Heavy Planet

A New Chapter Begins: Introducing Scene Trekker

2025-05-14T08:44:00.000-04:00

If you’ve been a longtime follower of Heavy Planet, you already know the kind of music that fueled everything we did — loud, fast, and unapologetically heavy. That energy never left. It just found a new outlet.

I’m excited to introduce my new project:

SceneTrekker.com

Scene Trekker is your map to the best loud, fast, and heavy music scenes and festivals around the world.

Built around heavy rock, metal, and hardcore, this isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about spotlighting the places that keep the volume up and the culture alive.

Whether you're heading to a packed club, hunting down a rare vinyl find, or planning your next festival weekend, Scene Trekker gives you the guides to it all. You’ll get straight into the venues booking the bands worth seeing, the shops worth digging through, and the bars and backrooms that keep these scenes moving.

These guides cover more than just where to go — they’re about who’s making noise there. From local bands shaping their city’s sound to the events that bring it all together, you'll get a front-row look at what's happening and where it’s all going.

And it goes beyond the music — where to grab food before a show, where to crash after, how to get around, and what’s actually worth your time. If it matters to the scene, it’s in.

This isn’t about looking back. It’s about getting out there — city by city, fest by fest — and finding the noise for yourself.

Website: SceneTrekker.com

Instagram: instagram.com/scenetrekker/

Facebook: facebook.com/scenetrekker

YouTube: youtube.com/@SceneTrekker

Thanks for reading — and for always supporting underground music.

~Reg

Reg's Top 20 Stoner Rock, Doom, Heavy Psych, Sludge, Etc. Albums 2021

2021-12-31T13:52:00.000-05:00

Thought you heard the last of Heavy Planet? Well, we're back, sort of. While we will only be posting on Facebook and maybe Instagram, I figured I'd use this platform to post my complete Top 20 Stoner Rock, Doom, Heavy Psych, Sludge, Etc. Albums of 2021. Starting in 2022, I will also be bringing back the New Band To Burn One To feature to introduce some up and coming bands to the masses. So let's dig in, shall we?

#20

Everything Is A Problem / It Is What It Is by Something Dead

BAND/ALBUM: Something Dead-”Everything Is a Problem/It Is What It Is”

LABEL: Ozium Records

RELEASED: March 2021

COUNTRY: Sweden

DESCRIPTION: This release is actually a combo release of the band’s two EP releases from 2020 and 2017. High energy band that unleashes their ferocious blend of infectious stoner groove, punk attitude and hardcore grit. To be honest, the reason I clicked on this album to listen was because of the album artwork. Glad I did!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #19

A Cult That Worships A God Of Death by The Grasshopper Lies Heavy

BAND/ALBUM: The Grasshopper Lies Heavy-”A Cult That Worships the God of Death”

LABEL: Learning Curve Records

RELEASED: July 2021

COUNTRY: USA (Texas)

DESCRIPTION: This album shakes your core with it’s churning rhythms, barking vocals and unyielding heaviness. Sheer devastation and some of the heaviest songs the band has ever released. Heavy as hell without sacrificing their musical integrity. Love this shit!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #18

Cancervo - 1 by Electric Valley Records

BAND/ALBUM: Cancervo-”1”

LABEL: Electric Valley Records

RELEASED: February 2021

COUNTRY: Italy

DESCRIPTION: I’m a sucker for Instrumental Stoner music, and this album hits all the right buttons. It’s oddly soothing and heavy in all the right places. The guitar tone is warm and fuzzy, and the riffs are majestic. Being that they are essentially a power trio, you will also find a unique unrecognizable and much heavier take on Cream’s “SWALBR”.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #17

Pound of Flesh by Borracho

BAND/ALBUM: Borracho-”Pound of Flesh”

LABEL: Kozmik Artifactz

RELEASED: August 2021

COUNTRY: USA (DC)

DESCRIPTION: The fuzz worshipping Stoner Rockers from DC are back and in a big way. This release marks the band’s first new music since the glorious riff fest of their 2016 album “Atacama”. This release continues on with the band’s uncanny ability to rattle skulls and vibrate bones by wielding hyper-fuzzed out riffage, seismic rhythms and indelible hooks.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #16

Songs From The Deepwater by Stone From The Sky

BAND/ALBUM: Stone From the Sky-”Songs From the Deepwater”

LABEL: More Fuzz

RELEASED: November 2021

COUNTRY: France

DESCRIPTION: Here is another Instrumental Stoner album. This album is a pure joy to listen to as the music is very atmospheric and volcanic. Earth-moving bass lies beneath a barrage of epic riffs and strategic dynamics. I could listen to this mighty beast of an album all day long.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #15

Waste by DEATHCHANT

BAND/ALBUM: Deathchant-”Waste”

LABEL: Riding Easy Records

RELEASED: June 2021

COUNTRY: USA (CALIFORNIA)

DESCRIPTION: A seventies boogie vibe, Thin Lizzy-esque twin guitars, riffs galore, thrash metal rhythms and sludgy undertones. What more could you ask for? It’s crusty and heavy, yet moody and melodic. I freakin’ love this album!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #14

Strange, Strange Times by The Ugly Kings

BAND/ALBUM: The Ugly Kings-”Strange, Strange Times”

LABEL: Napalm Records

RELEASED: August 2021

COUNTRY: Australia

DESCRIPTION: A well-structured rock album overflowing with an abundance of catchy songs, desert grooves, memorable riffs and a bluesy edge all delivered with fervor and high level of energy. The baritone vocal may even remind some of Jim Morrison at times.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #13

We Are Doomed by Indica Blues

BAND/LABEL: Indica Blues-”We Are Doomed”

LABEL: APF Records

RELEASED: February 2021

COUNTRY: UK

DESCRIPTION: When an album comes out either early in the year or late in the year they tend to get often overlooked or forgotten about. Well, I jotted this one down and kept coming back to it basically because it is Goddamned badass. It’s heavy at it’s very core with mind-melting cosmic groove, fuzz-coated bluesy riffs and very adept playing that leaves you gasping for air as you pry yourself from the wall you’ve just been plastered to. Holy hell!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #12

Earthbound by Kanaan

BAND/ALBUM: Kanaan-Earthbound"

LABEL: Jansen Records

RELEASED: November 2021

COUNTRY: Norway

DESCRIPTION: To me, Jazz is a required taste. But, when you combine it with Desert Rock Groove and thick and hazy smoke-filled fuzz, it takes on a whole new perspective. On this album, the band has taken their musicianship to a whole new level and have proven that heavy music can be exploratory, smart and diverse. Oh and by the way, for those keeping track, yes this is my third instrumental band on the list. This is mind-blowing stuff!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #11

Give One Take One by '68

BAND/ALBUM: ‘68-”Give One Take One

LABEL: Cooking Vinyl Records

RELEASED: March 2021

COUNTRY: USA (Georgia)

DESCRIPTION: It’s noisy, it’s explosive, it’s bluesy, it’s hardcore, it’s got swagger, it’s disruptive, it’s audacious, it’s catchy... it’s just two guys.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #10

The Holy of Holies by Appalooza

BAND/ALBUM: Appalooza-”The Holy of Holies”

LABEL: Ripple Music

RELEASED: February 2021

COUNTRY: France

DESCRIPTION: It took a few listens before I truly began to appreciate the scope of this album. At first listen, I brushed it off but later decided to go back and give it another chance. This time with no distractions. Glad I did. The Middle Eastern vibes and Grunge Rock feel lend well to the Progressive Stoner Rock sounds the band is trying to convey. The very powerful vocals are a definite highlight as well.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #09

Dark Majesty by Kal-El

BAND/ALBUM: Kal-el-”Dark Majesty”

LABEL: Majestic Mountain Records

RELEASED: August 2021

COUNTRY: Norway

DESCRIPTION: On this album, the band has somehow managed to take the Stoner Rock genre to a whole new level. Clocking in at over an hour, the band channels a variety of elements ranging from Heavy Blues to Space to Psychedelic while adding in monstrous riffing and soaring vocals. There is a reason this album has achieved status on many year end lists.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #08

The Magnetic Ridge by Jack Harlon &The Dead Crows

BAND/ALBUM: Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows-”The Magnetic Ridge”

LABEL: Psychedelic Salad Records

RELEASED: May 2021

COUNTRY: Australia

DESCRIPTION: This album oozes a unique sonic heaviness that kept me coming back for more. Dark, somber, immersive Heavy Psych that gets trippy at times and unworldly heavy at others. Just a truly draw-dropping record.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #07

