Infinity Ritual - II EP

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 03 Nov 2023

Tracklist:

1. FCG (Intro)

2. Succession

3. Earthdriver

4. Deceivers

5. Stones

I decided to pick something at random this evening and it just so happens that it's due to be released tomorrow (or today if you're in New Zealand and other Southern Hemisphere nations), which Infinity Ritual are. They're from New Plymouth, NZ to be exact and II is their latest EP, which follows their 2022 debut EP. II will be/is available on vinyl, CD and digital formats. All self-released!

After a day that started with me thinking it was Wednesday (thanks alarm clock!), it feels nice to be sat here digging into some good old groove-laden stoner rock. EP opener ‘FCG (Intro)’ is described as an extended introduction to second track ‘Succession’ and is only available on the vinyl version. It’s a nice psych/cosmic intro that sets the scene. I still don’t get the reasoning behind putting extra songs or music on some formats but not others. Maybe I never will.

Onto first song proper ‘Succession’ though, which is filled with top-drawer doom/stoner riffs, classy percussion and dual clean/harsh vocals that all add significant volume to this trio. Infinity Ritual’s sound so far has a nostalgic element to it, at times taking cues from early UK doom pioneers and gothic influences as well. There are similarities to the likes of Electric Wizard and Orange Goblin, but also Anathema and Paradise Lost too. 

‘Earthdriver’ dials up the stoner rock vibes with semi-clean vocals, all-encompassing drum work and a downright dirty guitar solo that seems to last for almost half the song, leading you into hallucinatory territory. New Zealand had always been great at producing bands in a similar vein to Infinity Ritual, with 8 Foot Sativa and Beastwars springing to mind immediately. The thing that catches me off guard here though is the nu-metal/grunge undertones that are present during ‘Deceivers’ (think Mad At Gravity, Spineshank, early-Hoobastank). 

I’ve mentioned way too many other bands in this review already so I’m gonna stop, because I’m not trying to pigeonhole Infinity Ritual, instead I’m trying (badly) to paint a picture of how varied and strong their music is. Talking of strong music, ending with a near twenty minute song that takes up an entire side of vinyl is a perfect example of that. ‘Stones’ is that song and it’s the slowest, darkest number on II, which is unsurprising. It’s largely instrumental and shows even more of Infinity Ritual’s musical, song-writing skill. Things get a bit weird for a short time before one final short blast of the band’s full-throttle stoner.

Listening to this EP has awakened something inside me (without sounding twee). It reminded me why I truly connected with heavy music in my mid-late teens even before I started writing about it online. There aren’t many bands that can genuinely do that! Infinity Ritual haven’t just released another record destined for the ether, they’ve released something special.

You can currently (at the time of writing) stream 'Earthdriver' on bandcamp below, as well as on other streaming services:-

Keep an eye out for vinyl/cd/merch drops here - https://www.infinityritual.com

Infinity Ritual - https://www.facebook.com/InfinityRitual

Torso - A Crash Course In Terror

Labels: APF Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 27 Jan 2023

Tracklist:

1. Heads Start To Roll

2. Pranks

3. Sinking Spell

4. Depth Charge

5. Precious Blood

6. Death TV

7. Circuit Breaker Breaker

The sound of multiple jets flying over (probably on routine training flights) sounds a tad ominous from the secure comfort of my flat, but I know that noise is about to be drowned out by the sound of London's newest horror-sludge (if that's even a sub-genre) band Torso. Torso was formed out of the ashes of heavy metal/stoner band Possessor and A Crash Course In Terror is the band's debut album, having been released in late January by APF Records from Manchester.

A Crash Course In Terror is a trip of very different proportions. The keyboard tones that open ‘Heads Start To Roll’ sound like they’ve come straight from the eighties and the ripping music that follows from Torso is filled with just as much swagger. Torso is a solo-project that’s been created by former Possessor member Graham Bywater, though here keyboards are provided by Wayne Adams (on tracks 2, 4 and 7), who also recorded, mixed and mastered the album.

There’s an uneasy feeling about ‘Pranks’, which is essentially an ambient instrumental, slowing the momentum that follows the album’s first song but also providing great anticipation for the rhythmic, garage-like ‘Sinking Spell’. It’s the verses that borrow from garage-punk, while there are much heavier passages that contain harsher vocals and industrial percussive blasts as well. The variation so far is awesome. You definitely won’t get bored.

