Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts

The Heavy Eyes - Heavy Eyes

Heavy Rock from the USA
I've spent a lot of time with the debut release by this Tennessee band. Heavy Eyes seems to capture everything I dig in a rock record. Lots of fuzzy guitars, groovy foot stomping riffs and tons of attitude during its 11 tracks.

Imagine if you will, Brant Bjork, The White Stripes and Fu Manchu all sitting around puffing on a hookah listening to Zeppelin albums, then picking up their gear and just going for it. That's the vibe I get from this impressive slab of rock put forth on here. Plenty of soul and a real sense of honesty is captured during the whole duration of the album.

Seems to be that all these new bands that are opting to put out their music themselves, whether it's through iTunes, bandcamp or whatever file hosting website they choose is really making things interesting. The production on the album is stellar and really has a live jammy feeling to it. Maybe being mixed and mastered in the city where rock and roll started with Elvis in Memphis has something to do with it. Some of that voodoo may be rubbing off here. The band has posted on their bandcamp page: "We hope this album melts your speakers".  I'd say...mission accomplished!
by Adam Walsh




REVIEW: SuperGiant - Pistol Star


Heavy Rock from the USA
SuperGiant - Aries


I just received this little gem in the mail yesterday, and as I write this review, I'm playing it for the first time to get my immediate thoughts and reactions. For all of you newbie's out there SuperGiant has been laying down the rock for a few years now. With their debut EP back in 2006 and Antares in 2008 (both of which I hold in high regard), now the boys from New Mexico are back in 2011 with their 3rd installment in sonic ear cleansing with the aptly titled "Pistol Star".

The boys here haven't strayed much from the formula of their previous releases much, and why should they? If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? What you get here is ballsy rock 'n roll, southern fried riffs a plenty with enough testosterone to impregnate any female willing to give it a listen.

Some of the highlights that hit me right away are the tracks "Emotion" which comes out of the gate swinging, with a riff that reminds me a bit of Soundgarden's "Jesus Christ Pose" and has that same kind of intensity, incredibly cool stuff here. The AC/DC meets Led Zeppelin stomp of "Rosey Posey" and "Mexican Radio" which at first glance, I thought was going to be a cover of the old Wall of Voodoo song, but no, rather it's a barnstorming southern rocker with tons of attitude. Then we land on the final track, the title track, "Pistol Star", this song really shines, starts out spacey and chill, then crushes you with a wall of guitars, showing off Joel Rogers's haunting vocal ability at the same time. "Pistol Star" has it all, great musicians playing great music. Don't pass this one up.
by Adam Walsh

CdBaby  *  Bandcamp  *  Myspace  *  Reverbnation  *  Facebook  *  Website
Track List
01 Tres de la MaƱana
02 Emotion
03 Revolution
04 Rosey Posey
05 Aries
06 Mexican Radio
07 Pistol Star
The band will celebrate the release of the new record this Saturday, July 9th at Launchpad in downtown Albuquerque, NM. The show will feature new bands HIGH IRON and BLACKENED ROOTS. It’s only $5 to get in the door.

REVIEW: Birch Hill Dam - Colossus

Heavy Rock from the USA
"Colossus" is the title given to Birch Hill Dam's sophomore release, after releasing their self-titled debut back in 2009; they are back and ready to prove themselves against metal's elite.

"Colossus" meaning, something of immense size or power, seems a pretty fitting description to the grooving onslaught put forth on this album. Staying true to their debut, what u get here is more of the same southern-tinged stoner metal, a little doom thrown in for good measure and heaping amount of 70's and 80's rock, akin with bands like Down, Crowbar, Alabama Thunderpussy with a bit of Thin Lizzy and Deep Purple. Like their debut they even throw in a cover on the disc, unlisted on my promo but a huge surprise to my ears. Giving the "Birch Hill" flavor to an old Twisted Sister song, and showing their roots a bit. I love it when bands do that to a familiar tune, and make it their own.

Most of the vocals are clean and harmonious, but every once in awhile letting out a throat-shredding scream isn't out of the question, done with taste, and perfect timing. The production on "Colossus" is a step forward from the debut as well; everything is well balanced and in your face just like any good metal album should be.