Neither the Time Nor the Place by Bordge

BAND/ALBUM: Bordge-”Neither the Time Nor the Place”

LABEL: SPRL

RELEASED: November 2021

COUNTRY: Russia

DESCRIPTION: Noisy yet melodic post-hardcore with elements of Stoner, Shoegaze and Metal. The tunes are catchy as hell and are riddled with unbridled intensity. The vocals are harsh at times and clean and harmonious at others. To my surprise, the band has been around since 2011 and has released a handful of albums. So glad I found this band. Killer stuff!!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #06

The Old Colossus by Redscale

BAND/ALBUM: Redscale-”The Old Colossus”

LABEL: Majestic Mountain Records

RELEASED: October 2021

COUNTRY: Germany

DESCRIPTION: Punchy hard-hitting Stoner Rock with muscular riffs and superb ballsy vocals. Nothing crazy here. Just simple heavy grooves to listen to at a high volume over and over. So damn good!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #05

Lupi Amoris by Heavy Temple

BAND/ALBUM: Heavy Temple-”Lupi Amoris”

LABEL: Magnetic Eye

RELEASED: June 2021

COUNTRY: USA (PA)

DESCRIPTION: This band was the first band that I saw live in quite some time due to Covid. They played in the basement of our local record store back in August. It felt a bit weird at first, but once I settled in I was floored by the band’s performance. I bought the vinyl at the show and while I had listened to the album well before the show, after seeing the band live I decided to dig in again. I dug what the band had released in the past, but damn, they upped the ante on this one. This album is a fuzzed-out psychedelic frenzy filled with soaring female vocal, glorious guitar interplay and a massive rhythm section . Simply put, this is one hell of a ride!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #04

Resolute by The Age Of Truth

BAND/ALBUM: The Age of Truth-”Resolute”

LABEL: Self-Release

RELEASED: July 2021

COUNTRY: USA (PA)

DESCRIPTION: This band’s sophomore album was well worth the wait. Raspy soaring vocals take center stage as barreling basslines, thunderous drumming and monumental guitar playing ooze with confidence and clarity. If you ever have the chance to see this band play live, do it! This is pure Heavy Rock at it’s finest moment.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #03

Acheron by King Buffalo

BAND/ALBUM: King Buffalo-”Acheron”/”The Burden of Restlessness”

LABEL: Self-Release

RELEASED: December 2021/ June 2021

COUNTRY: USA (NY)

DESCRIPTION: Although I prefer “Acheron” over “The Burden of Restlessness”, I couldn’t add one and not the other. I love this band for what they do and that is to keep pushing the Heavy Psych envelope to new and exhilarating levels. Their drive and ability to create, record, and design two albums this year (was supposed to be three) was a remarkable achievement. The ambience of the album being recorded in a cave gave “Acheron” a much deeper and refreshing vibe, while “The Burden of Restlessness” was a little less jammier and a little more for lack of a better word, simple. Either way, this band is amazing and I can’t believe I can still go to see them at a venue where the sold out capacity was less than 150. Unbelievable!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #02

Hexed Endeavours by Our Man In The Bronze Age

BAND/ALBUM: Our Man in the Bronze Age-”Hexed Endeavours”

LABEL: Fr33zehead Records

RELEASED: October 2021

COUNTRY: UK

DESCRIPTION: Immersive, hook-riddled Rock album that grabs the listener through it’s ease of mellow to earth-shaking dynamics. Smart, catchy songs that are played to perfection. Crushing riffs, dual drum attack, soft piano interludes, harmonious vocals. I found myself going back to this album quite a bit throughout the year just for a change of pace.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #01

Spirit of the Void by Stonekind

BAND/ALBUM: Stonekind-Spirit of the Void”

LABEL: Self-Release

RELEASED: June 2021

COUNTRY: US (NC)

DESCRIPTION: I was a little late to the game on this one, but once I listened I was hooked. This is a remarkable album. As you peel back the layers, you can feel a deep, passionate and soulful musical experience filled with unbridled intensity and emotion. Elements of Stoner, Blues, Heavy Psych, Grunge and maybe even a little Southern Rock lend to the overall experience. The band or shall I say duo really drives it home with great song writing and stellar musicianship. Fuck it, I’m gonna go crack open a can of beer and take this one all in again.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For those still here and digging Heavy Planet, thanks for sticking it out! Here’s to an awesome 2022!!

Happy New Year!

Top 50 Rock and Metal Songs From 2020 Playlist

2021-01-27T17:58:00.005-05:00

Let's face it, 2020 was an absolutely horrible year. Fortunately, one positive thing from 2020 was the tremendous amount of amazing music that was released this year.

It seemed that there was more great music released in 2020 than in previous years, or maybe it was due to the fact that I had a lot more time to actually sit down and listen to more. Regardless, I can always count on music to make me feel better and wash away even the darkest of times.

Below you will find the song, along with the album it was released on, some on vinyl some not and eventually the playlist to tie it all together.

Without further adieu, here are my Top 50 Rock and Metal songs from 2020.

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Forming the Void-"Onward Through the Haze"

Forming the Void put out an amazing and ambitious record with "Reverie" in 2020, their first on Ripple Music. The band has gradually gotten better each album both musically and in their song-writing abilities. "Onward Through the Haze" destroys with soft dynamics, a pulsating rhythm, warm fuzzed-out sludgy guitar tone and stellar vocals.

*Available on Vinyl

Elephant Tree-"Bird"

"Habits" is perhaps Elephant Tree's crowning jewel. The wall of sound on "Bird" is delicately crushing and has possibly the best ending riff to a song of all-time. So freaking heavy!

*Available on Vinyl

Black Rainbows-"Radio 666"

Black Rainbows has been at the Stoner Rock game for years, now reaching what some would say classic status. Released on Heavy Psych Sounds and taken off of their release "Cosmic Ritual Powertrip", "Radio 666" is a cool, catchy and fuzzy easy rider that personifies what this band is all about.

*Available on Vinyl

Geezer-"Dig"

Released on Heavy Psych Sounds, "Groovy" featured one of the most laid back and grooviest songs of the year. "Dig" is a fuzzy, bass-driven, and infectious tune that gets stuck in your head for daze. Did someone say more cowbell?

* Available on Vinyl

The Heavy Eyes-"The Profession"

Released via Kozmik Artifactz, "Love Like Machines" had probably the most fuzzed-out riff I heard all year on "The Profession". From the first bang of the drum this song lodged in my brain for months.

*Available on Vinyl

Psychlona-"Blast Off"

The debut album "Venus Skytrip" by Psychlona took the Stoner Rock world by storm this year by releasing a breathtaking and majestic Psychedelic Space Rock meets Desert Rock opus. "Blast Off" ignites the fury.

*Available on Vinyl

Lowrider-"Red River"

The long-awaited new album "Refractions" from classic Stoner Rock band Lowrider did not disappoint. Released on Blues Funeral Recordings, the album is sure to make many best of the year lists. "Red River" starts this bad boy off with it's low-swinging groove and heavy rumble.

*Available on Vinyl

Kryptograf-"Crimson Horizon"

Taken from Norwegian band Kryptograf's self-titled album, "Crimson Horizon" is a mid-tempo and spirited tune that fuses elements of proto-metal with riff-heavy classic rock.

*Available on Vinyl

Mindcrawler-"Red Dunes"

"Red Dunes" is a track taken off of German band Mindcrawler's release "Lost Orbiter". It is a riff-heavy jaunt through Space and Desert Rock delivered with high-octane and precision.

*Available on Vinyl

Pink Cigs-"Noose"

Taken off of the Pink Cigs debut self-titled album, "Noose" is a hard rocking stroll down seventies classic rock memory lane. This is awesome straight forward rock and roll!

*Available on Vinyl

Ritual King-"Valleys"

"Valleys" is taken off of the self-titled album from Ritual King's release on Ripple Music. The song is a 7:12 Heavy Stoner Psych/Blues testament to great riffs, soaring vocal harmonies and scorching fretwork.

*Available on Vinyl

Slift-"Ummon"

Prepare to have your mind blown. "Ummon" is a track off of French band Slift's album of the same name. This song is a slice of Space Rock/Krautrock heaven. The intensity and interplay between guitar and bass is just magnificent.

*Available on Vinyl

Wolftooth-"Scylla & Charybdis"

"Scylla & Charydbis" is taken from Wolftooth's release "Valhalla". Stoner Metal riff worship of the highest order. Just one hell of a tune from these seasoned vets. Majestic and melodic into glory ride.

