Quick Hit: EARTH WITCH - "OUT OF THE SHALLOW"

Earth Witch have been producing and playing high energy, heavy metal doom rock since they first formed on Halloween night in 2012 playing Black Sabbath covers. An early EP, released on Halloween in 2013, was a brilliant admixture of psychedelic Black Sabbath doom. For their next offering to the dark fandom gods of haunting melodies and mammoth black-bottom riffs Earth Witch have stepped up their game, submitting a full-length LP of masterful musical acumen. The melodies are exciting and memorable, the riffs are an amalgam of searing psychedelic solos, subterranean rumbles of earth and stone, with characteristics of stoner/desert sounds sewn perfectly into the patchwork of deep doomness and ephemeral wisps of phantom Sabbath spirits. All of this comes to you in afterthought as you listen because the immediate response is joy, joy in experiencing music that masters every trait that we love about low-tuned massive, heavy metal. It's a forty minute escape, much more capable than any current virtual reality gimmick. It's an ode to past brilliance yet still a discovery of fresh raw power entirely attuned to primal urges of amplified sound.

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Doom Hit: GREEN DRUID - "Ashen Blood"

Steady, subterranean, and filthy clean, Green Druid duskily flows with the drone of a thousand rusty amps through the cracks and pores of forgotten, ancient crypts. This sophomore EP from the Denver quartet is a darkly addictive monster of shadow riffs and deep earthen tones of sacred blood. This is doom, and it is mighty.

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Doom Hit: "THE WIRING - "WITHDRAWAL FROM CONTINUOUS CIRCULATION"

I'm always amazed when just two musicians are able to pull off the sound of four. This duo from Wiesbsden, Germany lay down some raunchy, ebon tar, paving a road of grim shadows, black cowled fear, and ancient ability while conjuring their magics of amplified, gargantuan doom, thickly clabberous, and darkly spellbinding.

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RIFF RELIC: Mammoth Thunderpower - "I Am Thunder"

I don't know about you, but every now and then I like to go through my massive collection of great music and see if I can find something I haven't played in a long while, or perhaps discover an album I never had a chance to give a chance when it was first acquired. Today's focus is on a little jewel of an EP that's been sitting in my 'Doom Trunk' for five years waiting to be re-discovered.

Mammoth Thunderpower released the exceptional "I Am Thunder" EP in 2012 that delivered massive potential. The music is replete with stoner and doom tendencies, keeping things low, sometimes slow, sometimes at a more urgent tempo, but always in satisfying fashion with hooks that dig deep into musical cochlea, ripping a bloody hold that is eternal and yearning.

Nothing much has been heard of Mammoth Thunderpower since the release of "I Am Thunder". Word is, though, that after laying low for half a decade the band have managed to get together in the studio and begin the process of making new music. Stay tuned to Heavy Planet and we'll be sure to let you know when the time comes. In the meantime, travel back down dark memories to relish in the mastery of their powerful first album.

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QUICK HIT: Destroyer of Light - "Chamber of Horrors"

It's early, but a heads up is perfectly warranted for the beautifully rendered, dark and haunting, doomscape album, "Chamber of Horrors", by the Austin, Texas-based doom band Destroyer of Light. The album releases on July 14, so be sure to set a reminder. There is a placeholder song, "Prisoner of Eternity", from the album at bandcamp to give you a taste of what's to come.

The music is eerie yet exhilarating, transporting the listener through a vast kaleidoscope of dark delights, songs of black despair rescued by bright runs of gargantuan riffs, and an overarching battle between gloom and hope.  It's engaging, magnetic, and powerful.

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Album Review: Two Headed Beast - "Wizard Mountain"