The interspersing of longer tracks with shorter interludes (if you like) is a little off-putting if you were expecting all seven songs here to hit full throttle, but then again you shouldn’t let it put you off. ‘Depth Charge’ signifies the horror aesthetic that Torso portrays, without losing any catchiness.’ Precious Blood’ is that bizarre mix of jarring, off-kilter tempos and classic/glam rock flair. It works unbelievably well when Torso’s grooving with abandon. The latter half of the song ushers in psychedelic guitar flourishes that rain light down on the record. Perfectly placed and performed. 

It follows immediately on to ‘Death TV’, which acts as the album’s final instrumental, with it’s space-age melodies and percussive effects. A Crash Course In Terror closes with the ominous sounding ‘Circuit Breaker Breaker’. The opening sample, that’s been a theme throughout the album, offers no respite before Torso’s sludgy/heavy sound becomes awash with grunge and punk. It all hits like a crazy mash-up of Perturbator, Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, Ghost and Melvins. 

However you approach this album and whomever you draw comparisons too (if you even need too), A Crash Course In Terror is brilliant and acts as the perfect cleanser from today’s constant white noise.

You can stream and purchase A Crash Course In Terror on all physical formats (as well as digitally) below:-

Torso Instagram - @here_lies_torso

APF Records - https://www.facebook.com/apfrecords

Dust Prophet - One Last Look Upon The Sky

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 27 Jan 2023

Tracklist:

1. A Storm Of Time & Space Part 1

2. When The Axe Falls

3. Dear Mrs. Budd

4. Put To The Question

5. Song 4

6. The High Capital

7. A Storm Of Time & Space Part 2

8. Hourglass

9. Bury Me Before Noon

This is my first proper 2023 release review, it's almost the end of the working week for me and doom seems like the only way to usher in Friday. One Last Look Upon The Sky is US doom/stoner band Dust Prophet's debut album, which will officially be released on 27 January. Reading the press release that accompanied this record, it cites the likes of Kyuss, Electric Wizard and Clutch amongst the band's influences, so it should be a good listen. 

Beginning with the gentle intro of ‘A Storm Of Time & Space Part 1’, you kind of wonder what’s in store on Dust Prophet’s debut full-length and after a brief pause you’re greeted with the low-end heft of ‘When The Axe Falls’. The vocals immediately come to the fore in almost theatrical style, while the percussion, bass and guitars plow a furrow underneath, in a groovy yet subtly mournful way.

If you like your stoner/doom with a bit more driving grit, then ‘Dear Mrs. Budd is for you. The instrumentation hits right from the off and the mix of clean, and harsh vocals works really well here. Getting lost in the music and forgetting to move (or in my case write coherent words) is entirely possible. It sounds like there are some organ/moog-type tones on ‘Put To The Question’, which makes complete sense. They’ve been adding cosy and soothing tones to stoner/doom albums ever since Black Sabbath et al started the sub-genres, if not before. The song itself of another punchy, urgent number as well.

It leads to ‘Song 4’, which begins in completely the opposite fashion and moves in gnarly psychedelic circles, mainly due to the lead-guitar work used early on. This is the point where I wish I had more red wine! It’s an instrumental song that guides you to the album’s second half and it’s brilliant. Another good thing about Dust Prophet is their ability to make longer songs, like ‘Song 4’ and ‘The High Capital’ that follows, sound truly engrossing. The latter sees Otto Kinzel IV’s vocals reappear in bullish fashion.

‘A Storm Of Time & Space Part 2’ is another beautifully delivered instrumental that leads you into the album’s final two songs, beginning with ‘Hourglass’, which is somewhat subdued. It’s still got a lot of groove but following on from some of the album’s heavier songs, it doesn’t bite quite as much. Closer ‘Bury Me Before Noon’  is one final blistering stoner/doom hymn with a nod to the occult. It’s the heaviest song here in terms of harsh vox and it’s loud/long duration makes it the perfect reminder that Dust Prophet aren’t here to mess around. 

All round this album is really good. It’s still raw in places given that it’s Dust Prophet’s debut but there’s plenty of reasons to enjoy and immerse yourself in it. There’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of personality and theatre into your music, especially if the latter’s done in the right way. Dust Prophet have done and it works. 