*Available on Vinyl

Horizon-"The Backyard"

Released via Cursed Tongue Records, "The Backyard" by Spanish rockers Horizon may have the freakin' heaviest opening riff of the year. Exhilarating and vibrant blend of Space and Desert Rock groove.

*Available on Vinyl

Sun Crow-"Collapse"

"Collapse" is the first track off of Sun Crow's magnificent debut album "Quest for Oblivion". The crushing Stoner Doom riff builds and intensifies through a wall of feedback and haze until settling into a sweet groove. Wait, another riff? The yelling vocals pierce right through all of the sonic mayhem.

Turtle Skull-"Rabbit"

"Rabbit" is a song off of Australian band Turtle Skull's new album "Monoliths" released on Art As Catharsis. Blending heavenly and harmonious vocals with heavy doom riffs is both glorious and colossal. Their music is self-proclaimed "flower doom" by the band.

*Available on Vinyl

Stonus-"Mania"

"Mania" is taken off the debut album "Aphasia" by UK band Stonus. Get lost in the groove as the song drifts in and out of soft and heavy passages. Very clean sound with cool singing and warm and fuzzy guitar tone.

*Available on Vinyl

Intechnicolour-"Big Sleeper"

At first glance of the album art you would not expect a heavy rock band. Don't let it fool you. "Big Sleeper" is off of UK band Intechnicolour's phenomonal "sleeper" release of the same name out now on Art of Catharsis. This song is heavy as hell and hammers like Karma To Burn and grooves like Kyuss.

*Available on Vinyl

Dead Quiet-"Atoned Deaf"

"Atoned Deaf" is the lead track off of Dead Quiet's amazing new album "Truth and Ruin". This tune blazes with a keyboard-laden sound, kickass twin guitars, passionate vocals and melodic groove.

*Available on Vinyl

All Them Witches-"Enemy of My Enemy"

Pulled from their new release "Nothing As the Ideal", this song from Nashville's All Them Witches shows a different side of the band. Laid back vocals are surrounded by furious guitar madness and wickedly erratic drumming. So awesome!

*Available on Vinyl

Desert Colossus-"Tear Me Down"

"Tear Me Down" is the lead track off of the new album "Eyes and Tongues" from Desert Colossus. The song has an awesome Heavy Stoner Rock vibe with a sound reminiscent of Fu Manchu, Truckfighters and the like.

*Available on Vinyl

Serpents of Secrecy-Ave Vindicta"

The long-awaited full-length album from Serpents of Secrecy features members of Borracho, Sixty Watt Shaman, King Giant and Foghound, this song also features bass from the late, great Rev. Jim Forrester. Heavy as hell, riff-worshipping Stoner Metal at it's core.

Murcielago-"Blues For the Red Lobster"

"Blues For the Red Lobster" is a song off of Murcielago's release "Casualties". Melodic, fuzzy as all hell tune hitting all the right buttons. One of my favorite vocal performances of the year. This track is smokin'!

*Available on Vinyl

King Chiefs-"Flying Into Void"

"Flying Into Void" is the first track on King Chiefs album of the same name. This song is the reason why I wait until the end of the year to write up a list. Crunchy fuzz swirls around an upbeat feel along with great vocals and a penchant for melody.

1000Mods-"Less is More"

"Less is More" is a track taken from 1000mods latest release "Youth of Dissent". It takes guts to evolve and change your sound. The result is a more grunge rock and lighter sound. Not sure why, but I'm getting a Dinosaur Jr. meets Foo Fighters meets Deftones vibe on this tune. Call me crazy.

*Available on Vinyl

Hovenweep-"Cave"

"Cave" is the lead track from Hovenweep's EP "Salvian Journey". This song is a doom heavy psychedelic trip through a sweeping dusty haze and monumental dunes. The full and fuzzy sound is rounded out by keyboards and softly sung vocals.

Twin Wizard-"Ghost Train Haze"

"Ghost Train Haze" is the first track on Twin Wizard's album "Glacial Gods". Twin Wizard is the result of the split with Telekinetic Yeti. This song is nothing but minimalistic heavy Stoner Doom and I love it!

*Available on Vinyl

Fumarole-"Ghost Smoke"

"Ghost Smoke" is the final track off of Australian band Fumarole's release "Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes". This bass-driven track is a thunderous and crushing end to a hazy, crunchy riff-filled album "set in a future where the rich have enslaved the poor and placed them on a planet to mine a bacteria that can keep them alive forever". What they said.

*Available on Vinyl

Killer Be Killed-"Deconstructing Self-Destruction"

"Deconstructing Self-Destruction" is a track off of the latest release "Reluctant Hero" from supergroup Killer Be Killed featuring Max Cavalera (Soulfly/ex-Sepultura), Ben Koller (Converge/Mutoid Man), Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan/The Black Queen) and Troy Sanders (Mastodon/Gone Is Gone) . The song is devastatingly brutal and fiendish yet brilliantly melodic. Killer shit right there.

*Available on Vinyl

Deftones-"This Link is Dead"

"This Link is Dead" is taken from the Deftone's latest album "Ohms". From the cutting and ear-piercing vocals to the uneasy guitar squalls, the song is an angst-ridden suggestion about being yourself and not letting others stand in your way.

*Available on Vinyl

Brant Bjork-"Jungle in the Sound"

"Jungle In the Sound" is the lead track from Brant Bjork's new self-titled album released on Heavy Psych Records. Simply put, this song is nothing but chilled, laid back Stoner groovin'. Brant is the coolest sum bitch out there.

*Available on Vinyl

REZN-"Garden Green"

"Garden Green" is a track taken from REZN's remarkable and mesmerizing album "Chaotic Divine". The trance-inducing vibe is highlighted by a jazzy sax that cuts through the smoky haze.

*Available on Vinyl

Acid Mammoth-"Tusks of Doom"

"Tusks of Doom" is a track off of Acid Mammoth's latest doom opus "Under Acid Hoof" released on Heavy Psych Sounds. First off, I must say coolest dad ever. This father/son team deliver one of the most devastating and bone-crushing doom tracks of 2020.

*Available on Vinyl

Ryte-"Raging Mammoth"

Another release from the fine folks at Heavy Psych Sounds, Ryte have firmly cemented themselves as a fixture on the Psychedelic Doom scene. "Raging Mammoth" is a relentless track filled with monstrous riffing, stampeding drumming and furious fretwork.

*Available on Vinyl

PigsPigsPigsPigsPigsPigsPigs-"Reducer"

"Reducer" is the lead track on PigsPigsPigsPigsPigsPigsPigs album "Viscerals". The song is a great introduction to the band. It is primal, hard-charging and ferocious Heavy-Psych rock at it's finest.

*Available on Vinyl

Wailin' Storms-"Rattle"

"Rattle" is taken off of Wailin' Storms new album of the same name. The song is explosive and vehemently energetic with a warped and crazed howl, dark lyrics and sinister riff.

*Available on Vinyl

Skeleton-"Skeleton"

"Skeleton" is the first track on Skeleton's self-titled album released on 20 Buck Spin Records. It is amazing what you can cram into 2:21. This song is a short catchy jab featuring thrash, punk, hardcore and an abundance of energy.

*Available on Vinyl

Kvelertak-"Crack of Doom"

"Crack of Doom" is a track from Kvelertak's latest album "Splid". High energy Doom and freakin' Roll featuring Troy Sanders from Mastodon. Catchy and melodic with gritty death metal vocals. This song will worm its way into your brain for days. A new vocalist didn't slow this band down one bit.

*Available on Vinyl

Testament-"Night of the Witch"

"Night of the Witch" is a track off of the new album "Titans of Creation" by Bay Thrash Metal legends Testament. There are no signs of slowing down with this band as they just keep putting out stellar albums with awesome songs and awesome musicianship while staying true to their roots. Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick and Co. still tearing shit up after all these years.

*Available on Vinyl

Lamb of God-"Memento Mori"

"Memento Mori" is a track off of Lamb of God's latest self-titled release. This is their first new release of new material since 2015 and the first to feature new drummer Art Cruz. The band hasn't skipped a beat and this song crushes with it's sheer intensity, staccato guitar crunch, moshable rhythms and a vocal style vaguely reminiscent of the Sisters of Mercy's tune "Marian". Wake up!!!

*Available on Vinyl

Mr. Bungle-"Bungle Grind"

If you were were expecting a new funk metal album from Mr. Bungle, think again. This song is taken from their new, well kinda sort of new Thrash metal album "The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny Demo". Featuring Scott (Anthrax) and Dave Lombardo (Slayer), this is old school Thrash at it's absolute finest.

