I'm presenting you The Unholy 13, my top albums of the year. It's a totally subjective list and these are only the stoner/doom/sludge/retro rock albums that I consider personal favourites. It was quite hard to make a solid selection out of all those wonderful albums released in 2016. I also wanted to pick more underground bands, so you won't see here bands like Witchcraft or Blood Ceremony. Of course compared to Adele or The Weeknd they are still very underground, but you get the idea, right?

I also want to say thank you so much to everyone who visited my blog. 2016 was a good year for Stoner Mountain.

P.S. Please visit Stoner Mountain on Facebook and click the "Like" button :)

13. Dunbarrow - Dunbarrow

Nothing new here, but I just love this album. The overall sound is very Witchcraft/Pentagram-esque, but can you blame them? It's just like Magnus Pelander sang - 'It is the Pentagram. It's got your soul again and you never be free!'. Easy listening and no skipping needed, just press play.

Favourite track: Forsaken

Bandcamp | Facebook

12. Stone Witch - Order of the Goat

A well balanced combination of stoner rock, hard rock and doom metal with a pinch of catchy blues tones thrown in for good measure.

Favourite track: The Herald

Bandcamp | Facebook

11. Conan - Revengeance

Conan's Revengeance is a beast. Heavy as fuck and extremely slow at times, but also has some well-placed faster moments that brings together a favourable combination of blast beats and doom, which really gets you into a head banging mood.

Favourite track: Revengeance

Bandcamp | Facebook

10. Old Blood - Old Blood

Another wonderful female fronted doom band. Old Blood mixes a bluesy vibe with psychedelic and doom sounds, creating dense, spaced-out atmospherics. They describe their sound as acid doom and that's probably the best description. Of course, I cannot forget about the soft, beautiful, almost smooth jazz-like vocals.

Favourite track: Taking Refuge with Strangers

Bandcamp | Facebook

9. Electric Citizen - Higher Time

Electric Citizen had me in 2014 with their superb debut album Sateen. It was a great, highly energetic mix of 70’s psych rock and vintage doom with hypnotic Siouxsie Sioux-style vocals. Higher Time builds forward on that formula, bringing just slightly updates to their overall sound. The album is more consistent but ultimately not as good as Sateen.

Favourite track: Crux

Bandcamp | Facebook

8. Bright Curse - Before The Shore

Bluesy and heavy stoner/doom grooves from the UK. Before The Shore is so thrilling, that it’s hard to believe it’s the product of just three people. The album is chock-full of muscular guitar sounds, powerhouse drums, prominent bass and amazing, clean vocals. There's definitely a Witchcraft and Graveyard vibe.

Favourite track: The Shore

Bandcamp | Facebook

7. Winter Moon - Hearts and Hands EP

Yes, it's another female fronted retro rock, but they have a unique and refreshing style that will appeal to a broad range of tastes. I just love how Winter Moon transcend many classic rock genres like blues rock, psych-rock, hard rock and it still sounds modern. The songwriting is taut, soaring and shows how a real band crafts their tunes once the writer has penned the initial song. The musicianship is at a high level. Each song is haunting in its own way with the guitars wailing, drums banging, keyboards conjuring melodies and soulful powerhouse vocals. Read the whole review

Favourite track: Wasted With You

Bandcamp | Facebook

6(66). Psychic Dose - Myrkviðr

The best example why it's good to wait with the 'Best of' list until the end of the year. Psychic Dose's second album was released just 10 days ago. Their music is heavier now, characterized by a more sinister and morbid sound; less 70's proto/traditional doom metal and more 80's doom metal/heavy metal. The production is much better and the vocals...Holy Smokes! The vocals are so fucking awesome. Singer Amanda Howell can touch your soul with her smoky powerhouse voice one minute, then completely melt your face off with passionate higher pitched vocals and harsh screams. Read the whole review

Favourite track: Lycnthropic State

Bandcamp | Facebook

5. Haunted - Haunted

Think of it as Electric Wizard teaming up with Pentagram adding female vocals, a dark, doomy sound played in a funky, rockin' psychedelic way. I'm just addicted to their overall sound and the catchiness of each of their songs. From the hauntingly beautiful vocals to the monolithic riffs. This is exactly how we want all of our records to sound like. Read the whole review

Favourite track: Nightbreed

Bandcamp | Facebook

4. Messa - Belfry

It was a battle for the fourth place between two Italian newcomers, Haunted and Messa, like a classic Serie A match between Juventus and Roma. ‘Belfry’ is searingly honest and brilliantly uncompromising, but also stuff full of hooks. There’s a lot of diversity present. It's a refreshing take on doom metal taking inspiration from different genres like drone, ambient and industrial. The sound is Heavy, melodic, immersive, trippy. And last, but not least, Sara's voice is beautiful and powerful, to the point of leaving you speechless.

Favourite track: Blood

Bandcamp | Facebook

3. Salem's Pot - Pronounce This!

The child of Electric Wizard and the younger brother of Windhand. They finally established their sound. Yes, it's much softer now, but guess what? They've never sounded better! Pronounce This! is a top notch and surprisingly diverse sounding album, there's even a sweet, laid back country-blues track!

Favourite track: Desire

Bandcamp | Facebook

2. Grajo - Grajo

Another female fronted newcomer on the list. Grajo nailed it with their self-titled debut. These guys have a really groovy Saint Vitus-esque vibe around their sound. Combine this with mountainous riffs and you're in for a ten ton trip. Yes, it's heavy, but very melodic at the same time, with mesmerising dreamy vocals. A perfect combination, very refreshing. Trust me, you'll get addicted in no time. Read the whole review

Favourite track: Magic Eye

Bandcamp | Facebook

1. Mountain Dust - Nine Years

The King is dead, long live The King! Because Mountain Dust is like a spiritual successor to Sweden's Graveyard. Heavy, bluesy 70's hard rock with loud, soulful clean vocals that are clear and have a wonderful bluesy tone to them. Nine Years is their full-length debut album and it already tipped Mountain Dust into the big leagues. It's got fistfuls of energy and manages to have an identity of it's own, which isn't easy. The seven tracks on this record contain enough traces of different acid/psychedelic rock, early heavy metal and even some traditional doom to make classic rock fans lose themselves for a few hours.

