Reg's Top 20 of 2013

As we enter a new year, we reflect back on some of the best releases of the past year. Everyone has their favorites, many of which show up on multiple lists. We have the unique opportunity at Heavy Planet to hear some of the best independent and underground bands from around the world as well as some of the more popular artists we love and enjoy. Some of these albums may come as a pleasant surprise to many of you, and many will be of no surprise at all, especially in my case with three of my all-time favorite bands putting out a release in 2013. So here it is, in all it's ear-gratifying glory, my Top 20 albums of 2013.

20. Weed is Weed-Blunt Force Trauma

After seeing these guys perform at the Borracho "Smokin" Brown Ale" release show in DC last spring, I have had this album in heavy rotation. Tasty riffing, doomy grooves and gruff vocal barking from Dave Sherman (Earthride) provides the backbone for this album about what else, weed. It also marks the reunion of Gary Isom and the aforementioned Dave Sherman, both from Spirit Caravan. Tracks such as "Weed is Weed", "Low To No", and "Big Green Patch" are highlights of this killer, soon to be legendary stoner doom record. Look for it's re-release by Ripple Music sometime this year (hopefully on Green vinyl).

19. Orchid-Mouths of Madness

The last release "Capricorn" from Orchid was my number one album of 2011, now it is 2013 and these dudes from San Francisco keep laying on the 70's Sabbath-influenced jams. Possibly the most prolific new doom rock band to come out in the past few years, they have inspired a new legion of fledgling bands to follow in their footsteps. Great riffs, awesome retro feel and precise delivery. Personally, I have to say that I love this band.

18. Monster Magnet-Last Patrol

Sure, Monster Magnet goes down in the books as one of my favorite bands of all-time and if it were not for all of the remaining albums on this list, "Last Patrol" would have probably been ranked much higher. The band returned primarily to it's roots providing a more vintage sound and a less "commercial" hard rock sound. This album is more psychedelic and atmoshperic than their previous few efforts and provides a more trippy vibe. I can dig it.

17. Arrowhead-Atomsmasher

This three-piece from Australia is stoner rock in the truest sense of the genre. Warm and fuzzy guitar tones, seventies psychedelics, doomy riffs and a steady groove glisten amongst tight melodies. Reminescent of such luminaries as Dozer, Lowrider and Truckfighters. Don't let this one pass you by.

16. Beelzefuzz-Beelzefuzz

Harkening back to a bygone era, the seventies were possibly the best time for hard rock music. Beelzefuzz has managed to capture that sound. While not your typical doom, the music does have a doomy feel but is more in the hard rock variety. Great melodies, tight musicianship and a vocalist that for some reason reminds me of Michael Kiske of Helloween fame makes this one a winner.

15. Lumbar-The First and Last Days of Unwelcome

Facing a daily battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Aaron Edge (Himsa) poured out his heart, soul and emotion onto this record. With the help of Mike Scheidt (YOB) and Tad Doyle (TAD) how could you go wrong? The riffs are gigantic and the tone is merciless. Intense, vile and grim sludgy doom... just the way I like it.

14. Sons of Huns-Banishment Ritual

This is my pick for the album that basically just kicks your ass. Portland, Oregon has recently become a hotbed for great music and with the release of "Banishment Ritual", Sons of Huns has firmly cemented a place in my top 20. From 70's inspired super-bluesy doom riffs to sonic blasts of stoner metal fury, there isn't a bad one in the bunch. The vocals lie somewhere between Brian Connolly of The Sweet and J. D. Cronise from The Sword. Each time I listen, I feel my beard getting thicker and thicker.

13. Paissano-Paissano

While I was on vacation this past spring, Seth did a "New Band To Burn One To" on this band in my absence. Ever since I have been hooked. Hailing from Argentina, this full-length from Paissano is an addictive hard-driving blast of fuzz-fueled stoner metal. Thanks for this one Seth.

12. Stoned Cobra-High and Mighty

An awesome psyche-tinged stoner doom band isn't something that you would typically find in the state of Alabama, at least one without a glimmer of southern sludge, but Stoned Cobra came as quite a surprise. Slow chugging rhythms, mind-bending psychedelics and a vocalist with great chops. From soft balladry to heavy as fuck pummelling, these guys found the right balance to make one hell of a record. 

High and Mighty indeed!

