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Crank this to 9.4 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2022 Genre: Hard rock, Post-rock, Doom Sounds Like: Arenna, Failure, Chevelle Homeland: Seattle, Washington Album Overview Debut album blends ambient landscapes with heavy post rock/doom Sprawling expansive sound that lift your spirits The trio possess a unique chemistry that unveils an impressive 9 track journey with majestic visions Drudging deep fretwork acutely melded with tight bass-work provide post-rock elements Wildly impressed by the vision and overall feeling this album delivers Rob Smith (former Traindodge member) provides some incredible and unique percussive angles Not a bad track throughout. Drug School’s melodic fretwork and unique harmonies make for a wild ride with wonderful contrast and calming breakdowns Cover art by Eric Fisher (“A Hope”) Track Listing: 1. Organelle (3:48) 2. Waves (3:10) 3. Cal (5:48) 4. Soft Openings (3:25) 5. Drug School (5:14) 6. How Everybody Dies (5:05) 7. Dethenger (4:43) 8. Bad Electricity (4:53) 9. Sirens (6:39) Standout Track(s) Drug School This track contains uplifting vocal harmonies on top of progressive Post-doom arrangements. A brilliant tune with great percussion the cranked. Brew Pairing Holy Mountain Brewing located on Elliot Ave in Seattle has a tremendous selection of beers. We highly recommend ’Spirit Crusher’ to accompany the majestic sound of Museum of Light. The 8.5% double IPA is brewed with two row, pilsner , malted oats, flaked barley and a touch of sugar, citra, mosaic, simcoe added to the kettle. Dry-hopped and has a big fluffy body with intense tropical and stone fruit aromas and flavors. Museum of Light are: Ted Alvarez - Guitar, vocals Rob Smith - Drums Travis Dueness - Bass, etc. Follow Museum of Light: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 9.4 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2006 Genre: Math rock Sounds Like: At The Drive In, The Mars Volta, These Arms Are Snakes Homeland: Ontario Album Overview Where the hell have we been and how the fuck did we miss this one all these years? Ok granted they apparently have a previous full length and we can only find a public group with 3 likes on FaceBook addressing the band, but damn these are six brilliant tracks. Back in the math rock heyday this EP would have shined through the likes of Drive Like Jehu and At the Drive In. Ok... lets back-up, the band is For The Mathematics hailing from Ontario, Canada and this is a must purchase for math rock aficionados. What makes We Impend so incredible is amongst the organized chaos, the vocal production is amazingly clear. Quite often such harsh vocals would lose fidelity and distinction but the production on this EP is absolutely insane. We Impend is jam packed with math rock prowess and melodies that will send chills down your spine. Why For the Mathematics broke up in 2008 is beyond us. Bottom line is we miss the heyday of this genre and For The Mechanics were gravely overlooked. Buy this six track wonder and you will not be disappointed. Track Listing: 1. This Transient 2. A Versus 3. Apparatchik 4. Meta 5. Term Satiety 6. We Impend Track Breakdown This Transient: Clearly the heaviest and most chaotic track on the album. Don't worry your ears will adjust and if you get the math rock genre, you should quickly perk up. "I want you to hurt like I do" penetrates rings home. The spastic melodies work to perfection. A Versus: Maddening lyrics and very distraught vocals fuel this splendid track. Love the change-ups and solid percussion work. The angst and sadness displayed in the lead vocals during "A Versus" is quite impactful. Apparatchik: Throughout the EP we hear definitive influences from At The Drive-In's Cedric Bixler-Zavala, perhaps most apparent on this track. Unlike the Mars Volta who can go way off course and lose us at times, this track exemplifies how tight For The Mathematics is. Very difficult to pull of the description of "tight" when you are in the math rock genre, yet they find away to pull it off. Meta: Robb Barnes' vocal range on this track is otherworldly. Check-out the high octaves being hit here. Be assured we will do what we can to obtain more information about what Robb Barnes has done in the future. Our first attempts have come up short, but we press on. Term Satiety: This one will take perhaps four or five listens to assimilate the chaos and offbeat rhythms. Wild bass rhythms come to the surface after you give this one a gander. Oh the complexity on this track! We Impend: The title track brings things down a notch allowing the intensity in our eardrums to recover. Love the harmonies on this track and it is a very intelligent closer. Sharp and abrupt ending makes for only one reaction after listening through all six tracks... wow, these fuckers were good. Brew Pairing Grab some Hopsters IPA from Bench Brewing in Canada. This 6.8% hazy IPA is crisp with flavors of citrus which makes for a good pairing with Turned To Stone. For The Mathematics are: Robb Barnes - Vocals, Guitar Clayton Fisher - Guitar Nate Mason - Guitar, Vox, Keys Liam Jaeger - Bass Mike Desroches - Drums Follow For The Mathematics: Bandcamp