Favourite track: Running Fool

Bandcamp | Facebook

Voodoo Idol - Sense (2016)

The second band from Russia is Voodoo Idol, a refreshing alternative/stoner rock trio from Moscow. Sense is Voodoo Idol's first full-length album, released in September, the record consists of nine stunning tracks, in which the band manage to combine experimentation with various genres.

Voodoo Idol take inspiration from alternative rock, psychedelic, pop rock and of course, stoner rock, that gives us a perfect balance of heavy grooviness and an almost poppy catchiness. Alina Goldobina, the woman behind Voodoo Idol, has a knack for drifting melodies and soft, soothing singing. The rhythm section is tight, with a rolling bass and precise drumming. Songs like (Welcome to the) Vault, Ghost and Hell On Wheels are a great example of psychedelia and powerful rock, while songs like Those Signs Led, Hero and Tango show the band's softer, danceable side. I especially like the rolling bass, the stuttering drum beat.

Overall, Sense is full of shiny hooks and standout moments. It's a catchy album that you will love immediately and put on repeat for some time. Now let the music do the talking. Recommended!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | VK

Temnee - Dialectics (2016)

I'm still doing some old requests. So let me take you to trip to Russia to meet these two bands, Voodoo Idol and Temnee. Let's start with the second one.

Temnee is a massive heavy psych instrumental, stoner rock band from Tver (it's located about 160 kilometers north west of Moscow).

Dialectics, Temnee's full-length debut album is a wild psych-stoner ride. The whole album is crammed full of ideas and the breadth of genres covered results in some intriguing music. It's a generally great and always entertaining mash of psychodelia, stoner rock, 70s space rock, krautrock, sweet fuzzy riffage, catchy hooks and even some hard blues based rock and roll. It's filled with tsunamis of chunky riffs, ear-splitting solos, low-end bass and groovy jams — like the soundtrack to a psychedelic drug film.

Sometimes the best releases never receive as much credit as they deserve, and this is one of them. It's an awesome fuzzy, heavy psych instrumental gem you cannot miss!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud | VK

Padres del Yermo - Demo (2016)

Ok, Christmass is over. Now back to business!

Padres del Yermo is a young, psychedelic/space/desert rock four-piece from Buenos Aires, that brings us some stunning cosmic soul-soothing jams. Their Demo was released on October 17.

The demo is the band's debut and it offers six long songs of tight, riff-fueled fuzziness filled with that wonderful Argentinian vibe of space, stoner and psychedelic rock. The cosmic and warm sound is key with this promising band. They may sing in Spanish but I'm sure their songs will speak to you anyway. Listen to La Importancia del Mito to get the perfect feel of a song you never want to stop, even though it's almost 8 minutes long. Then the heavy, drilling Fuego fatuo, which creates a heavy, somber mood that is sometimes dark and deep and then warm and relaxing. Then, the groovy, upbeat El mandato, with a dirty bassline, monotonal hypnotised vocals...

Haven't you heard enough? Just go and get a copy of their demo. It's definitely worth downloading it. Pay what you want through the Bandcamp link below.

Bandcamp | Facebook

Merry Christmas from Stoner Mountain!

I wish you and your families a merry Christmas! I hope that you're all healthy and lucky and that Santa (or Satan, I don't judge ;D) got you all the stuff you wished for.

The year is not over yet, for the next days I will review some old requests and of course there will be also a 'Best of 2016' list. So stay tuned!

Desertfest London: Saint Vitus, Wolves In The Throne Room and more confirmed!

As festival season creeps closer and closer, Desertfest London has gone ahead and announced another amazing bands to it's already killer line-up.

Enjoy an early Christmas treat from DESERTFEST LONDON, with their last announcement for this year and a dozen more bands to join the festival's lineup on April 28-30th, 2017.

Conjurers of atmospheric black metal WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM are back on the warpath and headed straight for Camden! Doom pioneers SAINT VITUS make their Desertfest London debut, with founding vocalist Scott Reagers in tow.

Not content to merely headline this year's festival with Slo Burn, stoner rock's favourite frontman brings the JOHN GARCIA BAND to Desertfest 2017. Returning sludge crust heroes SCISSORFIGHT are taking a stand on this year's Human Disease Promo/When Planets Collide Stage.

Jamming psychsters STONED JESUS will be playing a special set of their album "Seven Thunders Roar" back to back, and as if it wasn't enough, we've got brutality - from WEAR YOUR WOUNDS, EARTH SHIP and IRON WITCH - and insanity - from BACKWOODS PAYBACK and one of the UK's most exciting doom acts, MAMMOTH WEED WIZARD BASTARD.

We've also got your stoner rock covered with STEAK, your 70s worship is sorted with DEAD LORD and your psych is all over the place with PONTIAK. And the party doesn't stop with Sleep this year, as the festival invited Canadian party rock foursome CHRON GOBLIN to play us out in style at the official after party... ~ Purple Sage PR

- DESERTFEST LONDON 2017 -

28th to 30th April in Camden, London

Weekend passes (£100) available HERE

Get more infos on the Desertfest website

Follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Psychic Dose - Myrkviðr (2016)

Some of you might know these four freaks from Fort Myers, Florida from their great lo-fi retro doom debut from 2015. Psychic Dose just released their second full-length studio album, titled Myrkviðr. It's so fresh that it's still warm.