*Available on Vinyl

Spirit Adrift-"Astral Levitation"

Another fine release from the folks at 20 Buck Spin, "Astral Levitation" is a track off of the band's latest release "Enlightened in Eternity". This song is a blast from the past as well as hope for the future. Metal will never die as long as there are bands such as Spirit Adrift around to keep the internal flame burning.

*Available on Vinyl

AC/DC-"Kick You When You're Down

Hard Rock legends AC/DC are back! "Kick You When You're Down" is a track off of their new release "Power Up". Let's face it, AC/DC has never been a band to reinvent the wheel, they just release simple ass-kicking songs with scorching solos, head bobbing rhythms and gritty vocals. Thank you AC/DC, thank you!

*Available on Vinyl

Fu Manchu-"Time Is Going On"

So-Cal Stoner Rock legends Fu Manchu released a sweet little 3-track EP in 2020. "Time is Going On" starts with a cool drum beat then eases into a heavy dose of fuzz. Funny how I hum along to the fuzzed-out guitar when I listen to this band. This song is awesome! "Trust me".

*Available on Vinyl

Kind-"Broken Tweaker"

"Broken Tweaker" is a track off of the latest album "Mental Nudge" by Boston-based supergroup Kind released on Ripple Music. The bottom heavy bass punches right out of the gate and never lets up while layering in robust and harmonious vocals, fuzzed-out sludgy tone and blistering guitar soloing . "Fuck yeeaahh!"

*Available on Vinyl

Rrrags-"The Fridge"

"The Fridge" is the lead track from Belgian band Rrrags latest album "High Protein". This song has a very seventies classic rock vibe filled with a ton of energy and little bit of funk. Great vocals and the guitarist is en fuego .

*Available on Vinyl

Bonehawk-"Mongrel"

"Mongrel" is a track from the latest release "Iron Mountain" by Kalamazoo, MI's very own Bonehawk. This hard-rocking tune swings with a seventies hard rock vibe, twin guitar attack and mountainous riffs.

*Available on Vinyl

Old Blood-"Lake Bottom"

"Lake Bottom" is a track from Old Blood's release "Acid Doom". Strong female vocals lead the way as the keyboards swirl around tight groovy doom-tinged heaviness. Very unique sounding Occult/Psych Rock.

*Available on Vinyl

Galactic Cross-"Spellbound"

"Spellbound" is a track off of Dave Sherman's latest project Galactic Cross. This tune is nothing more than straight up riff-worshipping and bluesy Doom featuring Dave's raspy snarl, bombastic bass lines and scorching guitar licks.

*Available on Vinyl

King Buffalo-"Dead Star"

Nobody does heavy psychedelic music quite like King Buffalo. "Dead Star" is the title track off of their latest release. Starting off with a soft acoustic passage and softly sung vocals the song gradually progresses until it crushes you with a fuzzy riff. The song eventually ends as it started, leaving you wanting more. The band's quarantine sessions on YouTube were a highlight during these crazy times.

*Available on Vinyl

Well folks, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed reading.

Here is to a fantastic and optimistic 2021. Stay safe and healthy. Cheers!

10 Years of Heavy Planet

2018-02-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

As per usual 2017 had it’s fair share of amazing releases. These are the ones that I listened to the most. This is also, unfortunately a very bittersweet list as this will be the last post you will ever see on Heavy Planet. Yes, after ten awesome years, we have decided to hang it up. The site will still be here for your reference and we will not be going away forever. We will still continue to post new bands/news on our Facebook and Twitter pages as well as provide new playlists and some other cool surprises and projects along the way. Thanks to the number of you that have been with us from the early days. Don’t think of this as the end, think of this as a new beginning. Stay heavy and doom on! ~Reg

10. Hypergiant-Father Sky

I had this band in my queue for the longest time to check out and man am I glad I did. This Australian band manages to seemlessly blend anything from progressive sludge metal to vintage classic rock with ease. Vocals, production and musicianship are top notch.

Father Sky by Hypergiant

09. Spaceslug- Time Travel Dilemma

Intergalactic Cosmic Stoner Doom at it's very best. This heavy trio from Poland pushes the outer limits with thoughtful song structures, meditative rhythms and clever guitar riffing. The album also features guest vocals from Sander Haagmans of Sungrazer. Proof that Stoner Rock is not a one-trick pony. Expand your mind and take a trip with Spaceslug today.

Time Travel Dilemma by Spaceslug

08. Greenbeard-Lödarödböl

Very cool album from this 3-piece from Austin, TX. The album is a whirlwind of huge fuzzy Stoner riffs, smooth soloing, trippy psychedelics, proto-metal goodness and an underlying organ that puts you in a chilled out mood. "Lanesplitter" is fucking epic!

Lödarödböl by Greenbeard

07. Bernelius-Space Drifter

I got to be quite honest with you, I listened to this album at least three times without realizing it is only one guy. I am usually turned off by one-man "bands" because of the self-indulgence factor but damn does he pull it off. Amazing production and stellar musicianship throughout.

Space Drifter by Bernelius

06. Mutoid Man-War Moans

There are not enough adjectives to describe just how ridiculous this album is. This little slice of hypermetal heaven is filled with ferocious vocal hooks, crazed guitar effects , thunderous drumming and a huge nod to the 80's metal scene.

War Moans by Mutoid Man

05. John Garcia- The Coyote Who Spoke in Tongues

Stripped down acoustic versions of some Kyuss favorites as well as a few newbies. The songs have such a cool vibe and softness but still absolutely attack your psyche with their heaviness and beauty. John's vocal is so powerful and soulful. Take a listen to "Green Machine" with it's mysterious and dark somberness. Damn!

The Coyote Who Spoke In Tongues by John Garcia

04. Deadly Vipers-Fueltronaut

I am not quite sure why this album didn't garner more attention last year. The album is chock full of just about everything a Stoner Rock fan would drool over, plus the album was mastered by Kent Stump (Wo Fat). Think Kyuss meets Truckfighters, hell yes.

Fueltronaut by Deadly Vipers

03. The Age of Truth-Threshold

Talk about a punch it the face, these Philly lads came out swinging with their hard-hitting and melodic debut. Awesome vocals, a tight rhythm section and great song-writing had me hooked since it's release.

Threshold by The Age Of Truth

02. Elder-Reflections of a Floating World

This band continues to progress with each album and has made numerous year -end top 10 lists for the mere fact that it is just plain amazing. The album is brilliantly heavy and has a great flow to it. No hit singles on this baby, just album making at it's finest.

Reflections of a Floating World by Elder

01. Telekinetic Yeti-Abominable

Wow, talk about an amazing debut. This 2-piece band took the world by storm with great riffs and kick ass drumming. These guys feed off each other remarkably well and the fuzz just oozes out of the speakers. Can't wait to see them in DC with 1000mods.

Abominable by Telekinetic Yeti

Q&A with Tony Reed of Mos Generator by JonVader

2018-01-18T14:31:00.000-05:00

If you have not heard of Tony Reed he is the guitarist and vocalist for the Mos Generator, Stone Axe, Heavy Pink, Hot Spring Water and Twelve Thirty Dreamtime, he has played in more bands then I can list and runs his own studio in Port Orchard Wa called Heavy Head Recording. The man is a master of his craft and tone, and has received many accolades for his ear and musicality from respected piers. The list of bands and labels he has recorded/mixed and mastered range from Saint Vitus, Brothers of the Sonic Cloth, Gojira and many many more, he has also done work for STB, Ripple Music etc..
Tony is endorsed by Hiwatt, Laney and Lace pickups.

In the summer of 1990 when I first met Tony, A group of us went out to Lake Crescent (about 16 miles west of Port Angeles Wa) for some beers and fun in the sun. I had heard of Tony through friends in our small scene and he was already a bit of a local legend in regards to his music skills. I had just started playing guitar and was finding bands that would forever help shape the person who've I become today, one of those bands I had listened to and enjoyed was the Treepeople and it just so happened that Tony was wearing a Something Viscous for Tomorrow shirt (treepeople) and I commented "nice shirt", he laughed and said "thanks..". I would be informed on the ride home that Tony was the drummer for the Treepeople and little did I know then that our paths would cross many more times over the next 26 years evolving into a great friendship. I have been lucky enough to torture this man with recording my projects over the last couple decades and have learned a great great deal from him about what it is to be in a band and play music.