11. Earthless-From the Ages

The last time Earthless released an album was in 2007 with the classic "Rhythms from a Cosmic Sky", a year before Heavy Planet made its internet debut. Well all I have to say is it is about damn time. For those of us that have patiently waited for this release, many like myself were not disappointed. Personally, I am a huge fan of instrumental albums and the great thing about Earthless is that their music demonstrates a huge emotional connection with the listener. The musicianship is once again stellar and the songs just ebb and flow with key precision and timing. So freakin' amazing!

10. Black Rainbows-Holy Moon EP

One of my wife's favorite bands has quickly become one of my favorites as well. And why not, this "EP" is a perfect representation of what is so great about this genre of music. Hailing from Rome, Italy, the band rages on with breathtaking psychedelic freakout soloing, face-melting fuzziness and a kick-ass groove to boot.

09. Switchblade Jesus-Switchblade Jesus

Oh hell yeah, my buds from Corpus Christi, Texas finally released their debut album and what a killer album it is. Don't let the intro fool you folks, this is one scorcher of a record. Great riffing with a southern swagger and a groove, dare I say, the size of Texas. Stand up and take notice because Switchblade Jesus is kicking ass and taking names. Vinyl coming sometime in 2014.

08. Egypt-Become the Sun

This album came out way back in January of 2013 and I tucked it away so I wouldn't forget about it which I tend to do with releases early in the year. This is such a great rock record. The mega-riffing and gruff vocals from this Fargo, ND band will stick to your ribs on a cold and snowy night. Unfortunately, I missed out on my vinyl copy of this release. By the way, they also released a killer split with one of my all-time favs Wo Fat called "Cyclopean Riffs". You should check that one out as well.

07. Summoner-Atlantian

The sophmore effort from this Boston-based band under the Summoner moniker is full of strong song structures, swirling psychedelics and chest-crushing riffs which captivate and obliterate as you are guided through this epic and mighty journey. This album is the perfect follow-up to the band's critically-acclaimed full-length "Phoenix" released in 2012. Vinyl is the way to go on this one, you'll thank me.

06. Tumbleweed Dealer-Tumbleweed Dealer

Opening track "Opiates" is hands down my favorite song of the year. That song is the perfect introduction of what to expect on this intense and brooding instrumental masterpiece. The perfect album to put on headphones and chill-out to.

05. Vista Chino-Peace

Finding the right words to say why you like an album can sometimes be a daunting task, whether it is was because you were expecting something different or you were so knocked off your feet that you were at a loss for words. This album for me is a little bit of both. For one, I was expecting something a bit heavier. Secondly, some songs on this album are just so damn good. Primarily speaking, "Adara", "Still Remain" and "Barcelonian". Sure, this album is still heavy, but in a different way. The intense vibe and song build-up is more vibrant and song-writing is just superb, Garcia's vocals are as good as ever and Brant Bjork's drumming is so fluid. Bruno does a tremendous job and Nick provides a solid bass line. 

That's enough, just enjoy.

04. Borracho-Oculus

I had the opportunity to meet these fine gentlemen and had the pleasure of seeing them play live on a few occasions this past year. After hearing them play the songs live, I couldn't wait to hear them on record. We were even given the opportunity to have the exclusive stream of this gem back in July. These guys in my opinion are one of the premier bands in the land and "Oculus" just blew me away.

03. Supervoid-Filaments

One of the shows that I was referring to in the Borracho script also included this band from my backyard. This five-piece progressive studge metal band from Pittsburgh, PA blew my mind as well. It was not until the second time I saw them that I had mentioned to a few of my fellow Heavy Planet compadres, that were also in attendence that these guys would sound awesome on record. They agreed, and Supervoid did not disappoint.

02. Black Sabbath-13

While the album was maybe a tad bit over-produced and didn't capture the "sound" that I was expecting and was a bit dissappointed to see Bill Ward not partake, the album still had plenty of great songs and masterful riffing. I could probably write a book on what is good and bad about this album, but I don't want to bore anyone. Black Sabbath will always be my favorite band. This is primarily a nostalgic ranking and if not for a primo release by the next band this would have been number one.

01. Clutch-Earth Rocker

Well, would you expect anything else? It is no surprise that this was my number one album of the year. How many bands can actually go on tour and play just about every song off of a new album and have their fans not give a shit because it was so damn good. That takes balls. This was an amazing album throughout and the band still impresses with their live performance each and every time. 

