INTERVIEW: JPT Scare Band

Interview by John Wisniewski

Could you tell us about the release of your latest CD - Do you still enjoy playing together after all of these years?
Our latest CD came out of nowhere, as far as I can tell. The guys at Ripple Music somehow found us and made contact a year or so back with the idea of a double Vinyl /CD project using a lot of unreleased music.  Some of it was really old stuff and a couple were really new, like it's Not My Fault and I've Been Waiting, (the song is old but the version is from 2001).  Todd and John put together a really cool album with really psych swirling yellow/green vinyl.  It is quite psychedelic.. Great job Ripplers! The three of us would play together more regularly I'm sure if Jeff lived closer but whenever we have the chance we are playing and recording whatever comes out. As long as we have new ideas I suspect we will continue to have fun playing music together.

Could you name some of the bands that have influenced the sound of JPT Scare? Who are some of your favorite blues artists?
Vanilla Fudge, John Mayall, the Blues Breakers, Yardbirds, Clapton, Winwood, Canned Heat, just to name a few of my favorite blues bands. I think Led Zeppelin pushed me over the edge though. Jimmy Page and the gang put out some of the best music ever. Totally blues based heavy ass kicking rock and roll.

"JamVapour ' is an example of the band's freeform nature, sometimes-do you enjoy experimenting with a progressive sound?
Progressive? Man, I am not tuned into the label thing; we just play whatever we are into at that moment. Not sure of how I would categorize it but it surprises me to hear us described as a proto metal band too. I just thought we were playing rock and roll as hard as we could play it.

What guitars do you guys play?
I have 1972, 4001 Rickenbacker bass. I bought it new with a left hand body and a right hand neck since I usually turn a right handed bass over with the big string on the bottom. I played this on all the old stuff and on Rumdum Daddy. I have a chopped up headless Ibanez with some EMG humbuckers and a bunch of active EQ stuff on it. I use this one on a lot of our stuff like Jamm Vapour and at our live gig at Crosstown Station. I also have a nice SG Gibson short scale bass that sounds very cool too. I also have a Hoffner but it tends to feed back really bad when I turn it up loud.

What has kept the band going for so long?
We're brothers from another mother and we love playing music together. The stuff we do doesn't come out unless we play with us three. And that is a fact, Jack.

Do you find that the audiences have changed from the 1970's onward?
No, not really. Popular music has changed but back in the 70s when disco reared its ugly head we kept rocking, just like we continue to do now, regardless of what the popular norm may be.

One of your songs is called "Wino"- have you had some troubles with alcohol over the years?
No, nothing too dramatic anyway. The song is pretty cool though and it really hurts when we play it. Poor devil!

What lies in the future for the band?
I'm in the process of doing a blitz of media to regional colleges hoping to get enough airplay to enable us to get some gigs booked with our buddy Rocky Rude at the Knobs, showing the kids how us old guys roll. Who knows, maybe they would dig it?

Any stories about playing live or being on tour?
We really do enjoy working together STILL. In fact, July 22, 2011, JPT Scare Band played our first concert in 38 years. It was an incredible event for us and for those who came out to support us. They seemed to really dig what we were doing up there. Lots of noise between verses and songs. It's hard to hide real enthusiasm and it fed into what we were doing up there on stage. After it was all said and done I talked with Terry and Jeff about their experience up there in front of a crowd and we shared a similar story of having a very surreal experience. It had been so long since we had an opportunity to perform that we were all up there pinching ourselves for the first few songs. It just didn't feel real! It felt very psychedelic however, all of us fell into that place where our brand of madness tends to arise.

Ripple Music
Website
CdBaby
Myspace

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

Bandcamp

Myspace

ReverbNation

Facebook

REVIEW: Muffler Men - Trigger and Fly

Alternative Rock from Belgium
This new band from Ghent has released their debut album to the masses, entitled "Trigger and Fly". And what you get here is some ready for the radio tunes, in the form of bands like Foo Fighters, Incubus, and Queens of the Stone Age, with a more meat and potatoes sensibility. What I mean by meat and potatoes is it has more substance, gristle and heft than those aforementioned bands. Sure u get some sing along choruses, but there's also some meaty guitar work in spots that can keep a metalhead interested, even some wacky horns on the end of "All Dressed Up".