Crank this to 9.8 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2022 Genre: Stoner rock Sounds Like: Los Natas, Truckfighters, Arenna Homeland: Santiago, Chile Album Overview The stoner rock juggernauts from Santiago, Chile return with yet another blissfully heavy fuzzed album Low Melodies About Chaos is loaded with hypnotic bouncing rhythms and psychedelic jams The vocals are in typical Demonauta fashion, low toned and a bit echoed What we love about Demonautas' sound is their ability to capture that 90s stoner rock feel while staying fresh Track Listing: 1. Tinto 3:36 2. Ashes 7:08 3. Evil Minds 4:20 4. Garbage Breeder 4:03 5. Wardenclyffe 3:29 6. Astral Traveler 6:42 7. Jupiter's Moons 6:13 8. Nobody Cares 3:16 9. Through the Cumulonimbus 6:28 Standout Track(s) Evil Minds Classic Demonauta stoner rock bouncy rythem ensues with echoed and distorted vocals. Brew Pairing Not Totally Evil by Wisconsin's The Brewing Projekt. This 7.8% Dopplebock tastes of caramel and toasted bread with a hint of honey. It's a smooth, malty and somewhat sweet. A nice pairing with Demonauta. Demonauta are: David Véliz Molina, Guitar/Vocals Miguel Q. Zagal, Bass/Vocals Alejandro Sanhueza de la Fuente, Drums Follow Demonauta: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 9.6 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2022 Genre: Post-hardcore, Mathcore Sounds Like: Dillinger Escape Plan, Norma Jean, Venom Prison Homeland: UK Album Overview Rolo Tomassi have an established underground mathcore following after a few releases that will challenge bands like Dillinger Escape Plan or Botch The latest effort by the UK/New Jersey mathcore quartet shows tremendous growth and maturity with the ability to expand their signature sound into areas of shoegaze and progressive metal Where Myth Meets Memory is a bold and confident album with an abundance of textured progressive soundscapes; It's both dark and uplifting The contrast is absolutely stunning on this album as it balances from moments of comforting piano driven structures to classic Rolo Tomassi crushing mathcore Vocalist Eva Korman is at the top of her game and is becoming one of the more established female metal singers of our time. Her contrasting style is sensually soft, than hits you hits with the powerful mathcore scream Track Listing: 1. Almost Always 6:30 2. Cloaked 3:54 3. Mutual Ruin 5:14 4. Labyrinthine 3:26 5. Closer 5:15 6. Drip 5:50 7. Prescience 4:54 8. Stumbling 2:50 9. To Resist Forgetting 4:04 10. The End Of Eternity 6:12 Standout Track(s) Drip This stellar track flows beautifully between mathcore and Post-rock. Eva's vocals are desperate and soft. Some of the best contrast to be found on this album. Prescience This one will get your blood pumping. The riff is tight and the rhythm is downright addictive. The percussion is heavy and the keys in the background provide more welcome contrast. The last minute takes a slight turn towards what sounds like mathcore doom, it's a brilliant turn of events. Brew Pairing The Substance IPA by Bissell Brothers Brewing in Maine is a great pairing with Where Myth Becomes Memory. This 6.6% hazy IPA has a nice crisp texture with a bit of citrus flavor. Rolo Tomassi are: Eva Korman – Lead vocals James Spence – Backing vocals, keyboards, piano, synthesizers Chris Cayford – Guitar Nathan Fairweather – Bass Al Pott – Drums Follow Rolo Tomassi: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 10.5 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Doom, Shamanic doom Sounds Like: Monolord, OM, Ocean Homeland: Lausanne, Switzerland Album Overview Black Willows hit new heights with their third full-length Shemurah Over 78 minutes of all-encompassing Shamanic doom Crafting dark angles into absolutely beautiful visions The furthest thing from ‘in your face’ doom, rather this surrounds your senses with layers of absolute briliance True purveyors of their craft. This trio deliver a unique vision and soundtrack of the senses Even the fucking interludes are involved and absorbing. The antithesis of “filler” Cavernous vocals utilized in a dynamic way as a complimentary instrument throughout Track Breakdown: 1. Communion (19:33) An epic opener going against the grain. Too many majestic moving parts to describe. 2. Interlude 1 (2:24) An absolute misnomer. Lyrics and wonderful contrast make for 2 minutes of engaging bliss. 3. Ascent (18:06) Cathartic brilliance. All-consuming melodic genius. Grinding fretwork bleeds into a march of the titans. 4. Interlude II (3:39) Love the formula with these involved thought-provoking “interludes” 5. Blindness (10:51) Most poignant of the lot. Beautiful tones and build-up 6. Anhihilated (8:07) Standout Track This track will wrap you up in its cocoon of battlefront visions and onslaught from all angles. 