The band's sound has notably evolved since their debut album Satyrnalia. The lyrics are still influenced by paganism and fantasy, but the music is heavier, characterized by a more sinister and morbid sound; less 70's proto/traditional doom metal and more 80's doom metal/heavy metal. The production is much better and the vocals...Holy Smokes! The vocals are so fucking awesome. Singer Amanda Howell can touch your soul with her smoky powerhouse voice one minute, then completely melt your face off with passionate higher pitched vocals and harsh screams. Which reminds me of Dax Riggs's singing in the mighty Acid Bath. Enough with the vocals, because the music is equally awesome. Psychic Dose assaults you with thunderous guitar riffs, explosive bass lines, and pounding drums. There is a decent amount of variation between the songs with slower, doomy songs like Lycnthropic State, Phantoms and Fall of the Valkyrie, as well as more up-tempo stuff like Maenad and The Doom of Sarnath.

Anyway, I'd suggest this fantastic album to anyone who likes their metal with a special, more sinister edge. Although this album might feel dark, but it also provides a strange feeling of enjoyment and makes you want to get up to bang your head. Let's dance the electric Pagan Love Song!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter

BCMC - BCMC Single / EP (2016)

BCMC is a noise rock / stoner rock duo from Montevideo, Uruguay consisting of Bruno Conti on drums and Matías Cor on vocals/guitars. They just released their two-track debut record, wich can be downloaded for free from their Bandcamp.

On their first release they bring forth their South American stoner rock with a dose of punk energy, inspired by the good old Queens of the Stone Age. If you are in the mood for choppy riffs and loud pounding drums, that makes you swoon and wanna bang your head at the same time, then check these guys out. You might not understand the lyrics of BCMC, but you don't have to - the rhythm and the vocals are too catchy not to appreciate. Show them some love!

Bandcamp | Facebook

Baron Crâne - Electric Shades EP (2016)

Baron Crane is an instrumental band from Paris, France which alternates its style skilfully between jazz, noise and stoner rock to create beautiful soundscapes. They have released a new six-song EP that can be downloaded for free on Bandcamp. Make sure to check out their fantastic self-titled debut EP.

Baron Crane's music is very thoughtful, quite challenging but highly rewarding. It lurches cleverly between incredibly energetic yet memorable melodies, ambition and experimentation. Their well-received previous release proved they are one of the most creative and compelling acts in the stoner rock underground. Once again the band blends progressive rock, jazz rock, noise and stoner rock elements, casting all music boundaries aside, to create epic rhythms and nasty grooves.

Swirling with different time signatures, musical styles and rapturous energy, Baron Crane prove that genres are for the common man and that genius lies in the outliers. It might turn off some conventional rock lovers, but for those who would like to listen to creativity being tested, they will love Electric Shades. It is truly a work of art!

Bandcamp | Facebook

High Priest - Consecration EP (2016)

So far, this is one of my favourite releases of this month. Meet High Priest, four young lads from Chicago, Illinois. They couldn't have found a better way to jump into the public consciousness than Consecration, High Priest's first record in which they deploy 5 great songs.

The band combines a slow, monumental riffing attitude with heavy-psych sounds, inspired by stoner rock and doom metal. Sometimes High Priest even sounds like a doomier version of Alice In Chains. Consecration is a thrill ride from start to finish. Heavy, brooding tunes make up the entire album and each track stands out on its own. It's hard to pick a favourite, but mine is probably Alone a short, but rockin' song that has the potential to make you headbang.

You can grab this highly impressive digital debut for...free. Yep, it's a name your price download from Bandcamp. Of course, as always I strongly recommend you to donate a few dollars to the respective artist, so they can continue releasing great music.

Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Roast - Roast EP (2016)

The Los Angeles-based band recently released their first, self-titled EP. It has an awesome modern retro, heavy psych / traditional doom sound that reminds one of 1/3 Jimi Hendrix, 1/3 Pentagram and 1/3 Led Zeppelin. Damn, count me in!

It's bluesy, heavy, catchy, and full of crunchy riffs with a great bassist and fantastic drummer rocking along. Roast harkens back to the hard psychedelic rock of the late 60s and early 70s, and even early progressive rock. You simply get it all on this release: Leave Me Free is a crazy Purple Haze-esque track, Serpent shows us the doomy side of Roast and Gypsy Trip and Heavy Toll have a slower, blues-heavy feel.

If you like classic doom/blues, then this is a no-brainer. So do yourself a favour and don't waste another second, hit the buy it button, put your headphones on and float away to the sounds of Roast. You will not be disappointed!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram

Sleep Announced To Headline Desertfest London 2017

The final headliner has been announced for Desertfest London 2017, and it's Sleep! The stoner metal pioneers return to Desertfest London to headline the Roundhouse venue on Sunday 30th April, 2017. Sleep is to join acts such as Slo Burn, Candlemass, Turbonegro and Lowrider. Who would have thought just 10 years ago that this lengendary bands would be playing together.

After conquering Koko in 2015, SLEEP are back at Desertfest; this time to reign at the Roundhouse. That’s right, not only did the festival bag seminal doom legends Sleep to headline their sixth edition, but the Desertfest crowd will also be descending on the iconic Roundhouse for the whole of the Sunday.

