Hey all you stoner/doom fans!
Did someone Say List?
It’s recently come to my attention that people like lists (hey, I like lists too!) And what’s not to like? Information presented in an easy to read, concise way? Awesome. You know what they say, “If you can be one thing, be efficient.”
So, here for all you straight-and-to-the-point readers out there, I present to you, Stephanie’s Most Listened to Albums of the Week! Now, if you’re feeling extra efficient, you can just check out the lovely photo grid and move on. Boom. But, if you’re feeling a bit more patient, I’ve written up a relatively terse description of each album on said grid. Choose your adventure!
In all seriousness, though, if you guys dig it, this might become a bit of a thing around here!
Stephanie’s Most Listened to Albums of the Week 10.13!
Dismyth – End of the World
Like it or not, the end of the year is quickly approaching, and I’m well aware that I need to start thinking along the lines of my favorite albums of the year. One of the first bands I thought of was Dismyth, who released their juggernaut of an album, Forest Of the Sorrow, in July of this year.
I realized I hadn’t heard any of the band’s older stuff, particularly that with vocalist Nino Datunashvily. This led me to End of the World, which was released in 2020. Man. I think I like this one just as much as Forest of the Sorrows. End of the World is much more melodic overall, with a calmer, slower pace. I would even venture to call the track To The Dark (neither dead or alive) a ballad. I’ve had this album on repeat for a few weeks now, but so far it hasn’t lost its momentum for me. Not even close.
Spiritual Beggars – Another Way to Shine
When it comes to Spiritual Beggars, I’m a much bigger fan of their older stuff, their debut album Another Way to Shine being my all time favorite. This is an album that’s been on my playlist for quite a while, but I found myself going back to it frequently this week, especially when I needed a bit of a mental or physical energy boost. One of my favorite things about the album is it starts out with incredible, bright energy, reminding me very much of Kyuss. As the album continues, it slowly changes directions until, by the end, we’ve slowed things down with some bluesy/more progressive material. This is one that will never get old.
La Chinga – Primal Forces
La Chinga released that incredibly catchy single, Light It Up, way back in July of this year. I totally admit that I thought that would be the only good song on the album. How do you release a bop like that and fill an entire album full of comparable material? Or even material with the same amount of energy and in the same style?
Well, I’m a girl who isn’t afraid to admit when she’s wrong, and I have news for you: every song on Primal Forces is just as contagious as Light It Up. I would be pointing out the obvious in comparing La Chinga to AC/DC, especially given the vocal similarities among the bands’ frontmen. But think about it: AC/DC was a powerhouse of a band that put out almost nothing but golden eggs, each song being as catchy and energetic as the last. La Chinga does the same on this album; to say that I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.
MOOCH – Wherever It Goes
Wherever It Goes is an album I happened upon at the perfect time. I was having one of those days (weeks, really), so I turned to some good tunes to help me chill out a bit. I was then met with another problem: my brain was too scrambled to be able to decide what I was in the mood for. I turned to a new release playlist and there, as if waiting for me personally, was MOOCH.
Wherever It Goes has unparalleled variety. You get some stoner rock, desert rock, and a healthy dose of what I’d call alternative rock, very reminiscent of the 90s stuff that wasn’t quite angry enough to be grunge. The album actually throws you for one more loop by ending with a folky number complete with some banjo pickin’.
However, I think MOOCH’s three lead vocalists contribute most to the variety on this album, each vocalist providing their own unique style. This album was such a great surprise, and more than anything, such a well thought out composition!
The Electric Cactus (self-titled)
Sometimes, a band I’ve never heard of before will follow me on social media, even if I haven’t reviewed or posted about them. That’s one of the coolest parts about this gig and one of my favorite ways to discover new bands. When The Electric Cactus gave me a follow, I naturally checked them out, particularly intrigued by the band’s name and pretty sweet album cover art.
My ears were graced with what I’d call “woebegone desert rock”, and I mean that in the best way. The vocals remind me VERY much of Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. We get that retro rock sound from the instrumentals as well. It makes for a very unique, almost soothing combination. It’s also certainly worth noting that I couldn’t find a single bad song on this album, particularly impressive for a debut. This is one I know I’ll be going back to often.
Kamru – Kosmic Attunement to the Malevolent Rites of the Universe
So far, this list is rather on the bright and chipper side, so why not darken it up a bit with some occult doom from Denver? Kamru released this debut album back in April of 2022, but I just discovered them on Instagram about a week ago. Kosmic Attunement to the Malevolent Rites of the Universe is a super solid work of occult doom.
In typical doom fashion, the pace is kept rather slow and lumbering, overlain with fuzzy guitars and smooth, haunting vocals. Definitely a nice, soothing listen that’s very easy to get lost in. You might just find yourself lighting some black candles.
What Were Your Favorites?
Let ask know in the comments, or message us in your favorite social media site. It’s all about community around here, and we want to hear from you!
Until next time – Stephanie
