Welcome To Heavy Planet!

If you are looking for new Stoner Rock, Doom, Heavy Psych or Sludge Metal bands, then you have come to the right place. Heavy Planet has been providing free promotion to independent and unsigned bands since 2008. Find your next favorite band at Heavy Planet. Thanks for stopping by!
Showing posts with label Top 20. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top 20. Show all posts

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Reg's Top 20 of 2015

One of the hardest things to do each year is to choose a select quantity of albums that you deem worthy as being the best from thousands of releases throughout the year. Each year the statement "what a great year for music" is proclaimed and 2015 was no exception as this year saw many of the heavyweights releasing new music. It still amazes me that this genre of music is still so under appreciated and overlooked. I however, found myself going back to the following twenty albums time and time again. Enjoy!

20. Turn Me On Dead Man - "Haters, Space Invaders and Clones"

This is basically a collection of songs released on previous releases, but it was a pleasant surprise filled with great riffing, catchy song writing and tons of heavy psych rock. Take the trip and get hooked. The band's "Heavy Metal Mothership" is scheduled to take flight sometime in 2016.



19. Bedowyn-"Blood of the Fall"

I first caught wind of this band on Vol. II of "Bong Hits From the Astral Basement" and was excited to see a new release from them. Awesome classic metal with doom and thrash leanings. Great vocals, thunderous drumming and terrific soloing. 



18. Parasol Caravan-"Para Solem"

The band has come a long way since being a New Band To Burn One To in 2012. The songs have a more mature sound and rock your face off with a sexy sonic groove, majestic vocal delivery and intense riffing.



17. Saviours-"Palace of Vision"

After basically overlooking their previous efforts, I was curious to hear their latest after seeing them scorch the stage opening for C.O.C. and Brant Bjork. Although the band made a bad attempt at humor by using the wrong city name, they redeemed themselves and embedded their dynamic doom-laden thrash romps replete with sizzling dual guitar prowess in my head.



16. Serial Hawk-"Searching For Light"

Devastating, epic, expansive sludge done right. Rather than be driven by grooves, the band relies on a huge wall of sound that worms it's way into your brain engulfing you in their stunning brand of atmospheric sludge.



15. Dirty Streets-"White Horse"

Probably one of the most overlooked hard rock records of the year. Great hooks, killer riffing and a demanding presence fill the air. Simply put... this band rocks!



14. Freedom Hawk-"Into Your Mind"

This album will be on many year-end lists, and rightly so. While still providing you with an assortment of great riffs and killer groove the band has added an element of chilled psychedelia into the mix and it is absolutely mind-blowing.



13. Void Cruiser-"Overstaying My Welcome"

This is Stoner Rock that has been elevated to that umpteenth level. It is heavy, groovy and dark as fuck. The songs get stuck in your head and the music enlivens your soul. There is an aura surrounding this band that cannot be denied.



12. The Sword-"High Country"

So many people were critical that this release was not "heavy" enough. I call bullshit! Sure, the album has a few strange elements here and there, but there is no denying that the songs were catchy as hell and the album as a whole was a cohesive package filled with glorious seventies inspired rock that could fill arenas back in the day.



11. Duckhunters-"Extinction Road"

Thought-provoking Stoner Metal that gets quite epic and intense. A furious and fuzzed-out punch of groove and riffs citing the end of days as their inspiration. Some may be turned off by the vocal, but I think that it is the element that separates this band from the pack. 



10. The Blue Stones-"Black Holes"

If you are looking for the latest release from these guys...good luck. It was available for a short time, but has since been pulled due to the overwhelming demand and has been scheduled for a re-release sometime in 2016. This two-piece band has a very catchy blues-inspired sound similar to the Black Keys but swirls around your head like All Them Witches sans bass guitar. The crooning vocal and effortless song-writing sets this band apart. 



9. Fuzz-"II"

The new album from garage rock legend Ty Segall and band is a brilliant work of you guessed it...fuzz-heavy rockers. While the album is definitely fuzz worthy, what really draws you in is the tight riffs, swirling heavy psych and the stripped down tasty goodness of Ty's frenetic and vigorous drumming. 