7. Anathem (10:57) Splashes of whirling psychedelic relaxation accompanied by some wondrous build-up. 8. Aphorism (6:13) A beautiful exit with ominous piano and a heartfelt close. Brew Pairing To match the wonders of Shemurah we cannot go elsewhere than Massachusetts own Treehouse Brewing. Renown as perhaps the best beer in the world we would strongly recommend sipping on their double IPA release - Perfect Storm. At 8% ABV, Perfect Storm is absurdly hopped featuring boatloads of Simcoe & Citra hops, perfect storm pours a glowing orange in the glass and carries flavors and aromas of earthy citrus, cantaloupe, papaya, and strawberry banana. This one will evolve beautifully in the can with time and reveal layers of additional complexity through cold conditioning. Consuming a four pack of this during the 78 minutes of Black Willows vision is what we call a damn fucking good use of time. Black Willows are: Aleister Crowley - Guitar and Vocals Sacha Ruffieux - Bass Erik Dettori - Drums and Piano Follow Black Willows: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 10.5 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Drone rock, Minimalist doom Sounds Like: Boris, PJ Harvey, Sun O))) Homeland: Montreal, Canada Album Overview The trio from Montreal deliver 38 minutes of apocalyptic genius A dark journey that will reinvent itself for you with each listen Powerful steady chords set the backdrop to one of this year’s most innovative musical creations Layers of thick rich bludgeoning fretwork brought to majestic life by Robin Wattie’s vocal prowess The density of the fuzz is oddly cathartic and makes your mind wander, escaping reality for a moment Bjork trapped in a cavernous underworld A sheerly unique experience and ‘must have’ to diversify your music library A disturbingly beautiful album Track Breakdown: 1. Abating the Incarnation of Matter (7:22) Ohh the simplicity in those guitar chords just bolster the gut-wrenching pipes of Wattie. 2. Half Breed (8:08) Swirling fretwork with spiraling vocal despair. 3. Wited, Still and All… (4:22) Creeping interlude that will grow on you each listen. 4. Of This Ilk (9:36) Perhaps the thickest to digest of the lot, brooding brilliance. 5. Vital (9:08) Hang on for this wild ride. So many dark turns with a jaw-dropping conclusion. Brew Pairing Match the sonic simplistic brilliance of Vital with Yakima IPA from Microbrasserie Le Castor. At 6.5% ABV This IPA uses hops grown east of the Cascade Mountains, capturing the aroma and flavors of the rustic land. Rich hoppy notes pour into orange bliss with flavorful piney tones of pineapple and grapefruit. Well balanced and crisp perfect for Big | Brave’s vision. Big|Brave are: Robin Wattie - Guitar, Vocals Mathieu Bernard Ball - Guitar Tasy Hudson (Consilience) - Drums Follow Big|Brave: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 9.2 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Instrumental, Experimental, Psychedelic Rock Sounds Like: Nectar, Gong, Ecstatic Vision Homeland: Denmark Album Overview Take a retroactive acid laced trip with the 70s influenced psychedelic crew from Copenhagen. The band’s sixth release features an outpouring of 1970s influences from Atomic Rooster to Focus Their latest album hits deeper experimental tangents that will absolutely absorb your intellect Groove laden fuzz dispersed amongst some very deeply rooted jazz-infused sax. Cosmic outbursts morphing in to otherworldly jams with wild harmonies Among Europe's finest purveyors of psychedelic music, bridging the gap between heavy riff worshipping and expansive, free jazz-tinged experimentation 2018’s introduction of Soren Skov on sax changed the band’s dynamic immensely. He shines on the band’s latest Wildfire Track Breakdown: 1. Maelstrom (10:36) Standout Track Sax infusion whisks us back to the day, infectious tangents 2. Olympia (11:21) Majestic brilliance and a whirlwind of euphoric vision 3. Landfall (6:04) A bit more modern tilt with Santana’s like clarity 4. Redwood Grove (6:38) Melodies blend with ‘Going Up’ feels like one seamless track 5. Going Up (9:01) ff Brew Pairing At 7.3 ABV grab one of Denmark’s best Pilsner - Imperial / Double in Giraf Beer (Red). Blissful and smooth the perfect match to Wildfire’s involved journey. Majestic Sunship are: Rasmus Cleve Christensen - Bass Frederik Denning - Drums Emil Thorenfeldt - Guitar Kasper Stougaard Andersen - Guitar Soren Skov - Saxophone Follow Majestic Sunship: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 9.2 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Sludge Metal Sounds Like: Black Tusk, Down Homeland: Salem, Massachusetts Album Overview Hailing from the capital that encapsulates the end of the harvest season eight tracks loaded with Hallow’s Eve in mind Luca’s vocals are gritty, dark and captivating. Brilliant intensity throughout The sophomore release hits new layers of darker imagery and intensity. Dramatic uptick. Excellent production with a smokey haze of constant fuzz Track Breakdown: 1. The Devil’s Work (3:22) Luca despair and eye towards the darkness hits you dead on to begin. 