Bands already confirmed for DESERTFEST LONDON 2017 are Turbonegro, Slo Burn (exclusive U.K. performance), Candlemass, Lowrider, Black Spiders, Samsara Blues Experiment, The Picturebooks, Satan's Satyrs, 1000Mods, Yuri Gagarin, Vodun, Pigsx7, The Well, Mammoth Storm, Stubb, Wucan, Venimous Maximus, Elephant Tree, Grave Lines...
Many other acts will be announced throughout the winter... Keep your eyes peeled! ~ Purple Sage PR

- DESERTFEST LONDON 2017 -

28th to 30th April in Camden, London

Weekend passes (£100) available HERE

Get more infos on the Desertfest website

Follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Endless Floods - II (2017)

I know December is supposed to be all about lights and happy times, but here's a band that is almost exactly the opposite. So this is the kind of thing you might like to hear on a foggy winter's day.

There are three of them, they call themselves Endless Floods and they've recorded an awesomely bleak and hard-hitting drone doom sophomore album which is sure to make waves everywhere when released on January 6. But until then you can listen to the record on their Bandcmp and on Cvlt Nation.

I discovered Endless Floods shortly after their debut album was released, but never really got into them. The sound on II is heavy, highly atmospheric, deeply dark and...really "pure", it's like these guys are playing a live jam session right in front of you. Either you love it or you hate it, and I'm starting to love it nowadays. These guys create an incredibly detailed wall of sound filled with sludge, doom, drone, ambient, noise and even some shoegaze-like elements. Mesmerizingly slow chord progressions and huge sounds create a compelling sonic landscape. But it may often surprise you with very pretty, relaxing melodies, which is a breath of fresh air after all the crushing heaviness.

Overall, this album is pretty amazing and Endless Floods is now probably one of the most unique and heavy French bands out there. This music is not for everybody, but give it a listen....it could become one of your favourite albums. Very highly recommended!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud
12" vinyl pre-order | Cassette tape pre-order

De Marvells - Dark Love Single / Video

De Marvells is a four-piece project from southern Norway inspired by Tarantino's film scores, Hawkwind, The Savage Rose, The Allman Brothers, Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. When those worlds collide and become one, magic happens. The young quartet mixes bluesy guitar shredders with a heavy amount of grit evocative of alternative rock’s golden era in the ’90s and great vocals, with amazing and highly addictive results.

Dark Love is the first single off their forthcoming debut album and it is definitely a marker of good things to come from this band.

Facebook | Instagram

Dead Witches Announce Release Date and Artwork for Debut Album, ‘Ouija’

Dead Witches have just announced that they’ll be releasing their long-awaited debut album, Ouija, on February. 10, 2017. The album will be available on Black vinyl, LTD Purple vinyl, CD and digital. With that news also comes a really cool cover art for the album, which can be viewed above.

Drummer Mark Greening (former Electric Wizard, also of Ramesses and With The Dead) and vocalist Virginia Monti (Psychedelic Witchcraft) joined forces to found the heaviest occult psych superbeast to see the light this year: DEAD WITCHES. Coming as a nice surprise for fans of the aforementioned bands and more generally, of crushing psychotropic doom, the formation of this supergroup led to the high anticipation of their debut album, which details were just revealed today. - PURPLE SAGE PR

Pre-sales start January 13th on Heavy Psych Sounds Records

Facebook | Youtube | Heavy Psych Sounds' website

Dead Witches, ‘Ouija’ Track Listing

1. Intro
2. Dead
3. Drawing Down The Moon
4. Ouija
5. Mind Funeral
6. A World of Darkness

The Legendary - Half A Devil Single / Video

It's gonna be Legen… wait for it… dary!

The Legendary from Munich is a heavy rock outfit that makes easy accessible stoner rock with the catchiness of Queens Of The Stone Age and the fun no-nonsense approach we know of Danko Jones.

The German Rock 'n' Rollers have premiered the official video for the new single Half A Devil from their upcoming album Let’s Get A Little High, which will be released in January 2017.

Website | Bandcamp |Facebook

Breaking News - Slo Burn Announces Reunion / Desertfest London 2017

I've got some wonderful news for you. Are you ready for this? Slo Burn will reunite next year for Desertfest London. That’s right, fucking Slo Burn! Could there be any better news for my 200th post?

What better place for a SLO BURN reunion than DESERTFEST LONDON, folks? The legendary desert rock unit fronted by none other than the master himself – John Garcia – is set to ravish all desert and stoner rock fans from the outset with a one-off performance in Camden this April.

It's been twenty years since John Garcia's desert rock supergroup SLO BURN released their unique album "Amusing The Amazing", leaving the whole stoner rock scene gambling on a plausible return.

After previously welcoming John Garcia's Unida, DESERTFEST LONDON is now more than honored to host another Palm Desert cornerstone act in Camden. The reunion lineup will comprise John Garcia on vocals, Damon Garrison, Erickson Houghton and Chris Hale, whom will perform their all-time classics "Pilot The Dune", "July", "Muezli", as well as songs taken off the Kyuss catalog.

Other bands announced include headliners Turbonegro, but also Candlemass, Lowrider, Samsara Blues Experiment, Black Spiders, Satan's Satyrs, The Picturebooks, 1000Mods, and dozens more to be confirmed.

- DESERTFEST LONDON 2017 -

28th to 30th April in Camden, London

Weekend passes (£100) available HERE

Get more infos on the Desertfest website

Follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Fudge Tunnel - Creep Diets (1993)

Fudge Tunnel, the evil twin of Nirvana, never got enough recognition in my opinion. Their frontman Alex Newport (he was also in Nailbomb) is now a quite successful music producer. Either way, I think you should be pleased with this one.

Getting a full major-label deal didn't affect Fudge Tunnel any in terms of what they did -- Newport still handled production and so forth -- but whichever Sony executive figured they had a radio hit on their hands was probably on some expensive crack. The tight, stop-start riffs and screamed, shouted vocals probably meant visions of Helmet's success danced in the accountant's heads, but MTV didn't come calling. Regardless, for those already taken by the trio's blunt, brute way around metal, Creep Diets maybe had a calmer moment or two in comparison to Hate Songs, but otherwise cranked up the volume and sought to take no prisoners.