8. Witchskull-"The Vast Electric Dark"

I must admit that this album was the biggest find of the year for me. After featuring the band in May as a Quick Hit, we couldn't wait to hear a full and proper release from the band. The album was reviewed by Pete and he couldn't have stated it better when he said that "The Vast Electric Dark, when all is said and done, a truly awesome record, faultless throughout, and destined to make many end of year lists very soon!" It made my list, well done gents!



7. Chron Goblin-"Backwater"

If one of your semi-retired writers comes out of the shadows to review an album, it's got to be pretty damn special...right? Anyway, that is what I thought and Chron Goblin's latest release for Ripple Music is one hell of a ride. Simple beer-chugging, riff-heavy rock and roll is sometimes all you need.



6. Limb-"Terminal"

With elements of Stoner, doom and sludge, the album is angry and unexpectedly euphoric and targets the subject of living in End Times..."It’s an album about living in a moment that is constantly threatened with ecological, political and social disaster”. Raise your fist high for these highly infectious and mighty doom metal anthems.



5. Elder-"Lore"

Many will say that this was the defining Stoner metal moment of 2015, and I must totally agree. The band has upped the ante and achieved a full-on assault of the aural cavity. The album is powerful yet relaxing at the same time and takes the listener on a journey of mind-melding atmospheres and beautiful passages without sacrificing the explosive heaviness of the record.



4. The Midnight Ghost Train-"Cold Was the Ground"

Did you really think Steve Moss and company would disappoint? Hell fucking no! This band continues to make jaws drop with their energetic live shows and earth-shattering blues-laced Stoner Rock sound. Right now Steve is on the mend but promises to be back and stronger than ever, if that is humanly possible. Get well soon brother!



3. Ecstatic Vision-"Sonic Praise"

I have to admit, this album got me through some tough times this summer. It was the perfect elixir to keep my mind at ease. This is heavy psych at it's finest. Rhythmically intense, the songs take you on a cosmic journey filled with heavy riffs and feel good vibes. Great headphone music.



2. We Hunt Buffalo-"Living Ghosts"

I suppose by now you realize that we are big fans of We Hunt Buffalo at Heavy Planet. I think that our writer Chris said it best in his review that the name of the band matters. It prompted me to listen to them back in 2013 as a New Band To Burn One To. The band's sound has matured throughout the years gaining an understanding of how to successfully write a well-structured song and this album is complete with nine of them. They all manage to crush the life out of you but do it with hard-hitting grooves, melody, great production and timeless precision. Great job fellas!



1. Luna Sol-"Blood Moon"

This album featuring ex-Hermano guitarist David Angstrom is an example of how a great Stoner Rock record can be done. Some say that the genre can be blase and boring, but this album exemplifies that if you take a basic riff and expand upon it with different layers, greatness can be achieved. "December" which features John Garcia on vocals is a great fucking song! Great hooks, great riffing and thoughtful song structures make this my numero uno. This review from OneMetal.com couldn't describe the album any better.



There you have it.  We thank you for your dedicated and unending support of Heavy Planet and will be there for you as much as we can in 2016. Doom on! 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

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!!
Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, January 7, 2013

Reg's Top 20 of 2012

Over the past week you have probably noticed that each writer had submitted a Top of 2012 list and may have been wondering (or not) where is Reg's? Well, here it is. This past year was one of the hardest years to narrow down a list of twenty of the top albums of the year primarily due to the quantity of albums that I listened to throughout the year. It was definitely the most since I started Heavy Planet, but I have finally managed to do it and I'm totally standing by it. These were MY Top 20 albums of the year. Meaning the ones that I listened to and enjoyed the most and kept going back to for a repeat listen. Some may not have received the critical acclaim that you would normally expect, just great albums that I truly enjoyed for one reason or another. Typically what I look for in a great album is some sort of originality, great musicianship, an amazing vocal, or an album that just plain rocks. 

Ok, enough blabbing, without further ado, here is my Top 20 albums of 2012.

