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"It's the best stuff we've written so far," says
bassist/vocalist Amy Tung of the material on Year of the Cobra's adventurous
new Billy Anderson-produced EP, Burn Your Dead.
"We had just gotten back from tour and had some ideas
floating around, and they all came together really quickly and easily. Magnetic
Eye Records had asked us to contribute to their upcoming Pink Floyd Redux
project, so we thought that since we'd be in the studio, we'd record the new
songs and put them out.With two Floyd
songs and the five songs for the EP, we essentially recorded an album of work
in six days, and we think it's our best stuff to date."
Hitting stores (online and regular) as of today, the new
record gets the premier treatment via uber-selective heavy music outlet Noisey,
who offer this assessment of Burn Your Dead:
"As it scales through guttural riffs,
industrial-strength beats, and mysterious lyrics, things only gets more
compelling along the way.The band's
core still lies in a hybrid of doom, desert rock, and punk, but here it steps
up its game with new twists and experimentation."
Having just completed a multi-week tour to bring the new
tunes to their fans, the band arrived home to learn that their Seattle EP
release party gig was juxtaposed with a show featuring none other than the new
band of Bill Ward.Yeah.That Bill Ward.
It's complicated, but the simple explanation is that Portland's Witch Mountain had agreed to play Year of the Cobra's EP
release show, but then a tour between Witch Mountain
and Ward's band Day of Errors came together.Witch Mountain and Day of Errors share a
booking agent, who wisely saw no need to re-route anything when Year of the
Cobra's infectious, sultry power was a perfect match for both bands.
And just like that, only a couple years into a fast-accelerating
career, the rising young duo from Seattle
will be sharing an evening and a stage with one of metal's founding
fathers.Not a bad way to commemorate
the release of your new record.
Following the buzz of WEDGE's debut, the group now unveils
their eagerly awaited follow-up "Killing Tongue" ...and it truly
kills! Although also deeply rooted in the rock'n'roll of the late 60s &
early 70s, this album clearly is a strong progression from its precursor,
presenting a multicolored spectrum of sounds and more diverse songwriting.
Power trio-untypical arrangements and instruments like electric sitar, clavinet
and harpsichord among others are accompanying especially some of the new
psychedelia soaked tunes. But of course you can expect plenty of good old fuzz
guitar and Hammond
organ driven material as well.
Killing Tongue was recorded & mixed at LowSwing Studios
in Berlin by
Guy Sternberg and mastered by Brian Lucey at Magic Garden Mastering in
California/USA.
For fans of: Led Zeppelin, Wolfmother, Deep Purple, The
Raconteurs, Humble Pie, The Black Crowes, Black Sabbath
BIOGRAPHY
Since the release of their long sold out debut, WEDGE are
definitely an integral part of the European Rock scene. Over a short time the
group managed to establish a steadily growing fan base by playing nearly up to
200 shows since 2014 in numerous countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal,
France, Holland, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Poland, Czech
Republic, Belgium, England, Greece, Israel and of course Germany. This includes
famous festivals such as Bukta Open Air, Desert Fest, Stoned from the
Underground, etc., and support gigs for bands such as Fu Manchu (US), Blues
Pills (SE), Orchid (US), The Flying Eyes (US), Lucifer (UK), Pontiac (US), Simo
(US), to name but a few.
WEDGE was born into the spotlight in 2014. The trio was
founded in Berlin
by guitarist/singer Kiryk Drewinski (ex-Liquid Visions & ex-The Magnificent
Brotherhood), drummer Holger “The Holg” Grosser & bassist/organist Dave
Götz and named itself after the first stone tool of human history. Their sound
is accordingly archaic, extremely effective, "made from solid rock"
and, when used correctly, causes fire ... especially live! WEDGE blends mainly
elements of classic rock, 60s garage and some Psychedelic with a proper dose of
joy while playing.
Even before the band decided on a name, their first studio
album was recorded (originally planned to be a demo) and released on the Italian
label "Heavy Psych Sounds" in September 2014. The LP was already sold
out after a short time and was very popular among the dancers, as well as the
writers. Thus, the three multi-instrumentalists are frequently credited with
refreshingly catchy song writing, which outshines their peers of similar genre.
This also gave WEDGE some radio airplay early on. One of the group's greatest
strengths, however, is experienced live.
Just recently the band recorded their new studio album
"Killing Tongue".