Opening track "Grey" gave a hint as to proceedings -- while most of the time it alternated between bass/drums/vocals verses and a crisp full band punch on the chorus, any accusations of Nirvana wannabe status were shredded by the massive go-to-hell solo pasted right in the middle. From there, the trio makes its way, and while things do sound great throughout, songwise there's not much variety -- hasn't hurt a lot of bands, perhaps, but in the end most listeners would want some sort of break. As a result, when Fudge Tunnel does try something different, it stands out -- the key song being "Don't Have Time for You." Smack dab in the middle of the album, it's a lazier lope of a song that still fits into the Fudge Tunnel approach (semi-buried vocals, upfront bass) that works despite not immediately beating in skulls, even with the fried ending. Jazzy drum fills on "Ten Percent" and the apparently Smashing Pumpkins-quoting "Face Down" give other hints of testing bounds. There's a definite sense of humor at play in any event -- why else name a particularly messy number "Tipper Gore"? - AllMusic

The Cyclist Conspiracy - Virility (Video)

The Cyclist Conspiracy annouce their second EP and share the new video!

Belgrade pscyhedelic rock 10-piece The Cyclist Conspiracy share their video for “Virility” and announce the release of their second EP. “Mashallan Plan: Virility” brings 5 brilliant, psychedelic pieces flirting with various range of genres - from heavy metal and krautrock, through traditional and world music to experimental and film music – weaving an epic story about the “quest for true spirituality in the End Times”.

The EP will be released by the British label Trashmouth (The Fat White Family, Meatraffle, Warmduscher) on December 9 and the chapter of “Mashallah Plan” will be closed during the 2017 with the sister EP “Mashallah Plan: Simurghbird”. The video was made by Serbian filmmakers Stefan Malešević and Bojan Vorkapić. You can pre-order the new EP here: Bandcamp - info from the band

Purple Kong - Purple Kong EP (2016)

Purple Kong's self-titled three-track, debut EP is possibly my favourite three-track EP, since...Major Kong's Brave New Kong. Coincidence? Yeah, probably. You can download their EP for free via their Bandcamp page. Of course, I encourage you to pay a couple bucks to support the band.

Purple Kong is a stoner doom power trio, hailing from London's underground metal scene. With heavy drums, crushing guitar riffs, thumping low bass, clean powerful vocals and lyrics as dark as their sound, I believe they'll soon get a lot more attention. Their music is heavily influenced by Black Sabbath and Sleep, a wild rampage of 70s proto-metal guitar riffs and distortions. All songs have this awesome Sleep's Sonic Titan vibe. Especially the song Cocaine Pentagram, which is definitely one of my favourite tracks of the year.

Their debut EP is not to be missed. Great stuff created in a classic vein. I hope they make a full-length album soon because I want more!

Bandcamp | Facebook

Winter Moon - Hearts and Hands EP (2016)

If Winter Moon's sophomore EP was a hot pair of shoes, then I would say - Damn, Daniel. If that's a bit too metaphoric for you (it's even a bit too much for me), let me put it this way. It just blew me away. But if you've heard their previous EP, then you already know that these New Zealanders and Aussies kick some serious ass!

Yes, it's another female-fronted retro rock, but they have a unique and refreshing style that will appeal to a broad range of tastes. I just love how Winter Moon transcends many classic rock genres like blues rock, psych-rock, hard rock and it still sounds modern. There's nothing here that's in your face, or pretentious. What is here are clean riffs and toe-tappin' tunes; all furnished and delivered as laid-back and as relaxed as a cat in a pile of warm laundry. The songwriting is taut, soaring and shows how a real band crafts their tunes once the writer has penned the initial song. The musicianship is at a high level. Each song is haunting in its own way with the guitars wailing, drums banging, keyboards conjuring melodies and soulful powerhouse vocals. There are no songs that one would want to skip. Every song is at least really great, catchy and well-crafted. This is a rare feat for an entire album, no matter the musical genre.

Overall, I find this album to be a wonderful time machine to a simpler era. Hearts and Hands is one of those records that will stand the test of time. An album that is definitely worth the money. Anyone who likes the blues with an upbeat sound has to listen to this. You won't be disappointed!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud
Instagram | Twitter

Creep Purple - A new website to remember!

Creep Purple is a really cool website created by Paulius Plytnikas that you can check anytime to see a huge list of record labels and mailorders which are concentrated to psych/stoner rock and doom/sludge metal from all over the world. The site also promote places where people can buy merch directly from the bands. If you want your band or record label/shop to be linked there, just contact Paulius and he will include it to Creep Purple. No charges whatsoever, this man has a mission to help the bands and labels.

P.S. I've added a new section to Stoner Mountain called Links (I'm so creative with names). It's a collection of links to blogs/websites/youtube channels/record labels etc. that I enjoy and think that you might like as well.

Dead Witches - Mind Funeral Video

Dead Witches is a brand new doom metal project, which features Psychedelic Witchcraft frontwoman Virginia Monti and Electric Wizard’s Mark Greening. Finally after some mysterious teasers, the band surprised us with a full song. Here is the Video for Mind Funeral, a track from Dead Witches upcoming debut album.

Mind Funeral is a slow plodding heavy as hell song. It has a good groove and powerful presence, from the ethereal and spacey vocals to the raw guitar riffs and bass line, not to mention the drums' ability to make you want to bang your head. Would love to hear more!