As mentioned above, One Last Look Upon The Sky won't be officially released until 27 January; however, you can stream four of the album's songs below and pre-order the album/merch too:-

Dust Prophet - https://www.facebook.com/dustprophet

Ocultum - Residue

Labels: Self-Released/Black Bow Records/Interstellar Smoke Records

Formats: Digital/CD/Vinyl

Release Date: 06 Sep 2019

Tracklist:

1. The Acid Road

2. Residue

3. Ascending With The Fumes Of The Dead

4. Reflections On Repulsiveness

It's bloody freezing here! It's just turned cold over the last few days and yesterday I had to be out at 5am to work. I started writing this review on Friday evening, as I wanted to jam some slow and heavy tunes from Chilean doom/sludge trio Ocultum. This is a band that came to my attention recently, but that actually formed back in 2009. Since their formation, they've released a single, two full-lengths (including this one) and two live albums. Residue was originally self-released digitally in 2019 before being released a year later on CD via UK label Black Bow Records. Earlier this year, it was reissued on vinyl by Polish label Interstellar Smoke Records.

Heavy, grooving bass/guitar kicks off Residue on opener ‘The Acid Road’ and with it, you’re instantly dragged back to a time when Black Sabbath ruled their airwaves. Ocultum’s take on doom/sludge is more extreme, as is the way in South America. It has a rawness that’s brought alive by the harsh vocals and powerful drumming, but also a heap of warmth due to the trio’s psychedelic edge. 

All four of the songs on Residue are pretty lengthy with the title-track (and the opener before it) almost reaching the ten-minute mark, while the other two songs go even further. Back to the title-track though; ‘Residue’ majors on the trio’s instrumental prowess with the vocals used only when necessary. 

The album’s latter half is where things become the most mesmerising, with even doomier music and knuckle-dragging clean vocals that nestle amongst it all on ‘Ascending With The Fumes Of The Dead’. It’s so easy to get lost and to overlook this form of metal given the sheer amount of releases that give you instant gratification, but if you do you’ll be doing it at your peril as this release is super loud and oppressive in all the right ways.

Album closer ‘Reflections On Repulsiveness’ is by far the gnarliest song on Residue by mere virtue of the vocals being so low tone-wise at first, before launching back into those gargled growls once again. There’s plenty of atmosphere generated via the melodic guitar work. It’s minimalistic appearance is very effective, making this song sound a lot dirtier and more true. 

This is a beast of a record. Experiencing it over three years after it’s original release doesn’t do any harm at all, as Ocultum is very much a band for the ages. If you enjoy your slow, mournful music and like heaviness then you’ll do yourself a favour by giving this album, and this band your time.

You can stream and purchase Residue directly from Ocultum below:-

Vinyl copies can be purchased from Interstellar Smoke Records here - https://interstellarsmokerecords1.bandcamp.com/album/residue

Ocultum - https://www.facebook.com/ocultumdrugcult

Interstellar Smoke Records - https://www.facebook.com/Interstellar-Smoke-Records

Pyre Fyre - Rinky Dink City/Slow Cookin'

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 18 Feb 2022

Tracklist:

1. Rinky Dink City

2. Slow Cookin'

It feels great to have some real momentum again writing-wise. I'm flying through the review schedule I devised two weeks or so ago and this evening I'm focusing on a new band, who released their first two-track single back in February. Pyre Fyre are a trio from New Jersey, USA who play heavy-psych/sludge. Between February 2019 and this little EP, they digitally released three singles. This EP features backing vocals by Ambriosia Gainous and also a guitar solo from Dustin Bartee of Ethereal Sea. 

Pyre Fyre’s music is not at all what I was expecting (though I should learn not to take press-releases/bandcamp tags too literally). It does contain heavy-psych/sludge influences, but also loads of noise-rock, jazz and blues that would be at home in the deep south. It may initial sounded a bit rough around the edges but as it grows, the sense of fun and genuine rhythm show through. The additional soulful vocals of Ambriosia Gainous give a lot more that just backing and elevate things ever higher.

‘Slow Cookin’’ is a proper stoner/doom jam that’s all about the groove. Bass-heavy and raw in the right way, it shows Pyre Fyre’s potential. They like a bit of humour and it shows here. The solo from Dustin Bartee (at least I think it was his!) rounds out the song in style, even if it does end abruptly.

Pyre Fyre have talent for sure and hopefully they’ll follow these two songs up with something lengthier on their next release. I think they have a great base sound and if they focus on building on what they have so far, they’ll grow and grow. 