Jon- From my perspective 2017 seemed like a great year for Mos Gen, touring as support for Saint Vitus through Europe and the west coast run with Fu Manchu.
What would you like to achieve in 2018 that you haven’t already?

Tony-
We didn't do anything for the first half of 2017. I don't think we played any shows until June. We went to Europe with Saint Vitus in October and did three weeks with them and then two weeks as a headlining band. We came home and did some West Coast shows with Fu Manchu into about mid November.
Our goals for 2018 have already started to come together. We are going to be doing an extensive US tour with most of that again being with Fu Manchu and we are in the negotiations for a really nice run of Europe in the summer. In early fall we are playing a few festivals in the states including Descendants of Crom and Doomed and Stoned over in the Midwest. We will most likely tour around that. We are also in the middle of working on the next record “Shadowlands“. That's coming together nicely.. we decided to kind of bring back the sound of the earlier albums keep it more simple and direct although there are a few Prog explorations on it.

I was thinking yesterday about when in my life the musical “awakening” happened for me.
What would be the biggest factor that drew you into this life that’s so encapsulated with music?

Tony- I think the biggest factor for me is just the need to do it. There's always been a drive ever since I can really remember. I didn't get to play music until I was 12 or 13 years old but ever since then I've just given everything to making music, whether it's successful or not is another thing. I give 100% of myself to that and I always have so I really it's I guess it's just ingrained in my DNA. Like most musicians, I literally have to do it to feel fulfilled.

In the early 90’s you were in Treepeople with Doug Martsch (Built to Spill) and later with Goodbye Harry you recorded with Greg Ginn at SST, what other notable things have you done in you musical career and what do you hope people remember you for musically?

Tony-Although those were highlights in my youth I was also making really interesting, intricate and diverse music of my own during those years. I would really want to be remembered for my work with Twelve Thirty Dreamtime, Mos Generator, Stone Axe and whatever else I have to offer through the rest of these years I have left. I have no idea what's going to happen, you know I have the HeavyPink and Hot Spring Water side projects so you never know what that could bring as well.

Both you and I have seen many changes in the musical landscape over the last 20 to 30 years, where do you think the genre’s Mos is associated with is heading, has it peaked or is it just getting started?

Tony- Well I've been playing this heavy rock music for and with Mos for 18 years and I've seen a lot of ups and downs in the scene and a lotta changes and fluctuations. Now it's possibly at its zenith and I would say that it probably has peaked which is good in some ways because people will figure out different interpretations of the style we are working in and add new flavors to it. I’m excited to see that happening and enjoy growing with the changes.

You are probably the most driven person I know as far as living and breathing music, not only are you in more then one band but you also mix and record everyday and are constantly learning the art of song craft..where does this constant drive come from and is their a final goal?

Tony- There's no real final goal with all of this and I really just want respect as a musician. Obviously there's no money in it, but being well respected and remembered would be great. Everybody wants to leave a legacy and that is something that that I'm interested in. I want to be known as a musician, music lover and a songwriter.

If you could've been in any band past or present, who and what instrument?
And what riff or song do you wish you’d written?

Tony- When I think about that question I think about the artists or bands that have been the most influential on me and then I also think I could never do what they do. That's my ultimate goal anyway and I don't feel like I've even reached that kind of level in my writing. I would love to be Tony Iommi or Alex lifeson but I really don't think that I could ever see myself in their position, I can only use their writing as influence on me so that's a really difficult question. That being said I wish I had written “Killing Yourself To Live”. I’ve spent most of my life trying to come close.

So their you have it, do yourself a favor and catch Mos Generator live and this spring with Fu Manchu.
Keep your eyes out for the new album "Shadowlands" on Listenable Records in May.
-Jon-

1/19 - Port Orchard WA - The Bethel Tavern

1/20 - Port Angeles WA - Cherry Bomb

1/26 - Portland OR - High Water Mark

1/27 - Anchorage AK - Chilkoot Charlie’s

4/20 - Couer d’Alene ID - Hogfish

4/21 - Kalispell MT - Rocky Mountain Riff Fest

4/26 - Grants Pass OR -

4/27 - San Francisco CA -

4/28 - Las Vegas NV - Dive Bar

4/29 - Long Beach CA -

On Tour with FU MANCHU*

5/01 - Phoenix AZ - Rebel Lounge*

5/02 - Albuquerque - NM

5/03 - Dallas TX - Curtain Club*

5/04 - Austin TX - Barracuda*

5/05 - Houston TX - White Oak Music Hall*

5/07 - Atlanta GA - Vinyl*

5/08 - Raleigh NC - Kings*

5/09 - Washington DC - Rock & Roll Hotel*

5/10 - Pittsburgh PA - Brillobox

5/11 - Philadelphia PA - Underground Arts*

5/12 - New York - Bowery Ballroom*

5/13 - Boston MA - Brighton Music Hall*

5/14 - Buffalo NY - Mohawk Place

5/15 - Cleveland OH - Grog Shop*

5/16 - Columbus OH - Ace of Cups*

5/17 - Detroit MI - El Club*

5/18 - Toronto ON -

5/19 - Chicago IL - Bottom Lounge*

5/20 - Sioux Falls SD - Total Drag Records

5/22 - Denver CO - Streets of London Pub*

5/23 - Denver CO - Streets of London Pub*

5/25 - Seattle WA -

5/26 - Bremerton WA - The Manette

https://youtu.be/QC41MAjplRg

#roadrats #portland #portangeles #portangeles #anchorage #chilkootcharlies #kentonclub #heavyrock #heavyboogie
https://www.facebook.com/MosGenerator/
http://heavyheadsuperstore.storenvy.com/

New Band To Burn One To: Tusmørkejuvel

2018-01-14T06:50:00.002-05:00

Tusmørkejuvel by Tusmørkejuvel
Ok, we'll admit it, we've got no idea how to pronounce this band's name either, but what really matters when it comes to these Danish dudes is that they fucking rock! This self-titled debut EP is four songs of killer desert stoner jams and crushing riffs, just how we all like it. The guys aren't breaking any new ground, but rather showing you how good the floor you're walking on is already!

Check out their debut EP, and keep your eye on these guys in the very near future.

Bandcamp|Facebook

Pete's Top Ten of 2017

2017-12-26T09:33:00.000-05:00

Let's do this shall we?

10. Hark - Maschinations Machinations by HARK It's a damn shame that these guys have just announced they're splitting up as they're one of the most technical and experimental with their riffing in the stoner genre. At least we have two excellent records to remember them by.

9. Bell Witch - Mirror Reaper

Mirror Reaper by Bell Witch You really need to spend some time with this record, not just because of the 83 minute running length of the one song here, but with its layers and emotional turmoil within. A wonderful tribute to a fallen friend.

8. Godhunter - Codex Narco

Codex Narco by Godhunter Heavy and beautiful Nine Inch Nails doing doom sounding album. This has been my nicest suprise of the year.

7. Telekinetic Yeti - Abominable Abominable by Telekinetic Yeti Two guys making this much noise in the stoner/doom scene is always something to behold. Fuzzy riffs upon slower fuzzy riffs make this an excellent debut release.

6. OHHMS - The FoolThe Fool by OHHMS If you get a chance to see these guys live, go do it! Much like their shows, this debut full-length is heavy, often chaotic, and often beautifully stripped back. A superb record.

5. Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs - Feed The RatsFeed the Rats by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs I still enjoy telling people about this band, mainly for the name, but because their sound is an awesome mix of stoner psychedelic pounding. There's only three songs here, but with two of them hitting the 20 minute mark, you know they're something special.

4. Spaceslug - Time Travel DilemmaTime Travel Dilemma by Spaceslug These Polish stoners are going from strength to strength with each release, exemplifying the claustrophobic riffs with the hazy vocals and heavy-ass song structures, I can't wait to hear what they come up with next.

3. Elder - Reflections of a Floating World Reflections of a Floating World by Elder I really don't need to say anything about this. Go read every other End of Year list that any publication has put out and you will see this on there. The best band in the genre at present.

2. REZN - Let It Burn Let It Burn by REZN I've had almost an entire year to listen to this record on repeat over and over, and the heaviness of it all never fails to floor me each time. A truly excellent record.

1. Forming The Void - RelicRelic by Forming the Void This has been the standout record for me this year, by some way, with it's psychedelic tendencies, doom riffs, stoner wanderings, powerful vocals (that guy can sing!!)and one of the best Led Zeppelin covers i've heard. We've had our eye on Forming The Void for some time now, and hearing 'Relic' makes us feel like proud dads.