20. Golden Void-S/T



"The Self-Titled debut album from Golden Void is a fine example of how a band can manage to use a variety of seventies influences and production to create a fresh sound. Among the swirling psychedelics, rollicking blues licks and an overall laid back feel, the album is an impressive, fun, and wonderfully diverse debut that I continue to spin in heavy rotation."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

19. Bastard of the Skies-Tarnation



"Tarnation is a skull crushing album that blasts into your earholes with furious precision and knee grinding heaviness. With their huge wall of sound, a baritone whisky-soaked howl and primo mastering and production, this was an album I think may have gotten overlooked by many. Album closer "What Are You Looking At Dicknose" is an epic masterpiece! This album has the feel of sludge but the epic beauty of post-metal."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

18. Black Moth-The Killing Jar



"The Killing Jar" was one of three female-fronted Stoner/Doom albums that were high on my list this year, the other two being Alunah's brilliant "White Hoarhound" and Witch Mountain's "Cauldron of the Wild". I found myself gravitating more to this one throughout the year due to the mezmerising vocal prowess and delivery of Harriet Bevan. With a raw sludgey production, heavy hard-driving grooves and a nineties stoner/doom vibe, what is there not to like?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

17. Molior Superum-Into the Sun



"Into the Sun" is one of, if not the blooziest albums that I heard all year. It was released in November so was a bit of a late addition to my Top 20, but I'll be damned if I can't stop listening to this. Great vocals, killer grooves and a totally seventies rock vibe. This is Rock and f'n Roll people. Oh yeah, and go figure they are from the mecca of Stoner Rock awesomeness, Sweden."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

16. Electric Taurus-Veneralia



"Veneralia" is an album that blends three of my favorite things (musically speaking) into one nice little sonic package: Blues, Doom and Fuzz. They take it to a whole other level with heady psych freak-outs, acoustic guitar passages and a sweat-filled vocal delivery. I love the guitar tone and the entire overall production of this album. Just a great album that should not go unheard. Also, I might add that the artwork is pretty badass as well."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

15. Methadone Skies-Enter the Void



"I don't care what anyone says, this hands down was THE best instrumental album released in 2012. From the first few notes you are immediately transported into a remarkable and mind altering listening experience. The band pays close attention to their amazing use of ambience, timely heaviness and cosmic dissonance. If you have not listened to this stellar piece of music I suggest you do so now."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

14. Heat-Old Sparky



"Old Sparky" is just a great seventies-inspired rock album, and if you didn't know you probably would think that they were from the seventies. With the influx of so many bands trying to capture the magic of the greatest time in rock history, Heat sets themselves apart with their era-embracing production and overall rock sentiment. Can you dig it, yes I can!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

13. In the Company of Serpents-S/T



The "Self-Titled" album from In the Company of Serpents was actually one of the first that I heard in 2012 and has remained on my list throughout the year. Filthy, fuzzy, and filled with thick as tar riffs, this brilliant piece of psych-tinged sludge will leave you marveling at their amazing bluesy solos and hollow grooves. The tune "Dirtnap" is the fuckin' shit". As the band puts it, "best heard through a cloud of dopesmoke & bad vibes."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

12. Graveyard-Lights Out



"Lights Out" is one of those albums that you probably wouldn't have a hard time sharing with your father or your cool as hell uncle. Anyone with an appreciation for great hooks, triumphant song writing and a deeply passionate vocal can relate to this album. Graveyard takes their heavily influenced bluesy roots to the next level and transcends across generations to provide a soundtrack for those looking to harken back to a time when hard rock music was great. No need to over analyze this album, just listen."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11. Royal Thunder-CVI



"CVI" was one of my biggest surprises of the year, and after all of the hype about the band, I can see why. Forget the fact that this is a female-fronted band, cherish the fact that this is a female-fronted band. Hands down, the vocals are what makes this album so freakin' incredible. Mlny Parsonz shrills with punk attitude, angelic softness and a ferocious wail. The music beckons with vintage riffing, southern boogie and bombastic heaviness. Press play, repeat."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

10. Black Cowgirl-Weight of Oblivion



"Weight of Oblivion" is an album that sneaked up on me and sucker-punched me (and Zac) right in the face. Definitely the surprise of the year. Combining an atmospheric aura of swirling psychedelia with steady straight-forward groove and riffing, the music is at times jazzy and progressive but also possesses the sludginess of a backwoods swamp. Add powerful double-layered vocal harmonies, heartfelt song-writing and tight melody and you have the makings of one killer release. Added bonus is the amazing artwork."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

09. Horseback-Half Blood



"Half-Blood" is not typically an album that I would usually enjoy but dammit if I didn't keep going back to it again and again. The mesmerizing drones and dusty swirls are expansive and progressive as it tears into your soul and toys with your psyche. The hollow and throat-ruined vocals are the perfect compliment to the beautiful keyboard-laden prodding and diversity. Once you get past the harshness of the vocal, this album takes hold and consumes you with it's subtle complexities. This album is ridiculously good, but unfortunately not for everyone."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