Solid from beginning to end, there isn't one negative thing I can say about "Colossus". If u like honest and sincere heavy rock with no bullshit and balls to spare, this could be one of your favorite albums of 2011, if you don't, then why are you reading this? A must have for mine, and anyone's music collection.
Grab a physical copy of the Cd release Colossus with Bonus track, "Burn In Hell" from the Birch Hill Dam Store
by Adam Walsh


REVIEW: Superchief - Corporate Dynamite

Heavy Rock from the USA
Superchief - They Call Me Nomad


In a world dominated by corporate interests and processed popular culture it is hard to find the soul of rebellion in Rock n' Roll. There are battalions of metalheads and rockers throughout the country laying in wait, calm beneath the veneer, primed to explode. The fuse to ignite the devastation is Superchief's latest release. "Corporate Dynamite".

As the name suggests, the album is a call to arms to those that tire of the current state of "Rock n' Roll" in this great land. Like a powder keg Superchief is set to decimate the corporate music landscape with their uncompromising riffage and moxy. The music comes from the soul of the 5 piece from Des Moines, Iowa, and it is evident to the most seasoned advocate of the loud, to the armchair enthusiast. "Corporate Dynamite" is an album that all walks of life can sink their teeth into, and that was not planned in a board room, or in some marketing graduates cubicle... it just happened, like it is supposed to. Superchief wrote the songs they wanted to and recorded them, simple as that. Yet so far beyond simple that the complexity of the battle cry draws the listener in and whispers in their ear, "Go blow up some shit!"

Over the past 3 years Superchief has honed their skills and sharpened their senses. Playing hundreds of shows to crowds throughout the Midwest and growing their fanbase, the band takes the stage with a carefree demeanor, but with the determination of a pugilist. Superchief has built its reputation and foundation on a raucous and beer soaked live show. It is their ability to play their music live, with an evident enthusiasm that wins them new fans. Knowing how important raw live energy can be, Superchief made damn sure that is how their first full length album, "Corporate Dynamite" was captured.

 In November of 2010, they entered Sound Farm recording studio to record "Corporate Dynamite". The guys went in, without a click track, without Auto Tune and with the intent that overproduction ruins the true character of a recording, and cranked out 10 songs in one weekend. Focused by determination and several hundred beers Superchief created an album that is infused with the elements of true rebellion and Rock n' Roll swagger. They wanted the little imperfections; the slight tempo variations that a live recording was missing in the majority of new recordings. With the help of engineer, Ryan Martin and of Terranova, they got exactly what they wanted.
 
The above was included with my copy of "Corporate Dynamite" which I received for review, I chose to include most of it here because I totally agree with what was said, and could not have said it any better myself. "Corporate Dynamite" is the equivalent to going 10 rounds with Tyson... lots of dancing around, double barreled head punches, and in the end, if it doesn't knock you out, it will definitely chew on your ear.
by Adam Walsh

Cd Baby  *  iTunes  *  Amazon  *  Website  *  Myspace  *  Reverbnation 
 
Track List
01 Fear No Shield
02 Odin Be Praised
03 Shovel In The Basement
04 Corporate Dynamite
05 They Call Me Nomad
06 Sweat
07 The Story Of The King Killer
08 The Plan
09 Saint Bukowski
10 Destiny's Child

REVIEW: The Muggs - Born Ugly


Blues Rock from the USA
The Muggs - 6 To Midnite


It's 1972 and I've got my Plymouth Road Runner ready, she's packing a 440 CID engine with a 4-barrel carburetor under her hood, she's gassed up and ready to go.  We've booked a special appointment with an old friend.  Let her fuckin' rip, she burns her tires down the roadway, the streetlights are a blur to my eyes, everything I see just flashes by, asphalt tearing up behind me.  Can't keep my old friend waiting. Turn right, I head south, way down Washington Blvd, where my old friend lives tonight... Look for number 1, Cobo Hall.  Ladies & Gentleman, we are proud to present, in support of their new release, Born Ugly, The Muggs.........

Born Ugly begins, fuckin' groove slays, the crowd has already risen off their asses, already feeling electric, wired, if there was a perfect song to start an album off with then, this is it.  We slide right into Blood Meridian, another guitar heavy groove, like Humble Pie of old, the Muggs, have the head nodding in all directions.  I see the crowd move in unison, heads banging, smoke filled air, that sweet smell.....  Numb the body has become, my ears slaves to the music filling up the hall, can I say it's knocking me out cold.

