyth will have no problems enlisting willing recruits to join them on this trip to the beyond.

“Exo” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Live Review: Colour Haze + Radio Moscow + Monomyth, March 12, 2015, 013 Tilburg, The Netherlands

March 12, 2015 is going to go into my music journal – yes, I have a music journal – as the day that my appreciation and gratitude for Colour Haze grew. I’ll let you in on a little secret, every time I mention Colour Haze in my music journal I say the same thing. One might call me a scratched record because of this but I’m convinced that due to the ethereal power that is Colour Haze, this statement requires repetition. So what happened on March 12, 2015? Well, Colour Haze visited Tilburg’s 013 for the first time in God-knows-how-long and brought along their friends Monomyth and Radio Moscow to accentuate the onslaught of psychedelic beauty.

Monomyth is a Dutch band who with the release of their latest album, “Further,” found a home at one of Holland’s most respected record labels, Suburban Records. When it comes to local talent, this label doesn’t mess around, so it’s no surprise to see their bands stand tall as opening acts for the crème de la crème of the stoner rock community. Last night, when Monomyth took to the stage and opened the evening with smoke machines and a light show that was worth the ticket price alone, it was no different. The band deserved to be there and was welcomed with open arms. Actually, most of those in attendance stood there with their eyes closed, impervious to the beer flying out of their cups, as their heads bopped round and around to the massive space rock tones moving through the air. After a glorious forty five minutes, the band hung up their instruments, went to go stand with their arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders at the front of the stage and took a bow. As the crowd cheered and clapped, screaming for more, it was obvious Monomyth had just won themselves some new fans.

The next band was Radio Moscow and they immediately won points by being able to set up their stage and get rocking within fifteen minutes. This set the tone for their show – there were no bells and whistles, just music. The bassist and drummer were stage left and center respectively but played as though they were connected at the hip. This firm foundation was needed so guitarist Parker Griggs could freely noodle his way in and out of the heavy bluesy grooves with never ending guitar solos. His smokey, gritty voice commanded attention every time it plowed through the chaotic rumbling of the band. When it comes to Radio Moscow, there’s no shortage of getting down to business, which, when compared to the meandering Monomyth and Colour Haze, highlighted the other side of the psychedelic genre.

My first exposure to Colour Haze was in 2005 when their self-titled came out. The timing for that album was perfect, I had burnt myself out on punk rock and I was looking for something new and Colour Haze was it. Ever since then I have seen every Colour Haze show within a two hour drive from my house, and once I even drove six hours to go see them. For me, the time I spend in the car to get to their shows is meaningless because seeing those three guys up on stage make it all worthwhile. Last night I drove those two hours again and as usual, Colour Haze delivered. They played “She Said” with the most confidence I have ever seen them do that with, moved into “Transformation” while grinning from ear and to ear, and brought two or three songs from their latest album “To the Highest Gods We Know” into the live setting. These songs had a whole new impact as they were finally provided room to breathe rather than being confined to a compact disc. My personal favorite, and based on the crowd’s response I wasn’t alone, was “Aquamaria.” Colour Haze got lost and taken away by this song making it feel as though the music was coming from a different, higher up place, rather than the musicians themselves. This was a humbling moment for myself, and when Koglek, with his bright eyes and trying to hold back a smile, simply said “thank you” after the song’s conclusion, I knew he and his comrades were humbled as well.

There isn’t really much left to say about last night other than Tilburg’s 013 was home, once again, to a night of psychedelic bliss. Monomyth laid down a strong set and set the bar high by doing so. Radio Moscow shuffled for forty five minutes, and Colour Haze tied up all the loose ends and left everyone’s mind blown. I wouldn’t mind seeing this tour come around again.

Words: Victor Van Ommen

The Sludgelord News: Daily Digest

Your rundown of the top sludge news stories of the day …

EYEHATEGOD - There’s a real possibility that without EYEHATEGOD there wouldn’t be a Sludgelord website. The Sludge pioneers, along with friends Crowbar helped to create and define the distinctive style of metal that Beavis & Butthead once described as “slow and fat”. In the early 1990s, it was as far away from the norm as you could get in metal music. Today they are legends, having been through the toughest battles imaginable and persevered, now Eyehategod is soon to embark on a tour that will take them from California to Maryland.

