The Groundhog says we have 6-more weeks. I think he’s right
and we’re no better prepared than right now. 2018 has gotten off to a great
start here in camp. Not only does each year seem to progress in the amount of
bad ass records hitting the shelves, but more and more folks seem to be taking
grasp at the powers of bandcamp which leads to more bands joining in on the
fun. This round we feature 10 more exquisite records, mostly on the heavy side,
but each with their own spin and twist between a few different styles. No
matter what it seems I keep waking up with an inbox full of smash hit albums.
Its groundhog day again at bandcamp and we are loving it.
Huntsman – American Scrap
This one caught my eye for obvious reasons being the
bandname. If you’ve been reading long you know I go by The Huntsman, and when
I’m perusing bandcamp to see ‘Huntsman’ as an available album, I must listen.
For some reason, I was expecting some kind of extreme sludge metal and was
pleasantly surprised and partially blown away on first listen. It certainly
lives up to its band name. The slightly backwoodsy textures combined with a
mega metallic sheen make Huntsman’s debut album one of the week’s best finds.
Not since ‘Bask’ have a heard a blend of folksy rhythm, stoner groove and post-metal
crunch sound so inviting.
Blue Cheese – Reborn Into Void
The putrid vocal aroma aged with an intense array of wicked
groove is perfectly suited for the connoisseur of the mega riff. Blue Cheese
has clogged my arteries with a creamy stench of demented stoner Doom.
Fuzz Lord – Fuzz Lord
Fuzz Lord lives up to its name with a crushing yet melodic
output of heavy stoner/doom. The guitars attack with progressive intros and
interludes with an asphyxiating rhythm drenched in fuzzy groove. The vocals
command like a whiskey driven pirate exploring the stage like a ship on shark
infested waters.
Crobone – Crobone
Damn, this one is powerful. Strong on the vocals, radio rock
worthy melodic hard rock/Metal.
Ivory Deville – Wastegunner
Can't deny that steel guitar twang built on Jagger-esque
vocal tones, soulful back up singing and bluesy psychedelic atmosphere. This is
sex, drugs and rock n roll fit for a Sunday morning gospel session. Love it.
Olmeg – Maladies
Olmeg are back with a one of a kind twist of doom-fried
grunge metal. The vocals squelch with an eerie atop a bass tone fuzzy as it is
sludgy. Deep rumbling grooves aplenty found on Maladies. Dig in and soak it up.
Pieces of Molly – Vol. 2
Riff heavy Rawk with a crunchy groove, smoking vocals and
hard charging energy through and through. New Zealand knows what’s
up.
Hound the Wolves – Camera Obscura
This one caught me by surprise. While listening my
comparison radar summoned forth a brute strength a la the band Aleph Null while
harnessing the atmosphere of Neurosis and/or Earth as recommended. The intense
onslaught of psych-ridden sludge metal comes across as highly accessible and
mildly erotic.
Secrets of Lost Empires - Secrets of Lost Empires
From the moment that first riff strums, I knew we were in
for something special here. Thanks to Tangy at Bong Druid of Mammoth Weed
Mountain youtube page for this discovery. This is an epic slab of progressive
stoner metal. Incredible. Needs more love. www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8JSmRQDQZ8
Sundrifter – Visitations
This one steals your soul straight out of the gate. At Name
Your Price you’d be a fool not to add this to your collection. The fuzz tones
shine, the Doom-born vocals haunt, and the riffs circulate like a dust devil
through stoner-baked sand.
-The Huntsman
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