"Trigger and Fly" despite its more mainstream vibe is really a pleasurable listen from beginning to end. The production is huge, resulting from the mastering job done by Brian Gardner, whose accolades include David Bowie, Foo Fighters, QOTSA and Them Crooked Vultures. And really sounds great for a self released debut album. These guys seem to have a clear vision of who they are, and where they are going.
by Adam Walsh

Cd Baby
Bandcamp
Record Heaven
Website
Myspace

Mars Red Sky To Release Debut Album on Vinyl

Psychedelic Rock from France
Mars Red Sky - Strong Reflection


Due to popular demand Mars Red Sky have decided to put their hugely successful debut release to Vinyl. Only 500 numbered copies available so you better be quick to snap one of the finest releases of 2011. Pre - Order now available via Big Cartel Only  €15euros / free shipping in europe and  €20.00 euros Worldwide...

Mars Red Sky has managed to put out one of those WOW-albums that comes two or three times a year! A word that comes to mind is; melancholy, super psychedelic and VERY tasty. After releasing the debut ep 'Cursed' earlier this year Mars Red Sky serves this master blaster on a silver plate! You get seven beautifully carved heavy psyche/stoner gems in almost 40 minutes. This is no mediocrity, rather a first class acid trip through the red dunes of Mars. No slips are made and every tone is carefully sewn into this magic carpet that offers a breathtaking journey through time and space. Read More..

Emergence Records * iTunes * JUNO * Myspace * Website * Facebook * ReverbNation *Big Cartel

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 Mañana

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: Svölk - Svölk

Heavy Rock from Norway

Let us consider large calibre for a while, because here is some damn heavy Norwegian timber that beats the drum...

What the hell does svölk means? Even if I'm Swedish (next to Norway) I don't understand a word of it. Anyway, these dudes rock the shit out of any living soul and make a few jumps on the Richter scale without any difficulties! These guys pop out from no(r)w(ay)here and have previously been completely unknown to me, they have simply past my super radar (thanks for the tip Adam!). Well, we all make "mistakes" sometimes;-)

On the self-titled debut album Svölk delivers nine jaw dropping power measurements whose arsenal includes both riff rock (most of it) and old school heavy metal in 42 glowing minutes. Svölk fires their first round '52' and the smell of burning rubber fills the air almost immediately, hold your wig granny and stop banging your walker against the wall, because there is a new bear in town! Imagine that Sunride and Sahg mates with Mannhai and Spiritual Beggars, the outcome would be a little svölkie. This is like 52 times the pain, but it's worth every god damn slap because when these gentlemen hold the stick nothing can go wrong!

The following tracks 'This is it' and Anchor' goes on in the same direction. In other word; you get loads of heaviness and plenty of classy riffs, and the vocals rule! The Norwegian rock armada hammers on with the fourth nugget 'Sweet agony' and once again you get invited to a deafening demonstration which is comparable to bands like Coogan's Bluff, Sasquatch, Gascoine and to some of the heavy southern rock scene. A neat concoction of thrilling riffs and the vocals impresses even here. Simply, Sweet agony is one of the absolute highlights on the album.

After having tasted 52 times the pain on the first gem '52' Svölk are ready to punch you a few times more. On the sixth song '12 times the pain', you get a more "ordinary" rock treatment with less stoner influences and bands like Lamont, Rockzilla and the Glasspack comes to mind. I might "be out hiking in the wrong weather" but that's my definition. Anyway, who cares as long as the amps are burning I am satisfied.

Svölk ends the show with 'Inferno' and 'Dead: 30' which are quite different from the others, here you get the heavy metal flavoured mixture I previously mentioned. These tracks make me think of The Sword and early Iron Maiden. Although I'm not usually into this kind of music the Norwegians still manage to keep my interest alive. The album contains almost no sleeping pills and is mostly a fresh and alert creation of higher rank. Svölk deserve a place among its predecessors Honcho, Pawnshop, El Caco, Sahg etc. and i hope that the journey doesn't end here, and we get the pleasure to hear more from these heavy rock dudes in future... thumbs up Svölk!

by Tobias Beament

Myspace  *  Website  *  iTunes  *  Amazon  *  Napster

Track List

01 52

02 This Is It

03 Anchor

04 Sweet Agony

05 Miss Alcohol

06 12 Times The Pain

07 End Of Days

08 Inferno

09 Dead:30

REVIEW: 3 Mexicans from Gorma - G.O.R.M.A.