Aurganic is an experimental electronic/alternative studio
project of two long-time friends Michael Kossov and Leo Pisaq. Originally high
school classmates, they were members in a number of local punk rock bands until
life and distance separated them for a number of years. They reconnected
musically in 2010 finding a lot of common ground. This time it was electronica,
art rock and jazz that dominated the ideas. The reunited duo recorded
instrumental sessions in New York
and worked on their completion via internet resulting in a self-titled EP.
Rooted in friendship, the project proved its longevity with four independent
releases to date. Hailing from the Toronto/New York area,
Aurganic’s sound revolves around experimental electronic elements blended with
rock, post-rock, progressive rock and indie rock ingredients.
“Signs” has multi-layered vocal harmonies, intelligently
placed electronics and some crunchy guitar drives and starts off the album on a
definite high. “Empires” has a Muse feel to it, but without sounding like a
copycat with the electronics and guitars creating a great mix that makes the
track stand out. “Invincible (In The Shadows)” has strong harmonies and
continues the high quality of the previous songs. “Levitate” is a fantastic
electro-pop song and is one of the best tracks on the album filled with great
tracks. “Distant Echoes” has a slow melodic vibe that gives a nice change to
the album, and also has great guitar playing. “Shaman” is a ballad with vocals
electronically treated, acoustic guitar and very able drumming. The closer
“Close Encounters” is an all-instrumental track that shows off the progressive
leanings of the band and makes for a great ending to a fun album.
With various styles and textures, this album really gives
the listener something to sink their teeth into and an exciting listen that
makes you want to hit the play button again. Go out and give your ears a treat
and pick this one up.
Year of the Cobra are set to release a new five song EP
titled Burn Your Dead on October 27th courtesy of Magnetic Eye Records.The Seattle
duo comprised of drummer Jon Barrysmith and singer/bassist Amy Tung Barrysmith
recently wrapped up a two week U.S.
tour and also released a video for Burn Your Dead the title track from the EP.
Amy was kind enough to carve out some time to do a long
distance Q&A via the old interweb, with yours truly, in the first of a
recurring segment that I’m thinking of calling a Fistful of Questions.
What inspired the
name Year of the Cobra and who thought of the name?
Finding a name is difficult.Most of the good ones are already taken.We had lists and lists of names that spanned many sheets of paper, but
it ultimately came down to lack of time.We had booked a show and needed to give the venue a name, so we decided
Year of the Cobra was the best on the list.Our plan was to change it after the show, but that never happened.I wish there was a better story behind it.
Were you in any bands
prior to Year of the Cobra?
Yes.I played in
several bands prior to YOTC.Most of
them were just for fun,but the main one, HDR, was a stoner rock power trio
based out of L.A..We split up when I moved to Seattle, but still remain very close friends.
Did you and Jon start
the band before or after you were married?
We started it after we were married.
How did you and Jon
meet?
Jon and I met on Halloween in Los Angeles in 2007.We were both playing a show at the King King
on Hollywood Blvd
and met in the parking lot.I tried to
find him again after we both had loaded in, but he was dressed up in a costume
with a wig and sunglasses so I didn’t recognize him.We didn’t really chat again until a few weeks
later when we played another show together.
Were you wearing a
costume the night you and Jon first met?
The night Jon and I met I wasn’t wearing anything
spectacular.My band, at the time, would
do side gigs as a jazz trio to make money (and just for fun), so we were just
dressed up as “jazz” musicians.
Tell me about one of
your first musical memories?
I started playing music at a really young age.I don’t remember a time where I didn’t play
music.It’s just always been something
I’ve done and something I’ve loved.I do
remember my piano competitions, though, and how nervous I would get.There was this yearly competition I’d play in
Piedmont, CA,
and to this day when I drive by that exit on the freeway my hands still get a
bit clammy.
When did you first
start playing bass?
I started playing bass when I was 20.It happened only because someone needed a
bass player and, on a whim, I said I’d do it.
How long have you
been on the road on this latest tour?
This latest tour was a little over 2 weeks.We essentially did a full U.S. tour, but
broke it up into two legs.This leg took
us back out to Chicago
where we ping ponged back and forth for a week and then headed back.We had some long drives at the end, but all
in all it was a great tour.
Where are you at
right now?
Right now.We are
just leaving Seattle for Eugene, OR.It’s the last night of the tour which is
always bitter sweet.Part of me is so
excited to be home.The other part of me
already misses being on the road.
What is your favorite
thing about being on tour?
My favorite thing being on tour is hanging with Jon.We just have so much fun together.It’s cool that we get to experience these
things together and to know that we work well together despite the exhaustion
and other stresses that inevitably arise during tour is comforting.I also love going through all of the cities,
meeting people and bonding with other bands.We have met so many great people while on the road and have made many
friends that, I believe, we will have for the rest of our lives.