That's it from me this year, as a whole we've been a bit on the quiet side at Heavy Planet HQ, but we've never stopped listening to everything we've been able to get our hands on, that flame will never die out. I hope each and every one of you have had a great year, and I hope that you do everything you can to make 2018 an even better one.

Stay heavy.

Pete x

LP Review: Forest of Legend by Forest of Legend

2017-11-12T13:33:00.001-05:00

Forest of Legend by Forest Of Legend

Back in June of 2015, we said of Forest of Legend's demo that they 'have the potential in them to make an incredible record. Watch this space'. Well, we write this review with big gloating grins on our faces, the guys have come through with the goods!

The three piece Virginians have taken the doom genre by the scruff of the neck and spat bile down it's throat with their self-titled debut. The vocals of Gage Shanahan are dirty and pissed off, giving the drawn out riffs an added urgency of anger and guttural desperation that builds each crushing riff into a crashing display of power, prevalant on opening track 'Lightbringer' with elements of sludge thrown into their standard heavy doom riffing. To give these guys just a 'doom' would do a disservice to their other exploratory sounds as they often trail off into psych guitar solos or power riffs that will beat your brain to mush.

As the crawling 'Cursed By Night' rains down upon you, you begin to realise that these guys mean some serious business. Often elements of Sleep and Black Sabbath are at the forefront of what they do, but the references to their peers are a tribute, not a rip off, as layers of orgasmically crushing riffing comes over you in waves, and you accept it full force. With all tracks landing between 7-8 minutes in length, it's not a record for the feint hearted. The band flitter between slightly high tempo doom ('Neptune's Glacier')and the slow-crushing stuff we all adore ('Divine Greataxe') and they feed so well into one another.

Each track is a powerhouse standout, with tracks 'Bane of the Black Lung', 'Holy Throne' and 'Brotherhood of the Black Sun' all warranting the same superlatives such as "heavy as fuck", "crushing our spines" and "riff upon riff upon riff of glorious riffs". We said these guys would make something special, and how right we were. One of the underground doom albums of the year.

Bandcamp|Facebook

Review: The Age of Truth-Threshold

2017-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Threshold by The Age Of Truth

First off, please forgive me as I have not written a review in ages so I may be a little rusty. I felt compelled to write a review of Philly-based band The Age of Truth's debut "Threshold" simply because I think it is one of the best heavy rock records I have heard all year. That is no bullshit! A perfect balance of thoughtful riffs, groove, and melody along with a precise mix lets each musician shine throughout this brilliant debut. But the thing that stands out the most is the incredibly powerful and raspy vocal of Kevin McNamara which soars over each song with a vocal reminiscent of Nick Pollock from 90's band My Sisters Machine (some of you may remember them) and early Chris Cornell, but with a more East Coast vibe, especially on the stagger-driven boogie rocker "Oceanbones" which may remind some of Clutch.

From the crushing bottom blow and crash of the cymbals of opener "Host (Demon In Me), I knew I was in for one hell of a ride. The guitar rings out with strategic echoing and flanged-out effects before feedback leads way to the punishing groove played along to the wailing vocal "I Got A Demon in Me".

The Sabbath-inspired meandering riff of "Come Back A God" will have your head-bobbing. It's grungy and filthy vibe will have you begging for more as it fades into oblivion, you get your wish, but only for a brief moment.

The shining moment on the album is the bass-driven title track "Threshold" that weaves in and out of soft staccato plucking and heavy stoner riffing until the end when it destroys you with a lumbering and penetrating rhythm, but wait, there's more as the vocals beckon "Come on..Come on..." surrounded by another tasty riff. Good heavens.

The music created by The Age of Truth is familiar, yet original. Melodic, catchy and heavy, the songs will get stuck in your head and will have you humming melodies to yourself throughout the day. And the riffs, holy shit, the riffs are non-stop. Forget about this band being labeled as Stoner Rock, they are just an awesome rock band, period. People always say to me that there are no good bands anymore, or I only like the one song from so-and-so band, well you just have to know where to look. This is The Age Of Truth!

With all the crazy shit going on in the world, there is always rock and roll to save the soul, and The Age of Truth is there to lend a hand.

The Age Of Truth is:

Kevin McNamara - Vocals
Michael DiDonato - Guitars
William Miller - Bass Guitar / Vocals
Adam Lauver - Drums

The album is released today digitally and will have a proper vinyl release on Kozmik Artifactz Records sometime early 2018.

Bandcamp||Facebook

Year of the Cobra- Burn your Dead EP MER

2017-10-07T13:24:00.001-04:00

Some quick words on one of my Northwest favorites Year of the Cobra's new release.
5 songs that show a band who's growing and maturing at a rapid rate not unlike a face grabber bursting onto an unsuspecting host. Amy's voice and vocal phrasing is haunting, luring and growing, and I mean that respectively as I already thought she was a kickass vocalist.
There's plenty of cool things going on here, whether its Amy's bass/vox being effect manipulated or Jon's ripping drum playing leading in and out of fast-slow dynamics. Jon and Amy do a great job of filling up space sonically on record and live, especially since there's only 2 of them. Plus they are hella loud live, which tickles my fancy.
If you don't already own their 1st EP and the 1st full length I'd suggest doing so.
This dynamic duo is road hardened from back to back tours and guess what, they are in fact heading out on tour starting off in Bozeman MT.
Catch them at the Indianapolis Doomed and Stoned fest 2017 Saturday October 7th!
Burn your Dead is another fine addition to an already great catalog.
Official release Oct 27th.

yearofthecobra@gmail.com

http://www.yearofthecobra.com

Descendants of Crom Festival-Cattivo-Pittsburgh, PA September 30, 2017

2017-09-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

On Saturday September 30, 2017 at 3:00 PM EST all hell will break loose on the City of Pittsburgh, PA. An event of epic proportions, 17 killer Stoner Rock/Doom/Metal bands are set to ignite the two stages of Cattivo in the Lawrenceville section of the city. This festival is the first of its kind for Pittsburgh and I say it is about damn time! Event organizer Shy Kennedy (Horehound/Blackseed Records) has excelled at putting together such a fine collection of bands, especially by nabbing Pittsburgh-based doom legends Penance (Alpha & Omega lineup). Growing up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh I am a little giddy about this festival. From the scorching NWOBHW sounds of Pittsburgh's own Lady Beast to the instrumental Doomy Jazz of Philly's Stinking Lizaveta, there is enough to appease the tastes of everyone attending.

For the overzealous, there will be an acoustic pre-fest at the Full Pint Wild Side Pub, click here for more info.

Lineup:

CANT
MONOLITH WIELDER
LADY BEAST
ENHAILER
ARCHARUS
HORSEBURNER
WASTED THEORY
FOGHOUND
EYE
BRIMSTONE COVEN
SOLACE
THE MIDNIGHT GHOST TRAIN
CLOUDS TASTE SATANIC
VALKYRIE
EARTHRIDE
STINKING LIZAVETA
PENANCE (Alpha & Omega lineup)

Have a listen to the bands:

Facebook | Website

Swamp Ritual-Sunchaser

2017-09-19T13:20:00.002-04:00

Sunchaser by Swamp Ritual The mighty Swamp Ritual hail from Missoula Mt. (as does yours truly), so I was more then pleased to see this 5 song gem of fuzzed out heaviness in my emails. Being a fan of the loud bass and drum duo since early 90's acts like Godheadsilo and later acts like Big business and Year of the Cobra, Sunchaser fits right in holding their own unique sound.. let the tripped out psychedelic 13 min Bearded Dragon take you for a little ride and you'll know what I mean.
As I've stated here before I like things loud and heavy and Swamp Ritual are just that, as well as mixing tempo's with catchy foot stomping anthemic vox to straight no vocal sludge instrumentals.

Catch them on tour 9-21 starting in Portland Oregon through 10-13 with one of my favorite bands Disenchanter.
Buy the tunes with the bandcamp link below, its name your own price.
And if you catch them live buy the merch and support your local venues.
As I just witnessed in San Jose for Epicenter 2017, Heavy Rock is alive and well!
-Jon-

Band Members-
Dustin Fugere-4 stringed bassliness,
Vocals Sid LaTray-Thunderous thunder drums
Drum and bass stoner doom, appearing in a basement near you. http://swampritual.bandcamp.com For booking contact, sludgehammatouring@gmail.com

LP Review: Shepherd / Death By Fungi Split

2017-09-15T13:38:00.000-04:00

SHEP // DBF [SPLIT] by SHEPHERD / DEATH BY FUNGI

At the beginning of 2015, we were introduced to a sludge/doom band from Bengaluru, India, with their debut full-length record Stereolithic Riffalocalypse, and it blew us away (review here), so it was sad that we recently heard that Shepherd have decided to call it a day. However, before they leave us for good, they've have released a split record with fellow Indian band Death By Fungi, who onslaught us with a hardcore edge, and it's a nice stamp in the face to remember the band by.