The tour will find the band playing five California cities in late January, then double back across the continent to Boston in early February, then moving south through New York and ending back in the south with a show in Baltimore alongside doom legends Saint Vitus. That will be a show that fans will want to hang on to their ticket stubs for years to come.

Here are the tour dates:

1/22/2015 Jerry's Pizza & Pub - Bakersfield, CA
1/23/2015 Moose Lodge - Lancaster, CA
1/24/2015 Alex's Bar - Long Beach, CA
1/25/2015 Sweet Springs Saloon - San Luis Obispo, CA
1/26/2015 Strummers - Fresno, CA
2/04/2015 Brighton Music Hall - Boston MA
2/05/2015 The Clash Bar - Clifton, NJ
2/06/2015 Saint Vitus - Brooklyn, NY
2/07/2015 Saint Vitus - Brooklyn, NY
2/08/2015 Ottobar - Baltimore, MD w/ Cro Mags, Saint Vitus, Misery Index

http://www.eyehategod.ee
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialEyeHateGod
http://www.thehousecorerecords.com

Source:

Earsplit PR

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INQUISITION - American black metal band INQUISITION will also be on the road this January and February, albeit in Europe. The tour, which starts today in Berlin (see list of dates below), will concentrate on the country of Germany and finish up in Russia, February 14. They’ll be joined on stage by Archgoat, Ondskapt and Blackdeath, except for the final four stops.

The band is touring in support of their latest, ‘Obscure Verses for the Multiverse’, out on Season of Mist Records. You can stream and download the album in its entirety at this location and buy a physical copy of the record at this location.

Here’s the full list of tour dates:

20/01/2015 DE Berlin K17 21/01/2015 PL Kraków Fabryka Club
22/01/2015 CZ Prague Nová Chmelnice
23/01/2015 DE Erfurt From Hell
24/01/2015 DE München Backstage
25/01/2015 CH Lausanne Le Romandie
26/01/2015 IT Brescia Circolo Colony
27/01/2015 LU Luxemburg KulturFabrik
28/01/2015 FR Paris Divan du Monde
29/01/2015 UK London Underworld
30/01/2015 NL Nijmegen Doornroosje
31/01/2015 DE Essen Turock
01/02/2015 DK Odense Posten
02/02/2015 DE Flensburg Roxy
03/02/2015 DE Kassel Rostlaube
04/02/2015 AU Wien Escape Club
05/02/2015 CH Zürich Alte Kaserne
06/02/2015 BE Huy Atelier Rock
07/02/2015 DE Weinheim Cafe Zentral

11/02/2015 LV Riga Nabaklab
12/02/2015 EE Tallinn Tapper
13/02/2015 RU Saint Petersburg Phoenix
14/02/2015 RU Moscow Seven

Source:

Season of Mist Records

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MONOMYTH - Staying with the tour circuit for a moment … Dutch heavy psych / stoner/ drone band MONOMYTH’s most recent album ‘Further’ is about traveling and movement. The band moves through great distances of sound on the 4-song, 45-minute opus, reaching from the ordinary to the surreal with kaleidoscopic vision. So, what better way to take their sound ‘further’ than to pack it up and tour it around the UK?

Well, that’s the plan as it was revealed today. The band will hit British shores this February, taking a peculiar route, ping-ponging across the land along the way.  The band plays their first show of the tour in Cardiff on Thursday the 19^th, then will zip up to Glasgow for a Friday show, then back down to Bournemouth for a Saturday engagement, after which point the band will work their way back up to Edinburgh.

In a way, the tour itinerary artfully recreates the kind of sonic journey concertgoers should expect to witness at the shows. This is the first chance fans in the UK will have had to catch the band live.