The world of hard rock, of heavy metal, is wonderfully varied, so much in fact, there are distinct genre silos underneath the hard/heavy umbrella, many of them having filled up decades ago, going nearly dormant as ever newer ones are molded out of the settling dust of their predecessors. Perhaps the granddaddy genre has been the audacious, in your face sound of traditional heavy metal that grew out of progenitors such as Led Zeppelin, Blue Cheer, and Black Sabbath. That heavy metal sound was personified by bands such as Judas Priest, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden, to name a miniscule few. It was a sound that dominated the scene in the mid to late 70s and into the bulk of the 80s before sort of weirdly fusing into the over the top sounds of big hair bands. The excessiveness of big hair, though, prepped us for the wonderful grunge explosion as well as the almost unnoticed rumbling of stoner/desert rock of the 90s. Many other sounds have come, and gone. For anyone exploring for the first time any version of wondrous, amplified metal vibrations, old or new, there is an overabundance of choices. Gifted musicians can draw from an almost limitless supply of inspirational music, the possibilities are endless. This is what ran through my mind when I first heard "Wizard Mountain". Of course, I have no idea how Two Headed Beast may have arrived upon their signature sound, I just know I hear the wonderfully deep, heavy fuzz of stoner/doom rock in their vigorous riffs and searing solos, but, in the blink of a photon, I am ripped back to an earlier era as soon as those incredible vocals of Brian Allen kick in. "Wizard Mountain" quickly concentrates my focus, drawing me deep into its wicked melodies and triumphant chorus, down into the murky depths of low tuned and amplified energy, emboldened by the soaring, invigorating intonations of Allen's vocal time machine. The pairing of traditional metal vocals and bottom dark stoner/doom guitar is somehow brilliant, revitalizing, and emboldening. It's a physical reaction to a spiritual rendering, teleporting me to a time and place of power and potential.

Two Headed Beast hail from Portland, Oregon. Band members include John Hughes, Jason Dunn, Shawn Ferguson, Scott Speelman, and vocalist Brian Allen.

The initial track, "Valley of Skulls", immediately opens with the double whammy of deep, fuzzy guitar and powerfully rendered vocals that is the consistent and persistent hallmark of every track to follow. The tempo is dangerous, the magnitude bold, and the realization you're in for a unique and brilliant ride quickly sets in.

"Two Ton Sky" starts off with bare bones, building up to an all-out assault of power and force. The drumwork here is simply marvelous, pounding out a primal beat of mammoth proportions, propped up wonderfully by the bruising dance of bass and guitar, magnified again by those laser sharp vocals.

The eponymous title track, "Witch Mountain", is like a pugilist stalking his opponent, steadily moving forward step by step, delivering hammer blow after ruthless hammer blow until the sudden sound of silence signals the end.

"Apollyon the Destroyer" changes the pace, flowing down a psychedelic bridge of color and static before charging up a steeper trajectory of power and amperage. "Hail the Chief" is a frontal assault of bad attitude and snarl. "Boneyard" and "Blackball' pay homage to traditional metal in measured advances of ragged vocals and steady riffage.

This brings us to the unofficial closer, "Curse of the White Owl" where Two Headed Beast dust off their stoner rock foot pedals and crank up the fuzz in a magnificent display of hook and heat. The solos soar beyond the stratosphere, while the measured tempos of riff and stick are darkly subterranean. Allen's vocals are exquisite on this track, offering a sing along rendition in which no one can match his gifted ability, but will have fun in attempting to do so.

Two Headed Beast offer up a brief coda that is pinned to the tail end of the penultimate song in "Tail of the Owl", a fun little ditty of psychedelic conclusion.

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Quick Hit: Bathsheba - "Servus"

Resplendence and shadow could easily be the hallmarks of the exquisitely rendered "Servus" from Bathsheba, a Belgian quartet of low-tuned and penetrating boulder crushers, who take hallmarks of their inherent land to provide dark, haunting, atmospheric encounters from their native charcoal mountains intertwined with the brilliance and density of Antwerp's diamond industry. Shadows and light, power and finesse, subterranean depths and soaring heights, all are delivered with great appetite and ferocious prowess. Fronted by the elegant and ethereal vocals of Michelle Nocon, bolstered by the underlying vigor and brawn of bassist Raf Meukens and drummer Jelle Stevens, and masterfully propelled throughout by guitarist Dwight Goossens, the odyssey through coagulation and syrup of ebon is entrancing and euphoric.

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Quick Hit: Half Gramme of Soma - "Groove is Black"

Greece rockers Half Gramme of Soma are on the verge of dropping a new album, "Groove is Black", an eight song all-out assault on each and every pleasure sensor. It's all here. Endearing, searing stoner grooves, riffs and hooks galore, memory binding melodies, perfectly matched crunchy, edgy vocals, and simply an overall sound and experience of fierceness and joy.

I had reviewed HGoS's 2013 self-titled album , but somehow missed their 2014 follow on, "Marche au Noir", so, if like me, this newest release isn't the only one you've yet to experience, well, you're in for what the old folks used to call 'a rolickin' good time'! Greece has become one of the premier locales for quality stoner/doom bands, none better than Half Gramme of Soma.

