This week I bring another round of eclectic picks, I’ve left
off the two obvious releases that you’re probably already all over, being Elder – Omens and Elephant Tree’s
–Habits that were both released today 4/24/20. They
are worthy of your time and will likely go down and two of 2020’s best. They’re
a great pair quite honestly. Below, you’ll find everything from metal, to
country and hard rock to indie rock. Let us know what you’ve been jamming and
which ones you like best.
THE WIZAR’D – SUBTERRANEAN EXILE
The Wizar’d differentiate themselves by more than just an
apostrophe in their band name. In fact, I’d go so far to say this is one of the
better 80’s inspired traditional doom metal albums of the year. The vocals are
traditional in a sense of that eerie Viking tone, and the solos are searing and
relentless. Great modern heavy metal album that hearkens back to tradition in a
way that doesn’t come across as aping anyone in particular.
DRYLAND – DANCES WITH WAVES
DRYLAND are back with a vengeance. I was a huge fan of their
smoldering self-titled debut and feel it went relatively under the radar.
'Dances With Waves' explodes the 2020 scene with piercing progressive riffs,
pummeling stoner/hardcore energy, and off the chart melody. For fans of Sand
Rider, Coliseum, Cancer Bats, etc..
HAIR OF THE DOG – IT’S JUST A RIDE
Buckle up you're in for a wild ride!! The diversity and
range throughout these 6 tracks is innately constructed and mind blowing. The
bass lines are wicked as always, the proggy textures flamboyant, and the vocals
harmonies are sublime. Favorite track: We the Cancer.
MORGANWAY – MORGANWAY
Gave this one a listen on a recommendation from my good
buddy Andy. He said it was a little “conventional” to which my reaction on
first listen, Conventional is bad ass. It is very polished and super catchy, which
I would imagine conjures up a “conventional” tag. Either way, I think the more
this gets played the more one will fall in love. It’s obvious the band is out
to record anthems and they sound great. A little gospely at times, but with an
airy tone rather than rooted in the blues. The harmonies are out of this world.
Imagine Stevie Nicks x4 with her work in Fleetwood Mac. Ya, this will be mine
someday if I can get an import deal a bit more affordable. They’re from the UK, which
always puts strain on the pocketbook.
MAYA
MOUNTAINS – ERA
Maya
Mountains lays waste to
its desert Doom surroundings with towering riffs, colossal fuzz and smoldering
rhythm.
PURPLE DAWN – ATLANTIS
The groove is impeccable and everything about this single
brings me that long sought after “first time feeling” you get when you discover
a new band with the IT factor going on. Purple Dawn are onto something grand
here. Favorite track: Atlantis.
COUNTRY WESTERNS – COUNTRY WESTERNS
It only took one song and a read through the description on
their bandcamp for me to preorder this record. These guys are a Nashville band, and they play a rather alternative version
of what you’d expect first take on a Nashville
‘country’ band. It sounds more in the vein of Lucero or Drive-By Truckers.
Little punk attitude, poppy hooks and a raspy vocal. Right down my alley. It
comes out May 1st, 2020 and available to pre-order now.
PHOG – WHOLE HORSE BOTH BARRELS
This one caught my ear and eye after a submission from the
band on my Instagram account. For whatever reason the submissions direct from
bands have much more weight than those sent out by hired PR agencies. It’s just
the way I’m wired. This one ticked all the boxes on initial scan. Marketed as
“Western Doom” I couldn’t help but push play. It has a vibe similar to what
you’d hear from the Midwest band Across
Tundras but with a little more experimentation going on. The vocals are buried deep
in the back and the mood of this is an all-out assault on the psych. Pretty
cool listen.
WOLFHAND – THE DEVIL ARRIVES
A powerful, meditative journey through heavily psyched out
groove with earthy tone and grandiose atmosphere.
KING WITCH – BODY OF LIGHT
King Witch are back with a monumental and crushing heavy
metal album. I’ve said it before, and its on display here, Laura Donnelly is
the most powerful front woman in the heavy underground. Holy smokes she can
sing, and the stiff metallic backbone riffing with chugging rhythm and ghostly
atmosphere makes Body of Light a force to be reckoned with.
MARMALADE KNIVES – AMNESIA
Another all instrumental album to showcase. I am not always
into purely instrumentals but they have their place and Marmalade Knives brings
a trippy blend of psych, rock, and prog on Amnesia, released via Electric
Valley Records and available on multiple editions of vinyl.
-The Huntsman
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