StonerRock from Italy
3 Mexicans from Gorma - Desolated Man


The Three Mexicans from Gorma formed in 2007: every member comes from different musical experiences. The new trio, of south-stoner/space rock was created to revive the nostalgics of the 80's and 90's robust, smoked out, heavy and hungry sound. Remembering the glorious American stoner rock pioneers. The 12 tracks here enclose a comic book concept of pure invention, which will take you to a place forgotten by God, a place forgotten by all, to the city of Gorma (an acronym of the members of the band).

Gorma is a ghost town, strange and decadent, lost in the Mexican desert, a town reflecting destruction, greed, madness, cruelty, evil and envy, all the wickedness still present in today's world. The protagonist called "Desolated Man" (an old and dirty loner cowboy), reaches the city of Gorma, just by chance, riding his old horse Jekyll. Closer and closer to evil-land, the old cowboy is captured by a series of events that trap him inside Gorma for eternity. The significance of the city is nothing but the doorway to damnation. The Desolated Man will have to fight against the Gorma's evil, surrounded by blood and delirium, trying to earn eternal peace.

The Mexicans will take on stages with this story made up by a soundtrack inspired by the powerful and massive best pages of Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss, using the experiences gathered in previous projects (Spingigonzales and Goro), not only playing, but telling a story like some twisted Rodriguez film. In October of 2010 they released G.O.R.M.A., their first self-produced album, distributed by Go Down Records.

Concept albums are nothing new, and if this seems like a lot to swallow, it is! However, there's some really interesting things going on with this band and this album, and it really does suck you in and take you on a journey. The eerie spoken word intros and creepy passages throughout the recording really enhance the listening experience.  I am really glad this was brought to my attention; I really enjoyed the hell out of it. I'm guessing the readers here will too.
By Adam Walsh

Go Down Records

Myspace

Facebook

Track List

01 Preface Back to the Desert...

02 Intro

03 Intermission

04 Desolated Man

05 First Day, Jen... When I See You.

06 A Dreamer on the Moon

07 Encounter with the Demon and the Mariachi...

08 Mariachi Song (scotch sketch)

09 Wah Wah

10 Precarious Hollywood

11 Inside Gorma...

12 Outro

Go Down 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

Sweetkiss Momma * Myspace * CdBaby * iTunes * Reverbnation

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

REVIEW: Planet Mastergod - Delightful Contempt

HeavyRock from Norway
Planet Mastergod - Warpath


There seems to be no end to all things metal coming out of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Norway has a track record unmatched in the rest of the world when it comes to exploring the sick mind of man through all the different styles of metal.

On their second release, the guys in Planet Mastergod take a deep dive into human aggression of various kinds. What instantly catches my attention on ''Delightful Contempt'' is the guitar work. The riffing is superb, varied and perfectly downtuned. Actually, when it comes to the guitars, this album scores a jackpot. The songs are powerfully built around the riffage, with a (stoner) metal edge, sometimes post-metal sound.

What brings my overall opinion down a bit is the vocal harmonies. Don't get me wrong, this guy can really sing. But I'm having problems fusing the awesome aggressivity of the music with the superclean vocals. Some of you will surely think the vocals make a nice contrast to the ferocious riffing, but i'd love a voice that follows the aggression of the music. But hey, that's just my opinion! All-in-all, this album kicks major ass and I urge you to listen.

Reviewed by Joe Kolinsky

Myspace 

Bandcamp

iTunes

Track List

01 Salvation

02 Mad Prophet

03 Maestro

04 Full Size Mammoth

05 Burn

06 Pieces

07 Sect

08 Warpath

09 In Blood

10 Slave

11 Dominion

REVIEW: At Devil Dirt - Self Titled 2011

HeavyRock from Chile
At Devil Dirt - You Know it


Let me start this review by saying WOW!!! From the first time I heard a brief sample from this new band from Chile, on their Myspace page, I couldn't believe my ears. I was blown away by this two-piece. Yes you read it right, TWO-PIECE!! One guitar and one drummer! And both of them sharing the vocal duties, some sung in Spanish and some in English, all of it very harmonious and just plain awesome.