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Zac's Top Ten of 2013

I don't care much for Bruce Springsteen... however he had some killer tunes, especially The Seeger Sessions. Here are my favorite releases of 2013.

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Preferred EPs:

Katla: I Will Hunt You / Foaming Waters

Surprise, surprise, surprise! More great music from Sweden. This female lead quartet seduced me with their acid blues influenced dark psych. I Will Hunt You and Foaming Waters was released on a special 7" by Who Can You Trust? Records. They only pressed 500 copies, so if you missed out earlier this year you may be S.O.L. Be sure to check Who Can You Trust? Records web-store for this one and a hand-ful of other Heavy Planet favorites.

Stand-out track: Foaming Waters

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The Wans: The Wans EP

My second Preferred EP of 2013 belongs to Nashville Tennessee's The Wans. My love for this trios Tenneessee brethern, All Them Witches, blessed me with an introduction to this "feel good" / get your rocks off EP. Don't miss my favorite track Want You with all its southern swagger and rhythmic wandering.

Stand-out track: Want You

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Favorite Full-Length Releases:

010: Black Sabbath - 13

It's Black Sabbath. Tony's still got it.

Stand-out track: Age Of Reason

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009: Supervoid: Filaments

Sometimes the city of Pittsburgh might be guilty of displaying too much pride. I try to be humble for the most part, but I can proudly proclaim musical victory for this city with Supervoid and their progressive, sludge-tastic release Filaments. Releasing a conceptual, "interstellar road trip" of a metal album earlier this year Supervoid are off to an epic start. My apologizies to lead vocalist Brian for describing his performance on Wake of the Smoke Jumper in my write-up earlier this year as female vocals. That is just how dynamic this man's vocal abilities are though folks.

Stand-out track: Wake of the Smoke Jumper

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008: Cavern: S/T

I warned you. Cavern would rear its ugly head come years end and here we are. This authentic release full of sludgy thrashing has stood the test of time and continually battered my ears senseless. I'll show no remorse if you have yet to lend your ears to this Maryland trio and their RIFF lashing.

Stand-out track: Far Beyond Fields and Evergreens

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007: Summoner: Atlantian

Summoner is the first band to land on my year end list two years in a row. Last year's Pheonix was well rounded and full of stoner and desert rock and haunting, psychedelic fuzz. Atlantian takes the genius that was Pheonix and enhances the formula. Take the Nuclear Dog's words, here you will find "polished psych-edged licks of ingenuity" and "raw-boned riffs". Check out the rest of the review for a better idea of what awaits on Atlantian.

Stand-out track: Under the Crystalline Sky

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006: Clutch: Earth Rocker

Earth Rocker simply kicks ass. An all out attack of blues inspired rock and roll fronted by some of the best vocals, defended by some of the grooviest guitar work, and founded on some of the best rhythmic percussion in the business. "If you're gonna do it, you better take it to the stage."

Stand-out tracks: D.C. Sound Attack!, The Face, The Wolf Man Kindly Requests...

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005: Black Wizard: Young Wisdom

The under-dog of 2013 lands at my number five spot. As I described earlier this year... Black Wizard are "like a sleazier, Nordic version of Guns 'N Roses" that rock blazing guitars accompanied by a rhythmic cavalry. Here new listeners will find raw vocals, blistering RIFFS, and even some spacey Radiohead-esque interludes. If you missed Young Wisdom upon its release back in June, now is the time to familiarize yourself with Adam Grant and company and their debut full-length Young Wisdom.

Stand-out track: Wicked Wanderer

*For those readers that truly dug Black Wizard, please check out Adam's other project Three Wolf Moon.

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004: Anciients: Heart Of Oak

There is so much to say about Heart Of Oak... the excellent progression and transformation of each track, the completely killer blackened-death like vocals, the strike of each drum head or cymbal strike, the intracate and yet groovy RIFFs, the bluesy Gilmour meets Allman picking! What an excellent release! Kenny Cook and the gang have out-done themselves with Heart Of Oak and Anciients first release.

Stand-out tracks: Overthrone, For Lisa

*Kenny is also a part of our number five spot Black Wizard. That is beyond groovy.