2. The Witches (4:36) Infectious hook. Every album needs their stuck in mind track. 3. Old Man Satan (4:56) I think they forgot to mix-up the guitar rhythms on this one, similar undercurrent as The Witches. Love the bass-line. 4. Nocturnal Eternal (5:04) One of the more free flowing tracks, more breathing and Luca shows his powerful range. 5. Under the Blood Moon (4:36) Title track hits you with some grinding fretwork and even evil keeled love. 6. Samhain Dawn (6:26) Standout Track These melodies hit home and deliver us to evil. Occult backdrop love the buildup. 7. Samhain Night (4:02) Wonderful shift into a more harrowing backdrop. 8. Mass At Dungeon Rock (3:58) Groovelicsous ending... Brew Pairing Of course we must hit this album with a selection from Salem Massachusetts own Notch Brewing. Known for their lower ABV selection but plentiful taste we welcome in their 3.1% ABV oak smoked wheat beer, Piwo Grodziskie. A historic smoked beer style also known as “Gratzer” or “Polish Champagne,” is a low-alcohol, highly-carbonated, refreshingly light-bodied wheat ale that has an oak-smoked flavor melded with a clean hop bitterness.. Mother Iron Horse are: Adam Luca Marco Medina Chris Kobialka Dylan Sullivan Follow Mother Iron Horse: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 9.1 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Stoner rock, Post-rock Sounds Like: Somali Yacht Club, Swan Valley Heights, Black Sky Giant Homeland: Poland Album Overview Hailing from Poland, the trio deliver a robust and very textured album containing blissful stoner rock and euphoric Post-rock This album is basically instrumental, but has moments of welcome vocals scattered throughout Wodorost can be so cathartic at times than slowly build up with heavy mammoth fuzz For a new band, Wodorost display amazing chemistry, as the music flows beautifully through your veins We love the Zeppelin-esque acoustics of "St. Vitus Dance," as it gives a us a break from the heaviness as the album comes to a close Tracklist: 1. Aphelium 5:01 2. Eternal Atlantis 6:12 3. Barren Lands 6:29 4. N.N.U. 4:55 5. Fifth Wind 4:08 6. Summer Riot 4:23 7. Malachite 7:35 8. St. Vitus Dance 3:54 Standout Tracks: Barren Lands This track has such a steady flow with tremendous grounding bass. N.N.U. The pace picks up a bit on this tune as we are treated to some crunchy riffs. Summer Riot This track has a bit of a different feel from the rest. It has a wonderful choppy flow with nice start stop action. Think Colour Haze meets Brant Bjork, then throw in some Weedpecker near the end. Brew Pairing We need a smooth IPA to go along with Wodorost. Pick up Phone's Ringing Dude by Elipsis Brewing based in Florida. This 8.1% Double IPA is smooth a flavorful with notes of Citva, Amarillo and Citra. Wodorost are: Anna Żukowska - Drums Bartłomiej Głowiński - Guitar Jan Witusiński - Bass Follow Wodorost: Facebook / Bandcamp

Crank this to 9.6 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Stoner rock Sounds Like: Sons of Otis, Black Rainbows, Demonauta Homeland: Toronto Album Overview Crater Creator is a monolithic stoner album loaded with an abundance of sonic fuzz and sci-fi themes The band's third album keeps the same formula as past releases, yet they crank up the production for this one This album needs to be played at high volume on a quality system to appreciate the level of production. Everything about this album feels thick and dense and will challenge your stereo, speaker, or whatever your metal output is.... we warned you The vocals of guitarist Angelo Catenaro blend perfectly into the music. Sounding as if he's on another planet shouting in the distance with tremendous echo The rhythms carried throughout Crater Creator are massive, this album is just a wall of dynamic riffs Low Orbit are steadily climbing the ranks as a go-to stoner rock band. Their commitment to space fuzz is highly addicting Track Listing: 1. Crater Creator 05:11 2. Tardis 04:28 3. Sea of See 05:47 4. Empty Space 05:25 5. Monocle 04:59 6. Wormhole 04:06 7. Timelord 05:51 Standout Track(s) Sea of See The riffs combined with the vocals on this song is fantastic and mesmerizing. It borders on some doom landscapes with dense psychedelic space fuzz. Brew Pairing Armadillo Comet IPA is a great companion with Crater Creator. This 9.5% IPA by Epic Brewing in Utah is strong with some bitterness, but not overwhelming. Low Orbit are: Angelo Catenaro – Guitars, Vocals Joe Grgic – Bass, Synth Emilio Mammone – Drums Follow Low Orbit: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 10.1 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Post-metal, Post-hardcore Sounds Like: Ghost Bath, Bloodiest, Astronoid Homeland: Austin, Texas Album Overview The trio from Austin Texas soar to new heights on their third release The high range of discord is saturated with beauty, both woven masterfully into 45 minutes of sonic bliss Twin Dream hits a consistent landscape while crossing over elements of post rock, shoegaze and crunching black metal and post hardcore Pummeling ominous landscapes lead to breathtaking atmospheric heights We appreciate the diversity that Glassing brings. Refreshing to the black metal genre is the their avoidance of monotony and ability to provide contrast and varying tempos Track Breakdown: 1. Spire (3:37) Wind blown backdrop fills to fury at the slaughterhouse. Wild contrast at the 2:30 mark where a dramatic screeching halt engulfs the listener. 