We hit Home Free, a more melodic song, all three instruments take you down this path to enlightment, slower, relaxes the mind...then it hits you with this sweet soaring guitar solo...that just brings me back in my seat, crowd air guitaring, hands contorted in odd movements.. Spastic motions...almost beautiful like, then it just falls into that trance that melodic sweet sense again.  This show, so far, is above and beyond what we expected...the crowd just mesmerized.  We feel like we are right up there with them, the band, the Muggs.

Clean Break Blues up next, slide guitar frantic, infectious, this romp is another burner, although this time they throw in some sweet melody interplays between the band.  It's a slide workout which gives this song something of a twist over the first three...then right into Notes From The Underground, a real hard rock stomper, short yet sweet, the we  segue into Dear Theo , with another beautiful slide workout.  These trilogies of songs complement each other so well, you would could easily think of it as one long great song.  It certainly kept the crowd outta their seats.

Losing End Blues is a simple melodic number, with yet another stunning guitar line.  The melody on this number shines once again. Certainly the Muggs have this formula down pat.  It adds a nice dimension to the songs. It certainly has the feeling of some of the great 70's bands; LEB would not look out of place as a song on any one of the "classic rock" bands we grew up listening to. 6 To Midnite is another rocker. Great interplay between the drums and the guitar, the jam in the middle is like foreplay, just before the action begins again, climax.  You can see, feel the crowds adoration for the band tonight.  The Muggs are putting on a display of retro rock, done the right way.

After a brief second to compose myself, we are introduced to Sturm Und Drang, which starts as a by the numbers rocker. Which isn't all bad, but up until this point the songs have been stronger, however the song quickly segues into Hats Of Mr. Beardsley, which has a riff to rock, its dark, and it gets the crowd up on their feet again, it's a killer, and the audience has bought in.

All eyes on the stage, an acoustic number sets off on song number 11.  World Around is the most beautiful song on this album, in this show, to my ears. The musicians are top notch on this song, the background melodies are outstanding.  This is a real keeper.  After this short number, the Muggs get the crowd moving again, with another hard stomper, Kitchen Sink Blues.  I can't but feel like I'm hearing some older Humble Pie influences (the Pie being one of the greatest boogie/rock bands around).  Kitchen Sink Blues does not let up, the perfect follow up from World Around.  Stamping my feet, the ground shakes, the all walls feel like they are ready to crumble.

We have now reached the end, you can feel the disappointment.  Last Words ends the album off on a high note.  Just a riveting song with a stupendous guitar workout.  Hard to see how anyone will leave here disappointed.  Sold out show, sold me out, solid solid stuff.

The Muggs (Born Ugly) is without a doubt one of the best retro hard rock releases I have heard in a very long time.  If you like the first two releases by them (S/T & On With The Show), then you will not be disappointed at all.  I found this to be there strongest album yet. It is a pleasure to the ears, to any fan of hard rock with a retro twist.  If you like the Pie, James Gang etc... then you will absolutely need this for your collection.

My only question is, how is this band not signed to a record label?  Especially when there is one in their hometown that the Muggs would easily fit on their roster.  It's a shame, a band with talent like this, goes unnoticed and does not get the recognition they deserve. Do yourself and the band a favor and buy this release.

Easily in my top 5 releases of the year if not the top right now.
by William Bissonette


Track List
 01 Born Ugly
02 Blood Meridian
03 Home Free
04 Clean Break Blues
05 Notes From Underground
06 Dear Theo
07 Losing End Blues
08 6 To Midnite
09 Sturm Und Drang
10 Hats Off To Mr. Beardsley
11 World Around
12 Kitchen Sink Blues
13 Last Words
Born Ugly!  Deluxe Edition LP, on Bellyache Records, , Bonus AUTOGRAPHED 7 Inch Single (only available in this package) Limited to 500
Bellyache Records

REVIEW: Sweetkiss Momma - Revival Rock

Southern Rock from the USA
Sweetkiss Momma - Son of the Mountain


Long gone are the times when superb, soulfull Southern Rock couldn't be found anywhere but in the southern states. Well that's changed, boys 'n gals! North Americas best Southern Rock posse hail from the north, Puyallup, Washington to be exact.

