A couple weeks ago, it felt like the releases had slowed down a bit. As usual, I was dead wrong. There’s still too much good music being released, and not enough writers, bloggers, or even labels to handle it all. It would be a lot easier if the music wasn’t so good. But it is, and here we are…
My Doom Charts for January 2024
10. QILIN – PARASOMNIA
Paris, France. Self-released. January 12, 2024
https://heavypsychsoundsrecords.bandcamp.com/
I am inundated with instrumental Stoner/Doom, Heavy Psych. As much as I want to push against it, this part of the genre is exploding. I’m just being honest- if I know something is instrumental I have an immediate bias against it. And yet, I have to bow to the inevitable and clearly declare that this is awesome! Spacey, grooved-out and at times heavy as all get out.
09. KINGDOM OF NOTHING – THAT SHIP HAS SAILED
California. Self-released. January 2, 2024
https://thatshiphassailed.bandcamp.com/album/kingdom-of-nothing-ep
There’s a scene in the movie The Deer Hunter in which Robert De Niro holds up a bullet to make a point. “This is this,” he tells a confused hunter who forgot his boots for the last time. That scene is the first thing that played in my head when I heard the Kingdom of Nothing EP.
This is a release that is so true to its basic nature that it almost sounds groundbreaking. This could easily have been released on Meteor City back in 1998. I think we’re all kind of lucky they waited until now. This is what it is, no-holds-barred Desert Rock written and performed by masters of the game. Don’t let the band name fool you, this ship is fully loaded and ready to go.
08. THE CLAMPS – MEGAMOUTH
Italy. Heavy Psych Sounds. January 12, 2024
https://theclampsrock.bandcamp.com/album/megamouth
In case you haven’t noticed, Italy is slowly taking over the entire heavy underground. From Ufomammut to Messa, and every third album that I hear, the scene in Italy is strong indeed. The only thing missing was The Clamps! Damn, this fun. Straight ahead rock that keeps it heaviness while sacrificing none of the momentum. This is one high energy way to start the year.
07. EARTHSON – DON’T DIE NOW!
Nuremberg, Germany. Self-released. January 10, 2024
https://earthson.bandcamp.com/album/dont-die-now
If Italy is taking over the scene, then this instrumental stuff is some thing they’re going to have to contend with. I never would’ve imagined the variety of instrumental bands coming out lately. Historically, it’s not my favorite. Don’t Die Now! Is among the many (many) albums that are slowly changing my mind. It’s just so damn hard to stand out in this particular niche, but Earthson pulls it off with a melodic style that makes me wanna hum. And don’t worry, the heavy is strong with this one!
06. BUFFALO BUD BUSTER – EL DIABLO LOCOMOTOR
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Self-released. January 24, 2024
Yeahhttps://buffalobudbuster.bandcamp.com/album/el-diablo-locomotor
Sometimes you just need straight ahead, no-nonsense heavy rock that knocks you thank youover like a freight train. That’s what these heavy duty Canadians bring to the party, and they bring it well. I don’t mean to be snarky, but in all honesty, this is what I hoped Plain Ride would bring to the table on their last release. Oh well, that just makes BBB even more awesome. This album doesn’t need any flowery words or insightful commentary. Just put it on and get ready to boogie!
05. LYKOI FEL – MOON DIVE/SUN CHASER
Minneapolis, Minnesota. Self-released. January 3, 2024
https://lykoifel.bandcamp.com/album/moon-dive-sun-chaser
Lykoi Fel is a small band. They play/record like they’ve got nothing to lose and they downright don’t give a shit. That makes them a dangerous band.
I know a lot of Boomer/Gen X YouTube personalities think that rock music has lost its dangerous edge. They haven’t listened to Lykoi Fell. This is music snatched from the edge of madness, with vocals reminiscent of the Moody Blues, guitars that could’ve been hammered out by Tad Doyle with lyrics written by Timothy Leary on a bad trip with Hunter S Thompson during a Yawning Man concert. This might be my new favorite band, and that scares the fuck out of me.
04. SLOWREPEAT – ABRA CANNABRA
Israel. Herby Records. January 4, 2024
https://slowrepeat.bandcamp.com/album/abra-cannabra
By the time I was done with this album, I was relieved that I didn’t have to take a piss test the next day. The Haze is strong with this one, and operating heavy machine or or even taking out the garbage would be a challenging endeavor.
That’s all I can ask of a highly concentrated strain of Stoner/Doom like this.
03. TURNED TO STONE CHAPTER 9 – RITUAL EARTH & KAZAK
San Ramon, California. Ripple Music. January 12, 2024
Death. Taxes. The Ripple “Turned to Stone” series. Those are the only guarantees in life. I could go on and on and on, but the simple truth is the Turned to Stone series is an absolute must-have, and this compilation proves it. Again. If this wasn’t on your radar, now it is. If it was on your radar and you haven’t bought it yet, WTF?
02. SLOWER – SLOWER
Rome, Italy. Heavy Psych Sounds. January 26, 2024
Legend.
I don’t make it a secret that I have and almost total disdain for thrash metal. I also don’t make a big deal about it. I review Stoner/Doom and it’s various off chutes, that’s it. If I truly don’t like something, I’m not gonna review it. And if there’s a style of music that I can’t stand, I’m not gonna cover it.
I’m far from the only one in the heavy metal world who feels this way. Some review sites make a career of bashing stuff they don’t like. It’s their “schtick.” Fuck ’em.
That’s what makes Slower so damned brilliant. It’s the respect of the whole project, the musicians that were chosen, the way they recorded it, and the way Heavy Psych Sounds is presenting it. This album has the potential to be a breakout, cross-genre, even a mainstream hit. I love it, and it’s actually got me listening to original old-school Slayer. Never thought that was possible…
01. THE ENDLESS – THE ENDLESS
Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Self-released. January 23, 2024
https://theendlessyeg.bandcamp.com/album/the-endless
At least every other month, there’s one album that as soon as I hear it, I know it’s going to be my #1. Over half the time, it does indeed being my first choice for the month.
The Endless is one of those albums.
The thing is, most of the time instrumental Stoner/Heavy Psych is fantastic for one or two songs, but most albums tend to run out of steam near the end. There’s a lot going against it, but I think the biggest downside is how every song and arrangement sounds the same. Same guitar tone, same bass line following the root chord, same drums keeping pace like a metronome. The musicianship can be out of this world, but the lack of distinct personality can make it all blurred together like an endless documentary soundtrack.
The Endless avoid all of those traps, crafting an intoxicating experience with texture, nuance, and heavy riffing when it makes the most sense. This is already a personal favorite!
We got together a few weeks ago and talked about. Check out this interview and get to know the dudes behind this epic journey!