What is your least
favorite thing about being on tour?
My least favorite thing while being on tour is missing my
kids.That’s always the hardest, but
we’re really lucky.We have an amazing
network of friends and family that help out and our kids always seem to be
happy and are having fun wherever they are.
Who does the bulk of
the driving on tour?
Jon and I split the driving pretty evenly.I do most of the night drives and Jon will
take on most of the early morning drives, but we generally see who needs more
rest and we go from there.
Who’s most likely to
get lost?
I would say I am definitely most likely to get lost.
What’s one of your
favorite venues that you’ve played at?
I’m not sure if I have a favorite venue.All of them seem to have their pros and
cons.Some that stand out the most
certainly would be The Vinyl Stage at The Hard Rock for Psycho Las Vegas and
playing Hell of Hammaburg in Hamburg,
Germany.I’m not sure if it’s really fair to compare
those venues to any of the other ones we’ve played.Festivals are just so exciting.It’s impossible to not feel the electricity
in the air when you’re there.And then
being on stage with all of those people in the audience singing along, or
chanting (as in the case in Germany).It’s truly an incredible feeling.
I forgot that you
guys did a European tour.How does that
compare with touring the U.S.?
Europe is really good to
touring bands.Each venue always feeds
you and houses you.Two of the most
important and costly things to cover when you’re on the road.The set times are also longer, which I
like.It allows you to really take the
audience for a ride.I like coming up
with a set with that in mind.It’s
fun.In the U.S. the drives tend to be longer
because things here are geographically more spaced out.Those drives can get a bit tiring especially
since it’s just the two of us driving.Truly, though, touring is fun regardless.It’s really great to get out and finally meet
the people you’re chatting with online or getnew people into your music.
Name one of your
favorite cities on tour?
Again.I’m not sure
if I can name a favorite city.They all
stand out in different ways.Some are
smaller than I expected.Some are bigger
than I expected, but you can certainly get the feeling of each city as soon as
you roll in.Some cities have such
history it’s almost awe inspiring to even be in them and others feel so young
and vibrant.You really never know what
you’re going to get.On this last tour
we were lucky to get, essentially, a guided tour around Salt Lake City.I really appreciated that.I loved hearing some of the history of the
city and seeing parts of it that we probably wouldn’t have seen.I do wish we had more time to spend looking
around, though.Too many times we roll
into a city at night and right back out after the show.
What are some of the
challenges of being on the road that your average person wouldn't know about?
I think one of the challenges that an average person
wouldn’t know about would be dealing with the boredom.There is so much sitting and waiting it’s
ridiculous.From sitting in the car for
seven plus hours to get to the next city to waiting to play after you
arrive.You spend so much time waiting
it ends up being really exhausting, oddly.Jon and I have a bunch of games we play together to keep us laughing
which helps, but you really have to make sure you’re in the right mindset.It takes a few days to do, but once that
becomes your “norm” you just go into autopilot for the rest of the tour.
What band that you
have played with has really impressed you with their live show?
We have played with so many bands it’s difficult to narrow
down.There’s this two piece out of Bozeman, MT
called As The Crow Flies that has an incredible live show.The singer makes his own guitars and amps and
he’s such a good front man.His brother
is the drummer and he’s so dynamic when he plays.After we played with them the first time we
immediately asked to play with them again the next time we drove through.
If you could insert
yourself into one band what band would it be and why?
Oh my gosh, if I could insert myself into one band…. That’s
a tough question.I don’t know.There are SO many bands that I love and would
be so excited to play with and they aren’t exactly the ones you’d expect.When I was younger I loved The Cure (I
mean.I still do.)I actually wrote them a letter to see if they
needed a new keyboard player wanting to throw my name in the hat.Lol.I
think.I was 12.It would be incredible to play with Stevie
Wonder.I think that man is a god.Or to have played with Prince, or Black
Sabbath, or Black Flag or to play classical piano with an orchestra. The list
really goes on and on.So many dreams,
so little time.
Favorite guilty
pleasure?
Favorite guilty pleasure?Sitting and watching TV.It’s the
only time I can turn my head off.Where
I don’t feel like I have to be doing something productive or creative or
anything at all.I get to just sit down
and do absolutely nothing.
The year is
1997.Where are you at and what are you
doing?
Hm.In 1997 I was
still in California
and in school.I was deep into punk rock
going to shows at Gilman St..I believe my head was shaved (except for
bangs) and I hadn’t discovered any heavy music yet.I was just engulfed with punk rock and it’s
ethos.