Thank you Clutch!!

Concert Review-Baroness W/Earthless And U.S. Christmas

On occasion I will post a concert review for you guys to check out. This particular review comes courtesy of my boy Toby from his very cool blog "The Year Long Music Binge".

Baroness with Earthless and U.S. Christmas

Rock n’ Roll Hotel
Washington D.C.
November 18th, 2009

"The Binge was at the Rock n' Roll Hotel this week, which is a very small, cozy venue in my favorite neighborhood in DC...the "up and coming" (which really means, keep to the beaten path or you may not make it home) Atlas District. The place is a freaky, little, hole-in-the-wall dive that doesn't hold much more than a couple of hundred people at best. And when I say freaky, I'm talking mannequins with steer skulls for heads, hanging from the ceiling freaky. So with that said, let's get to the business at hand.

U.S. Christmas
U.S. Christmas, hailing from a little town called Marion in my home state of North Carolina, was up first. The band literally crammed every square inch of the tiny R n' R Hotel stage as they consist of seven members! Lead by vocalist/guitarist Nate Hall, they played a psychedelic blend of stoner/sludge/doom rock. In addition to Hall, U.S. Christmas includes guitarists Matt Johnson and Chris Thomas, bassist Josh Holt, drummers B.J. Graves and Justin Whitlow and violinist Meghan Mulhearn. The dueling drummers, who quite literally blended together visually as if you were watching one drummer playing beside a mirror, provided a rhythm to the music that was heavier than all hell. And the subtle violin gave an eerie backdrop to the entire proceeding. Speaking of eerie, Hall had the skull of some mysterious, antlered animal hanging from his microphone stand, and to top it all off, he used it to hold his finger slide...weird! The band was nothing if not original, especially in a genre that has become oversaturated. Impressive.

Earthless
San Diego's Earthless were second on the bill and although foreign to me, there appeared to be quite a contingent there to see these guys. Appearing to be the band's front man, Isaiah Mitchell, walked onstage, thanked the crowd for coming out and then pushed the microphone away from him and proceeded to create a wall of feedback that lasted for at least five minutes. I knew immediately that those would be the last words we would hear from Mitchell, and true to my inclination, Earthless turned out to be an instrumental act. The band also includes bassist Mike Eginton and drummer Mario Rubalcaba, whose kit had one of the biggest bass drums I've ever laid my eyes on.

Earthless basically played one 40-minute song with Mitchell soloing for what seemed like 95% of that time. Now listen, I get what these guys are about and I have nothing but respect for it. Talent-wise, they have it in spades. With that being said, their shtick got old. Kyuss used to do this type of thing back in the day, but they did it much better. The difference? They had a vocalist, John Garcia, who would exit the stage and allow the rest of the band to play for what seemed like forever, but his presence alone ensured that you never, ever got bored with the music. Earthless weren't able to keep my attention in the same way. Perhaps they should consider adding a vocalist to the mix, even if it's only to offer the occasional distraction from all that guitar wankery.

Baroness
Baroness, from Savannah, Georgia, is the current torch bearer for stoner rock in my humble opinion. The band plays an amazing blend of slowed down, Clutch-like beard rock with a slight dose of Van Halen-esque guitar flare thrown in for good measure. Quite honestly, I could have listened to this shit all night long!

You would have been hard pressed to know the band was kicking off the tour in support of their latest opus "Blue Record" tonight, as they hit their stride immediately. Apparently these guys have ties to the DC area, having grown up in nearby Lexington, VA, which explains their decision to start the tour in DC (and explains vocalist/guitarist John Baizley’s tie to local bands Darkest Hour and Pig Destroyer, for whom he’s done album artwork in the past).

Baizley is quite the imposing figure, sporting a shaved head, a mighty beard and eyes that drill holes through the audience. When the vocalist screamed into the mic, the veins in his neck stood out so vividly, I thought they might explode…and those damn eyes, I tell you the man looked possessed! Baizley managed to command the stage, despite having nothing to say to the crowd throughout the first ¾ of the show. It wasn't until Baroness left for an encore that he addressed his audience, offering a sincere thanks and saying..."you allow us to do what we do".