Here’s the full schedule:

Thu 19th Cardiff The Moon Club
Fri 20th Glasgow Audio
Sat 21st Bournemouth The Anvil
Sun 22nd Milton Keynes The Crauford Arms
Mon 23rd London The Macbeth
Tue 24th Chester The Compass
Wed 25th Birmingham Alfie Birds
Thu 26th Edinburgh Bannermans

Tickets are available through all usual outlets. 

https://www.facebook.com/monomyththeband

http://www.monomyththeband.com/

Source:

Duff Press

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POMBAGIRA - And speaking of winding musical journeys, London duo POMBAGIRA released details of their upcoming sixth album ‘FLESH THRONE PRESS’. The album will be released on March 23 through Svart Records, and it will feature over 80 minutes of new music on double-CD and double vinyl.

Throughout the course of their 8 year existence, Pombagira has undertaken many musical explorations with this latest album being their most psychedelic yet. The subject matter involves necromancy and communication with the dead. The title track is streaming right now on Soundcloud and is arguably their heaviest song to date. More audio previews have been promised in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more.

For now, listen to “Flesh Throne Press” at this location.

http://www.pombagira.org.uk
http://www.pombagira.bigcartel.com/
http://www.svartrecords.com/

Source:

Rarely Unable PR

*********************************************************

TIMEKILLER - Portland, Oregon has become a mecca for emerging musicians and artists in the early years of the 21^st century. One of the leaders in exporting the local underground scene’s endeavors is EOLIAN EMPIRE RECORDS, who you may recall released a compilation of local musicians in 2013 called ‘(We’ve Gotta) Keep Our Heads: Heavy Vibes from Portland, Oregon’. Well, the label is releasing a new compilation soon, but this time they’re focusing their gaze outward at bands from around the globe who share that heavy aesthetic that Portland is becoming known for. One of those bands is Brazilian trio TIMEKILLER.

Their song “Sick of Myself” has been added to the tracklist of Eolian Empire Records upcoming ‘(We’ve Got) Fiends in Low Places’ compilation. It’s the third such song to be streamed and you’ll find it on the Cvlt Nation website. The compilation will be released on February 3 as 333 cassettes with a download ticket included. You can pre-order a copy at this location.

You can take a listen to Timekiller’s effort “Sick of Myself” at this location.

http://timekillerpunx.bandcamp.com
http://eolianempire.com http://facebook.com/eolianempire
http://twitter.com/eolianempire

Source:

Earsplit PR

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GRIZZLOR / BARREN WOMB - In other release news, an intercontinental treaty was announced today as American noise rock band GRIZZLOR will team up with Dutch Noise Punks BARREN WOMB for a split 7 inch record. The vinyl will feature two songs from each band and will be out March 17 on Righteous Outburst Records. The single can be pre-ordered at this location right now. For a sneak preview, check out this video.

And for more info, visit these links:

http://www.facebook.com/grizzlordestroys
http://www.grizzlordestroys.com
http://www.twitter.com/grizzlorrrrrrrr
http://www.facebook.com/barrenwomb
http://www.barrenwomb.org/
http://twitter.com/barren_womb
http://www.facebook.com/riotousoutburst
http://riotousoutburst.bandcamp.com

Source:

The Perfect Hoax

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BLACK STAR RIDERS - Another band with a new album looming on the horizon is BLACK STAR RIDERS. It’s the follow up to 2013’s ‘All Hell Breaks Loose’ and it will be coming to you through Nuclear Blast Records. The album will be released in a number of editions, including CD and vinyl and limited edition double-CD with a bonus disc and clear vinyl records. The album, titled ‘The Killer Instinct’ will be released on February 23.

Recently, Damon Johnson and Scott Gorham of the band sat down to talk about working with new producer Nick Raskulinecz, whose credits include albums by Rush, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains and Mastodon. The band members described him as the “sixth member of the band”. You can watch that video at this location.