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003: Pelican: Forever Becoming

I completely fell in love with this album the moment my eyes graced the album artwork. Could I be considered a Pelican fan-boy. I guess so. But how is that a bad thing? Forever Becoming is simply another phenomenal release by the best instrumental band. Period. Will you always be in the mood for albums of this magnitude? Probably not. Will you always walk away with a new impression or new ideas after experiencing a piece of art so authentic? Most certainly. Pelican rules. Welcome to the show Dallas.

Stand-out track: Perpetual Dawn

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002: All Them Witches: Lightning At The Door

Still full of that vibrant southern soul All Them Witches produce their very own Psyche-a-delta Rock with immense confidence and swagger. Mr. Staebler's drumming genius has only grown in skill and charisma while the infectious RIFFING will keep you coming back for more. If I might take a line from my favorite track Charles William, "I wanna take you home... everyday.".

Stand-out track: Charles William

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001: Kylesa: Ultraviolet

I've really grown with Kylesa in their past three releases. Ultraviolet hit me hard upon first spin and has stuck with me throughout all of 2013. These guys and gal, "display their full mainpulation of sonic frequency" here on Ultraviolet and do it with class in a sub-five-minute dark pop, dream sludge tone. I knew this was my favorite album of 2013 immediately, I don't even think album opener Exhale was half way through its three minute run time when I realized it. The quintet have recorded an album that grows in experimentation as it does with time. New to the sound are some spacey psychedelics and Ms. Pleasants totally lovely clean vocals. Something you may be familiar with... the tribal and unchaining sound of Carl McGinley and Eric Hernandez's dual percussion.

Stand-out tracks: Exhale, We're Taking This

Zac's "Double Dose": Lilium / Skeletons In The Piano

Lilium: Black, Dear 

Italy is a growing power-house in the down-tuned and ethereal music department. Most notable of the Italians are Ufomammut and their perfected vision of doom, drone, and psychedelic metal through the 2012 dual releases Oro. Here to carry another beacon of the Italian interpretation is Lilium, a band that has a snug-fitting form of post-metal influenced sludge that leaves the listener inseparable from the piece of music they've just experienced. Not so much like the mud caked sludge that needs a pressure wash for removal. Lilium leaves more of a warm, in utero ooze, which although can be wiped away easily, leaves an enduring and psycho-emotional bruise that lingers. 

Now, word in the underground is that Lilium will be releasing their debut record, entitled Black, Dear, through Taxi Driver Store sometime this year. However, the band decided to issue a couple singles along the road to release, starting with the track Solitude last October. Toting some sincere lyrical content behind an eerie intro Solitude packs a post-metal punch through a gravely style of singing in the vein of Isis. The use of synths on this four minute song accentuate the atmosphere immensely surrounding the guitars and rhythym instruments. More recently Lilium released a second single entitled Oak Tree. Like watching an inescapable storm steadily toil over the open sea Oak Tree approaches with a distant and peaceful thunder concealed by a pleasantly picked measure. More so, adding to the peaceful inception, lead singer Filippo's softly whispered and over-dubbed lyrics broadcast a Deftones, Chino Moreno vibe. By the time three minutes of Oak Tree have elapsed the outer walls of the storm have suddenly appeared at your head, pouring sonic waves through your body. Check it out via youtube below and keep posted for the full length release.

Members: 

Daniele - Guitar 

Davide - Synth // Sampler 

Enrico - Drums 

Filippo - Vocals 

Michele - Bass // Vocals 

Stefano - Guitar

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Skeletons In The Piano: Please Don't Die 

This weeks second 'Dose are a full five-piece ensemble (plus two belly-dancers) and call themselves Skeletons In The Piano. Performing one of the most diverse forms of rock 'n roll I've ever heard, Skeletons incorporate haunting lyrics and melodies in a strange operatic circus full of contrasting sounds. As their belly-dancers, Katarra [Peterson] and Tatiana [Morales], hypnotize on looking fans the musical foundation of Skeletons parallel these actions with dense sound waves. The convergence of the guitars, banjo, and violin erupt in an authentic gypsy celebration while lead-man Elijah [Hargrave] conjures his inner Mike Patton. It's not all cheery and psychedelic fun though. Skeletons dig deep with an extra measure of heavy and progressive metal character. Check out The Price Put On You below or pick up a copy of their latest release Please Don't Die at Magnetic Eye Records.