Meanwhile, pig-tailed bassist Summer Welch was a maniac onstage, never losing the wicked smile that adorned his mug the entire night. And Peter Adams was equally as psychotic on the other side of the stage, handling lead guitar duty and playing off of Baizley’s rhythm guitar perfectly. Drummer Allen Blickle completed the picture, tying the whole thing up into a nice, neat package of southern-prog-swamp-metal bliss.

Speaking of pictures, behind the band was a backdrop with Baizley’s cover-art from “Blue Record”. This guy’s work really is worth a look, as he is an amazing artist. If you haven’t already done so, do yourself a favor and check out Baroness. Come for the music and stay for the art…just don’t get caught in the gaze of those eyes…"

Go to the blog for pictures from the show and to check out more badass reviews.

Earthless/Witch Tour Started Last Night

Earthless and Witch begin their East Coast tour tonight. The dates are as follows:

2/20: Toronto, CA - The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
2/21: Montreal, CA - Les Saints
2/22: Providence, RI - AS220
2/23: Boston, MA - TT the Bears
2/24: Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda`s
2/25: Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall Of Williamsburg
2/26: Washington, DC - DC9
2/27: Asbury Park, NJ - Asbury Lanes
2/28: Baltimore, MD - Ottobar

Witch is touring behind their March 2008 release Paralyzed. The record found Witch evolving beyond the standard Sabbathian riff structure that defined much of their first record. With Paralyzed, Witch step into new realms melding punk rock tempos with acid guitar freak-outs while maintaining sludgy head nodding grooves. Rather than revisiting the sounds of the 60`s/70`s, Witch reinvented them.


Earthless recently released Live At Roadburn, a double CD/LP masterpiece recorded live at the 2008 Roadburn Festival.

Witch and Earthless Winter Tour Dates

Witch and Tee Pee Records labelmates Earthless will team up for a set of tour dates starting in late February.

2/20 Toronto, CA The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
2/21 Montreal, CA Les Saints
2/22 Providence, RI AS220
2/23 Boston, MA TT The Bears
2/24 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's
2/25 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall Of Williamsburg
2/26 Washington, DC DC9
2/27 Asbury Park, NJ Asbury Lanes
2/28 Baltimore, MD Ottobar


Witch is touring behind their March 2008 release Paralyzed. The record found Witch evolving beyond the standard Sabbathian riff structure that defined much of their first record. With Paralyzed, Witch step into new realms melding punk rock tempos with acid guitar freak-outs while maintaining sludgy head nodding grooves. Rather than revisiting the sounds of the 60's/70's, Witch reinvented them.

Earthless recently released Live At Roadburn, a double CD/LP masterpiece recorded live at the 2008 Roadburn Festival.

"Earthless's 'Live At Roadburn' is the perfect middle ground between Randy Holden's 'Population II' and Mahavishnu Orchestra's 'Between Nothingness And Eternity' - an instrumental hard rock odyssey recommended to any brain in
need of frying." - Phil Freeman, METAL EDGE

Witch and Earthless Announce February Tour

Witch and Tee Pee Records labelmates Earthless will team up for a set of tour dates starting in late February.

2/20: Toronto, CA - The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
2/21: Montreal, CA - Les Saints
2/22: Providence, RI - AS220
2/23: Boston, MA TT - The Bears
2/24: Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda`s
2/25: Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall Of Williamsburg
2/26: Washington, DC - DC9
2/27: Asbury Park, NJ - Asbury Lanes
2/28: Baltimore, MD - Ottobar

Witch is touring behind their March 2008 release, Paralyzed. The record found Witch evolving beyond the standard Sabbathian riff structure that defined much of their first record. With Paralyzed, Witch steps into new realms melding punk rock tempos with acid guitar freak-outs while maintaining sludgy head nodding grooves. Rather than revisiting the sounds of the 60`s/70`s, Witch reinvented them.

Earthless recently released Live At Roadburn, a double CD/LP masterpiece recorded live at the 2008 Roadburn Festival.

"Earthless` Live At Roadburn is the perfect middle ground between Randy Holden`s Population II and Mahavishnu Orchestra`s Between Nothingness And Eternity - an instrumental hard rock odyssey recommended to any brain in need of frying."
- Phil Freeman, Metal Edge

EARTHLESS LIVE AT ROADBURN CD ON SALE

Featured at the Roadburn Festival held annually in Tilburg, Holland, the heavy psychedelic trio Earthless includes Mario Rubalcaba (ex-Rocket From the Crypt, Hot Snakes, Blackheart Procession, Clickatat Ikatowi) on drums, Isaiah Mitchell (Nebula, Drunk Horse) on guitar and Mike Eginton (Electric Nazarene) on bass. The festival is a celebration of tube-driven distortion, crackling electrical guitars and the many fans that come to celebrate the mighty riff. Earthless embodies the true essence of Roadburn so it came as no surprise that the band was invited to play in the 2008 edition.