Facebook | Youtube

Black Prism - Eye For An Eye Single (2016)

Here's a cool freebie from Black Prism, a heavy stoner rock band from Los Angeles. Check out the Bandcamp link below to get your copy.

Eye For An Eye is only the band's second single and it left me quite impressed. Great guitar work that assaults your ears; pounding, thunderous bass and big drums. With vocals that are both bizarre and addictive. Early Stonebride instantly came to mind, but be sure to listen and make your own opinion.

Not too hard, not too soft, just right. I really enjoyed this. Keep watching this band, they will no doubt make a mark someday. Get on board now before your friends are barking at you about it in a few months.

Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud

GRASS - Evil Wife Video

Last year, the Spanish stoner rock band GRASS released their debut album Rosamonte. An album filled with funky bass lines and sweet guitar riffs. Their overall sound somewhat reminded me of Clutch. Nothing too groundbreaking, but who gives a damn when it rocks this hard? Definitely worth checking out.

Now GRASS released its debut music video for the song Evil Wife, filmed under the direction of Oriol Perez Alcaraz. Give it a watch!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Big Cartel

Possessor - Revenge Single (2016)

There's one magical, haunted evening each year when all the scary creatures come out to prowl through every neighborhood.

Trick or treat? Nah, just kidding. No tricks! Here' s a fine little treat from Possessor, a two track Single recorded specially for Halloween. Of course it's free to download from their Bandcamp.

Revenge, the first track is a total metal assault with razor-sharp riffs, a couple of tempo shifts and a nice guitar solo. It's really thrashy. I'm listening to this song and banging my head! Possibly my favorite Possessor song ever.
The second song - The Foreboding is a slow, atmospheric instrumental song, with some cool tribal-like drumming. Good enough to put anyone in a hypnotic trance.

All in all, an excellent Halloween gift. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and download it!

P.S. Check out Possessor's last album - Dead By Dawn

Bandcamp | Facebook

Heavy Traffic - Rule of Nines / Medicated Bed Single (2016)

The Brooklyn based vintage psychedelic doom rockers from Heavy Traffic just signed with Twin Earth Records (BTW check out the band Haunted from this label) and here's a preview of their next album. Is it a Single or EP? I don't know, call it whatever you like.

Heavy Traffic is a good combination of loud psychedelic rock and doomy rhythms, following in the footsteps of bands like Witch, Winters and Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats. I can also hear small traces of the group’s influence on early ’90s British shoegazing bands like My Bloody Valentine (or it could be just my imagination). The guitar is overdriven and fuzzed-out, the bass and drums pound frantically and it's all captured in great lo-fi production. The singer has a fairly androgynous high-pitched voice, something eerie, yet very enjoyable. They definitely got my attention with this two song Single, now I really want to hear the whole thing.

Basically, some kick-ass psychedelic grooves on here, definitely worth checking out! If you have not been exposed to Heavy Traffic's earlier work, then this is the place to start. If you like those songs a lot then delve a little further back and get the rest of their records!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Website

Blackdust - Blackdust (2016)

Brazilian football might be lately not as good as it was years ago, but the music is still world class. Here's a new awesome band from São Paulo and their self-titled debut album, that I discovered just two days ago. Since then I listen to this album at the higher volume and I'm fully anticipating the neighbours knocking on the door wondering what the hell is going on.

I can't even begin to describe how great this record is. This album is short, but gives you enough fun to where it doesn't matter on the length. Not one song on this album is below exceptional, there's no filler. Basically, it's energetic and bluesy retro rock. It has a lot of catchy guitar riffs, cool guitar licks, wild solo's, an impassioned singer with a lot of soul and the quality of the sound is great. You get the feeling that you've heard it all before, but soon realise this is brand new hard driving blues rock. In some ways, Blackdust reminds me of Wolfmother. It's not exactly the same sound, but there certainly is a similar vibe.

It's an excellent piece of work. If you like rock, if you like big riffs and pounding drums - Blackdust is for you. Get it, put it on at your next party and Rock and Roll all night long! I'm sure everybody will love it!

Oh, and did mention it's available as a free "name your price" download on their Bandcamp?

Bandcamp | Facebook | Website | Soundcloud
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Nyctophiliac - Dark Side Of The Mental (2016)

And now for something completely different. Well, not really, because it's dark jazz time again! And dark jazz is a big part of Stoner Mountain. But I must admit that Nyctophiliac is a bit different. I'm glad to have found it on Bandcamp.

Nyctophiliac is a solo project hailing from Skopje, Macedonia. Dark Side Of The Mental (his full-length debut album) is a musical puzzle consisting of all various types of music (hip-hop, trip-hop, jazz, electronica and of course dark jazz). It's almost entirely instrumental with some sampled vocals in a couple of tracks. The album is full of different sounds, samples, slow vibrating bass lines, laid back jazz sax, hip-hop breakbeats and loops. All fused into one seamless, seductive sound, heavily inspired by Angelo Badalamenti, David Lynch and Dale Cooper Quartet & the Dictaphones. My only complaints - there are 16 tracks on the album and not every song here is quite that good, three or four of the numbers probably could have been dispensed with. But the entire album is very good over all, great late night driving music.

A superb start to his career - well thought out, well crafted. A hint of the great things to come. I recommend this album not only for all lovers of dark jazz, but just for anyone who is into music. Dark Side Of The Mental might be the best place to start with the genre, as Nyctophiliac is closer to hip-hop and trip-hop than other dark jazz artists, which make it easier to listen to.

Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud

Comacozer – Astra Planeta (2016)

The Aussies from Comacozer got together in the summer of 2013 to do some heavy rocking and space jamming. After releasing several EPs, they finally brought out their first studio album Astra Planeta, a name that fits perfectly with its sound.

