If you are looking for new Stoner Rock, Doom, Heavy Psych or Sludge Metal bands, then you have come to the right place.
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Formed in 2010, Garüda is a band that takes its sound from different styles like stoner or sludge, but always with an eye on progressive and heavy music.
Garüda's first EP was 'Labyrinths of Stone', a first approach of the band in the quest for it's own sound. For this work Garüda had the collaboration of sound engineer Billy Anderson (Melvins/Sleep). Later on, this album got out as a digital-free download edition.
Next step for the band was thinking on a new project. Finally, in the summer of 2012, Garüda decided to get back to the studio with the technician Ruben Durán and record its next project, a split record with their band friends Blooming Látigo. For this new record Garüda has performed 'Raven Prayer' a 12 minutes trip through darkness and luminiscent stages, an eternal search between arcane formula and pagan symbolism.
During this time Garüda had shared stage with bands like Mars Red Sky, Verdun, Your Highness, Athmaa, Blooming Látigo, Mentat, Mordida, Deviante, Morne, Louded.....
David López (Voz-Guitar)
Jose Gasco (Guitar)
David Rodríguez (Bass)
Óscar Fernández (Drums)
THOUGHTS:
"This new "single" "Raven Prayer" from Spanish band Garüda is a sonic escape from the outer reaches of your mind. The song is chock full of gargantuan riffing, thoughtful time changes and aural complexities. While being primarily heavy, the music is dynamic in nature and uses elements of stoner and progressive sludge to reel you into its realm. For an even more gratifying experience, check out the band's EP release "Labyrinths of Stone" which was mixed by none other than the legendary Billy Anderson. This shit is mighty. Can't wait to hear a full-fledged release.
Desert Storm are a UK based Stoner/Sludge metal band with a penchant for fat bluesy rock outs accompanied by gruff and gravely vocals and groovy Clutch-like stoner jams.
With their latest album "Horizontal Life" released on Blindsight Records, they deliver 12 solid tracks of highly enjoyable chunky Stoner/Sludge metal. The album is mastered by none other than Billy Anderson who has in the past added his masterful touch to the works of such bands as Neurosis, Melvins and Eyehategod.
Bluesy riffs, fist pumping head nodding rock outs, heavy gritty sludge and beefy thumping drums are the order of the day here with an album that just oozes attitude; Desert Storm are taking no prisoners. This is the sound of a band who really have their shit together after numerous live performances and they show they can do balls out and groovy feel-good stoner metal at least as equally well as their more well known American counterparts but can also turn their dirty hands to monstrous and pleasingly filthy Sludge Metal.
Standout tracks for me are "No Slave To Master" with its references to the glorious herb and the sound of a bubbling bong and stoned goofy laughs. It's high-hearted fun and the riffs are as catchy as a dope smoke filled hell.
"Mr Strongbatch" that amps up the heavy with a crunchy groove that will definitely have you head banging as does it's proceeding track "Enslaved In The Icy Tundra" which is heavier still taking Desert Storm's sound into Sludge domains but with the emphasis on funked-up Stoner grooves still very much in essence.
The just under 11 minute masterpiece "Titan" that slows the pace to a darkly tripped out monster of Stoner/Sludge Metal that is played with raw passion and power and which proves that Desert Storm are not dwelling too much on their Clutch influence and are evolving their sound into one very much their own. There are calmer, more gentle moments of spaced out ambience given as a soothing tonic to balance against the raw dirt and heavy grit of the track. It's moments like these that make this album a classic in the making and show that Desert Storm have great ideas that keep their sound fresh and interesting. Towards the final minute of this track the heavy is returned in a storming roll of Sludgy riffs making this track my favorite on the album and indeed one of my favorite tracks of this year so far.
The album closer "Scorpion" brings almost Hardcore style riffage that soon develops into the chunky Stoner grooves that Desert Storm do so well but with a thick layer of filth and crunch that gives us a hint at the direction that Desert Storm are taking. I expect (and hope) to hear more deliciously heavy Sludginess on their next album.
Desert Storm are fast shaping up to be one of the best Stoner Metal bands in the UK and they are a truly fucking excellent band live who gave Honky a real run for their money on their recent UK tour. I highly recommened this album to everyone who reads the reviews here at Heavy Planet because it has something for everyone without ever deviating from Desert Storm's own evolving sound.
"Horizontal Life" is available now so go grab it, you won't regret it I promise.
Vàrego is a new Italian entity formed by five musicians, veterans of the underground music circuit. Born in 2009 with a sound briefly compared to various post-metal genres, the band worked with the producer Billy Anderson (Neurosis, Melvins, High on Fire, among others) for the debut album "Tvmvltvm" out in July 2012.