You are originally
from California,
correct?
I am not actually originally from California.I was born in Taiwan
and immigrated to the U.S.
when I was one.We lived in Memphis, TN for about
eight years before moving to California.For simplicities sake, though, I usually just
say I’m from Cali.
Is the video for
“Burn Your Dead” Year of the Cobra’s first video?
Burn Your Dead is actually our third video.The first one was for the song The Siege,
produced by Deviant Kind Productions and the second one was “Temple of Apollo”
by Black Sate Production.The same
company that did Burn Your Dead.We have
a couple more videos in the works, so keep an eye out!!
Does making a video
feel at all glamourous or is it all business?
Making a video is definitely not glamorous.Lol.It consists of long days, lots of waiting, and then hard work.It’s just odd because you never know what
it’s going to look like until they start sending you edits back.Then you’re like Ohhhhh.I get it.It is nice to see the final results, though.We’ve been lucky to work with really talented
people.
Describe Jon in five
words or less.
Jon in five words or less would easily be, Jon is awesome.
Favorite book?
I really don’t have a favorite book.
Favorite movie?
I really don’t have a favorite movie.My tastes are eclectic and I find it really
difficult to narrow my likes down to just one thing.
Star Wars or Star
Trek?
I actually like them both.
Waffles or Pancakes?
I really dislike both and never eat them.
This is the first interview that I have conducted and I
would like to take a minute to express my deep gratitude to Amy for taking the
time to answer all of my questions while she had so much else going on.Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the new EP
Burn Your Dead available via Magnetic Eye Records October 27th and be on the
lookout for more videos and if the metal gods are smiling upon you perhaps you
could catch Year of the Cobra live at some future date.
~El Pedo Caliente (AKA Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of
DOOM show)
"Mirror Reaper bleeds profusely with misery, crushed by
its own incredible weight, and locks eyes with you... blankly staring you down
as it slowly perishes from all existence." -- Invisible Oranges
Seattle doom metallers BELL
WITCH will kick off a North American tour with Denver doom trio Primitive Man this week. The
journey begins on October 24th in Salt Lake City,
Utah and runs through November 19th in Mesa, Arizona.
From there, the band will take a short break before joining French doom
metalists/labelmates Monarch! for a stretch of live dates from December 1st in
Vancouver, British Columbia through December 7th in Los Angeles, California
with more performances to be announced in the coming days. Additionally, BELL
WITCH will bring their devastating odes to the stages of Roadburn Festival 2018
in Tilburg, The
Netherlands. The band will perform two sets, the first on Saturday April 21st
at the 013 venue and Sunday, April 22nd at Het Patronaat recreating Mirror
Reaper in its crushing entirety. See all confirmed dates below.
BELL WITCH will be touring in support of their breathtaking
Mirror Reaper full-length, released last week via Profound Lore. Engineered and
mixed by veteran producer Billy Anderson (Swans, Sleep, Neurosis), the duo of
Dylan Desmond (bass, vocals) and Jesse Shreibman (drums, vocals, organ), Mirror
Reaper delivers one continuous, eighty-three-minute piece unfolding as a single
track. While retaining the immense weight of their previous releases, Mirror
Reaper sees the band explore the more meditative, melancholy, and introspective
aspects to their sound through the introduction of long, lonely organ passages
and the return of vocalist Erik Moggridge (Aerial Ruin), offering a prominent
presence.
Stream the record in full via the official Profound Lore
Bandcamp page HERE.
Mirror Reaper is available on 2xCD, 2xLP, and digital
formats. Order your copy today at THIS LOCATION.