With a catching name like SweetKiss Momma, this five piece have released a modern rock classic. Where many contemporary Southern Rock bands tend to mix their music with other styles, like country & western or Pantera-clone metal, SweetKiss Momma really bring the rock. Enhanced by some of the best vocals I've heard within the genre, there's not one single weak song on fittingly named ''Revival Rock''.

Hell...this sounds like a best-of album and not as a debut. Twelve songs about all the classic themes, influenced by all the heroes that made this style of rock the ultimate feel-good-trip!
by Joe Kolinsky


Track List
01 Ready To Go
02 Son of the Mountain
03 Slow Fade
04 Mercy Love
05 Rocket Ride
06 Strange Fire
07 Sweet Little Thing
08 Ounce Left of Pride
09 Sugar In the Raw
10 Come Clean
11 Good God Woman
12 To Help A Man

KYUSS LIVES! - The Interview on Austria’s Mulatschag TV




Check out the Latest interview from Austria’s Mulatschag TV recorded March 22, 2011
A some what interesting insight on the past and present in which Kyuss Lives! revealed that it will record a new studio album following the band's current world tour. Check it Out!


REVIEW: Leeches of Lore - Attack The Future

HeavyRock from the USA
Leeches of Lore - Mountain Candy Rape


Having had an ear on this band since the self-titled MeteorCity release back in 2009, I was eager to hear the newest output from this three-piece from New Mexico, so when the album entitled "Attack of the Future" hit my desk here, needless to say, I was more than giddy.

This time (which seems to be the trend) The Leeches are opting to put out the album themselves instead of relying on a label to do so. They continue in the direction they were headed with the first effort. Taking classic 70's prog rock and twisting it up in an "alternagressive" chaotic ball of confusion. The main thing I hear from others that have heard this album is the word "weird". To me that's a compliment, in a world of cookie cutter bands around every corner. In this case, weird = good.

With songs that range from spacey instrumentals, "The Zarn" to the fuzzy prog-laced stoner of "The Worms". Even fast-paced punk excursions of "The Spider". Then down to the doom-drenched "When the Sky Falls". The metal stomp of "Night of the Llama". And what has to be my favorite track, the mellow groovy "The Murderous Sea" with its flourishes of keyboard, chugging riffs and clever songwriting. You can tell these cats love music and approach these songs with a tongue-in-cheek aesthetic. Humorous at times, angry at others, but always staying true to themselves and their vision.

The only negative criticism I can give here is the production, it's really muddy in some parts and it loses some clarity. Some of it seems to get lost in mix. In a way however, it could be part of the charm as well. "Attack of the Future" probably won't appeal to everyone, but to these ears it's something unique and special, and warrants repeat listens to appreciate the genius at work. For fans of Bigelf, Sonic Youth and something different.
Reviewed by Adam Walsh

Leeches of Lore Links
Bandcamp
Track List
01 The Zarn
02 The Worms
03 The Spider
04 When the Sky Falls
05 The Gute
06 DeathGrip
07 Night of the Llama
08 The Murderous Sea
09 White Debbie
10 Mountain Candy Rape

REVIEW: Wo Fat - Noche del Chupacabra

PsychedelicDoom from the USA
Wo Fat - Descent Into The Maelstrom


Leave it to a little band from Texas to name a record after a mythological Mexican monster.  While the multilinguist in me wonders whether the Chupacabra is of the masculine or feminine gender, the heavy-riff enthusiast is really digging this five-track package, served with a hearty helping of downtuned doom.

“Bayou Juju” serves up some river-deep southern grooves, with a slight southern twang in the vocals, which seem a bit buried in the profound riffage.  “Descent Into the Maelstorm”goes down like a knife into butter, its wah-fuzz attack assaulting the senses at a casual, deliberate pace. “Common Ground” lets off the clutch a bit, with a fuzzy southern blues that sounds like SRV after a coupla bong hits, and “Phantasmagoria” continues with the laid-back, heavy blues vibe.