2. Burden (7:01) Standout Track You can really feel the depth Glassing has to offer with majestic swirling fretwork that is absolutely entrancing. Burden will take you on a wild ride of pain and beauty. 3. Absolute Virtue (4:10) Is a black metal faithful through and through. The track does not waiver in anguish. 4. Faint (1:18) Post-rock interlude. 5. Twin Dreams (6:37) The title track begins with comforting angelic vocals only to be buttressed further by a pummeling post metal onslaught. 6. Godless Night (6:06) Minimalism drives a track of relaxation and reflection. 7. Doppler (2:20) Controlled chaos with blackened vocals of despair. 8. Among the Stars (3:08) One of the heavier black metal tracks on the album. The beauty is they mix in doom and hardcore layers. 9. Where Everything Is Still (2:22) Soft interlude on the vein of Faint. 10. True North (4:14) Crushing swift rhythms interweave beautiful waves of oceanic post metal. 11. At Long Last (4:40) Releases the calm after the storm. Marching off to glory angelic voices return to close us out. Brew Pairing Twin Dream blends brilliantly with Heavy Machinery a double IPA at 10% ABV from Austin Beerworks. Taste sweet candy malt, little honey, caramel, little pine and spruce, generic citrus pith, candy sweet marmalade, fair bitterness, little candy hint of alcohol late, drier not sticky. Glassing are: Dustin Coffman- Vocals/Bass Cory Brim- Guitar Jason Camacho -Drums Follow Glassing: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 9.3 of 11 - Editor's Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Post-Black metal Sounds Like: Alcest, Agalloch, Harakiri for the Sky Homeland: Washington Album Overview A Distant Fire, the band's fourth release is one of the more textured Black metal albums to hit our rotation in quite some time Alda are taking Black metal to new heights. It’s a beautifully written dark album with moments of euphoric Post-rock, meditative acoustics and modern progressive doom The vocals are mostly typical with what you would expect with Black metal. However, there are moments of uplifting backing vocals We absolutely love when the viola and cello kick in, adding a peaceful and heartfelt dimension The tracks are so involved and well structured. We are floored with the various tempo changes of "Drawn Away". It goes from peaceful acoustics to Post-rock, than they hit you with the onslaught of Black metal... fucking great! This album is an absolute gem and is a great companion for your next hiking excursion. It sounds tremendous as we head into the cooler months Track Listing: 1. First Light 3:18 2. Stonebreaker 8:28 3. Drawn Astray 10:19 4. Forlorn Peaks 9:40 5. Loo-Wit 2:11 6. A Distant Fire 16:37 Standout Track(s) A Distant Fire Running just over 16 minutes, this could be the song of the year. This is one hell of a fantastic tune. We begin with rustic acoustics and a low toned bass. The vocals match the somber mood until the relentless speed fretwork kicks in. The song takes an interesting turn towards some progressive sludgey blackened metal. We are then blessed with some Pallbearer-like doom, it’s a fucking brilliant turn of events. Now the acoustics come back to life with ominous chants… I mean, can it get any better? The song keeps building and transitioning with post-metal euphoria. The song winds down with fading guitars and sounds of birds, acoustics and what sounds like kindling in the distance, we couldn’t think of a better way to bring the album to a close. Brew Pairing 2920 Strong Ale by Kane Brewin gin New Jersey. This 12.1% ale is strong with and smooth with unique flavors of plum, raisins, vanilla, caramel and oak. A classic pairing with Alda and the autumn season. Alda are: Tim Brown (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals) Stephanie Bruton (bass guitar, acoustic guitar, cello, vocals) Jace Bruton (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals) Michael Korchonnoff (drums, bodhran, acoustic guitar, drones, lead vocals) Additional Musicians: Marit Schmidt (viola on First Light and Stonebreaker) Jake Superchi (additional lead guitar on Stonebreaker) Follow Alda: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 10.4 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Stoner rock Sounds Like: Red Scalp, King Buffalo, Swan Valley Heights Homeland: Gelsenkirchen, Germany Album Overview “Vast, immersive landscapes waiting to be explore” Says it all. The trio absolutely shine on their second release ‘Echo Therapy’ There is something so crisp and warm here. Second to none in fuzz craftsmanship and attention to detail Intricate melodies make for a stoner rock album that truly sets itself apart from the pack Marcel’s distant and not overdone vocals absolutely engulf the listener Hard to interrupt its play once you are entrenched in the opener A must on vinyl once its available Track Breakdown: 1. M.N.S.N.