BELL
WITCH w/ Primitive Man:
10/28/2017 Rock Island
Brewery - Rock Island, IL
10/29/2017 The New Dodge - Hamtramck, MI
10/30/2017 Ace Of Clubs - Columbus, OH
10/31/2017 Brillobox - Pittsburgh,
PA
11/01/2017 Coalition - Toronto,
ON
11/02/2017 Bar Le Ritz - Montreal, QC
11/03/2017 Geno's - Portland,
ME
11/04/2017 Cop Frat - Oneonta,
NY
11/05/2017 ONCE - Boston,
MA
11/06/2017 Saint Vitus Bar - Brooklyn, NY
11/07/2017 Kung Fu Necktie - Philadelphia, PA
11/08/2017 The Meatlocker - Montclair, NJ
11/09/2017 Sidebar - Baltimore,
MD
11/10/2017 Strange Matter - Richmond, VA
11/11/2017 Drunken Unicorn - Atlanta, GA
11/12/2017 Exit/In - Nashville,
TN
11/13/2017 White Water Tavern - Little Rock, AR
11/14/2017 Growlers - Memphis,
TN
11/15/2015 Santos -New
Orleans, LA
11/16/2017 Lost Well - Austin,
TX
11/17/2017 Ridgelea Lounge - Fort Worth, TX
11/19/2017 Club Red - Mesa,
AZ w/ Thra, Ceremented * no
Primitive Man
w/ Monarch!:
11/30/2017 Cobalt - Vancouver,
BC * Bell
Witch only
12/01/2017 Highline - Seattle,
WA
12/02/2017 Tonic Lounge - Portland, OR
12/03/2017 Old Nick's - Eugene, OR
12/05/2017 Blue Lamp - Sacramento,
CA
12/06/2017 Golden Bull - Oakland, CA
12/07/2017 Five Star Bar - Los Angeles, CA
End Tour
4/21/2018 013 @ Roadburn - Tilburg, NL
4/22/2018 Het Patronaat @ Roadburn - Tilburg, NL
Formed by Desmond and ex-drummer/vocalist Adrian Guerra,
BELL WITCH released their first self-titled demo in 2011 and partnered with
Profound Lore Records for their debut album, Longing, in 2012. The duo's second
LP, 2015's acclaimed Four Phantoms was recognized as one of doom metal's
triumphs of the year. The band extensively toured in North America and Europe,
securing notable festival appearances including Roadburn, Basilica Soundscape,
Sled Island, and Psycho California.
"The title 'Mirror Reaper' is indicative of the
Hermetic axiom 'As Above, So Below,' written with two sides to form one
whole," notes the band of the themes surrounding the concept and lyrics of
latest offering, Mirror Reaper. "The song is both its own and its
reflection, as an opposite is whole only with its contrary. Our focus as a band
has always been the perception of ghosts and the implied archetype of the
dichotomy of life/death therein. 'Mirror Reaper' is a continuation of that
concept. During the writing process we were devastated by the loss of our dear
friend and former drummer, Adrian Guerra. In love and respect to his memory, we
reserved an important yet brief section in the song for him that features unused
vocal tracks from our last album. This specific movement serves as a conceptual
turn in the piece, or point of reflection. We believe he would be proud of it
as well. 'Mirror Reaper' was the first collaborative writing project with the
new lineup, and Adrian's
death during it brought extra emotional weight. We sought to match the
complexity and weight of these events within the composition of the
piece."
"...a bottomless, candlelit mausoleum within which to
lose yourself, as terrifying bellows are propelled from the depths on gusts of
ire, and soothed by mellifluous paeans sung by mournful acolytes. A dismally
beautiful tragedy." -- Team Rock
"The Seattle-based funeral doom duo don't so much write
songs as build sonic ecosystems, interval by interval and frequency by
frequency. As performers, the charge every gesture with dynamic impact, nuance,
and a degree of psychic intensity rare even in metal." -- Decibel
"To listen to an album like Mirror Reaper is to
surrender to it, to let it suck you in. Listening to Mirror Reaper, I'm not
thinking about genres or influences or whether I like this album more than the
band's last album. I'm not really thinking anything. I'm just feeling big
feelings. Mirror Reaper, as a piece of music, exists somewhere in the beyond.
It's a hell of a place to visit." -- Stereogum
"Knowing the backstory makes listening to Mirror Reaper
even more intense, but even if you don't, it's such a powerful piece of music
that you'll be able to feel that some type of major force was behind it."
-- BrooklynVegan
"...one of the most breathtaking releases of the
year." -- Ghost Cult
"This record goes above and beyond, transcendent and
beautiful..." -- Two Guys Metal Reviews
"...an instant classic of its genre, meticulously
deconstructing funeral doom's core components and reassembling them into
something that pushes further than maybe any band of their kind has pushed
before, and yet possessing an emotive heart and spirit so powerful and
affecting that it feels the furthest thing from a clinical musical exercise and
instead a stunning tribute to a fallen brother." -- Distorted Sound
Alright, Flummox from Murfreesboro,
TN is a strange but wonderful
band that I became acquainted with when their first full-length, 'Phlummoxygen'
came out back in 2014. Their new amazing EP, 'Garage Prog' was officially
released on June 24th 2017. In between, two singles and a second full-length
has seen the light of day. On this new recording Flummox has grown from a trio
into a quartet with new drummer Alan Pfeifer joining ranks along with second
guitarist Justin Smith. But this has not altered their quirkiness whatsoever.