Members: 

Brad Thibodeau - Guitar // Banjo 

Dustin Alexander - Bass // Vocals 

Elijah Hargrave - Vocals // Guitar 

Eric Donovan - Drums 

Jeff Ayers - Violin // Keys 

Katarra Peterson - Dance // Percussion 

Tatiana Morales - Dance

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Zac's "Double Dose": Black Wizard / Cosmonauts Train Trip

Black Wizard: Young Wisdom

With a pure metal attitude Black Wizard emerge from the cold and damp wild-woods of Western Canada like a sleazier, Nordic version of Guns 'N Roses. This four-piece are simply looking for a drink, some smoke, and the right outlets to plug their amps into... and I think the 'Planet can provide those necessities. After experiencing some delays over the past two years Black Wizard have recruited Anciients' guitarist and vocalist Kenny Cook to cover the Wiz's axe-duty. With this welcome addition, maestro and main-dude Adam Grant and company pressed forward and are set to release their debut full length Young Wisdom this Friday (28th June 2013). Want a preview? Well, the Double Dose is the place for you then... 

Beginning with a patient ambiance Black Wizard doesn't so much break the ice, but melt it away gradually, leaving your unassuming conscience in a state of unprepared complacency. Young Wisdom's opening track, entitled Spacer, has an initial movement that unwinds much like a peaceful post-rock intro. Storming through the peace a lone guitar blazes followed by the gallop of the rhythmic cavalry, quickly eliminating your supporting structure. Black Wizard's overall sound is strongly influenced by hardened stoner rock but scrounge scraps from the punk plate, which surfaces deep in their sound in the form of raw vocals and blistering RIFFS. H.U.G.H., landing at track four, was released last year as a single, giving a lucky few a sampling of Young Wisdom's genius. Black Wizard lay the RIFFS on thick with a slow jam, southern inspired tempo. Grinding RIFF after RIFF, H.U.G.H. builds into a ferocious dual guitar onslaught. The repercussions includes mind-numbing head-banging and a party sing-a-long as the instruments fall back into a steady, stoner friendly pace. Danger Dances gives Young Wisdom a dynamic turn. Implementing falsetto vocals and a rolling waltz quality Black Wizard create a light reprise in the very midst of the album which, in turn, create a very Radiohead-esque vibe. Black Wizard roam the many facets of the punk and rock terrain, stopping at RIFF-city in Something Sweet and scaling immense cliffs to the plateau of Wicked Wander. 

Like a sucker-punch from the frigid north Black Wizard surprised me (much like Black Cowgirl did last year). This time, I'm glad I didn't sit on the chance to get the promo published! With phenomenal artwork and a solid thirty-five minutes of rugged stoner rock you will not want to miss Black Wizard's Young Wisdom. Stoked or not, get over to bandcamp, because the dudes decided to stream Young Wisdom in her entirety!

Members: 

Adam Grant - Vocals // Guitar 

Eugene "Eug" Parkomenko - Drums 

Evan Joel - Bass 

Kenny "Kendo" Cook - Guitar

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Cosmonauts Train Trip: Dust & A Sunbeam

In a similar vein of Romania's The :Egocentrics, this weeks second dose, Cosmonauts Train Trip, produce a psychedelic breed of [mostly] instrumental rock that will transport listeners on an emotive, hyperspace journey. Cosmonauts Train Trip call this post rock inspired, interstellar vehicle Dust & A Sunbeam. Ignition is engaged with a press of the play button and Lunar Lander, an eight minute mega-track, initiate our maiden voyage. Beginning with a heavily computerized vibration, a sensation of preparation sweeps over us, as a voice speaks over the radio describing the view from Dust & A Sunbeam's cockpit. As the vehicle continues to warm up the solitude and quiet diminishes and a rush of atmosphere suddenly appears with the entrance of the bass, drums and guitar. Now that we've acclimated to this new environment Cosmonauts... have us skippin' galaxies and solar systems. Enjoy two tracks from Dust & A Sunbeam streaming at bandcamp or if you are interested in purchasing a copy for yourself, contact the band direct here.