The title track is a swirling 15-minute epic with some jazzy drumming and spaced-out guitars.  It serves as a showcase for the heavy blues soloing heard throughout, while ending the album on a HIGH note.
For those who like their doom of the dirty, southern variety, this album's well worth a listen.
Reviewed by Gruesome Greg 




Tracklist
01 Bayou Juju
02 Descent Into The Maelstrom
03 Common Ground
04 Phantasmagoria
05 Noche del Chupacabra

REVIEW: Suplecs – Mad Oak Redoux

HeavyRock from the USA
Suplecs – Worlds On Fire


I gotta say, I'm a big fan of Suplecs' Man's Ruin debut, Wrestlin' With My Lady Friend, particularly the song “Dope Fu,” a catchy, memorable tune with a riff that's as etched in my brain as the chorus' lyrics.  Hadn't really been following them since, though I picked up their last one, “Powtin' on the Outside Pawty on the Inside” not too long ago, and wasn't particularly impressed.  Now that it's been 11 years since “Dope Fu,” I was curious to hear what the Suplecs would churn out.

Opening track “Stand Alone” is a straight-ahead metal number, followed by “Fema Man,” which actually reminds me of Biohazard in its rap-metal delivery.  Not what I was expecting to this point, at all...

“Once Again” is a poppy, punky number with cleanly-delivered vocals singing “Whoa-oh,” a la Glenn Danzig and a slowed-down, countrified chorus.  This is only getting weirder...  Things get heavier later on in the song, but with a clean guitar tone devoid of stoner-rawk fuzz.  “Tried to Build an Engine” sounds kinda like a cross between QOTSA and Collective Soul with just a touch of that desert rock swagger.  Hey, that's a start, I guess...

“2 x 4” finally slows things down, an instrumental tune that goes from mellow to heavy psych grooves and back again.  Things pick up speed just shy of the five-minute mark, as some vocals finally make an appearance. “In the Shadow” is the closest we come thus far to sludge, some downtuned riffs and screamed vocals, yet still maintaining that laid-back stoner vibe.

The album ends with “Stepped On,” which sounds like a sped-up Fu Manchu tune, “Coward,” a decent return to the “Dope Fu” sound I really dig, and “Switchblade,” another slow stomper.  Man, this record's a real mixed bag, but at least it ends on a high note.
Reviewed by Gruesome Greg 

Smallstone Recordings
iTunes
Myspace
 
Tracklist
 01 Stand Alone
 02 Fema Man
 03 Once Again
04 Tried To Build An Engine 
 05 Worlds On Fire
06 2 x 4 
 07 In Your Shadow
08 Stepped On 
09 Coward 
 10 Switchblade

REVIEW: Death Bed Confession

HeavyRock from the USA
Death Bed Confession - Preacher


I stumbled across Death Bed Confession while looking for something else on CDBABY and what caught my eye was the words under the album notes which read: “Five powerful music forces have come together to bring into the world some kick your ass punch you in the face American metal!”. Now normally I would laugh off such a statement, but then I clicked the little play icon on the second track “Preacher” and I have to admit, it did kick my ass a bit. So I contacted the band and they were cool enough to send me a CD.

Once the CD arrived I noticed right away it was a CD-R, which means that it’s probably only a digital release to the general public, which it seems, is the direction a lot of bands are taking these days. However, I think this should be stamped on vinyl to really get the old school vibe it deserves, listening to this album made me think back to when I was a kid playing my old Judas Priest and KISS albums. The dual guitar attack is heavy and thick and would make Dimebag proud, with plenty of guitar solos to chew on. Yeah! Guitar solos! Remember them? The vocals at times have cool harmonies going on reminiscent of Alice in Chains, other times; it’s a Hetfield kind of snarl.

There are really no two songs alike on this album. Some might say that Death Bed Confession doesn’t have direction or know where they are going. To me however, I say they know their metal and mix it up to keep shit interesting. There really is something for everyone on here. Whether your bag is 80’s metal, nu metal, grunge, thrash, power metal, stoner metal, you will find something to love on this album. Being raised on metal, I will always wear the metalhead badge with honor; I rarely hear new stuff from the genre that makes sense to me. I get Death Bed Confession, and I’m willing to bet will you too. Put an ear on it.
Reviewed by Adam Walsh