Instead, more dimensions have been added to their one-of-a-kind sound which
heightens their greatness further. As heavy and metal as they can be, Primus
has seeped in to the sound way more than before and I love it. And this is
guiding the band closer to creating their own music. Best of all is that
Flummox doesn't give a fuck! Don't you just love that attitude? I sure do, even
more so when you deal with deep-South free-thinkers with talent to match.
Colours from the entire palette are used in this awe-inspiring work of art
which brings Flummox to the very front of new innovators.
Full throttle from the get-go, ‘Hey!’ is a short boisterous
affair that is the closest thing to a “proper” metal song on this EP. Flummox
won’t let off the pedal and I love it. As you are trying to catch your breath
‘Tom Walker Blues’ explodes like a punk/hardcore/Primus composition only to hit
doom mode halfway through mixed with a ton of groove. Confusing? Not in the
slightest, if you ask me. Because Flummox know how to tie a million pieces
together and create complete order within the most chaotic atmosphere. ‘A
Bundle Of Styx’ is the song that defines the band best. It starts off as a
slow-ish blues rocker only to morph into a Primus-esque headfucker. Odd time
signatures walk hand in hand with trippy, heavy rock elements and insanity. No
holds barred they throw caution to the wind and the end result is fucking
fabulous. Hmmm….is closer ‘Black Philip’ based on The Sweet’s ‘Ballroom Blitz’?
The punkish intro sure reminds me of it before switching to neck breaking mode
to finally settle for a Kinghorse sound. All this happens within the first 90
seconds and I’m blown away. A melting pot indeed, but again Flummox are the new
masters at blending styles and ideas, like it’s nobody’s business. After a
mellow trippy middle part, they open the gates to the maelstrom again and I am
sucked in and mangled and beaten to a bloody pulp. And I love it! Did I say I
love it? Yeah, I did.
If the powers that be within music actually focused on real
bands, creating real music, Flummox would be mega stars by now. As we all know
though, those powers that be only go for the quick dollars and peoples blatant
laziness, so the real bands out there rarely – if ever – get the attention they
deserve. Flummox is a truly amazing band who deserves world recognition and
‘Garage Prog’ show how they go from strength to strength with each release they
put out. Thank you for introducing me to the world of Flummox, guys!
Ripple Music is thrilled to announce the upcoming rerelease
Freedom Hawk; the self-titled 2009 album from vintage rock pioneers Freedom
Hawk.
Hailing from the barrier dunes of Virginia, the quartet blend heavy riffs into
rolling grooves and soulful guitar melodies to showcase their sound. Widely
recognized as one of the leading forces in the retro-rock movement, their
exceptional brand of heavy and high energy live shows leaves many questioning
whether they’ve stepped through a time warp directly out of the ’70s hard rock
heyday. Wrapped in core metal tones with slight psychedelic edges Freedom
Hawk’s driving beat and heavy guitars offer the kind of timeless vocals that
gave light to the dawn of the new and heavy revival.
Devil is excellent stoner rock with lots of fuzz and
distortion guitar. Bury Your Axe In The
Crania Of is slow plodding bass then the rest of the band kicks in with a very
Sabbath sound. 68 is a faster speed
metal style of song in the Motorhead meets Sabbath vein. Binge is slow plodding stoner rock. Bigfoot Reigns is a mid-tempo kicks you in the
gut gets you rockin grooving song. Hopeless is a slow Sabbath style o song with
some excellent guitar work. Toxic Boglin
slow steady and deadly and vicious. Yorkshire Born is Sabbath meets Motorhead
meets Raven.
Crosss – Snakes Split EP
Snakes -Brett
Nelson, Ian Waters, Josh Galloway, Jim Roth, Steve Gere
Old Like Hell 9 minutes of melodic psychedelia.Hypothermia Pt2 is over 15 minutes of is just
strange flowing instrumental music that reminds me of Tangerine Dream.
Crosss – Andy March – Guitar/Vocal, Suzie Burke –
Drums/Vocals, Michael Stein – Bass
Cold Hands reminds me of old Pink Floyd meets stoner rock
slow and tripping.The Afterlight is
another stoner meet psychedelia style of music meets the Stones.I Got Lo takes you on a trip far away into
your mind has an Amboy Dukes feel to it mixed with Pink Floyd.Descent takes you into the further reaches of
your mind where you’re not sure what is real.