With guitars tuned down to bowel-shaking depths, and enough fuzz to choke a grizzly, At Devil Dirt create a huge wall of sound that can best be described as Kyuss hits the Floor carrying a Torche. There is not one piece of filler on this album, with most of the tracks clocking in at less than three minutes in length, it appeals to most peoples' attention span these days, and leaves the listener craving more.

I make it my mission here to scout out the coolest music around the world, and I'll be damned if this isn't chock-full of some of the best things I like, all wrapped up in a pretty little bow. The buzz around camp is this is the album of year, and I'm not one to argue. Check it out for yourself and let your conscience be your guide.

Reviewed by Adam Walsh

Myspace

Corvus Records
Email At Devil Dirt

Track List

01 No Puedo Más

02 You Know it

03 Rockanrolla

04 She's Not Mine

05 Ven por mi

06 No Pude ver el Sol

07 Tragos de Placer

08 Vida

09 Mar Gris

10 That's The Way I Like It

11 El Dios que faltaba

12 Fuck Madonna

Corvus Records

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

Myspace
Website
Flying Midget Records

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: Stoned Machine - Human Regression

StonerRocK from Italy
Stoned Machine - Back To Live In Me


This might satisfy your appetite a bit...

I admit it, I’m a long gone fuzzoholic and the only cure right now is called HUMAN REGRESSION! As one of my friends (Yoda) said: this album is one of the best releases in 2010, I agree with that.

After four years of silence Stoned Machine have returned with a bang!

The new album ‘Human regression’ is at least three times better than the demo release in 2006, much stronger songs, and a heavier sound with lots of fuzzalicious moments.

And most of all; there is 101% Kyuss worshipping enough to be called one of the best cactus jumpers in 2010! It’s always nice when a band liberates in the “right” direction because that is exactly what the Italian Stoned machine has managed to do, without losing one iota of the desert scented riffs.

‘Human regression’ starts its journey with the gigantic ‘Intoxication’ which is closely followed by the even more gigantic ‘Back to live in me’. Both songs makes the desert sand to swirl between your toes, and you cannot be more content than this if you’re into stoner/fuzz/riff/desert rock, or what the hell you wanna call it. The fourth track ‘Bed of sin’ proves once again that these Italian riff champions have done their homework.

‘Bed of sin’ starts off with a typical stoner riff á la Kyuss, followed by a ton of hard-boiled master riffs, in other words; there are plenty of fuzz involved! This gem ends with something that nonetheless makes me think of the intro to War pig (Black Sabbath)!

When I thought the strongest projectiles were fired, Stoned machine hits again!

This time you have to shut up and listen, because the sixth gold nugget ‘Shut up’ is worth every god damn second of your time. Shut up offers you the best in fuzz rock, further description is unnecessary because the dusty road is lined with fragrant cactus flowers here too, and the only word that comes to mind is K... Other goodies to mention is ‘Fire in my hands’ and the title track ‘Human regression’ which also makes it tickles a little extra in the guts. Here you get it all served in just one dish! (Just like everything else on Human regression)

Stoned machine is certainly one of the stoner genre’s wet dreams, which hopefully will spit out many goodies in the future, given to what they have accomplished on ‘Human regression’ it will probably not be any major problems with that. As I said before; this is one of the last year’s best fuzz albums, do yourself a favour... buy... or die!

This machine is not just stoned, but damn hungry too!!!

Reviewed by Tobias Beament

Myspace
Amazon

 

Track List 

01 Intoxication

02 Back To Live In Me

03 If You Can 

04 Bed Of Sin

 05 Ocean  

06 Shut Up

07 Out Of My Way

08 Fire In My Hands

09 Listen To The Wind

10 Human Regression

Wiht Signs to Doomanoid Records

DoomRocK from the UK
Wiht - And the Thunder Rolls


Wiht are pleased to announce their signing to Doomanoid Records and the impending release of their next LP ‘The Harrowing of the North’.

