Stoner Doom

TOOM – Behold The Basilisk EP

TOOM – Behold The Basilisk EP
APF Records
Release Date: 01/10/2021
Running Time: 21:27
Review by: Alun Jones
8/10

Let’s start with a history lesson. The “Behold the Basilisk” EP by TOOM is a dug-up time capsule, having been recorded in January 2010. The band themselves were formed in 2007, and split not long after this recording. What could have been a long-lost curio, to be spoken of fondly by the few who had inside knowledge, has now been reanimated and set loose by APF records.

What we have is an EP consisting of four stoner doom tracks from an extinct trio. Like those ape dudes at the start of “2001: A Space Odyssey”, Teddy-James Driscoll, Jus Smith and Jack Newnham have been enlightened by a big, Black Sabbath obelisk – the legacy of which has been excavated for our enjoyment.

‘Snake Chalmers’ opens things up, with an acoustic guitar intro that’s highly reminiscent of those mellow Iommi passages from ‘Master of Reality’. It’s a beautiful, yet deceptive beginning to a collection of crushingly heavy music. Play it for Granny, she’ll be surprised as fuck when the lethal riffage of ‘There’s Nothing Cute About Cobras’ revs up and creates utter destruction. Growling vocals and gruesome, pounding guitars are where we’re at here.

It’s a similar approach for ‘Mandark’, though this track throws in some variations in riffs and tempo, with a short, but killer “quieter” section. Here, and on the final song, ‘Decapodiformes’, there’s a hint of influence from the likes of Sleep, High On Fire, and Mastodon – with relentless, mighty riffs powering through.

Gone but nor forgotten, then: it’s introducing and welcoming back TOOM on this impressive EP. Makes you wonder what might have been…

TRACKLISTING:
01. Snake Chalmers
02. There’s Nothing Cute About Cobras
03. Mandark
04. Decapodiformes

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Alun Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Dead Witches/Witchthroat Serpent – Doom Sessions Vol 666 Split EP

Doom Sessions Vol.666 Dead Witches & Witchthroat Serpent EP Cover Art

Dead Witches/Witchthroat Serpent – Doom Sessions Vol 666 Split EP
Heavy Psych Sounds
Released Date 18/06/2021
Running Time: 31:41
Review by Dark Juan
10/10

The baleful, screaming yellow eye in the sky above Yorkshire is trying to kill me. It bathes me in rays that cause me to scurry for the nearest black cover I can find and cower there, helpless before its puissance and wait until it turns its ferocious gaze to another victim. I cannot glare my defiance at it as it sears my retinas with its endless hatred and neither can I offer it any physical resistance whatsoever as it burns me from afar before I can plunge my fingers into its ocular cavity and scoop out the terrible, fiery beast. Far better, then, to remain in Dark Juan Terrace and lock the door and bid defiance to the horror from without. Except the fucking smellhounds have to be walked and I have to go to the post office and I have to endure the vile, sweaty unpleasantness that comes with the three days of the sun that constitutes a British summer. Mrs. Dark Juan, however, is soaking up the diabolical radiation as she creates a model of a witch transforming into a hare (which is a thing according to Yorkshire folklore, and, fact fans, the British were-animal is in fact the werehare, thereby proving that Britain is a bit shit in most respects, not least in were-animals. I mean even a were-weasel would be better than a jumped up rabbit analogue, would it not?) and once more terrifies the neighbours and the good people of Facebook when she posts pictures of them on it.

So, in a desperate attempt to escape the pasty-legged denizens of fair Halifax wearing voluminous shorts, I have elected instead to remain indoors and listen to the heavy, heavy sounds of doom heavyweights Dead Witches (dragged screaming from the mind of the estimable, and admirably sideburned and flared trousered Mark Greening who you may know from Electric Wizard, Ramesses and With The Dead and Witchthroat Serpent, who are French doommeisters and who unaccountably have not arrested my attention before. As this is an EP, I shall follow my usual style and detail each song briefly…

Dead Witches… Now there’s a name to conjure with, especially if you are a Lancastrian like me and your home county is famous for hanging wise women and having jumped up trials in Pendle, which got people killed on the word of a disturbed child. ‘D.I.E.’ is the name of the song DW have offered to this EP, and it is a mere 14 minutes in length and it is superfuzz overload. It is riff after orgasmic riff, underpinned with what can only be described as fucking diabolical bass, such is the subterranean rumble that has turned my brain to fluid not unlike a chunky salsa, and my brain to a jellylike, pliable substance. This is Heaviness with a capital H, dear friends. This is heavier than every single one of your female relatives wearing neutronium lingerie, standing on a plutonium plinth and swinging lead handbags at your noggin. The sound of the song is a colossal, soupy, drug-fuelled and fuzzy at the edges mix that is as huge as the running time. Special mention must be made of vocalist Spring Thompson, who adds an unexpected punk edge to the proceedings with her highly charged, furious vocal delivery. In short – even though it is 14 minutes long, ‘D.I.E.’ is a supremely coherent piece of ultrasludgy doom that easily holds your interest and is riff nirvana. You can tell Mark is behind it all, being the doom megastar that he is, but reigning in the more extreme sound of Electric Wizard for something a little bit more listenable. This is very very good indeed, and the worthy French band following them have a real class act to live up to.