(5:37) At the 3:06 vocal kick-in mark, we knew this was going to be something very special. Blissful build-up with their own flavor. 2. New World (7:46) Feels like they invented contrast on this track. Spine-chilling breakdown and build-ups here. 3. Proto Surfer Boy (8:13) Standout Track flawless track with some of the most heartfelt melodies we have ever heard. The deep fuzz and lofty echo blend so well. 4. Prisma (12:10) Insane fretwork throughout and particularly in the last 60 seconds of euphoria. 5. Digital Dreamcatcher (8:49) Wild angles and refreshing melodies on this track. Runner-up amongst the track listing Brew Pairing When an album this special hits we must go to the well for the Massachusetts beer innovators at Treehouse. Echo Therapy is the perfect match for Doppelganger, a Tree House mainstay and Double IPA. 8% ABV by volume. Doppelganger is intensely kettle and dry hopped to produce a pungent and flavorful Double IPA that is super pleasant to drink featuring tropical fruit, mango, citrus, and stone fruit flavors. Layers of taste with layers of sonic brilliance... nothing better. Follow Plaindrifter: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 10.5 of 11 - Editor's Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Stoner rock, Psychedelic Sounds Like: Dead Meadow, Arenna, Homeland: Rochester, NY Album Overview King Buffalo return with their second release of 2021 Following on the heels of A Burden of Restlessness, the heavy psych trio from Rochester, NY continue on a path of trippy progressive stoner rock Acheron is a more spacious and dark album as it contains four lengthy blissful heavy songs Recorded in Howe Caverns in Update, NY, the album possess a dark cavernous feel and really taps into your subconscious These four songs are so involved and very melodic. The craftsmanship that goes into writing this kind of album mind blowing, especially since it's released around six month after ABOR. We urge you to see King Buffalo on the road this year. We were fortunate to capture the magic at the Mercury Lounge in November. The songs live have a heavier feel and take on a whole new dimension Track Listing: 1. Acheron 10:21 2. Zephyr 9:25 3. Shadows 10:34 4. Cerberus 9:46 Standout Track(s) Shadows This is a tough call, but we seem to love the mood of "Shadows". The steady percussion and bass builds beautifully as the song progresses. The vocals are soft with the slightest touch of echo and the guitar has this ominous psychedelic tone. Further along when the Pink Floyd-like synths kick in for a moment, it bring the song to another level. The track carries on with its meditative heaviness to end. Brew Pairing A smooth IPA is required for listening to Acheron. We recommend Green Moss by Hop Butcher Brewing in Illinois. This 7.5% New England styled IPA is hazy with slight tastes of citrus, but not too sweet. It's a nice pairing with this album. King Bufalo are: Sean McVay - vocalist/guitarist Dan Reynolds - bassist Scott Donaldson - drummer Follow King Buffalo: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 10.4 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2019 Genre: Psychedelic rock, Stoner rock Sounds Like: Ancient Sky, Bask, Holy Mount Homeland: Poland Album Overview: Red Scalp have bottled a tremendously unique Polish recipe. The band transforms the listener into an almost outer body experience catapulting you into a vast landscape where “space Indians” thrive. You feel a part of this insanely vivid journey. The Great Chase In The Sky very much plays like a sequel to their brilliant 2017 release Lost Ghosts which made our top 11 Albums of the Decade list. We did not think it was possible, but the band manages to keep our euphoric love and dive deeper into realms of desperation and trauma. The contrast on this album will floor you as well-timed penetrating sax-work softens to calming beauty. The five tracks are so engrossing that it will motivate you to wander through some of your favorite trails and absolutely immerse yourself into their sonic wonder no matter what the weather. Be it a piping hot summer fucking day or the depths of winter.The vocal prowess delivers by Jed and Weedian is arm-lifting to the sky inspiring. Track Listing: 1. Mothertime (6:56) 2. Chase (11:34) 3. Sacred Space (9:02) 4. Gunsinger (4:28) 5. Slide (9:56) Standout Track: This truly is an impossible task for this album. We are going to select "Chase" for its epic absolutely powerful build-up. The track starts with creeping bass-work and slow meandering jazz sax. The track surrounds you with one of the finest headphone experiences a listener can undergo. Dabek kicks in with beautiful circular fretwork melodies and the track shines to cries taking you up to 10,000 foot elevation. Over 11 minutes of bliss. Adult Beverage Pairing: Amber Kozlak at 6.5% ABV. Located in