Wiht are a Leeds-based trio who started out in March 2009 and whose epic, instrumental style straddles doom, stoner and psyche. Their self-titled debut EP, Wiht (November 2009), won them critical acclaim, described as ‘moving’ and ‘massive- 9/10’ (Planetfuzz.com), and ‘other worldly’, ‘set apart from other bands- 9/10’ (Ukmetalunderground.com). The band have played across the UK, supporting Brant Bjork and the Bros, Humanfly, Khuda and A Forest of Stars, and made it through to the final of the Battle For Damnation Festival in 2010.

Wiht’s first full album The Harrowing of The North is a two song, forty minute concept piece, set for a springtime release through Doomanoid Records. Taking influence thematically from the subjugation of the North of England by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it tells the troubled history of doomsday-era Yorkshire- the king massacred it’s people and destroyed the land to ensure it held no economic or cultural worth and would remain under his subservient rule.

Recording begins early February at Ghosttown recordings in Leeds.

Wiht on Myspace
Wiht on Reverbnation
Doomanoid on Myspace
Doomanoidrecords.com

Get the 2009 3 track Ep Here on Planetfuzz

KICK BACK AND RELAX on Mosh Cam

Kick back and relax to these HQ full live concerts from Australia's MoshCam.com Stoner Rock Baby!

Brant Bjork and The Bros  The Annandale Hotel, Sydney  8th March 2009

Watch the entire Concert in Full here Brant Bjork

Monster Magnet   Metro Theatre, Sydney  6th September 2009

Watch the entire Concert in Full here Monster Magnet

Mondo Generator  Metro Theatre, Sydney  23rd August 2008

Watch the entire Concert in Full here Mondo Generator

REVIEW: Ramon Zarate - Oyster

HeavyRock from Belgium
Ramon Zarate - Monkey

The preachers of the holy riff have struck again and the Belgian bull is back!

This time Ramon Zarate is riding on his back pointing yet another nine sharpened knives at you...duck or you will be cut in half!

The new album ‘Oyster’ by Ramon Zarate hailing from Liége in Belgium offers you a swarm of non bull-shitting fist that grabs you by your genitals and squeezes till your eyes pop out! The new effort picks up where the last left off, and the Belgians continue their fight without inhibitions. If you are looking for some dynamite you have come to the right joint, because TNT is exactly what Ramon Zarate is about.

‘Oyster’ begins with the somewhat crazy ‘Monkey’ that leaves no senses untouched, and before you know it  the roller coaster ride is rolling. A deadly swarm of heavy fuzz guitars tickles my ears and every beat gets the desert sand to swirl. I’m in heaven; it just can’t get much better than this! Riff by riff, and beat by beat Ramon Z. cuts “himself” towards the podium, and nothing can stop it from happen. This fuzzadelic “ape” is bigger than King Kong and won’t stop until you bleeeeeeed! Ramon Zarate rumbles on with ‘Burning Bob’ and once again these animals rip the ears of your skull, this time you get megatons of super heavy monster riffs sharp as shark teeth and on top of that a Spaniard who makes the earth shake. This gem is reminiscent of a thoroughbred mix of Kyuss and Motorhead.

The title track is a dusty ride on the holy Kyuss trails that leads to timelessness.

There is nothing much more to say than that the engine is running hot even here and you are treated to a delicious menu of fuzz magic. Worth mentioning is also the two giants, ‘Losing Grace’ and ‘Shiteaters’ which together offer a steel barrier of solid rock. On these tracks Ramon Zarate gives you miles of enchantment together with a huge bucket of heavy fuzz rock. Words like grandeur and masterful fits in even here.

Is this how accurate you get from eating shit I will join the shiteater’s club right away!

The whole album is like having a stake driven right through your ears and there are no bad things to say about Oyster except for; when will you guys put out your next album? ;-) Ramon Zarate is one of the wet dreams in the stoner genre that hopefully will entertain us for many years to come. Senor Zarate, I salute you!