You can stream and purchase Rinky Dink City/Slow Cookin' digitally below:-

Pyre Fyre - https://www.instagram.com/pyrefyr /  / https://www.facebook.com/pyrefyre

Robust Split Series 1: #5 - Bomg/BongBongBeerWizards

Labels: Robustfellow Prods

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 24 Dec 2021

Tracklist:

1. Bomg - Demagnetized

2. Bomg - Ixian Bore

3. BongBongBeerWizards - Melothrone

4. BongBongBeerWizards - Journey

5. BongBongBeerWizards - Meathead

6. BongBongBeerWizards - Summoning

I didn't realise it had been over a month since I reviewed number four in the Robust Split Series (Keepleer 18/Yanomamo). This is the fifth and final split tape in the series from Ukrainian label Robustfellow Prods, which brought together five stoner/doom bands from Ukraine and matched them alongside five similar bands from different corners of the world. This split features Bomg alongside Germany's BongBongBeerWizards. Bomg have been playing music together now for over a decade, with two full-lengths, an EP and two other splits to their name prior to this one. BongBongBeerWizards formed in 2017 and have released two full-lengths and an EP as well as their contribution here.

Looking back through the series, Bomg contribute the longest song of them all as one of their two songs here but before we get to that, there’s the small matter of their opener ‘Demagnetized’, which itself weighs in at nearly ten minutes. As with BongBongBeerWizards, Bomg are another new band to me, which has been a feature of this series. ‘Demagnetized’ begins as an instrumental jam that builds in volume and all kinds of weirdness. It’s a lot more bluesy/jazz-like, with some amazing guitar effects thrown in as well. At times it sounds like the members of Bomg are all playing different songs, but if you settle in and just listen it begins to make sense.

After that strangely soothing and hypnotic opener, it’s time for the ‘Ixian Bore’, which stretches to nearly twenty minutes and is immediately much heavier than ‘Demagnetized’, thanks to the low, rumbling bass. Again, it sounds like a semi-improv jam but that’s fine, as it suits Bomg’s stoner/doom vibe perfectly. It’s filled with spoken-word samples that sound like they’ve been put through some kind of effects as well. It all adds to the overall feeling of otherworldliness you get from Bomg’s music.

As I mentioned above, BongBongBeerWizards are another unknown prospect and whereas the former were more unpredictable in approach, the latter are heavier, with a formula that sits further into the sludge camp on opener ‘Melothrone’. The vocals cry out as if they were delivered by somebody whose in possession of an all-knowing prophecy, while around them the music spells out a hellish fate. ‘Journey’ is much more upbeat sounding, with it’s ambient atmosphere and clean singing lifting the mood with plenty of cinematic tones.

That upbeat mood is snatched away from you somewhat by saxophone tones that sound like distressed whale song. I guess that’s not totally left field given BBBW’s own enthusiasm for experimentation. The vocals are used more sparingly here and in their place, you’re left with truly rumbling bass, crawling percussion and guitar work that again invokes those whales. BBBW’s final song ‘Summoning’ is their longest at just over ten-minutes long and in my semi-sleepy state, it threatens to send me to the land of nightmares. It’s as chilling as it is ritualistic. It’s very hypnotic, which is definitely a staple trait of any decent stoner/doom band in my opinion and despite it’s sloth-like tempo, doesn’t feel like a ten minute song,. 

What a way to end this first split series from Robustfellow. Both Bomg and BongBongBeerWizards are the perfect pairing in terms of experimentation and just downright heaviness. They deserve much more airtime, as do the other eight participants here. This review series has been a really fun journey and one that I’ll be revisiting over and over again. 

You can stream and purchase the entire series digitally below, where it's also available as a five tape set, or as individual tape (both while stocks last):-

Bomg - https://www.facebook.com/BOMGband

BongBongBeerWizards - https://www.facebook.com/bongbongbeerwizards/

Robustfellow Prods - https://www.facebook.com/RobustfellowProds

Space Coke - Lunacy

Labels: Forbidden Place Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 14 Jan 2022

Tracklist:

1. Bride Of Satan

2. Alice Lilitu

3. Frozen World

4. Lightmare

5. Twist Of Cain (Danzig Cover)

Coming at you with an actual 2022 release tonight! Granted, it was released in January but it's progress all the same. Lunacy is the latest full-length for US stoner/doom band Space Coke, which fellow US label Forbidden Place Records helped spread as far as possible on CD and digitally, with the rumour of a vinyl pressing coming at some point in the future too. Space Coke started life way back in 2008, though it wasn't until 2017 when they put out their first EP Neil deGrasse High E.P., with not one but two full-lengths coming just a year later in the form of South Cackapulco Gold and L'appel du Vide (if Metal Archives is correct).