Bielkówek. The ingredients include water, hop, and barley malt (both pale and dark). This dark-bock style beer is famous for its ruby color and Red Scalp appeal. The beer is brewed through the method of bottom fermentation doing justice to its dark color. This is an Ale with unique vibrant tones much akin to The Great Chase In The Sky. ROTATION RECAP: Captivation and Variety 10.7 out of 11 Vocal Prowess 10.3 out of 11 Weight of the Heavy 10.1 out of 11 Fretwork Prowess 10.2 out of 11 Bass Undercurrent 10.4 out of 11 Originality 10.6 out of 11 Overall Album Flow 10.5 out of 11 Contrast 9.9 out of 11 Album Cover Aesthetics 8.9 out of 11 Production Value 10.1 out of 11 Final Thoughts: Outside of perhaps a mediocre album art cover, "The Great Chase In The Sky" has minimal if any flaws. The album is an amazing sonic experience and a go to album if you truly need an "escape". If you put a gun to our heads and asked us what band had the most original and majestic sound over the past decade, Red Scalp would sure be in the top 3 of all time. While this sounds lofty and outlandish, put their library in your heavy rotation and come back to us in a few days. Red Scalp are: Dąbek (Goldfinger) - guitar, Jed (Scaramanga) - guitar, voc, synth Jankes (Hugo Drax) - bass, Bati (Dr. No) - drums Weedjan (Q) - sax, voc, ritual beats Follow Red Scalp: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 8.5 of 11 Released: 2021 Genre: Doom Sounds Like: Mephistofeles, Purple Hill Witch Homeland: Nashville, Tennesee Album Overview Obsessions of the Vile is raw doom album laced with psychedelic fuzz and occult horror themes The vocals of Sky Brooks have this echoed, low-toned Uncle Acid vibe. It's a great style that helps conjure up this psychedelic doom aura It's great to hear doom music of this nature coming from Tennessee. At first listen we assumed they originated from Spain This album is a thick wall of psych doom that has arrived in time for the cooler weather settling in for us in the Northeast, US Tracklist: 1. Necropsychodelia 06:42 2. Satan's Choice 03:24 3. Black Night 666 04:27 4. Meth Queen 05:35 5. Nosferatu 06:31 Standout Tracks: Satan's Choice After the trippy voice intro, this fuzz hits hard. With the vocals blended into the background, this tune sounds incredible when cranked. Meth Queen This track oozes along with addictive riffs and meditative psychedlia. Brew Pairing We need something dark and bold for this album. Check out Blessed Stout by Anchorage Brewing in Alaska. This 14% bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout is beast, yet smooth. With flavors of vanilla and coconut, this stout pair perfectly with Sorcerer. Sign of the Sorcerer are: Guitars/Vocals: Sky Brooks Bass: Justin Hembree Percussion: Josh Watts Follow Sign of the Sorcerer: Facebook / Bandcamp

Crank this to 7.8 of 11 Released: 2021 Genre: Post punk, Noise rock Sounds Like: Lesion, Gorilla Biscuits Homeland: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Album Overview Old school New York City punk vibes sprinkled throughout DeGrado shines when singing, less so with his spoken word Opener and closer are well worth your time……solid post-punk Foursome’s fifth release. Checkout their diverse library Track Listing: 1. Shanghai White Oak Tree (2:17) Punklicious picture painting. Love the lyrics on this track. 2. Spit in My Eye (2:12) Deep rick base accompany some piercing fretwork are swallowed by GG Allen-esque vibes. 3. Burning Pt. 2 (2:29) Steve Martin spoken word? Oddest of the lot. 4. Paoli in the Foothills (6:11) Off the beaten mellow track that contains some raw off-kilter heart. Give it time to breathe 5. The Delicate (Shipping News) (3:09) Rivals the opener for best track. Good grinding punk-faire. Brew Pairing Tired Hands Brewing and their deceitful potion 'Extra Extra Knuckle' is the perfect post punk Crooked Spine blend. A Double IPA brewed at 8.6% is brewed with a bit of fluffy malted wheat and hopped. Notes of passion fruit, mango nectar, jellied strawberry, ripe honeydew, and mandarin orange. Crooked Spine are: Garrett Bolin - Bass Evan Campbell - Drums Joey DeGrado - Vocals Bill Magerr - Guitar Follow Crooked Spine: Bandcamp / Facebook

Crank this to 10.4 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Stoner rock, Heavy psych rock Sounds Like: Arenna, Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Black Rainbows, Witch Homeland: South Africa Album Overview Wyrd Syster is the debut release from the South African heavy psyche foursome What make this album unique is their ability to create an acid laced blend of stoner rock meets garage rock. It's a beautiful 45 minute heavy psychedelic journey Lead vocalist Christiaan Van Renen carries an echoed or almost aquatic feel throughout the entire album The production is solid on this record. The guitars have a spacey swirling tone while the bass provides a steady grounding and the drumming brings tremendous rhythms Acid Magus have released one of this years special stoner releases that will appear on end of year doom lists Tracklist: 