Reviewed by Tobias Beament

Myspace
Facebook
Poison Tree Records 

 

Track List

 01 Monkey

 02 Burning Bob

 03 Oyster

 04 Eightball

 05 Losing Grace

 06 Cryptic Invaders

 07 Shiteaters

 08 Sun 

HOT RELEASES: SolarCruiser EP

StonerRock from the Netherlands

SolarCruiser - Major

StonerRock is back in Town and the Netherlands’ just keep smashing out the finest in Stonerrock and these guys from Amsterdam will not disappoint the purists’ of the genre with their low tuned guitars,catchy bass riffs, groovin' drums and vocals with a psychedelic edge of which they like to call it ‘freestyle desert rock’. Sounds interesting well you can stream their whole 4 Track ep on their Facebook page or Buy the Goods from Bandcamp.

Bandcamp
Myspace
Facebook

 

Track List

01 Major

02 Friends & Lovers

03 The Clowns

04 Roll the Dice

INTERVIEW: The Graviators

HeavyRock from Sweden
The Graviators  - Storm Of Creation


Interviewed by Matt Frighetto

Matt - G'day guys, can we start with giving a brief description on how you guys met and what's been happening to date?

Hi Matt! -Martin & Johan grew up together and have known each-other forever and sometimes even get mistaken for brothers. We all come from the same place in the south (woods) of Sweden so we've known each other for quite some time. Martin and Niklas started to collaborate and recorded some songs between 2007 and 2009. Things were moving along pretty slowly when suddenly Transubstans Records contacted us after hearing a demo of the song Back to the sabbath and offered us a record deal. We became a four piece in early 2009, recorded the album in july and in august the video for Back to the Sabbath was shot. Tomas Tjader did a wonderful job on that one. Check it out on youtube!

Matt - the Record has fantastic production, where did you record it,how long did it take to record and was it costly?

We recorded in a studio called Sound Palace which is basically located in our backyard. Not literally, but it's located in the middle of the woods where we grew up. That's a big part of why we chose that particular studio, because it felt like home. Also the guys who ran it had a good reputation and we were familiar with their work. All in all we were there for about two weeks and it cost us dearly! (laughter)

Matt - Can you tell us about the label you are on Transubstans Records?

Transubstans is a label that has a great love for 70's rock and Doom Metal. They are based in the south of Sweden (Skane). We reminded them of Pentagram and that's basically how we wound up on their roster. We are obviously very flattered by this comparison and we couldn't be happier with them!

Matt - What is The Graviators song writing process?

The song writing process is usually Martin and Niklas getting together and magic happens! Both provide riffs and work out vocal melodies. Lyrics are divided up between Martin, Johan & Niklas. We could get into a whole page of who wrote what but if you buy the album it's all credited in the booklet. We all agree that the drummer does nothing! Ha Ha!

Matt - You guys have a massive yet vintage sound, what equipment do you guys use?

Martin uses a 100W Marshall Superlead from 1973 along with a Gibson SG. Johan uses Orange amplification and a Fender Jaguar. Henrik uses Ludwig Classic Maple drums. Niklas uses a SM 57.

Matt - I guess it's easy to pigeon hole bands and put them in genres, but what are your main influences and how would you describe your brand of rock?

We have alot of influences. Everything from Pentagram and Black Sabbath to Italian movie music, to great new bands like Swedens finest and label mates, Graveyard. We don't like to be tagged as a stoner band. There's more to our music than that. Call it heavy 70's influenced groovy rock or whatever. It's up to the listener to decide what to call us. Hopefully they think it's groovy, heavy and cool. We'll settle for that!

Matt - I guess you be pretty busy promoting record at this stage, what's the plan for tours etc?

Our dream is to get out there on the road and tour like crazy and live off of it. But we don't have a booking agency yet, so let's see what the future has in store for us.

Matt - Is The Graviators your only project or do you guys have other bands?

Niklas and Martin has a band called Nymf, and they're releasing their debut on Tranubstans in September. Henrik has a psychobilly band called Mondo Trasho and is also about to launch a country music band. He's a good ol' country boy!

Matt - Is music your lives or you guys work? If so what youguys do for work?

We can't make a living off of our music. Niklas is a nurse assistant. Martin works as a caretaker at a home for people with all types of psychological disorders. Johan is a kindergarten teacher and Henrik works as a machine operator in stainless steel.

Matt- How do you see the current music scene? Do you guys catch many new bands coming up the ranks?

We try to, but we're mostly into the old stuff. 60's and 70's music. When music meant something. It's a lifestyle for us.