Website  *  CdBaby *  iTunes  *  Amazon  *  Myspace
Tracklist
01 House of Cards
02 Preacher
03 Kurari
04 Valentine
05 Gray
06 Here Comes the Pain
07 Derailer
08 Burn
09 We Defy
10 Nothing Sacred

DEMOLAND: Grey Host 1-11 Demo Session

DoomRock from the USA
Grey Host - Noble Beast


Grey Host, Holy Darkness in the riff, Dark long epic songs that extrude the sorrow from your veins. This is a Demo of the unfinished works, expect vocals to crush and make you feel like you have been fucked with a mind crushing time bomb; these cats destroy your mind from head to toe, hail the riff and hail GREY HOST!
Thanks to Grey Host for allowing these early works on what is set to be an epic record once completed...
Myspace
Bandcamp
Tracklist 
01 The Shaman
02 Wizard Sleeve
03 Dunhill
04 Old Crow
05 Noble Beast

REVIEW: Albatross Overdrive

HeavyRock from the USA
Albatross Overdrive - Tijuana Train Wreck


Albatross Overdrive is a heavy rock band formed in early 2005. Hail from the Huntington Beach, LA area. Have a 5 song EP under their belts "Songs for the Road" released in 2007. Now a few years later have full length self titled album out, and what an album it is!

Taking their influences which range from 70’s heavyweights like UFO, Mountain and Black Sabbath and putting those grooves in a blender with more contemporary bands like Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity. I also hear a bit of a southern twang ala Lynyrd_Skynyrd some grunginess of Soundgarden and even some funk creeps into the mix. But make no mistake about it; what we have here is just good honest booty shakin’ rock ‘n’ roll. Played with passion and love for music.


The soulful and powerful vocals of Dan Silva mix perfectly with the gritty riffs jammed into your ears by axe-man Andrew Luddy, all while Rodney Peralta (Drums) and Davey Obade (Bass Guitar) keep the backbone strong. A head-bobbing, white-knuckle, high-octane joy-ride is what’s in store here, and not to be left out of your music collection. Albatross Overdrive is available world wide on iTunes, Amazon, Napster and other online stores. Get your groove on..
Reviewed by Adam Walsh

Myspace  *  Website  *  iTunes  *  Amazon  *  eMusic  *  napster

 
Tracklist 
01 Big Bear 
 02 Ghost Ride
 03 Cry Freedom
04 Viking 
05 Bad Mama Jama 
 06 Calico
 07 Cowboys And Indians 
 08 Drag The Lake
09 Coal Fire Woman 
 10 Mammoth
11 Tijuana Train Wreck 
12 Calico (Bonus Track) 

REVIEW: Asylum On The Hill – Passage to the Puzzle Factory

HeavyRocK from the USA
Asylum on the Hill - Blood On The Doorway pt II


When this first appeared, I didn’t know what the hell it was. I hadn’t heard one word about it. I was told that it pulled more weight than a charging rhino and that it could be the next “big thing”. So needless to say I was more then interested. Once I heard the first few seconds of it, I could tell it was something special.

Right away I recognized the sound, and then I heard the front man’s voice… paused a second… and said to myself SUPAFUZZ!! The man behind the microphone is Dave Angstrom! I’ve enjoyed those Supafuzz albums for years. Also his work with Hermano, really everything he’s been a part of is pure gold. With Asylum on the Hill he’s teamed up with other fellow Kentuckians, Jason Groves (Supafuzz/Rosie Rose), JD Garner (The Dead Hours/Lennon), and Phil Kring (Rosie Rose/Blue Honey).

This is one of those albums that gives me that little chill, you know, that feeling that starts at the bottom of your spine, then shoots up to the bottom of your skull when something kicks copious amounts of ass. Well that little “spine monster” was crawling all over my back during Passage to the Puzzle Factory. This is some serious rock music here folks, without taking itself too seriously. You can tell these guys love what they do, and are having a blast doing it.

Most of the tracks are fuzzy past-paced rockers; however like any great album it lets up for a few minutes to let you breathe. The song “Stones Will Wash Away” is no exception to the rule, showing Asylum on the Hill can do more than ram a bunch of riffs down your throat, it’s a… (Dare I say it)… love ballad! Fear not because once it’s over it’s off to the races with “Seasons of Hurt” a killer track. If I had to choose a favorite that would be it. The record closes with a haunting untitled “ghost track” that really spoke to me on a personal level because of the things going on in my life lately.