1. Wyrd Syster 4:44 2. Rituals 7:09 3. Conscientious Pugilist 8:50 4. Virgo 1:51 5. She is the Night 6:02 6. Evil 7:00 7. Red Dawn 8:35 Standout Tracks: Red Dawn Fuck this song is stellar. The opening riff is so inspiring, you'll want to get out and do something majestic like climb a mountain. The song has a terrific psychedelic stoner flow until about the 4:00 mark, where the doom creeps in. Although we do miss the majestic fuzz, the second half of this song is very mesmerizing. Oh, and the scream at 6:17 is icing on the cake... All Hail The Red Dawn!! She is the Night A fabulous tune with rich and fuzzy textures. The airy flow of the guitars and steady percussion is something special. Vocalist Christiaan Van Renen may be at his best on this track. His vocals float effortlessly among the psychedelic heaviness, yet digs deep from within when needed. Brew Pairing Grab a four pack of Updraft IPA from Outer Range Brewing in Colorado. This 7.5% IPA is a collaboration brew with Resident Culture Brewing, so it may be limited. Nonetheless, it's a crisp and citrusy IPA with some bite. A great pairing with Wyrd Syster. Acid Magus are: Keenan Kinnear - Guitars Jarryd Wood - Bass Roelof van Tonder - Drums Christiaan Van Renen - Vocals Follow Acid Magus: Facebook / Bandcamp

Crank this to 9.9 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Death metal, Progressive metal, Thrash Sounds Like: Control Denied, Slugdge, Revocation Homeland: London Album Overview Atvm are taking Death metal to new heights. This album is a frenzy of technical death metal with tons of progressive metal and thrash. They even dabble with jazzy arrangements The various soft moments are brilliant, making for great contrast throughout We also hear moments classic metal thrown in as well, check out the last half of "Anag-ou Matoy," it's addicting This could be one of the more exploratory death metal albums that has hit our rotation in quite some time. They pour so much energy and creativity into the songwriting, you can say they are the Mr. Bungle of the genre The production is crisp, it's amazing how each instrument is heard and distinct Every song is lengthy and so involved, it's really tough to know where you are in the album, but it doesn't even matter Running close to an hour, this album is a lot to take in at first. We recommend taking a couple breaks to cleanse the pallet and come back for more. Once you start to know the album it gets addictive Track List: 1. Sanguinary Floating Orb (8:10) 2. Anag-ou Matoy (7:35) 3. They Crawl (5:46) 4. Vagh Nakh (7:47) 5. Squeal In Torment (8:09) 6. Picture Of Decay (9:11) 7. Slud (9:19) Standout Track(s): Squeal in Torment A standout cut is almost impossible on an album like this. "Squeal in Torment" just stands out a bit with its dark torturous feel, mosh pit induced vocals. The proggy jam coming out of left field right in the middle of the song is brilliant and the classic swift metal rhythm to end just hits the right nerve. Picture of Decay This is Death metal prog ay it's finest. It's just a blast, the musicianship is on another fucking planet. The bass gets funky at times as they throw a bit of old Faith No More into the mix. Brew Pairing Lizard People IPA will hit the spot. This 8.5% IPA from Drekker Brewing in North Dakota is crisp with mango and berries. A nice pairing with Atvm Atvm are: Harry Bray - Vocals Tom Calcraft - Guitar Luke Abbott - Bass Francis Ball - Drums Follow Atvm: Facebook / Bandcamp

Crank this to 9.6 of 11 - Editors' Pick Released: 2021 Genre: Doom Sounds Like: Electric Wizard, Purple Hill Witch, Clouds Taste Satanic Homeland: Mexico Album Overview Acid fuzzed doom from Mexico Slightly distorted sound gives the album a raw live studio feel The occasional female spoken poems bring forth a sense of occult doom. Perhaps they are excerpts from 70s horror movies, we'll never know There is not one lick of English found on this album, the Spanish dialect provides us with an authentic haunting aura Easily one of the top doom albums of 2021 Track Listing: 1. El que Reside Dentro (9:01) 2. Parábola del Juez Perverso (7:16) 3. Asistolia (1:02) 4. Espectrofilia (8:59) 5. Panteonera (8:21) 6. La Muerte del Sol (7:59) Standout Track(s): Panteonera Sludgy, drug induced doom with moments of classic stoner rock. The raw and desperate vocals don't appear until 5 minutes in. El que Reside Dentro The combination of occult doom with angst punk like vocals work very will together. Brew Pairing Sit back and crank the doom with some Cosmos Vanilla & Coconut Hazy. This 8% IPA from Ecliptic Brewing in Oregon is bold with a very nice thick/creamy pour. It's hoppy, malty with blends of citrus complex (orange, tangerine, grapefruit, pineapple, mango, peach, papaya, melon) and a touch of coconut/vanilla. A complex brew that pairs well with Espectrofilia. Satánico Pandemonium are: Sergio - Guitars / FX Miguel - Guitars Cosmo - Drums / Vocals Daniel - Bass / Vocals Lorena Terrazas - Vocals on "Parábola del Juez Perverso" Follow Satánico Pandemonium: Bandcamp / Facebook