Castle – Welcome To The Graveyard
Mat Davis – Guitar/Vocals, Liz Blackwell – Vocals/Bass, Al
Mcartney - Drums
Black Widow has a great riff that has you movin and grooving
with some excellent female vocals.Hammer and The Cross is another excellent metal song that has you playin
air guitar and drums along with excellent vocals and great guitar work.Welcome To The Grave Yard is a melodic heavy
metal song with some interesting lyrics and foot tapping riffs.Veil of Death starts of solely with some
excellent guitars and vocals then shredding guitar and a fist pumping riff
these people know how to rock. Flash Of
The Pentagram is straight forward Motorhead style of head banging metal.Traitors Rune is power metal at its finest
with a Dio style and feel excellent to sing along to as well.Down in The Cauldron Bog is melodic at first
with some excellent guitar that slowly builds and shred at the perfect times.Natural Parallel is an excellent way to end
this great metal album lots of riffs and feelings with great vocals.
Mirror Reaper get ready to sit back and just enjoy a 83
minute song that starts very slowly tripping away and very slowly builds in
intensity mix gothic metal and hard rock with Tangerine Dream that’s what you
have here.
Exhumed – Death Revenge
Michael Bud Burke – Guitar/Vocals, Michael Hamilton – Drums,
Matthew Harvey – Guitar/Vocals, Ross Sewage – Bass/Vocals
Death Revenge Overture is a very melancholic intro to
Defenders Of The Grave which comes on full force in your face with vocals that
seems to come from a demons mouth and hard heavy riffs with blast beats.Lifeless is slower but just as ferocious in
nature then it just kicks you in the teeth. Dead End has more of a metal intro with some
amazing riffs and drumming then it grabs you by the throat and won’t let go. Night Work has a Slayer style with more dark
vocals.Unspeakable is punk death speed
thrash metal in your face punching away.Grave Markers of Edinburg is an orchestral instrumental then The
Harrowing punches you in the throat and just annihilates you. A Funeral Party more Slayer meets Death in your
face pummeling.The Anatomy Act Of 1832
slow piano works its way into your brain like a worm then several time changes
from fast to mid to slow continue thru the song.Incarnadined Hands reminds me of Destruction
from Germany
fast heavy with deep gruff vocals.Death
Revenge is more punk meets metal meets death metal ferocity.
Founded in 2015 in Montreal,
Canada by
singer/guitarist Mick Martel, drummer Antoine St-Germain and bassist Frederic
Couture, The Hazytones is a heavy stoner rock trio renowned for their onstage
presence and musical intensity.
In September 2015, they earnestly began work on their debut
album at ReelRoad studio in Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie in Montreal. An unmistakable labour of love with
recording and mixing taking many months, the band released their first single
and music video for ‘Living On The Edge’, at the same time ushering in an
inaugural, twenty-three show tour across Canada.
Almost a year to the day after entering the studio, The
Hazytones – the band’s self-titled debut album – was self-released on 22nd
September at La Rockette Bar at the Pop Montreal Music Festival and widely
received shortly after by stoner/psychedelic rock communities in Canada, USA
and particularly Europe, where the band toured, taking in the UK, Belgium,
Switzerland and France.
Returning from the tour, The Hazytones drafted in new
bassist and backing vocalist Adam Gilbert in place Couture and ever since have
been holed up writing new material for album number two ahead of the official
release of The Hazytones on 3rd November 2017 through Ripple Music in the USA
and in Europe on Oak Island Records/Kozmik Artifactz.
Patrick Grant is originally from Detroit,
now living in New York City, he studied at the
world famous Juilliard
School and worked with
Billy Joel and Quincy Jones on an international project for the Millennium, and
in his work with Robert Fripp (King Crimson, Brian Eno, and David Bowie) &
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists. The musicians on the album include Patrick
Grant on guitar, bass, viola, piano, keyboards and percussion; John Ferrari on
drums, mallet instruments and percussion; Nick Didkovsky on guitar; Dan Cooper
on 7-string electric bass; Lynn Bechtold on violin; and Dan Barrett on cello.
A thirteen track, all instrumental album that has many moods
and feels, like a soundtrack to an exciting movie that you want to keep
listening to. With some rock, classical and progressive, you have a mixed bag
with more choices than going out to a buffet. “Lucid Intervals” opens the album
with strings, chimes and hand drums and sets you off on a great start. “Driving
Patterns” has great electric guitar playing, piano, peppy percussion, and a fun
drum beat. “Seven Years At Sea” has a field recording of echoed and looped
vocals from the Hoffpauir sisters (Elita, Mary, and Ella), which was recorded
in Louisiana
in 1934. I have only touched on a few tracks here, but really, you can’t go
wrong when you hit play, just pick a track and it will thrill you and take you
away on an exciting trip.