Members: 

Heiner Asmus - Guitar 

Henri Seel - Bass 

Jonathan Schmidt - Drums

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Zac's "Double Dose": Deville / The Black Heart Rebellion

 

Deville: Hydra 

If last year's Torche release, Harmonicraft, was 2012's epitome of a pop metal record then Deville's latest, entitled Hydra, will gladly pick up where Harmonicraft left off. Deville, a Swedish quartet based in Malmö, hold a heavy resume filled with two strict stoner rock releases and performances in the company of Fu Manchu, Mustasch and Sepultura. With Hydra, their third full length, the guys loosened their grip on the set stoner rock sound and opened themselves up to criticism by infusing the sonorous characteristics of pop rock and some astute songwriting. Now, while Harmonicraft showed up to the party with a playful vibe Hydra is a little more serious, filled with a young man's angst. Within moments of pressing play you will realize that the musicians here have no anxiety though, displaying a confidence and cohesion that many a veteran band cannot boast. Each musician knows his role and executes that task effortlessly all while increasing the chemistry between the other three band-mates. In the end though one feature of Hydra apexes making these forty-five minutes excellent and truly memorable... Andreas' King Leonidas style vocals. This powerful and intimidating tool along side the gravitating instrumentals niche a new step in the stoner rock ladder allowing Deville to stand out from their other rock peers. Check out the thick progressive sludge tendencies seeping into in the six minute monster Imperial below and get over to Smallstone Recordings Store to get a copy for yourself. If you aren't a believer yet be sure to click the youtube link below for the official video for album opener Lava!

Members: 

 Andreas Bengtsson - Vocals // Guitar 

Markus Åkesson - Bass 

Markus Nilsson - Drums 

Martin Hambitzer - Guitar

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The Black Heart Rebellion: Har Nevo 

This week's second dose is not your expected Doom, Psyche, Sludge or Stoner band that generally grace the virtual pages here at Heavy Planet. Belgium's The Black Heart Rebellion don't even land in any of these genres noticeable characteristics. Their sound actually tends to be minimalist [at times]. However listeners will find tremendous percussion supported by haunting melodies and abounding atmosphere in their completely authentic 2013 release Har Nevo. So, how the hell does Uncle Zac get off promoting this "crap" without RIFFS at the center of this little universe called Har Nevo (that was my poor attempt at comic relief). Well, I ask you for peace and a few moments of your time and TBHR will do the persuading. 

 Har Nevo begins with Avraham a middle eastern tinged tune the likes of OM's Advaitic Songs. Rather than being greeted with a relaxed vocal TBHR's Pieter Uyttenhove initiates the album breathing heavily as though he's been chased to the sanctuary's door only to find it locked. As the exhausted vocals climax so do the percussion and instrumental back-drop and the song fades to nil. The album continues on this path of eerie poetic proclamation and drone-y, post-rock quiet to loud sequences over the course of forty-five minutes. Attentive listeners will find many reoccurring themes through Har Nevo. In my opinion the most prominent are the themes of sin and home. The music and lyrics combined have created, for me, a concept album out of Har Nevo. I'm not sure if this is what the musicians intended, but I welcome it (because, as we all know, I'm quite fond of concept records). From my take the concept runs full circle beginning with Avraham burning down the broken "home" into a errant life full of "beasts", "sin", and "ashes". Just as all good and powerful stories find their eucatastrophe (the moment destruction turns to glory), TBHR's protagonist sheds that old skin through direction and guidance from some brave care-giver toward's the "golden land" of "light". Into The Land Of Another, album zenith and closer, completes the circle with a warm effervescent sound. The tasteful use of a banjo throughout Into The Land Of Another increases TBHR authenticity and brilliance and now although our protagonist is broken he will "rise" and "grow". In the end The Black Heart Rebellion have created something fresh for 2013, something I'm sure will make some friends and enemies throughout the next nine months. I suggest immersing yourself in these vibrations over at bandcamp where the entire album is streaming. Har Nevo offers more to return listeners, so if you find yourself in that category head over to Smoke & Dust's web store to order a copy for yourself.

Members: 

Alex Maekelberg - Guitars // Vocals // Percussion 

Emeriek Verhoye - Bass 

Pieter Uyttenhove - Vocals // Percussion 

Tim Bryon - Drums // Percussion 

Tomas Lootens 

Valentijn Goethals - Guitars

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LP Review - Ingot Eye by Tentacle

I have returned, and thankfully unscathed from my deep explorations of those doomed and sludgy caves carved out by those prolific men of heavy called Ice Dragon; but only just. My sanity is shaken and I fear I shall be forever plagued by nightmares having heard what I have heard and seen what I have seen; and for the second time in less than a year with Ice Dragon's slow and low and dirge filled bottom dwelling alter ego.

What started with "Void Abyss", a sinister portent of a dark chronicle; I had discovered that this black creation had recently been followed by another even more gruesome selection of slithering and slimy songs, or terrible curses to be more exact. And so it was that I chose to once again plumb the depths to discover what these high priests of the low had buried deep within their blackened chamber.