If you’re in and around the UK or will be in March and you’d like a more up-close-and-personal experience of the band, you can catch them at the following dates:

March 2: Olympia Theatre, Dublin
March 3: Ulster Hall, Belfast
March 5: o2 ABC, Glasgow
March 6: o2 ABC, Glasgow
March 7: o2 Academy, Newcastle
March 8: o2 Academy, Leeds
March 10: Rock City, Nottingham
March 11: Corn Exchange, Cambridge
March 13: Academy, Manchester
March 14: Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
March 15: University, Exeter
March 16: o2 Academy, Bristol
March 18: o2 Academy, Bournemouth
March 19: UEA, Norwich
March 20: o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
March 21: o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

Buy tickets: http://bit.ly/BSRTour

THE AMORETTES are support on all dates except Glasgow March 5th and London March 20th – support on these shows is TBA.

NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS UK
Web: nuclearblast.de
Facebook: facebook.com/nuclearblasteurope 
Twitter: @nuclearblasteu
Instagram: @nuclearblasteurope
YouTube: youtube.com/user/NuclearBlastEurope

Source:

Nuclear Blast Records

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FALLUJAH - In other NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS news, progressive death metal band FALLUJAH has signed with the label, it was announced. Last year’s ‘The Flesh Prevails’ album won the band praise across the death metal and progressive metal communities, including topping several year-end lists. Well, the German based label didn’t fail to notice.

"We're extremely excited to be part of a roster alongside not just great bands, but great people who are dedicated to the craft and enthusiastic about our vision of where we see FALLUJAH going,” comments the band. “FALLUJAH is all about pushing the envelope, taking risks, and keeping an open mind; with that mentality we felt Nuclear Blast was the most obvious and logical step for a band such as ours. With our team behind us, we can’t wait to see FALLUJAH grow."

There were no immediate plans for the band to record a follow-up, when the album does surface, it will do so under the Nuclear Blast banner.

facebook.com/fallujahofficial 

twitter.com/fallujahbayarea

Source:

Nuclear Blast Records

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RIFFLORD -  And finally, it was announced yesterday that up-and-coming stoner doom label STB Records has signed a new band to its growing roster. Austin, Texas quartet RIFFLORD has joined the ranks alongside bands like Goya, Doctor Doom and Red Wizard. The news comes just days after the label revealed that it had signed Minnesota trio Let It Breathe to a record deal. Further details were not released.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/STB-Records/471228012921184

https://www.facebook.com/pages/RIFFLORD/234755513342

Source:

STB Records

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And now you’re all caught up in the world of sludge.

The Sludgelord News: MONOMYTH Announce UK Tour Dates February 2015 Album: ‘Further’ Out Now

Monomyth are excited to announce a full UK tour in February 2015. The band has just released their latest album ‘Further’ through Suburban Records.

The underlying theme of the album is movement and traveling. On “Further”, Monomyth introduces a vessel in which you can take place and travel through inner and outer space. You move through the orbits of heavenly bodies.

“Further” provides you with an aural map, which points you in the right direction. But what is the right direction? It might bring you closer to your destination, it might lead you astray, it may bring you to a head-on impact. The point is to keep moving, to break out of the known.

Monomyth is a journey in sound. It is the sound of five men exploring the outer reaches of their musicianship and traveling beyond them. The band is designed to transport their audience to another state of being, a place that is both new and familiar.

Hailing from the Hague in The Netherlands, each member has a varied musical background. Apart from playing in bands, their collective experience includes being a producer, a sound technician, a monitor mixer, a lighting engineer, a DJ and a student of sonology.

The band will be touring their UK debut in February 2015:

Thu 19^th               Cardiff                    The Moon Club
Fri 20^th                 Glasgow                 Audio
Sat 21^st                Bournemouth         The Anvil
Sun 22^nd              Milton Keynes        The Crauford Arms
Mon 23^rd              London                  The Macbeth
Tue 24^th              Chester                  The Compass
Wed 25^th             Birmingham            Alfie Birds
Thu 26^th               Edinburgh              Bannermans

Tickets are available through all usual outlets. 

Monomyth originated in The Hague in 2011. Right from the start Monomyth was intended to be an instrumental band. Through their collective experience, the members move with assurance and clarity towards their common musical goal: progressive transcendence.