In a perfect world, this would be the kind of stuff on the radio instead of all the rehashed bullshit that litters the airwaves. This debut has something for everyone. Do yourself a favor and pick up this disc; you’ll be glad you did. Passage to the Puzzle Factory will go down as one of the best releases of 2010 and beyond and is an instant classic.
Reviewed by Adam Walsh


 
Digital Track List 

01 I Got You
02 Bad Reputation
03 Go Tell It On The Mountain
04 La Pistola
05 Interruption
06 Beneath The Unfold
07 Devils Disco Pt I
08 Devils Disco Pt II
09 Some Kind Of Wonderful
10 Last Ride (Featuring Danko Jones)
11 Forevermore
12 Honey Bee
13 Stones Will Wash Away
14 Blood On The Doorway Pt I
15 Blood On The Doorway Pt II
16 Seasons Of Hurt Introduction
17 Seasons Of Hurt
18 Ghost (Hidden Track)

OFF THE PLANET: Ancient Warlocks


StonerRock From the USA

Thanks to Nik from Seattlerockguy.com for giving us a heads up about these Super Sonic Stoner Wizards out of Seattle, Washington .Just when you thought there weren't any solid stoner rock bands in town the Ancient Warlocks showed up at the end of 2010 wielding their magic wand. Their demo certainly channels the usual suspects in Sabbath, Fu Manchu, not to mention The Obsessed, but who cares. Don't all stoner rock bands sound like Sabbath? Yes! The Ancient Warlocks are heavy as hell, groovy as fuck, and anyone who sings songs about super wizards from outer space deserve a Rainier tall can salute in my book. In a city where the stoner rock sub-genre is vastly unrepresented, they are a breath of fresh air and I can now sleep easier knowing we now have AW shows to look forward to... Seattlerockguy.com
Playing Shows in the Seattle area Feb 4, Feb 26, go to Reverbnation for more info on gig dates and venues.

DEMOLAND: Interstelar Promo

StonerRock from the USA
Interstelar - Defined by Opposites


Interstelar from Los Angeles sent us this 2 track promo for their forthcoming EP which is set for release mid February 2011.  Indie / Rock / Shoegaze, sounds like Stoner to me ,can't wait to hear some more from these guys ,Get it Now this is some HOT STUFF!!!!

Myspace
Bandcamp
Facebook
Track List

REVIEW: Blue Aside - The Orange Tree

PsychedelicDoom from the USA
Blue Aside - Otis' Sun


Although Palace in Thunderland weren't household names outside of the Boston area during their seven-year run, their demise has produced a couple of trios that are breathing fresh air into a stagnant stoner doom scene. One of these bands is a group you mighta heard of by the name of Black Pyramid. The other is Blue Aside who, judging by the strength of the material on this five-song EP, will soon carve out their own niche with their heavy space rock vibes.

Opening track “The Traveller of Time and Space” sucks you in with swirling guitars over a heavy bottom end. The vocals, which take two minutes to arrive, go from low and guttural at the start to high-pitched and robotic, with a spacey sludge chorus and a winding keyboard outtro.

“Otis' Sun” is a tribute to my favourite local band, at least in name, although you get the feeling that these guys smoke up to Hawkwind more often than Hendrix. Following track “Orange Eyes” is much more OTIS-like, a slow, driving sludge riff blazing the way, albeit with some out-of-this-planet guitar interludes, Adam Abrams achieving a cosmic guitar tone to match his astronautic vocal stylings. This is space rock for the 21st century.

“Black Rays” is the slowest song of the five, a pounding, pummelling slice of cosmic doom with some serious psychedelic breakdowns and its fair share of Pentagram worship. “The Inevitable Journey” brings the EP to its inevitable conclusion, in grandiose YOB fashion.

Where as other sludge bands who deal in cosmic themes, like Zoroaster and The Atlas Moth, use harsh black-metal vocals to get their message across, Abrams' warm, clean tones give Blue Aside a big boost. Their deftly executed blending of sludgy doom grooves with spacy guitar (and occasional synth) passages provides the missing link between Sleep and Hawkwind, YOB and Captain Beyond, Sons of OTIS and Secret Saucer... You get the idea. As an initial artistic statement, The Orange Tree succeeds immensely. (I was gonna say “goes where no band has gone before” but that's just lame. Feel free to add your own “To infinity and beyond” “One small step for a band” cliches if you must...)