Perhaps it's because they're sharing a record with a hardcore band, or it was a direction that the band were heading down before they called it a day, but Shepherd have lost some of their doomier aspects (just some though) and gone for full on sludge meets hardcore, with elements of fuzzy djent in there too (you remember djent? That musical genre that lasted the summer of 2009?), and it's a sound that's exciting to behold. The record opens with five tracks from Shepherd, with 'Agents of Nihil' setting the tone with a bleak and frightening monologue from the climax of the film The Exorcist 3, before the chaotic sludge explosion assaults you, while their almost trademark chugging bass heavy riffs drive the spine of the song forward, a sound which all us doom/sludge heads will cling to. The vocals mix with light and darker growls, while they even find time to shred while the drums go off like a pneumatic drill. Shepherd, haven't lost their sound, so much as shoved a firecracker up its arse and honed the results. Our highlight of the entire record is 'Hope Comes Gnawing' with an almost funky sludge bassline continues throughout, both exciting and frightening in the same breath. 'Fungalord' and 'Weed Dealer' (Shepherd have always been a band who like to have fun with their song titles, just see 'Turdspeak' or 'Black Cock of Armageddon') are tracks which are both excellent break-neck speed sludge tracks with elements of stoner added in for, well, why the hell not? You can never really relax with these guys as they can change time signatures and pull out devilish riffs from out of nowhere. We're going to miss this band.

While the hardcore genre may not be something with which you guys out there are necessarily drawn to straight away (this being a site for the best stoner/doom/sludge/psych etc), Death By Fungi are not a band that you should ignore. While many of the trademark hardcore elements are there with constant snare beats, breakneck speed playing, high velocity shouting vocals, there are definite elements of something just that bit heavier with this band, just take the riffs with 'Edgelord Breakdown' melting your face with it's furious assault throughout and the anger of the vocals screaming "You've failed me so many times!", they take the elements of sludge which Shepherd bring to the table and put their own spin on it, and it becomes an invigorating and refreshing listen. 'Dead Soil' morphs into a sound which is like doom on acid, with a fluctuating heart rate that'll kill you with a smile on your face.

Even though Shepherd have sped up their sonic game, they're still the slower, sludgier of the two bands here, and the compliment each other well. If this indeed does prove to be Shepherd's final opus (bands do get back together after all) then it's a mighty fine closing on a short, but heavy-as-fuck career, one which you're a fool to have missed so far (but thanks for introducing us to Death By Fungi on your way out). Get this record now and give your ears a good kicking!

Facebook|Bandcamp|Facebook

Album Review: Howling Giant - "Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2"

2017-09-14T00:37:00.000-04:00

<a href="http://howlinggiant.bandcamp.com/album/black-hole-space-wizard-part-2">Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2 by Howling Giant</a>

This! This. This is something special. The attraction was immediate, unstoppable and obviously inspiring as it got me to write my first review of the year and this is September. People, you need to hear this record. Howling Giant, the Nashville, Tennessee three piece tickled my fancy with this album and made me write a review. My fancy so likes their brand of tickle.

As the second release of an expected three EP set, Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2 is an impressive endeavor. The tones are perfect. Roger Mark's bass has thicker fuzz than meat left on the counter upon your return from a cruise around the world, best displayed in the song Pioneer. Tom Polzine's guitar ranges from the massive crunch of a drill rig burrowing to the earth's core in Circle of Druids all the way to a wind chime on a sun bleached porch during the beautiful The Forest Speaks. The drumming of Zach Wheeler is outstanding throughout, a true joy to hear as he pushes and pulls the tempo with intrepid style and unrepentant dominance. The addition of the organ/synth work by Drew Harakal is so tastefully done and understated but yet adds so very much to the overall sound of the record. Polzine, Marks and Wheeler all contribute to the vocal harmonies which wrap up this gift from outer space with a message of ascension against all odds and evils encountered.

Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2 is a journey you have to take, not because it is our job or what is expected from us, but because it is what is right. The album is a heavy, progressive, quantum theory of groove that will take you through the wormhole with a smile on your face for the entire ride.

Absolutely one of my favorites this year and will, without question, be making my year end list.

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

WM

Please Stay Tuned...

2017-09-02T19:36:00.002-04:00

You may have noticed that our posts have been few and far between as of late. Rest assured, we are still here and we will have new bands for you to check out but possibly in different ways than what you are accustomed to. Over the nearly ten years of our existence, we have had 20-plus writers come and go at Heavy Planet and one of the hardest things to do is to retain good talent, primarily due to time constraints. Everybody has busy lives including myself. So please stay tuned and in the meantime check out our Facebook page for daily posts from my main man Stump!

New Band To Burn One To: Sachem

2017-08-09T15:11:00.000-04:00

Demo 2017 by Sachem Ooooh, now this is a bit fucking tasty! Vermont trio Sachem have put out a teasing demo for an upcoming release, and it's all kinds of nasty sludge metal with huge riffs that we love to get our teeth into, all drenched under heavy blues tones that ache awesomeness.

With a little enhanced production (not too much though), any future releases from these guys (Matt S - drums and vocals, Brett S - bass, Andrew G - guitar and vocals) is going to have us very excited to listen, as we're expecting very big, noisey things from these guys. For now, check out their demo, and crank it up loud!

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Quick Trip: ORANGE SUNSHINE - "HOMO ERECTUS"

2017-07-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

Homo Erectus by Orange Sunshine

A stunning blend of great late 60s, early 70s style psych-rock with heavy stoner fuzz sensibilities has been captured on this nearly 2 decade old album by Orange Sunshine. Listening to it is sort of a double deja vu by going back to the band's early days of the new century where they brilliantly captured the sound of 4 decades prior, the decades of flower power, of tripping on mind altering pharmaceuticals and mind blowing heavy rock, the decades of musical captivation and discovery.

The music on this album has an almost magical immersive quality to it, whether you lock yourself into your mancave and test the limits of your speakers, lock yourself out from your surroundings with headphones, or utilize your car's bluetooth functionality on that long roadtrip, you will quickly find that even without the help of pharmaceuticals your mind is expanding in pleasurable and exciting ways. The spells cast on this album are rendered with mystical guitar work that colorfully penetrates to a pulsing primal core, led by vocals that use that great breakout quality of rock vocalists of the era and accompanied by a superior, groovy beat of drums, and rapturously cool bass bonanza.

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Quick Hit: ATRAGON - "I, NECROMANCER."

2017-07-20T10:10:00.002-04:00

I, Necromancer by Atragon

Yesterday's post was from the far south reaches of the UK in Bournemouth. Today we fly with the raven due north for over 400 miles, shedding the robe of grunge garage fuzz along the way in order to don a cloak of dingy, heavy, black molasses soaked doom, alighting in Edinburgh, Scotland where the smoldering heat of Atragon envelope us in thick elixirs of darkness and portent.

The sophomore album from this Scottish quartet is quite simply massive. It's ambitious and fearless, delving deeply into murky and primal psychic veins of ebon metal ore. It's an all enveloping assault on the psyche of devotees of doom, borne of the dark sonic distortions of amplified axes and black batteries of bass drum, the jagged, frenetic chanting of shadow art practitioners, and the evil genius of psychic melody makers deeply entrenched into oily, obsidian enchantments.

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New Band to Burn One To: PUSSYCAT AND THE DIRTY JOHNSONS

2017-07-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

Exercise Your Demons by Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons

Directly from the sandy beaches and hot sun of...London, England...comes a raunchy, bawdy, in your face trio of rockers who deliver a high energy brand of rockabilly retro skate surf punk fuzz. The wailing, confrontational, all out vocals of frontwoman Puss Johnson (She's going to have to marry a Hampton, I think) are reminiscent of Sleater-Kinney's incredible Corinne Tucker. The dual guitars of Johnson and lead riff-meister Dirty Jake are a colossal sonic concoction of blistering be-bop and monstrous, memorable melodies. Filfy Antz drives it all forward in breakneck crescendo and perilous climax. This trio isn't climbing into any typical box of the usual fuzz labels, but the retro punk vibe is loud, raucous, and diabolically fun.