…And live up to them they do. Even though I have lived in France, until I started writing for Ever-Metal.com I had considered the French metal scene to barely exist, yet by God our neighbours over the water have cranked out some magnificently violent stuff in Dirge (fucking awesome), Obzson Geschopf (industrial madhead obsessed with new jack hip hop), Rostres (drone perfection), P.H.O.B.O.S (possibly the heaviest industrial record ever to exist in “Phlogiston Catharsis”), Escotrilihum (one man, utterly utterly demented black metal) and now Toulouse-based Witchthroat Serpent. The French bruisers contribute two tracks to this EP – ‘The Fall Of Whitewood’ and ‘Cyanide Laced-Flavour’ (they used the American spelling but I speak the correct form of English and therefore will also spell it correctly too) [Mr. Juan should know that if it is a song/album title or band name that shouldn’t be done so it is ‘Cyanide Laced-Flavor’. I shall take the whip to him later – Rick] and it has to be said that they are easily up to the weight of their British partners on this record. Riffs of monolithic chunkiness extend into colossal grooves and just keep on fucking going, taking you ever deeper into realms of mystical mescaline-fuelled splendour. The bass on both tracks (which are incidentally linked with close to two minutes of screaming feedback [electric alchemy – just another reason why doom is so good. They can use even the squealing of a feedbacking guitar to continue the colossal grooves] underpinned by a slowly building rhythm section) is sludgier than a day out at Davyhulme Sewage Treatment Works (if you’ve ever been over Barton Bridge on the M60 around Manchester you’ve smelled it) and has gone beyond mere fuzz into theoretical places where only hyperfuzz exists. It also has more bottom end than several dozen busloads of twerking, miniskirted pissheads in Gateshead on a Saturday night. The drumming is tight and multifaceted and the two tunes link and complement each other perfectly. The vocalist is also top notch as he wails and howls over the endless infinity groove.

All three of these songs are doom done right. None of them have any faults whatsoever. Which is annoying because I love picking holes in stuff and being rude about bands. What? Relax, I’m only joking, you muppets. I love the music and the bands and the people in them. I’m firm but fair, mate.

The Patented Dark Juan Blood Splat Rating System (Le système breveté de notation des éclaboussures de sang Dark Juan pour nos amis français – de rien!) cannot help but award the full beans 10/10 to both Dead Witches (doing Blighty proud) and Witchthroat Serpent (you have won a lifelong fan in me, messieurs) for a masterclass in fucking perfect doom metal from each side of the channel. Magnifique!!

Dead Witches – ‘D.I.E.’ (Dragged Into Emptiness) (Official Video)

Witchthroat Serpent – ‘ The Fall Of Whitewood’ (Official Audio)

TRACKLISTING:
01. Die – Dead Witches
02. The Fall Of Whitewood – Witchthroat Serpent
03. Cyanide Laced-Flavor – Witchthroat Serpent

LINE-UPS:
Dead Witches
Mark Greening – Drums & Concussion
Rab McIlrath – Guitars
Sam Cutbush – Bass
Spring Thompson – Vocals

Witchthroat Serpent
Fredrik – Vocals & Guitars
Niko – Drums
Ügo – Bass
Djé – Guitars

DEAD WITCHES LINKS:

WITCHTHROAT SERPENT LINKS:

Dead Witches & Witchthroat Serpent Promo Pics

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of ‘Dark Juan’ and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s with ULTRA VOID

EMQ’s with ULTRA VOID

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Brooklyn, New York based Stoner Doom Metal band, Ultra Void. Huge thanks to bassist, songwriter Jihef, for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Jihef. I play bass. I also write the music and handle recording duties.

We are a young band. We’re just starting. We were initially a recording project born out of necessity during lockdown as our plans with our respective projects went south. I had some songs laying around that needed to be finished. I called my old friend FlipMan to handle vocals. Andrew Piper played with me in Moron and already contributed on the tracks ‘Hellfire’ and ‘Swamp Of Doom’. Last, but not least, Laurent Cosani was a no brainer. He is a six strings destroyer (and my cousin).