Here we go then! I’ve got a glass of red wine in hand and the volume turned up. Album opener ‘Bride Of Satan’ is much easier on the ear than I was expecting (though I should learn to go into these things without such preconceptions buy now!). Definitely psychedelic and 70s inspired with the effect-filled vocals, and organ/keys in the background. The guitar/bass work is very doomy and the drums punchy. 

Space Coke don’t mind venturing from their stoner/doom/psych blueprint. ‘Alice Lilitu’ starts with a suitably weird spoken-word/sampled intro, before leading into an equally weird yet catchy as hell song. Hell, the song is over twelve-and-a-half minutes long so there’s no need the be too serious is there! It actually reminds me of Muse, but if they were on hallucinatory drugs and Nick Oliveri was their bassist. Definitely groovier than Glastonbury for sure!

There’s a desert/surf-rock vibe hidden within ‘Frozen World’ that seems to be underpinned by vocoder-style vocals, which are pretty cool and match the music. That’s something I never thought I’d say! In terms of Space Coke’s songs though, it goes by all too quickly. It’s really memorable though.

‘Lightmare’ starts with a stark and heart-wrenching sampled passage. It’s words are haunting and oh so real. Even the addition or organ in the background does little to lighten the mood. It’s probably the heaviest song  on Lunacy when it gets going, especially in the riffs, percussion and deeper vocals. 

I’m nearing the bottom of my glass of wine as album closer and Danzig cover ‘Twist Of Cain’ comes into view, and it’s a glorious way to end the album. Subtly thrashy in parts (mainly due to it’s tempo) but also utterly infectious and once again, catchy. I think there’s nothing wrong with that if it’s done in the right way, as opposed to being straight up cheesy. Space Coke get it right and it shows.

This is a fantastic album from a band that deserve much more exposure than I can give them. Space Coke smash it and during these balmy early summer nights, provide the carefree party vibes we all need.

For fans of: Muse, Mondo Generator, Red Fang, Green Lung & Ritual King

You can stream and purchase Lunacy digitally from Space Coke below:-

CD copies can be purchased from Forbidden Place Records here:-

https://forbiddenplacerecords.bandcamp.com/album/space-coke-lunacy

Space Coke - https://www.facebook.com/SpaceCokeSC

Forbidden Place Records - https://www.facebook.com/forbiddenplacerecords

Serpent Cobra - Beware EP

Labels: Helter Skelter Productions/Stoner Witch Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 25 Feb 2022

Tracklist:

1. Walpurgisnight

2. Beware

3. Bloody Countess

Argentinian doom/proto-metal is my jam this evening in the form of Serpent Cobra, who released their latest EP Beware in February via Helter Skelter Productions and Stoner Witch Records. Serpent Cobra started out as a duo in 2017 but it was 2020 that saw them release their first music, coinciding with the addition of two new members. After the Master Of It All single, they released their debut album Anatomy Of Abuses with the help of both Stoner Witch Records and Interstellar Smoke Records. New EP Beware features three tracks and is available digitally from the band, as well as on both vinyl and tape from the labels mentioned above.

We’re not far off flying headfirst into a new working week, so a final bit of escapism is needed. Serpent Cobra bring it in spades on Beware. ‘Walpurgisnight’ is a mid-paced heavy metal/doom song cut from the cloth of Sabbath and Candlemass, with some added South American flair. The clean vocals sit well amongst the percussion and hypnotic riffs, while the lead-guitar wails later on. 

The EP’s title-track ‘Beware’ is an instrumental that’s a world away from it’s opener. It’s gentle and almost folky in places, though it still has some sinister undertones to it. ‘Bloody Countess’ rounds things out with a bass-heavy slab of stoner doom. I think there’s more punk to this release than meets the eye, but that could be just my ears deceiving me. Either way, it’s a cool way to end.

Beware acts as a teaser before the release of Serpent Cobra’s second LP and it’s a good place to start if (like me) you’re new to the band. It should appeal to those who like occult rock, as well as the aforementioned sub-genres. It also reminds me that I need to dive back into the slower, groovier side of metal with more gusto again.

For fans of: Acid Mammoth, Jess And The Ancient Ones, Alunah, Candlemass & The Hidden Hand. 