In my explorations of the deep I soon found that I was pursued, hunted if you will, by a sprawling loathsome Tentacle that had me all at once by its suckers and proceeded to fill my mind with unimaginable horrors; horrors that came to me in 4 sinister and black meditations collectively named "Ingot Eye" and each with an odious title and each a sonorous dirge of filth; a veritable drone of hideous vibrations and ominous deathly drums of doom, over which a high priest of the deep chanted incantations to those long forgotten gods of old. Those things which should remain forgotten, buried as they are in some slimy subterranean tomb or in the very deepest depths of some primordial ocean.

The first of these curses was titled, "The Blackness of My Soul Will Be So Great as to Make the Night Weep" and it was a herald to my certain doom where my sanity was shaken to blackened bits. My senses reeled with the stench of sludge that dripped upon me and which was smothered all along the cave like a foul mucous that gripped me and that is when I heard the Tentacle approach me from behind, aided by the tortured screams and howls of the Cthulian high priest. For over 11 minutes I was subjected to a soul devouring terror the likes of which no man should have to witness and expect to be the same man again.

For a brief moment there came the relief of silence only for the high priest to sing a disgusting drawl of tortured madness whilst a slow oozing riff of grimness and pounding deathly rhythms threatened to bring the cave falling down upon me, crushing me with the heavy weight of a curse named "Dull Ache (I hate Myself Today)". All of my worst fears were realised in an instant, all hope was lost as the Tentacle loomed over me and threatened to seize and trap me deep down within the bowls of the earth. Brief was this black lament until again a breath of silence before the third curse was laid upon me.

"(Revenge) Dust for Blood" was spat at me in a crawling mass of sickness for over 12 minutes. The high priest howling, the deep reverberations and the thudding ritual drums gave power to the Tentacle as it slimed its way through the maze of caverns. A lurking fear of grimy muck entered my ears and swilled about my mind, squeezing my brain with a hateful pressure. A ponderous, sickening ode to a deep dwelling beast that should never see the light of day.

Then the final curse of "Our Serpent Mother's Kiss" saw the Tentacle grip me and tighten its foul suckers around my body, crushing me with its filthy sludge, eked on once again by the mad chants of the Cthulian high priest that brought me to a dark meditation. The filthy dirge squirmed on with a pounding of the earth to drive it forward, my sanity shattered then whilst the Tentacle claimed me for its own.

I am forever haunted by my experience, dear reader. I do however urge you to plunge yourself into the depths where the Tentacle resides, so that some of my burden may be shared. That way I shall find comfort in knowing that I am not the only one to be driven insane by the loathsome curling slime of the Tentacle that lies deep below, waiting and dreaming.

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Album Review: Black Cowgirl - Self-Titled

Man, sometimes life is a drag... You want to know what else is a drag? Writer’s block. Cardigan wearing, eat your vegetables, old Mr. Zac has been sitting on gold for three months and just hasn't put together the words to get it to all of you, our faithful readers of Heavy Planet. Well, allow me to delay no longer, because what we have here is truly a 120-proof bottle of the finest blend of traditional rock, grunge and grooves to escape this hilly Pennsylvania terrain. These tunes just got to be shared before the close of 2012.

So, now you're asking yourselves, "Who the hell is Black Cowgirl?" and "How can a double EP be all that good?" Well, in reply to the latter, it can be. Period. Black Cowgirl is a fearless foursome from Eastern PA, the Lancaster area to be more precise, who takes a shared effort in writing and guitar-monizing eleven of the finest examples of classic inspired stoner rock. The self-titled release is made up, as stated previously, of two separate EP's and has recently been pressed into a lovely vinyl, thanks to the art of Mr. Adrian Brouch of Coven Illustrations and Kozmik Artifactz Record-store.

The group, who obviously has a sense of humor, describe themselves as, "a less-talented version of an imaginary super-group ..." and includes the likes of The Allman Bros., Thin Lizzy and Wishbone Ash in that line up. Well, all knockin' aside Black Cowgirl offer a serious track list of dynamic hard-rock jams and anthems suitable for every Heavy Planet reader's playlist. Most of the tracks hover at the three-minute mark with one heavy weight, Weight of Oblivion, running close to six minutes.