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Quick Hit: THE ELECTRIC SHAKES - "ELECTROHYPNOSIS"

2017-07-18T10:35:00.001-04:00

Electrohypnosis by The Electric Shakes

Europe gives us a TON of great underground rock bands that run the gamut of styles we lump into stoner/doom/psychedelic/desert/retro/blues rock (even the genre lump is sizeable), and the UK is no exception. The trio The Electric Shakes, out of Bournemouth, are another of an impressive group of UK fuzz monsters.

Most trios are set up as one member doing double duty as the vocalist in addition to playing an instrument, but one impressive aspect of The Electric Shakes, in addition to their awesome fucking moniker, is that each brandisher of a musical apparatus performs vocal duties as well. The more vocals the better, whether it's a sharing of song leads, furnishing backup service, or in harmony, and these guys sweep all obligations.

The music they make is infectious, rawking, and fun. It's heavy on the riff and quick on the tempo. The drums are virulent and catchy, engaging head and hips in a dance of infectious rhythm. Monstrous basswork bolsters the heaviness of tracks that otherwise rocket and zoom in gravity defying exhilaration. The guitar brings all the highlights expected of excellence and quality, with a colossal fuzz enclosure punctuated by searing, soaring solos. The songs themselves are melodic masterpieces of amalgamated rock standards with traits of punk, stoner, garage, blues, and 70s era rock. The Electric Shakes' approach to music is a brilliant combination of those great rock sounds of past and present without any direct reflection of one legend over another, which allows them to forge something exciting and new and wholly their own.

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New Band To Burn One To: COBRAJAB - "COBRAJAB"

2017-07-17T09:16:00.001-04:00

CobraJab by CobraJab

Doom is the tenor of the day, with psychedelic bracing, stoner overtones, and profligate subterranean darkness, emanating from the capital of wholesome goodness, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Cobrajab, a foursome of visionary metalheads who, despite a 'just getting off the ground' presence online, have managed to produce and release an EP and an LP in the past two years, both of which are collections of magnificent riffage amalgamations. An unstoppable, steady force of deeply toned reverberation trudges unerringly, inexorably forward, opening pathways of psychedelic excursions of brilliance, as well as energetic bouts of stepped up fuzzery along the way, but never wavering from the melodic miasma of mighty metal machinations this band has so brilliantly conjured in their spells of doomweave. Their music is engaging, at times hypnotic, at others primal and spiritual, providing instant gratification while forging memorable long-term memory positions in the minds of DOOM aficionados.

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EP Track Stack: KING BOLETE - CANIBALES - GOATSCHLAGER - MAD CHICKEN

2017-07-13T10:47:00.000-04:00

Demo Tracks by King Bolete Hasta El Final by Canibales Welcome to Hog Valley by Goatschlager Limestoner by Mad Chicken

There are lots of quality EPs out there, both from known and established bands as well as from artists just trying to get something out there that might garner interest in what they've newly created. This is a classic case of intentionally avoiding the use of labels or identifiers and instead judging something based on its own merits. If an album has only two tracks, but those 2 tracks are pretty damn tasty, then I'm glad they've released it so I can enjoy. So, in the spirit of enjoying what's been made available, here are 4 EPs that provide only 10 tracks between them, but they're ten tracks worth your time because chances are there will be pleasure gained, satisfaction achieved, and perhaps a newfound interest in something of which you weren't aware yet was out there.

King Bolete hail from the Warrior Isles of England...and beyond that not much is known about this newly formed band. Their music is a straight up psychedelic stoner blues rock fuzzorama. What they've given us here is too short and extremely sweet. Hopefully more is to follow soon.

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Canibales is a three man band from Guadalajara, Mexico. They are veterans of stoner blues rock having formed back in 2005 and having released several albums in the interim. The music is primal and addictive. Luckily they have a sizable library on which to feed that addiction starting with the two ass-romping tracks on this new EP.

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Goatschlager, a four piece from Northern Ireland, have featured on Heavy Planet before as a New Band To Burn One To in 2016 with an initial 4 track EP, "Space Apache - Vol. I". Earlier this year they released another 4 track EP, "Dirt Mammal - Vol. II", and now this 2 track beauty "Welcome to Hog Valley" which they say was borne of the creative process for their impending "Vol. III". The music is heavy, hard, deep, and destructive, grinding out stoner vibes and subterranean riffs in memorable melody.

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Mad Chicken, are last but not least. This is a 4 track blitzkrieg of heavy metal from a 5 man Brazilian power troupe, expertly delivering an amalgam of every type of hard rock you may have listened to over the past 4 decades. Incomparable vocals lead the way for twin guitars of explosive fury and a rhythm section of shock and awe.

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Quick Hit: SIMPLE JACK - "BRAND NEW EYE"

2017-07-12T10:44:00.000-04:00

Brand New Eye by Simple Jack

Stoner Punk? That's the label I'd give Simple Jack's music, perhaps. As with all labels, though, it never tells the complete, or even correct story. Simple Jack's music isn't punk necessarily. It is brash and bold and unpredictable in its familiarity. Or maybe it's familiar in its unpredictability. The music is massive, with colossal guitars that riff and burn in grand stoner metal style on songs that carry incredibly clever melodies that are never sweet but always clean. Vocals are athletic and perfectly strained, adding a rapturous element to the whole. Subterranean rumble, like quarry explosions, emanate from the muscular bass riffage while the drums are immense, nimble, and deeply engaging of their own accord while still providing complementary assistance to each track

The cinematic image that comes to my mind is grainy black and white with a single Samurai slashing and dancing his way through a horde of challengers. The instrument is sharp and shiny and supremely deadly in the hands of its brash yet masterful wielder who eschews the traditional killing methods for his own lethal style.

Simple Jack are something new, something unique, something out of the standard mold yet still delivering the appropriate weighty sound as well as the important rush of primal triggers. They're raw yet precise, ragged but clever, and a whole lot of fun.

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Quick Hit: CORTEZ - "THE DEPTHS BELOW"

2017-07-11T11:58:00.000-04:00

The Depths Below by Cortez

Veteran Boston rockers Cortez have advanced their long, high caliber legacy with a new, full length LP, their third album since inception back in 2006. This latest album by the quintet is a testament to their longevity as it provides some of the best tracks they've yet produced, music of the highest stoner metal caliber offered up over the past 11 years.

"The Depths Below" run a distinctive gamut of loud party fun, melodramatic psychedelics, hard, heavy, slabs of towering stoner metal resolve, and even a frolicking, hip-hop inspired romp of a hard rock bent. The melodies are intelligent and magical, providing sharp, indelible hooks, while the vocals are of a quality rarely experienced from within the hordes of underground rock bands. Riffs of twin guitars are piled high and loud, bringing steel wool fibered fuzz of rarefied magnificence. The rhythm sector is never overshadowed, displaying clear, unyielding stickwork of immense cleverness and ferocity as well as bass guitar of thick, gargantuan reverberations of primal explosion.

I had the privilege of reviewing Cortez on their eponymous sophomore release back in 2012, cutting my teeth on music easy to both enjoy and attest to. Five years later I get to do so again, an opportunity as satisfying as is their music to which I immensely enjoy.

While going over their discography I came across a single track they had released early in 2016, a cover of one of the premier rock bands of the 70s, Deep Purple. Cortez' rendition is a brilliant emission of a brilliant, but unheralded classic. I include it here for the sake of fun.

Stormbringer by Cortez

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Quick Hit: HEY SATAN - "HEY SATAN"

2017-07-10T08:54:00.000-04:00

Hey Satan by Hey Satan

Trios kick ass much of the time. There's just no getting around it. The Lausanne, Switzerland trio Hey Satan kick ass from a number of angles on their debut eponymous release. To begin with this album RAWKS, and rocks hard. It's meant to be played loudly, and to be enjoyed completely. The music will absolutely flow through you like some dark, demonic doomspell. There are ten tracks on this inaugural LP and not one of them misses a cloven-hoofed step. Each is spellbinding with magical melodic imagination, a feat of epic proportions, and none of them are carbon copies of neither themselves nor of any stoner metal legends, providing ten dark, dewy songs on which to guzzle and savor. The stoner/doom influences are obvious as the gargantuan guitars reign supreme with riffs of deepness and distortion as well as searing, soaring solo runs, but obvious homages are rare as this trio's grand abilities forge their own armored merchandise of dark and hefty metal. Vocals provide a searing focal point with a superb rawness and range brilliantly matched to the music. Overall this is one hell of a debut, a memorable and savage romp that should solidify a place in end of year retrospections.

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