You can stream and purchase Beware digitally below:-

Serpent Cobra - https://www.facebook.com/serpentcobraheavydoom

Physical copies can be purchased from the labels below:-

Stoner Witch Records - https://www.stonerwitchrecords.com/

Helter Skelter Productions (Distributed by Shadow Records/Regain Records) - 

https://www.shadowrecords.se/

Stoner Witch Records - https://www.facebook.com/stonerwitchrecords

Helter Skelter Productions - https://www.facebook.com/helterskelterproductions

Robust Split Series - Season 1: #3 - One Magic Megawatt/Silver Gallery

Labels: Robustfellow Prods

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 24 Dec 2021

Tracklist:

1. One Magic Megawatt - Psychoblues

2. One Magic Megawatt - End Of Season

3. One Magic Megawatt - Fuckdub

4. Silver Gallery - Sagawa Lunch

5. Silver Gallery - Head Will Roll

6. Silver Gallery - On My Way

7. Silver Gallery - My Life

8. Silver Gallery - Burning Soul

The Sunday afternoon lull is over. It's time for the third instalment of my mini review series focusing on the five tape split box set from Ukrainian label Robustfellow Prods. The idea of this set was to put five Ukrainian sludge/doom bands on tape alongside five bands from other countries. The first two I reviewed featured Kasu Weri (with Taser from Finland) and Celophys (with Radian from the USA). This one features One Magic Megawatt and Silver Gallery (of France). Each of the tapes have been limited to 75 copies and there was also a special run of 42 box sets featuring all five. There are still copies of each for sale via Robustfellow's bandcamp page, but they're going down all the time so if you like what you read/hear, grab them while you can!

As with three of the four bands I’ve already written about during this series, it’s the first time I’ve heard both One Magic Megawatt and Silver Gallery. OMM, as I’m going to refer to them from now, provide three tracks on their side of this split and they’re long, especially opener ‘Psychoblues’. This quartet definitely has their own identity because alongside the stoner riffs, percussion and clean/harsh vocals, there’s a harmonica and trombone adding some extra blues flavour. As if those riffs weren’t bluesy enough!

OOM are a lot more progressive than I was initially expecting. I know the term is used a lot nowadays (especially by me) but it’s still relevant as the psych sounds of ‘End Of Season’ swirl out from the speakers. Initially, it’s a very easy-listening song but the further in you get during the first two+ minutes, the more bass-heavy it gets. Ritualistic at times, it’s one for appreciating without distraction or interruption. It’s latter half is more anthemic and musical, but don’t be fooled, it’s also stark and dense as well. The vocals employed here are more akin to those used in depressive black metal for a time too.

As if the two songs above weren’t enough to tempt you in, OMM’s last song ‘Fuckdub” is basically a cross between improv blues rock and some crazy drugged up hoedown in the Deep South (to be honest both of those examples are interchangeable). There is a bit of Eyehategod influence coming through here for sure, though it’s more their groove than their caustic sludge that permeates the song. This has been some of the most out-there stoner I’ve heard.

Next up, Silver Gallery with five songs. As their opener ’Sagawa Lunch’ begins, there’s a much more straightforward sound going on, with thicker riffs and plenty of rumbling bass. More mesmeric and repetitive, the spoken word vocals seem more menacing and even slightly sleazy to these ears. I’m fine with sleazy though when it comes to heavy rock and so far Silver Gallery have me glued to the speakers. There’s more urgency in their sound (if not in their tempo, which is still slow), especially on ‘Head Will Roll’. They tell a story with the lyrics and it’s the first time you catch a glimpse of their disgustingly harsh, screechy growls. They turn this release on it’s head in the finest way. 

‘On My Way’ is such a flowing song that you can easily lose yourself in it. The groove is real here and the drums add to it immensely, while the vocals are slightly more distant yet still harsh. The feedback that rings out at the end never stops ringing in your ears as you’re led into Silver Gallery’s penultimate beast ‘My Life’. Once again, if repetition in doom/sludge is your thing, then there’s plenty of it here but there’s also some really killer lead work as well. Fully gone by this point are the sleazy spoken vocals, as they give way to those roared/growled ones I mentioned above. They’re used sparingly though in favour of letting the instrumentation breath. 

It’s left to ‘Burning Soul’ to close out both Silver Gallery’s side and also the split as a whole, and it does it brilliantly. Just crushing heavy doom extremity with very adept musicianship. Somehow it’s super catchy as well, mainly due to the melody hiding within the riffs. Getting faster in tempo and denser in musical layers, the ending comes far too soon. Again, another great musical find by Robustfellow. Silver Gallery have certainly left their mark on me.