Unexpectedly, Earthless wound up on the main stage of the festival in front of 2,000 rabid fans, mere moments before they were to headline The Batcave (a room with 200 person capacity). Live At Roadburn came about not so much by default but out of sheer necessity. When the headlining band at the festival did not use their two hour time slot on the main stage, concert organizers were left scrambling to find a replacement to fill the slot.

Earthless gladly accepted the opportunity and proceeded to lay waste to all that was surrounding them for a straight hour and a half of visual mind and audio massacre! Told of the recordings, the band had a few listens and decided that it was the most honest document that they could offer, for they were caught in their natural environment - the live show.

Tee Pee Records is proud to present Earthless' latest assault on the senses, Live At Roadburn, a double LP/CD masterpiece recorded live at this year's Roadburn Festival.

The CD version is now available for sale. LP news soon.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY

Earthless to Release Live Album

Featured at the Roadburn Festival held annually in Tilburg, Holland, the heavy psychedelic trio Earthless includes Mario Rubalcaba (ex-Rocket From the Crypt, Hot Snakes, Blackheart Procession, Clickatat Ikatowi) on drums, Isaiah Mitchell (Nebula, Drunk Horse) on guitar and Mike Eginton (Electric Nazarene) on bass. The festival is a celebration of tube-driven distortion, crackling electrical guitars and the many fans that come to celebrate the mighty riff. Earthless embodies the true essence of Roadburn so it came as no surprise that the band was invited to play in the 2008 edition.

Unexpectedly, Earthless wound up on the main stage of the festival in front of 2,000 rabid fans, mere moments before they were to headline The Batcave (a room with 200 person capacity). Live at Roadburn came about not so much by default but out of sheer necessity. When the headlining band at the festival did not use their two hour time slot on the main stage, concert organizers were left scrambling to find a replacement to fill the slot.


Earthless gladly accepted the opportunity and proceeded to lay waste to all that was surrounding them for a straight hour and a half of visual mind and audio massacre! Told of the recordings, the band had a few listens and decided that it was the most honest document that they could offer, for they were caught in their natural environment - the live show.


Tee Pee Records is proud to present Earthless` latest assault on the senses, Live at Roadburn, a double LP/CD masterpiece recorded live at this year`s Roadburn Festival.

Album Of The Day-Earthless-"Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky"

Album Of The Day is "Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky" by Earthless



Aside from the Fall, which, of course, sounds like the inside of Mark E. Smith’s brain, bands that express an affinity for ’70s hard rock act the Groundhogs tend to be of a similar aesthetic. This elite group favors blues, prog and basically anything that smacks of patchouli and sulfur. California trio Earthless mixes all of the above on their second and latest, Rhythms From a Cosmic Sky, an album that ends with a cover of the Groundhogs’ should’ve-been classic “Cherry Red.” The Earthless version is notable not only because it’s so faithful—a feat that requires chops seldom bestowed on mere mortals—but also because it’s the only track that: a) features singing, and b) clocks in at less than 20 minutes.

The two originals that precede it are best described as jams. Guitarist Isaiah Mitchell fills the spaces between riffs with solos that seem as if they’re never going to end. And his compadres—bassist Mike Eginton and drummer Mario Rubalcaba—respond with support that’s heavy, funky and anything but static. Together, they sound as if they could do any of this in 9/8 and still hold their own in a bar fight. The band’s stars are so dark and brews so bitchy that even the Groundhogs’ old barnburner seems kind of earthbound by contrast. It’s a neat trick, and one that makes perfect sense coming from a band that calls itself Earthless. —Brent Burton (Decibel Magazine)


Tracklist:
1. Godspeed — 20:55
a. Amplified
b. Passing
c. Trajectory
d. Perception
e. Cascade
2. Sonic Prayer — 21:12
3. Cherry Red — 4:36

total time 46:43

Stream

Download Free MP3 of Groundhogs original version of "Cherry Red" here.

MySpace

"Sonic Prayer" Live @ The Casbah