Their instrumental five track debut album was recorded in January 2016 and released on August 13 through Headspin Records. The record is mostly filled with subtile cosmic melodies, wonderful dreamy guitars and contemplating psychedelics, but they know exactly when to switch over to heavier tones. It starts out as a highly atmospheric and beautiful blend of sounds, with memorable melodies that slowly transforms into something more doom orientated. Especially the last song, Hypnotized by Apophis is an experience you won't soon forget. I surely won’t, it stuck in my head for good. Every note is considered and played with care and a sense of craft. The more you listen to it, the more it falls into place and traps you under its spell.

From beginning to end, it truly is a fantastic work and leaves the listener satisfied. Get this album. Stare at the mythic cover, then insert the disc into the player of your choice and enjoy the astral trip.

Thanks to Andrew & the rest of the band for this wonderful contribution!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

Mindkult - Witch's Oath EP (2016)

Checking out some requests that flew under my radar last month, this one instantly amazed me. Witch's Oath, Mindkult's debut EP is the solo effort of a talented musician known as Fowst. Which makes it even more amazing. This is some heavy psyched out vintage doom, made somewhere in Virginia, USA. Where exactly? I don't know, there is some mystery behind Fowst.

Mindkult's debut is a seamless combination of the old and new. It combines heavy doom riffs with the mellower, atmospheric soundscapes of shoegaze; and surprisingly clean vocals. Melancholic yet energetic and melodic. Still, Fowst managed to create a different sound on every song. As I mentioned, the whole album is performed by one person: guitars, bass, drums, and vocals - all Fowst. The heavy guitars produce a thick wall of sound and the background music is also very good. The sound quality on the album is not particularly amazing for what it could have been. But I really like the raw, lo-fi sound. I think it gives some character to all of it. Its like it was recorded in a garage type atmosphere.

This is another great doom project from the underground that cannot be missed. As far as debuts go, this one is a good starting point. I'm curious what Fowst has in store for us in the future. Now let the music do the talking, just check this album out. You should not be disappointed.

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

Grajo - Grajo (2016)

Speaking of killer albums, here is another great hidden gem fronted by a woman with a fascinating and beautiful voice! Grajo is a Space/Stoner/Doom band from Córdoba, Spain. Their debut album came out in May, but I discovered it just two weeks ago. If you guys already knew it... Why didn't you tell me before!?

These guys have a really groovy Saint Vitus-esque vibe around their sound. Combine this with mountainous riffs and you're in for a ten-ton trip. Yes, it's heavy, but very melodic at the same time, with mesmerising dreamy vocals. A perfect combination, very refreshing. Trust me, you'll get addicted in no time. My favourite songs on this album are Magic Eye, Feeding Our Demons and I Am The Sea Still, but you can't go wrong with all the mighty jams on here.

Superb album by a great new band. I would highly recommend this album to every doom fan out there. Very easy to listen from start to finish. This is just another 2016 favourite of mine. In constant rotation in my home!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud

Haunted - Haunted (2016)

WOW! A massive, killer album. Yep, I've said it. This is exactly how I want to start this review and what are you gonna do about it? From a beautiful city called Catania in Italy comes Haunted, a heavy five-piece, doom metal band. Their self-titled debut album was just released at the turn of August/September through Twin Earth Records, so it is still fresh. I've found a new band to obsess over and obsess I shall.

I just started listening to Haunted and I was immediately blown away. Think of it as Electric Wizard teaming up with Pentagram adding female vocals, a dark, doomy sound played in a funky, rockin' psychedelic way. I'm just addicted to their overall sound and the catchiness of each of their songs. From the hauntingly beautiful vocals to the monolithic riffs. This is exactly how we want all of our records to sound like. The buildup on this album is amazing, not just in the songs themselves or the song lengths, but the entire record. Absolutely great tunes.

I think this is currently one of Italy's finest offerings if you're looking for stoner doom jams. Adding this to the 2016 biggest surprises from the underground! An essential newcomer, highly recommended. Don't take my word for it, just get this album and play it loud!

Twin Earth Records Bandcamp | Facebook | Band's Bandcamp

The Vibes - Fuck The Vibes (2016)

A fine request for all you stoner punks out there. The Vibes is a four-piece band from San Salvador, El Salvador. They released their first album, Fuck The Vibes in August. And it's still available as a free Bandcamp download, so get this album and give these guys a listen!

The Vibes are combining crazy garage punk rock with energetic stoner rock and just good fucking rock and roll in general. It's not the most sophisticated sound in the world, but it is raw passion and pure love for music that propels this album to sheer heights. The album will stay in your head for days because it's so catchy. But it is really short. Around twenty-five minutes in total for eleven tracks, with most barely passing the 2-minute mark. The band decided to record almost the entire album in Spanish, that's a nice, little break from all the bands singing in English...Solid, catchy and straightforward.

There's nothing revolutionary about Fuck The Vibes, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. Because I highly enjoyed this album, and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for something loud to crank up while you turn off your brain for a bit, this is a good choice!

Bandcamp | Facebook

Never Before - King of Worms (2016)

Ok, we are still in Beijing, China. So now I want to introduce you to the next band from that city. Nevere Before is a stoner/doom metal band and it's also a debut album this time.

King of Worms is a great album on which this band showcases their Down inspired sound in a beautiful way. You can also hear some Corrosion of Comformity and Church of Misery influences. Bluesy sludge riffage and solid grooves. A more uptempo, crossover style of sludge, doom and stoner metal. These guys are really tapped into their collective talent. They sound tight, but still make it come off like a it's a great jam session. I would recommend this album to anyone who is looking for a more versatile and clean sound in the genre. Also if you like your sludge to be more than just riffs being dragged through a swamp.