Overall, this split is a pretty unique one. One Magic Megawatt might be a head-scratcher for some but their avant-garde, bluesy stoner is an experience that’s well worth the effort. Silver Gallery on the flip side are much more gung-ho, with heavier everything. Enjoy!

You can stream all of the tracks from this split, as well as from the set via Robustfellow's bandcamp page below:-

All five splits are available digitally and on tape while stocks last there too,

One Magic Megawatt - https://www.facebook.com/1mmwt

Silver Gallery - https://www.facebook.com/silver-gallery

Robustfellow Prods - https://www.facebook.com/RobustfellowProds

Robust Split Series - Season 1: #2 Celophys/Radian

Labels: Robustfellow Productions

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 24 Dec 2021

Tracklist: 

1. Celophys - Cenozoic

2. Celophys - H.O.I.M

3. Celophys - The Main Issue Is You

4. Radian - She Gone

5. Radian - Nothing Gets Through

6. Radian - Beast

7. Radian - Herts Of Metropolis

8. Radian - Not Dying

9. Radian - She Blind

Tonight's post comes from an uncertain place. When I wrote about the first Robust Split Series release  review (about the Kasu Weri/Taser split) back on February 1st, I couldn't foresee what was going to happen in Ukraine. We were hoping and indeed starting to come out of a pandemic, beginning to feel more positive again but unfortunately somebody had other ideas. This review focuses on the second split in the series that was released by Kyiv's Robustfellow Productions in late December 2021, where bands from the Ukraine are joined by bands from all over the world. This tape features stoner/doom duo Celophys (from Cherkasy, Cherkasy-Oblast) and US sludge/doom quartet Radian (from Ohio).

After my initial hesitancy about this review last night, I’ve decided to go for it. This split consists of nine tracks with the first three coming from Celophys. Their opener ‘Cenozoic’ is twelve-and-a-half minutes of bass guitar/drum-laden doom with uber deep vocals. It’s mix of instrumental groove and depressive extremity is hypnotising, especially due to the repetitive nature of the song. Being repetitive isn’t a bad thing at all though!

The duo’s songs get shorter from here on in, though not by much in the case of ‘H.O.I.M’. The stoner/psych influences that graced the end of their opener are back in the song’s intro, leading into another lumbering and cavernous hymn. I’m not sure that calling it a hymn is correct, but who cares. Celophys certainly make me remember why I fell in love with doom in the first place. Their final song ‘The Main Issue Is You’ is also their most atmospheric, with more use of melodic and metallic elements (albeit subtle ones). There’s still a whole lot of dread in it though and with that, Celophys rounds out their side of this split in such a moreish and satisfying way. I need more of this band in my life for sure.

The other side of the split belongs to Radian, who approach doom/sludge from a different perspective. Still very groovy and slow, ’She Gone’ definitely contains that familiar mid-west twang and attitude. Radian don’t ponder over their songs as much, as you’ll find out. There’s definitely some clear-ish influences within their sound, especially if you’re a fan of the NOLA bands. ‘Nothing Gets Through’ features a great off-kilter rhythm that forms it’s backbone, while the quartet steamrolls on.

There’s much more alternative metal going on during ‘Beast’. It’s not like a nu-metal thing but Radian definitely knows how to add hooks to their sludge. They don’t hang about either, preferring to go straight from one song to the next and before you know it, ‘Beast’ has ended and you’re being greeted by the band’s most riff-laden song yet, ‘Herts Of Metropolis’. It features a haunting sample buried within the mix, which at one point made me think my neighbours were in distress before I realised it was part of the music!

Penultimate song ‘Not Dying’ sees Radian going back in a more straightforward direction, presenting themselves once again as a really solid heavy band that is more mature than expected given that this is only their second recording. Again, as with Celophys before, I’m floored. Split closer ‘She Blind’ takes you on one last trip down Radian’s dark rabbit hole and in doing so, will make you reconsider coming to the surface. It’s a really great way to end what’s been an engrossing union of like-minded individuals from different corners of the globe.

I think that’s what makes this split series what it is. On the one hand you’ve got the raw, extreme edge of Celophys and on the other, there’s the slightly more approachable urgency of Radian. There’s something here for any metal fan and that’s the point. Music brings people together, whether it be in the same town or across the world. It’s needed now more than ever and while this review won’t help the plights of both Celophys or Robustfellow directly at this time, hopefully it’ll help to show that there are good people doing good things, whatever the situation.