Source: Duff PR

Monomyth - Further (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: September 22^nd 2014

Label: Suburban Records

'Further' CD/LP track listing:

1). Ark M

2). Spheres

3). Collision

4). 6EQUJ5

Bio

MONOMYTH, unleashed from The Netherlands, is the journey . . . the five who explore and expand the boundaries of their own musical universe. Firmly rooted in Space, Trance and Krautrock, the band leans heavily on a solid foundation of drums and bass guitar, while adding guitar, keyboards and textures layer upon layer. MONOMYTH will drag you inside their cosmic playground. Enter an arena where there is no more time or space, simply the vacuum in which communication is operated on a higher level. You can enter in two ways . . . simply by closing your eyes and letting the instrumental music transport you, or with eyes wide open as you descend into the mind staggering light show.

Members

Bass Guitar: Selwyn Slop (Incense, The Polar Exploration Ship, Lucid)

Drums: Sander Evers (35007, Gomer Pyle)

Keyboards: Peter van der Meer (The Incredible Stacks, The Polar Exploration Ship)

Guitars: Thomas van den Reydt (Alkaloid)

Synthesizers: Tjerk Stoop

Review:

Monomyth return with their new album 'Further'. Almost 12 months since they released their acclaimed debut S/T album. Monomyth style of music combines Stoner Rock, Post-Rock, Kraut-Rock, Space Rock and hints of Drone Music for one captivating trippy spaced out ride.

'Further' is more of a continuation of the journey told on their celebrated debut album. As it features more of the same spaced out trippy goodness that will appeal to all Space/Kraut Rock fans. Further is a more chilled out affair to it's predecessor but it still has huge volumes of Stoner Rock vibes to unleash on an unsuspecting audience.

First track 'Ark M' sees Monomyth in Post-Rock territory for the earlier part of the song before adding vast layers of different noises and riffs to unsettle you with. The album makes you feel apart of the entire Monomyth experience as it instantly draws you in with dreamlike trance based noises that owes a slight nod to 60's/70's heavy psychedelic rock. It's a track that grows with each passing second. When Monomyth finally decide to unleash the heavy riffs it becomes a more emotional and thrilling ride.

Elements of Drone and Ambient noises appear from time to time to give you an out of body experience that can only be described as – EUPHORIC!!!

'Further' contains 4 tracks with 3 of them running from 11 minutes to a mind-expanding 18 minutes. If you don't like the epic psychedelic jams of 'Ark M' then you better turn away as Monomyth don't change course for the duration of the album. They actually add more elements of different noises as time goes by. Monomyth is made up of musicians who bring their own style and authority to the spaced out party.

Second Track 'Spheres' is a 13 minute thrill ride that starts with an ambient chill out post-rock mood before dangerous Stoner riffs gatecrashes the party and turns into an epic battle of moods and sounds. This is one of the albums standout tracks as it shows how creative Monomyth actually are. It takes 'Further' into a nightmarish territory as the mood goes very bleak indeed. If you're a fan of Monster Magnet classic 'TAB' then this track will blow your mind over and over again. It's a powerful hypnotic journey into space and beyond.

Third Track 'Collision' is a more straight-forward psychedelic rock tune from Monomyth as it's only on a short 6 minutes or so. Though the guys manage to include some of the albums weirdest sounding noises to delight and confuse. It's feels more of a jamming session between friends than an album track. It's more evidence to prove what great musicians the guys are.

Monomyth leave the best to last with '6EQUJ5'. An epic 18 minute track where Monomyth throw caution to the wind and unleash some of their strangest and strongest riffs to date. It may start off very slowly but that's always part of Monomyth's game plan. Start off with a soothing slow-paced riff before adding different layers of noises and space-rock energy.

'Further' is another outstanding album from one of Holland's premier Instrumental Space/Stoner Rock Bands. Maybe it's time for Monomyth to start touring the globe as the world is ready for their spaced out riffs. This is a must-have album.

Thanks to Monomyth and Bart at Suburban Records for sending me a promo to review. 'Further' will be available to buy from Suburban Records from 22^nd Sept 2014.

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Written by Steve Howe