08. Skanska Mord-Paths to Charon



"Paths to Charon" is a great rock album through and through. Along with soulful and powerful vocals at time reminding one of Chris Cornell, the band skillfully blends nineties heavy rock with a seventies mentallity. Bluesy, heavy, and sometimes jazzy the well-schooled classic song structures, remarkable soloing and catchy melodies kept me coming back again and again."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

07. Bloody Hammers-Bloody Hammers



"This album has been showing up on a lot of lists and there is pretty good reason as to why...because frankly it is a really cool sounding album! Unfortunately the trendy tag of Occult Rock has been cast upon this band, but for the most part they are just moreorless a heavy metal band that uses a variety of influences ranging from eighties doom to horror-inspired Goth. The result is a stylish mix of lush melodies, haunting vocals and a freakin' awesome doomy vibe."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

06. Red Desert-Damned By Fate



"Simply put, this album rocks. With a free flowing heavy stoner groove, "Damned By Fate" spills out a huge amount of riffs, ripping solos and a penchant for writing catchy tunes. The band is not out to reinvent the wheel, just rock your face off and they do it amazingly well. I will be listening to this album for years to come."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

05. Radar Men From the Moon-Echo Forever



"Echo Forever" was for me the pinnacle of sonic psychedelic heaviness. The album is steeped in diversity, skillfully blending fuzz-laden desert rock overtones, prog-rock complexities and a monolithic groove. I sat on this one for quite a while before finally discovering this wonderful gem. Do not let this one pass you by."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

04. General-Where Are Your Gods Now



"Aside from the slick recording by Greg Chandler (Serpentcult, Moss, Alunah) and masterful production by the legendary Billy Anderson (Acid King, Cathedral, Orange Goblin, Eyehategod) "Where Are Your Gods Now" is full of fierce, explosive and downright catchy Stoner Metal mayhem. The vocal has a vivacious and soulful rasp that pulled me in immediately, vaguely reminiscent of Dave Wyndorf. The evilness just oozes from the buzzsaw tone of the guitar and sticks to your ribs. This is one hell of an album!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

03. Wo Fat-The Black Code



"What would my Top 20 list be without an entry from Wo Fat? They are probably one of my top 5 bands of the last five years and with each album they keep getting better and better. The band has continued to progress with each album by taking bits and pieces from each and cultivating it into one brilliant piece of Stoner/Doom heaven on "The Black Code". Tight riffing, soaring psychedelic solos, and totally fuzzed-out bluesy heaviness makes this one a winner. Small Stone done did themselves right by signing this incredible band."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

02. Summoner-Phoenix



"...and the award for Best Album Artwork goes to..."Phoenix"! This album was responsible for the reason why I wanted Summoner to play on this past year's CMJ Showcase. A new band name (formerly Riff Cannon) and a new musical direction paid off remarkably well for this Boston-based Stoner Sludge band. Riff-mongers rejoice, this album is chock full of riff after glorious riff and they come at you at a furious pace. The band has adapted a higher songwriting level and expands upon their sound by using a crackerjack mix of doom, psych and even a touch of prog. All Hail the Riff!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

01. The Midnight Ghost Train-Buffalo



"First things first, I have to thank Seth for introducing me to The Midnight Ghost Train, otherwise I may have never listened to them. While only around a half-hour in length, this album packs one hell of a punch. The album captures the pure American spirit by mixing Stoner Rock rhythms with down home heavy Delta blues. With a muddied fuzzy tone and a spectacular bluesy howl, this is the album I kept coming back to most often this past year. I could never explain just how great this album is, so for a more thorough description check out Seth's review here. Then go and listen to this album, and marvel in it's intensity and heartfelt soul!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There you have it! Thanks to all of the labels and bands that have submitted their music throughout the course of the past year. 2012 was a great year for Heavy Planet and we look forward to hearing a ton of new music in 2013.

Special thanks to Toby, Zac, Seth, Ken, Lee, Misha, Mark, Stump (Heavy Planet Radio) and Helana Harlan (Artwork) for their hard work, time and effort.

Extra special thanks to our allegiance of readers, without you we would be nothing. Doom on my brothers and sisters.
Enhanced by Zemanta
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...