The band does an excellent job of creating songs that don't run low on fuel or emotion, especially on the mellow tracks like Alkaline and instrumental chill piece Solarizer. The intertwining guitars loop throughout Alkaline creating the ideal noise necessary when looking to zone out, and Solarizer runs its course much the same way while slowly and steadily droning out quietly towards limbo.

Now, I've been spinning these tracks for months on end and can honestly say the entire album is solid. However, I have found myself favoring the likes of Eclipsor and Three Seasons best. Eclipsor literally begins with a knock at the door only to waltz right in through Ben and Nate's dual RIFF-age to park on your couch and caress your ears while Chris[Bass] and Mark [Drums] sneak in the back for your stash of Yuengling. Three Seasons, on the other hand, has a set of guitar pieces that coil around you like some great constrictor python emitting an intoxicating pheromone. The RIFF seems like an eternal swirl, and oh, if only it could be... Yes, Black Cowgirl has found the cure to RIFF addiction. The vocals of Three Seasons are also a strong point and may be some of the best that this self-titled release has to offer. Beginning as a steady and rough, yet harmonious articulation, the vocals become winged and soar into climactic scream as the seconds tick away. Yeah, that may sound like utter non-sense without hearing the song, but I guess you'll just have to order Black Cowgirl to fully appreciate this song in all of its glory.

When everything is said and done Black Cowgirl's self-titled release is the surprise of the year. The song writing is well done and, I believe, can only get better with future releases. The RIFFS are of the utmost quality and that freedom lies within the life of the RIFF, for the RIFF, by the RIFF and that RIFF shall not perish from earth. The artwork is of Mr. John Baizley quality and deserving of a nod for album cover of 2012.

So, with a loaded resume and a killer set of skills, Black Cowgirl can set off into the sunset of 2012 knowing they 'dun good with their first full length, or double EP, or whatever we call it, and know there are a legion of fans drooling for more.

                              

Members: 

Ben - Guitar // Vocals 

Chris - Bass 

Mark - Drums 

Nate - Guitar // Vocals

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Zac's "Double Dose": The Hounds of Hasselvander / Yakuza

The Hounds of Hasselvander: The Ninth Hour 

What an excellent name for a doom outfit! The Hounds of Hasselvander is a classic style doom-metal project started by Mr. Doom himself Joe Hasselvander. Mr. Hasselvander is kind of a big deal and carriers quite a lot of history having played drums for Pentagram, Raven, and Blue Cheer. The Ninth Hour is the debut album for Hasselvander's Hounds and is heavy like a black-hole. Playing two basses and Hasselvander's experienced "skin" smashin' The Ninth Hour is earth-shattering. Listeners will find Hasselvander's angry vocals proclaiming expected lyrics for the doom genre, like heavy and witch and a NWOBHM flair through the guitars. Check out my favorite track Salem below, with its excellent Eastern-tinged intro and percussive crunch. Need a copy for yourself? Black Widow Records can help you out!

Members: 

Eric Cabana - Bass 

Joe Hasselvander - Vocals // Guitar // Drums (studio) 

Martin Swaney - Bass 

Paolo Alegri - Keyboard 

T.C. Tolliver - Drums (live)

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Yakuza: Beyul 

Yakuza have been decimating the boundaries of damn near every genre of music since 1999. Well, these Chicago natives sure as hell have not slowed down or changed direction when the subject comes to progression in metal, let alone music entirely. Beyul is Yakuza's sixth studio release and may be seen as an orphan among previous releases. Beyul is certainly too experimental to simply be labeled progressive metal yet too metal to be labeled experimental. Listening can be overwhelming and chaotic, but not Neurosis-like overwhelming or Dillinger Escape Plan chaotic. Beyul is a completely new leviathan. Acquiring it's namesake from ancient Buddhist teaching, Beyul is known as a hidden valley much like a paradise or utopia and becomes more easily accessible as earth nears her end. I believe this knowledge is pertinent going into such a vast listening experience. Listeners will be flashed with moments of hardened vocals, chants, and spoken words as well as a grind-core pummeling, easy listening jazz interludes, thrash guitar solos, thrash saxophone solos, and the doomiest of depths. Honestly, the best opinion I can provide with Beyul is expect the unexpected. Sound tempting? A copy can be had from our friends at Profound Lore Records.

Members: 

Bruce Lamont - Vocals // Clarinet // Saxophone 

Ivan Cruz - Bass 

James Staffel - Percussion 

Matt McClelland - Guitars // Vocals

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