How did you come up with your band name?

It comes from the decision I made to change major things in my life during the pandemic. Uncharted territories can be scary but they carry their own energy. A negative becomes a positive. It’s the Ultra Void.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

I am from Brooklyn NY (born in France). The music scene is huge. Everyone is a musician. Lots of Stoner Doom bands. It can be a cliché too. ”Please not another band from Brooklyn”. Haha.

We are also fortunate to have some great clubs like Saint Vitus where big bands and local bands can play.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

Our first, self-titled, EP came out digitally on Jan 10th, 2021, on Bandcamp. It’s has 5 tracks.

‘Void Machine’ (Audio)

Who have been your greatest influences?

Elliott Smith. He showed me you could be fragile and heavy all at once. I like having contrast in my music. The vocals are always intense and dark while my singing is light and more melodic.

As a kid I looked up to Steve Harris. Bass players weren’t up front in the 80’s. It was all about guitar heroes. I loved his sense of melody and his attack on the bass. And he could play 16th notes for hours. A beast!!!

What first got you into music?

AC/DC’s “Powerage”. Bought that album when I was 10. As I was listening to ‘Sin City’ I started losing control of my body and while headbanging I tried to figure out why. It wasn’t because of the drums or the guitar. Cliff Williams made a bass player out of me.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?

Jean Paul Gaster or Phil Rudd. For Those About To Rock is really heavy when you think of it. Yeah, a nasty doom duo with Phil Rudd on drums would be cool.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

I would say Freak Valley. Seems so chill. Then Roadburn would be great too. And Hellfest because it’s bloody Hellfest. And it’s in France where I am from.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Still waiting for that one…If you’re reading this…haha!

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Thank you a million for your support. It’s not something I am ever taking for granted. It blows my mind every time people say they love our music. Or seeing your band’s sticker on a car. It never gets old.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Lemmy.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I love the creating process in general. The before and after. To listen to something that didn’t exist a moment ago is “magical”.

As per being a musician in particular nothing beats being in a room with your brothers playing really loud, looking at stuff falling from the shelves and not giving two fucks about it. Haha.

But it also means that you have to be a jack of all trades of some sort. In my case learning how to record and mix. Then you have to be your own agent and figure out how to promote and approach labels and whatnot etc…I don’t hate it by any means. It’s cool to learn new things but it’s not always easy.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Less bands. More $ Haha. Musicians need to get paid way more for streaming. The Spotify monopoly is a bit evil.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

It’s a tough question because there are way too many. Off the top of my head, I would say “Agents Of Ahriman” by Greenleaf.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Vinyl. Better sound. Better listening experience. You actually take the time to enjoy something from beginning to end.

That being said I appreciate the Anytime Anywhere that comes with downloads and streaming.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Our best gigs are still ahead of us.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Anything creative.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

I haven’t seen my close family in two years. It would be way more than five people though.

Can’t wait for international travel to resume. So yeah, a feast in the big country house in Burgundy with all the loved ones around.

What’s next for the band?

Live shows and getting back into some kind of “normal”.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Bandcamp mostly but also Spotify when it’s recommended.
www.ultravoid1.bandcamp.com/
www.facebook.com/ultravoid1
www.open.spotify.com/artist/0KyJvVuT3NcIMFav04YFXU

Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?

Cake!!!

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Dude, thank you for having me. Hope you guys like our music.

Show your love and follow us on Bandcamp.

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Barbarian Hermit – One Remastered

Barbarian Hermit – One Remastered
APF Records
Release Date: 29/01/2021
Running time: 48:18
Review by Alun Jones
9.5/10

Writing these reviews for Ever Metal isn’t easy, you know. I’m sure I speak for the whole writing team when I say that we pour our heart and soul into all our prose. Each of us lives with the fear of the dreaded Writer’s Block, gnawing at our bones. So, I decided that my review of this reissue of the 2016 debut album by Barbarian Hermit, released by the mighty APF Records, would need some help.

But who could assist with such a task? Why none other than my old friend, Volkrugg the Decimator – barbarian warlord of Ages Long Forgotten. Of course: no-one is better qualified! And seeing as I’ve basically been a hermit for the last year, between us we should have it covered.

Take it away, Volkrugg…

“Greetings, people of the 21^st Century! I am Volkrugg the Decimator – warlord of the Mist Realm, conqueror of the Thorspian cities, leader of the barbarian hordes of Vossk. My good friend, Al, has begged me for my musings concerning the recorded work of Barbarian Hermit, and lo – I shall render it unto thee with vicious glee!