Reviewed by Gruesome Greg  Too High To Get It Right

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Hydro-Phonic Records 
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Track List

 01 The Traveler of Time & Space
02 Otis' Sun
03 Orange Eyes
04 Black Rays
05 The Inevitable Journey

HOT RELEASES: Super Invader

StonerRock from the USA
Super Invader - The Many Ways To Burn


Just when you thought 2010 was dead done and gone Super Invader just Rocked into town on their Super Heavy StonerRock Spaceship from Omaha Nebraska with their self titled debut album, and man is this stuff Super cool. X members of Bullets for Baby, VUAL and Super Zoediac People ,this is a seriously cracking release. Influenced by the likes of Kyuss, Hank, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Eyehategod, Acid Bath and Sleep....  Holy Xmas now thats some serious shit,, check em out.

Myspace
CdBaby
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Track List 

01 The Many Ways To Burn 
02 Shallow
03 Celestial Outlaw 
04 Aquarius Bleeding 
05 Into Madness 
06 Dopedick 
07 Blizzard Suicide 
08 Hand Rolled Blues 
09 A Long Walk to Nowhere 
10 Howl About America

HOT RELEASES: BOSS 302

HeavyRock from the USA
BOSS 302 - No Overdose


BOSS 302 is a 3 piece hard rock band from South Jersey signed to Toil Records out of Philadelphia who just released their debut CD in September 2010.

The band describes its sound as "straight forward" with influences ranging from the slow & heavy riffs of Black Sabbath & Kyuss, the intensity of Motorhead, to the "stoner rock" grooves of Queens of the Stone Age & Fu Manchu.

With brothers Larry Lerro as the bassist & lead singer and Mike as the drummer it makes up a machine tight rhythm section. John Modugno is the lead guitarist and also singer which really completes the solid foundation of the band. Their no compromise approach from the beginning has lead them to be a true, authentic hard rock band.


Playing Soon at a Venue near You

JR's - Philadelphia, PA   January 29 2011
The Grape Room - Philadelphia (Manayunk), PA   February 20 2011

BOSS 302 Links
Website  Facebook  Myspace  Stereo Killer

Purchase BOSS 302 Here
101 Distribution  Toil Records  iTunes  ReverbNation

 
Track List

01 Intro
02 Nothing
03 Never Again
04 Disarray
05 Falls Apart
06 No Overdose
07 Sparrow
08 Highway
09 Sold Our Souls
10 Speed Freak 

Earthless Australian Tour Dates

StonerRock from the USA

Instrumental power rock band, Earthless, are kicking off their first ever Australian tour, bringing to our shores an unmistakable 60s and 70s inspired psychedelic rock sound.

Announced as part of the mammoth Espy NYE line-up alongside a host of Aussie greats including You Am I and Airbourne, the San Diego boys will back up this tour debut in true rock’n’roll form, with a set at The Tote later that night.

The stoner rock trio, featuring ex- pro skater Mario Rubalcaba on drums, will be supported by local legends Tumbleweed and The Hard-Ons throughout their January tour.

Drawing comparisons to the likes of Blue Cheer, Jimi Hendrix, MC5, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath, it’s safe to say Earthless have been taking serious notes from the masters of reality and graduated with a degree in ass whipping rock. There are very few other bands in the modern age that can lay claims to such authenticity, Dead Meadow and Comets on Fire are two that come to mind.

Earthless Australian tour dates:

Friday 31st December – The Espy, Melbourne
Friday 31st December – The Tote, Melbourne
Saturday 1st January – The National Hotel, Geelong
Sunday 2nd January – Ed Castle, Adelaide
Tuesday 4th January – Basement, Canberra
Wednesday 5th January – Cabbage Tree Hotel, Wollongong (w/ The Hard Ons)
Thursday 6th January – The Zoo, Brisbane
Friday 7th January – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (w/ Tumbleweed)
Saturday 8th January – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
Sunday 9th January – Arthouse Hotel, Melbourne

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