Matt - Who would you recommend checking out that you have heard lately?

We're four individuals that listen to different music but as a collective we can recommend our Swedish friends Graveyard. They sound vintage, they look vintage. Their music is real and pure, and will probably blow your mind.

Matt - What's playing in The Graviators stereo at the moment?

Henrik's stereo is full of country. Gram Parsons, The Byrds (Sweetheart of the rodeo) Merle Haggard, George Jones, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Dillard & Clark etc. Johan always listens to Hawkwind. Martin is into Mastodons "Crack the Skye" and various progrsessive 70's bands. Niklas is listening to old school doom!

Matt - What can people expect when they catch Graviators Live?

They can expect to be run over by a runaway freight train! It's always a joy for us to be on stage and that's something that we want to share with our audience. We will take you on a journey, and it will leave you happy, and you can't wait to get on it again. You are the deer, we are the headlights!

Matt - What's the best Graviators gig so far?

The best gig we ever did was at the party celebrating the release of our record. Our label was there, they loved it, and it was just beautiful! We had great sound and we were very well rehearsed. Everybody had a great time!

Matt - What was the worst?

Our worst was probably at a local festival. We showed up right two minutes before ShowTime, some of us nursing a hangover from hell. Martin busted a string in the middle of a song so everything came to an awkward halt, and we got cut short. "Sorry guys, you're out of time". No shit. Another time, we played a gig, and there were 7 people in the audience. Or the drummer busts the kick drum head. But we've had more successful gigs than disastrous, that's for sure! Sometimes circumstances or twist of luck gets the better of you.

Matt - Given chance to jam with anyone dead or alive to form a supergroup who would that consist of?

We'll jam with anyone, dead or alive, as long as it brings us joy, experience and/or beer! Henrik: Actually, the biggest reason I joined the Graviators was that I have always wanted to jam with Martin. He's as good as they come and I had already been in a band with Johan seven years earlier, so I'm already in my supergroup!

Matt - What's the plan for the future?

The plan is to grow as musicians, write better and better music, and above all: Get out there and play for all of you lovers of real music!

Matt - Any Last words before I wrap this up?

Yeah, be on the lookout for a sophomore effort from us later this year. We'll keep you posted on our MySpace page!

Matt - Thanks so much for your time, your new record slays and wish you all the best for it in the future...

It's been a pleasure. Thank you Matt! All the best.

The Graviators

Transubstans Records
Myspace

DEMOLAND: Stone Machine Electric - A Wash in Feedback (Live Demo)

StonerRock from the USA
Stone Machine Electric - Mushroom Cloud


These guys from Arlington Texas produce a fine mix of Stoner and Heavy Psychedelia on this 5 track Live Demo ,cant wait for em to hit the studio and create some Monster Rock to Burn .Bass player needed for the band so if your in the Arlington Texas area check em out..

Playing Soon at a Venue near You

Valerie's - Fort Worth, Texas   12 - December -2010
Rock Dogs - Fort Worth, Texas   15 - January - 2011
Reno's Chop Shop - Dallas Texas  4 - Febuary - 2011

Myspace
ReverbNation

 

Track List 

01 Mushroom Cloud

02 Walking Among the Blind

03 Echoes of Garnath

04 Nameless

05 Echo

DEMOLAND: Beaumont Livingston

StonerRocK from Italy
Beaumont Livingston - Speed Up


Beaumont Livingston is a Southern Italy stoner rock band formed in 2007 by Mario Orefice (Guitar) and Ciro Iacoviello (Bass); first line up includes Rocco Palumbo (Vocals/Guitar) and Antonio Ulto (Drums).

Born mainly as Kyuss/QOTSA/Unida cover band, BL finally began to write their own music when Silvio Cogliano replaced Ulto on drums in December 2009. First self titled 5 tracks demo was recorded and entirely self produced in March 2010; the band is currently working on new songs to complete the first album.

The sound can be described as classic stoner rock with strong 70's hard rock and garage rock influences. Beaumont Livingston's lyrics tend to stick to typical rock themes such as psychedelia, drugs, and women.

Myspace

 

Track List

01 Dancing In My Mind

02 Things I've Seen

 03 Speed Up

 04 Hot Lips

 05 Deep Vacuum