Grab a copy and visit somewhere else, a place you may not
have any idea where or when it is, but you will definitely enjoy the trip. A
collection of songs that will keep you coming back for more and listen to over
and over again, and keep a smile on your face at the same time.
Sorry for
failing to avoid the fat riffs and deep grooves that have been invading my
bandcamp lately. It’s become not only an ongoing problem, but a first world
problem that I cannot live without. I say you cash your paycheck at paypal via
bandcamp this week and sit back and let the power of the riff compel you. Holy
smokes do we have a treat for you!
Ignu – Lightningflash Flintspark
The deep,
slappy bass line rumbles against a proto-tinged psychedelic flair with shades
of acidic 70s underground. Riffs baked with sun fried fuzz distort above the
land called ‘Warsaw’
as a disturbingly pleasant groove fills the stage with a killer Polish accent.
Btw, how cool of a name is Warsaw?
Thanks to Jonny P. for this stunning find. Favorite track: 07 - Endless
Rift.
Spacelord – Spacelord
What we have
here folks is a huge slab of stoner madness. Repeat plays are mandatory and
invigorating. Push play and listen to what the hard rock is cooking.
Just when
you thought we couldn’t have another Sabbath inspired hard rock band come in
and sweep us off our feet, Spacelord hits us with a dazzling output of warm,
fuzzy hooks, piercing vocals, and heavy blues infused stoner rawk riffs. Equal
amounts of Zeppelin influence to Sabbath buzz. Huge infectious groove through
and through.
Gypsyland - Gypsyland
The
backstory behind this album is enough to purchase without even hearing it.
After listening, its clear that the music is even better than the backstory.
With their 90's grunge roots rolled in their sleeves, Gypsyland pack a kick-ass
progressive flair of grooving riffs ranging from arena-tinged arena anthems to
deeply intricate, well written rock and roll compositions. It would be a shame
for this to go unnoticed.
Angus Black – Angus Black
This one was
super fun to review as by the time I was ready to contribute my turn, the fans
had already started an AC/DC tribute obviously in reference to the band name.
Of course we all know Angus Young and these guys sound nothing like him, other
than they kick some major doom ass in a similar fashion. It’s unknown at this
time if the guitarist is decked out in schoolboy attire, but regardless the
riffs are trippy and groovy as shit.
FDJ and
Paul Rote have some BIG BALLS making those AC/DC jokes. A TOUCH TOO MUCH if you
ask me. While Pepe Roni cuts the cheese with the much more apt Uncle Acid
comparison I couldn’t pass the opportunity to join in on the fun. It's gonna
take a WHOLE LOTTA ROSIE to yank this fuzzed out stoner doom from my
speakers. Favorite track: I'll Guide You Home.
Deep – Deepkvlt
The
groove runs DEEP with soaring psychedelic grit, progressive stoner riffs and
titilating fuzz. Take a look into her eyes and tell me what you see. Favorite
track: Mind Control.
Deadly Vipers - Fueltronaut
Wow, not much
else to say as just WOW. At this moment in time I only have one listen in and
am gasping for a breath of air. I feel like I’ve been drifting
Deadly
Vipers strike with a venomous attack of space-age desert rock preaching the
gospel of Kyuss at the altar of Truckfighters. The lethal vocal chops gnaw away
with relentless hooks, low end rhythm and addictive solos.
Gods & Punks – Into the Dunes of Doom
The
Brazilian doomers are back at it with an enhanced output of grandious fuzz. The
journey takes us into the Dunes of Doom by way tranquilizing blues buried in
psychedelic doom.
The Age of Truth – Threshold
Since we’re
talking the truth I’ll be honest, Ripple Music would have signed these guys had
we been in tune earlier on in the game and with adequate time to prepare for a
proper release on the roster, which is packed in case you haven’t been paying
attention. Have no fears though cause the Ripple equivalent across the pond, Kozmik Artifactz signed a deal to
release on their killer tribe of bands. This is an absolute beast of a hard
rock album and down to earth guys to boot. Prepare to be riffed to pieces by
the debut into the heavy underground family via Threshold.
Truth be
told, Threshold slams groovy riffs down harder than a lie detector test on on
the mainstream media. The vocals ooze with masculinity as the guitar strokes us
with breakneck precision guided by tight brooding rhythm. Stadium rock for the
underground masses! Ripple Music approved, Kozmik Artifactz tested, pick this
up today and save the lies for tomorrow.