THOUGHTS:
"With unrelentless precision and fury, this beast known as Varego is set to unleash upon you. On their latest release "Tvmvltvm", these progressive sludge metallists from Italy warp your mind with an eclectic mix of metal that runs rampant through your veins and poisons your soul. Wonderfully produced by none other than Billy Anderson, the band's sound is encapsulated through it's use of thoughtful experimentation, tight musicianship, and complex song structures. Typically unheard of from a post-metal sludge outfit, the songs for the most part are short and sweet with the album closer "Shapes of Beauty" being the longest track clocking in at 6:32. The sound of the album is rich and full with spatterings of quirkiness mixed in amongst the albums ten tracks. Vocals range from angelic overdubbed harmonies to blood-curdling death howls, intensifying the dynamics and overall depth of the album. Highlighting this album are the tracks "Horror in the Sky", "Cataclysm and Mutation", and the album's first single "Soul to Devour".
Today's "New Band To Burn One To" comes to you from Birmingham, UK.
Band Bio:
Birmingham based SALLY, came together in 1996 as a trio, Andrew Parker(guitar), Peter Brown(bass), Darren Donovan(drums,vocals) taking their name from ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ heroin ‘Sally Hardesty’, their music was heavily influenced by bands such as MUDHONEY, FU MANCHU and SONIC YOUTH. Guitarist Nigel Baker augmented the line-up in 1997. They recorded two demo tapes with this line-up. After witnessing a live performance supporting ORANGE GOBLIN in their hometown of Birmingham, LEE DORRIAN of RISE ABOVE RECORDS/CATHEDRAL offered the young trio a deal. Shortly before recording, SALLY inducted LEE SMITH( formerly of ETERNAL/ELECTRIC WIZARD, MOURN and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania doom legends PENANCE) on vocals. The s/t album was recorded in 1998. Baker would leave the band in 1999, not being happy with their ‘heavier’ direction. They continued as a quartet.
A BILLY ANDERSON produced sophomore album(C-EARTH) was released during 2004. The band would break up shortly after that.
SALLY have supported ORANGE GOBLIN, ELECTRIC WIZARD, GOATSNAKE, MARK D(melvins), SPIRIT CARAVAN, BEAVER, NEBULA, KARMA TO BURN, and more recently after a re-union in 2010 : SOILENT GREEN, BLOOD CEREMONY, SIGIRYIA, SLAB DRAGGER.
Thoughts:
"Many of you may be familiar with Sally as they are not exactly a "new" band. In 2010 the band got a new lease on life with constant touring and is now planning on releasing some new material. This is our way of re-introducing you to the band if you will. Sally's meandering tempos and hypnotic grime are sure to please the ears of any fan dedicated to all things Doom. Their music leads the listener along a gilded path of equally dark and psychedelic worlds which feature noisy guitars, fierce vocals and acrid heaviness. Take a listen to the band simply known as Sally and hear for yourself."
Heavy Planet presents today's "New Band To Burn One To"... GENERAL!
Bio:
General have been released from active service and are building up a dedicated following throughout the midlands heavy rock/stoner/doom scenes with interest and fans from under many stones in the world.
The current line up have been imposing themselves on the live scene with the thousand yard stare and no respect for volume levels due to years of being in the shit too long.
Recent shows have been very successful with gigs alongside Napalm Death, Senser, Alunah, Sally, Pulled Apart by Horses to name a few !
GENERAL draws influence from many sources and have developed a sound that is comparable to a woolly mammoth playing its smoothest, grand riff whilst singing with the wise tones and melodies of a 1000 year old rock wizard.
‘Heavy rock the way you want it done’.
Currently working on the release of their debut album ‘Where are your gods now’ recorded at Priory studios and mixed and mastered by the renowned Billy Anderson in California.
The online release of the video for ‘bullet train’ off this album was a huge success generating over 1500 views in the first few days.
With more work in the pipebomb line and a dedicated fan base expect to see GENERAL hurting ear drums near you soon.
At ease boys. We’re done here.
GENERAL are:
Vocals: Graham Stokes
Guitars/riff master: Gaz Imber
Guitars/noise maker: Dave Claridge
Bass: Ru
Drums: Tom Smith
Thoughts:
"General is a band from the UK that has a huge buzz surrounding them. Aside from the fact that the legendary Billy Anderson has worked with them, this band is laying down some pretty fat Stoner Metal jams worthy of your attention. Fierce, soulful and in-your-face, these boys know how to rock and I'd say they do it rather well."