For Never Before, a rising band in the genre, their debut is one that definitely succeeds. And the more you listen the better it gets. Get this now and play it damn loud!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

Electric Lady - Queen Of Electricity And Her Coming Kingdom (2016)

Another month, another review. Let me present you some bands from more exotic places. Of course exotic from my European point of view. So no offense please.

Electric Lady is a retro rock band from Beijing, China...Wait, what? From China? Yeah, from China! Did you think there is no retro rock in China, huh? There is and it's pretty fucking good. Queen Of Electricity And Her Coming Kingdom is their debut album and it was released in January this year.

The band salutes to the early 70's and groups like Sir Lord Baltimore (there is a nice SLB cover on the album), Blue Cheer, Cream, Atomic Rooster, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Black Sabbath etc. This is female-fronted retro at it's most vintage. Already the first song grabs you immediately and takes the listener on a colourful trip of fuzz, psychedelic and hard rock. Great vocal stylings that recall the era too. Overall, the album has a classic rock feel that can't be faulted. From the sound to the atmosphere and production; everything just fits.

Another hidden gem in the world of retro rock. It may not be anything life-altering, mind-blowing, or Earth-shattering, but regardless, it is a very, thoroughly solid and enjoyable record from a promising young group. But if you've got an appreciation for old school heaviness or just dig good, solid heavy rock n' roll, Electric Lady is a must-have. I look forward to future release from this band.

Bandcamp | Facebook | Youtube

Major Kong - Brave New Kong (2016)

It's about time to present you a release from my country. Just ten months after their last Ep, Major Kong from Lublin is back with another EP. It came out almost a month ago, but I finally got to hear this gem.

Major Kong offers a fully instrumental cosmic trip into bulky stoner metal. Throughout the 13 minutes that is Brave New World, the band manages to create a highly listenable trip. Delivering 3 tracks filled with thick, fuzzy doom drenched in cloudy psychedelica. These guys throw out some crushing riffs, massive grooves and hard hitting drumwork while staying really dynamic in their own distinct way. The tracks are well-written and the overall sound is everything what you could wish for.

Their sound is one big epic adventure, listen without distraction from start to finish. Overwhelming, atmospheric & highly immersive. Currently one of the most heavy Polish bands out there. I can't wait for a full-length album with the same vibe.

Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud
Big Cartel | 8Merch

Possessor - Dead By Dawn (2016)

Possessor is an unholy 3 piece from the UK. Dead By Dawn is their second full-length album. It was released in July and is still available as limited edition cassette. How cool is that? They are offering these tapes for 6 pounds. Check the bandcamp link below.

Possessor is a band that blends many influences from the past & present. From the classic Sabbathian and Pentagram grooves, to the massive Electric Wizard riffage and Melvins craziness. With a bit of oldschool death metal and a touch of the first and second wave of black metal. I even hope that their next album will have more black metal influences. Last but not least, the 80's thrash metal high-speed. Yes, it's fast, thrashy, pounding and heavy while maintaining a somewhat distinctive personality through the sound. Of course you can't forget all the horror films inspirations. Just to mention one. The album title is obviously referring to Evil Dead 2 (aka the best movie ever made). But every more experienced horror fanatic will quickly notice all of them.

All in all, an excellent slab of heavy metal with more than enough to keep even the most discerning listener engaged for countless listens. I know I’ll certainly be revisiting this one over and over again.

Bandcamp | Facebook

She Beast - III EP (2016)

Remember She Beast, heavy sludge/doom band from Melbourn, Australia? I've written about their previous EP Felch just last month and the guys are coming right back with a new EP. Now that's what I call a busy band. With the release of their follow up, III She Beast once again take you on a trip you won’t soon forget. Playing the old school sludge metal vibes like we love 'em. This is the kind of music you want to play on maximum volumes. Solid stuff coming from the sleazy underground.

Bandcamp | Facebook

Dax Riggs - Three Live Shows

I think it's time to post again something you can download. Since Dax (Acid Bath, Agents of Oblivion, Deadboy & the Elephantmen) is one of my favorite artists of all time, I would like to present to you this three, marvelous Dax Riggs concerts. Two acoustic, solo shows from 2003 and a show with his band from June 2007. I would say the quality is pretty is good. I hope you'll enjoy it.

Dax's Website | Facebook

The Re-Stoned - Reptiles Return (2016)

The Re-Stoned is an instrumental trio hailing from Moscow, Russia. Lead by guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Ilya Lipkin (Rushus, A Foggy Realm, Waldsonne). For around eight years now the three gentlemen have been making a name for themselves.

This band creates a unique sound, influenced by all the pages of the stoner, psychedelic, space catalogue. They're also exploring the depths of prog, acid and blues rock. I was instantly pleased by a sea of fuzzy, psychedelic vibes. This is not necessarily heavy music, but it packs a punch in the first few songs. Considering the genre, The Re-Stoned definitely stands it's ground in terms of musical creativity. Most of all Lipkin shows he is a great writer and composer.

Mighty fine album from one of the most promising instrumental bands I layed my ears on this year. You can't go wrong with all the great jams on here!

Bandcamp | Facebook

Thermate - Off to Hades (2016)

Thermate is a fresh five-piece band from the Finnish lake region, the city of Kuopio, to be precise.
"Off to Hades" is the band's first official EP; which feature four tasty songs, where the guys are paying homage to the seventies hard rock and the nineties stoner rock. That's always a good combination to start with. Just think of something between Graveyard, Radio Moscow and Dozer. Heavy rock with catchy melodies, parts of dry heat stoner and classic metal give all this that extra boost.
If you love organic desert jams with a touch of blues, Thermate should be a no-brainer. A fuzzy, dusty gem worth checking out!

Bandcamp | Facebook | Souncloud | Youtube