Contributions to help provide aid and relief to the people of Ukraine can be made via UN Crisis Relief, who have set up a Humanitarian Fund here - https://crisisrelief.un.org/t/ukraine.

You can stream this split along with all of the other splits that form part of this series below, where you can also buy it digitally and on tape:-

Celophys - https://www.facebook.com/celophysdoom

Radian - https://www.facebook.com/RadianAkron/

Robustfellow Prods - https://www.facebook.com/RobustfellowProds

Dr. Colossus – I’m a Stupid Moron with an Ugly Face and a Big Butt and My Butt Smells and I Like to Kiss My Own Butt (by Mikey Ortega)

Label: Self-Released

Format: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 21 May, 2021

 

Tracklist:

1. Sex Cauldron

2. Pickabar

3. Lard Lad

4. So Long Stinktown

5. Get Mendoza

6. Hummingbird of Bengal

7. Space Coyote

 

Australia’s Dr. Colossus is a band that I feel in love with a while back, when Doomed & Stoned reported about a Stoner/Doom band, that sang about The Simpsons. Like, how can you not be a fan of that. As a 90’s kid, The Simpsons was a huge part of my life. Hell, in college, quoting Simpsons lines was a sport. Their impact on pop culture could not be denied. When Dr. Colossus put out their 2017 release, THE DANK, it brought back great memories with some heavy riffage. After releasing two singles, the Springfield worshiping Aussies have entered 2021 with a brand new album (probably the greatest album title), I’M A STUPID MORON WITH AN UGLY FACE AND A BIG BUTT AND MY BUTT SMELLS AND I LIKE TO KISS MY OWN BUTT. So how does this hold up against THE DANK?  Well, let’s go and find out.

 

“Sex Cauldron” gets things started, and boy, does it come out charging at you, like Drederick Tatum. It’s a song that goes full-throttle, like High On Fire. It will definitely get you banging along and flipping the goat. “Lard Lad” is a catchy tune that will have you singing along with your pals, while driving down Springfield. By the 3:30 mark, things pick up and we get a nice guitar solo, with an organ in the background. Excellent placement.  We then go into the heavy-blues of “So Long Stinktown”. The perfect track when leaving your shithole town. The riffs are killer and I’m sure any fan of Doom and Stoner Rock will appreciate it. If there’s a song that defines Dr. Colossus’ musicianship, it will be “Get Mendoza”. Love how it has a Mastodon influence with a touch of Alice In Chains/Jerry Cantrell. Not sure if that’s what they were going for, but it sure as hell would be interesting to be there during the writing process. The album closes out with “Space Coyote”, who is probably the coolest character that The Simpsons have ever created (and voiced by Johnny Cash). The song really captures the feel of the “El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)” episode. You feel a bit lost traveling through a cosmic desert. But no worries, Space Coyote is here to guide us. The track does take you on a journey with the way the instrumentation is built up. From the acoustic intro to those killer grungy-stoner riffs, the solo and back to the acoustic, “Space Coyote” may be one of the best songs Dr. Colossus has ever written. Probably rivals “Holy Driver” from THE DANK. It’s definitely a track that you can crank up at a family BBQ.

 

You can say that the whole Simpsons theme is a total gimmick, but I’M A STUPID MORON WITH AN UGLY FACE AND A BIG BUTT AND MY BUTT SMELLS AND I LIKE TO KISS MY OWN BUTT proves that Dr. Colossus is more than that. From the musicianship to the song writing and vocals, Dr. Colossus have really stepped it up and have left their mark in the Doom/Stoner scene. They were able to have fun and be silly, but at the same time, back it up with killer riffs and with the whole Simpsons theme, I’m sure there are plenty of ideas in the works, that will last them for many years (I hope to see a Halloween album dedicated to Treehouse of Horrors). There’s a reason why the band won “BEST HEAVY METAL ACT” in the 2021 Music Victoria Award and if you can’t hear that on I’M A STUPID MORON WITH AN UGLY FACE AND A BIG BUTT AND MY BUTT SMELLS AND I LIKE TO KISS MY OWN BUTT, then EAT MY SHORTS.

 

You can stream and purchase I’M A STUPID MORON WITH AN UGLY FACE AND A BIG BUTT AND MY BUTT SMELLS AND I LIKE TO KISS MY OWN BUTT on the links below.  and be sure to follow them on social media:-

Website - https://www.drcolossustheband.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drcolossustheband

Instagram - @drcolossustheband