“From the very start, these seven songs burst forth like an army of Ionian Thrask Vandals! They wield their war axes with vengeful power, surging down from the mountains on thundering hooves of hell. The brief respite of sometime calmer moods offer shelter from the maelstrom of war, yet always the majesty and power of conflict lurks temptingly!

“Verily, hearing these odes, I was mindful of my fallen brothers from glorious battles past – gone but ne’er forgotten, proudly drinking and brawling in Valhalla!”

There you go, I couldn’t have said it better myself. “One” is a great, sludgy, fuzzy celebration of relentless force and mesmerising intricacies. Both Volkrugg, his band of berserker warriors and myself are all big fans. You’d be a fool of mythic proportions to miss this album, and be warned – Volkrugg fed his last court jester to a tiger. Barbarian Hermit reviewed by a barbarian and a hermit – you can’t get a more honest opinion than that.

Through The Periscope Of The Deadly Sub (Audio)

TRACKLISTING:
01. Mermaid
02. Tigerhorse
03. Burn The Fire
04. Barbarian Enforcement Agency
05. Alma
06. Widowmaker
07. Through The Periscope Of The Deadly Sub (Bonus Track)

LINE-UP ON “ONE”:
Simon Scarlett – Vocals
Mike Regan – Guitars
Adam Robertshaw – Guitars
Chris Wood – Bass
Loz Brindley – Drums

LINKS:

Acid Mammoth – Caravan

Acid Mammoth – Caravan
Heavy Psych Sounds
Release Date: 05/03/2021
Running Time: 40:17
Review by Chris Galea
7.5/10

“Caravan” consolidates the music style of Acid Mammoth…a Stoner Doom that’s heavy, dense and fuzzy. However, some changes are immediately noticeable in respect to the band’s previous album “Under Acid Hoof”.

For example, overall, I feel there has been a marked improvement as far as production and mixing is concerned, even though the sound of the snare drum takes some getting used to. The singing of Christos Babalis Jr. sounds less like Ozzy than in previous releases – that wasn’t a bad thing of course, but it’s good to hear Jr. try to assimilate his own personality into the singing.

Maybe it’s just my impression but there also seems to be an effort to infuse more melody into the dark atmosphere of the band’s music. And there are more guitar solos than before. Sometimes all this doesn’t entirely convince (as in ‘Berserker’ or in parts of ‘Ivory Towers’) but when this new approach works, it works marvellously. Case in point is the title-track, an epic 11-minute plus song dense with hypnotic riffs. I also felt a significant improvement in the drumming of Marios Louvaris, more in the sense of feel than technique.

So, although I’m not absolutely won over, “Caravan” is definitely a step up for Acid Mammoth.

Imagine Black Sabbath meeting Hawkwind to serenade the world as it burns…I reckon that ‘serenade’ would sound pretty close to “Caravan”.

‘Caravan’ (Official Video)

TRACKLISTING:
01. Berserker
02. Psychedelic Wasteland
03. Ivory Towers
04. Caravan
05. Black Dust

LINE-UP:
Chris Babalis Jr. – Guitar & Vocals
Chris Babalis Sr. – Guitar
Dimosthenis Varikos – Bass
Marios Louvaris – Drums

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Chris Galea and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Acid Mammoth – Under Acid Hoof

Acid Mammoth – Under Acid Hoof
Heavy Psych Sounds
Re-release Date: 12/03/2021
Running Time: 44:53
Review by Chris Galea
7/10

I do know a few Metal bands that have (or had) father and son within the line-up but it’s safe to say that there aren’t many such cases. One of them, though, is Acid Mammoth. Have I got your attention? Good. Now for the more pertinent matters…

Acid Mammoth is a Stoner Doom band from Greece. “Under Acid Hoof” is the band’s 2nd album, originally released in 2020 but Heavy Psych Sounds have repackaged the album, added two bonus tracks and re-released it in 2021. But was it worth re-releasing? Well, there’s a ton of Stoner Doom bands out there but Acid Mammoth seem to be one of the more interesting of the lot. So that would be a ‘yes’.

Downtuned fuzzy guitars, viscid and filthy riffs and lyrics with a penchant for the occult…that’s “Under Acid Hoof” in a nutshell. I know it’s hard to find a Metal band that isn’t influenced by Black Sabbath, especially a Doom band, but with Acid Mammoth the influence is very direct. The vocals of Chris Babalis Jr (who also plays guitar) in fact, sound like a photocopy of Ozzy. Originality and diversity of ideas are not two of the album’s strongest points. Also, I’m not 100% convinced by the sound – sometimes one instrument drowns out another. But there are other things to enjoy here if Doom’s your thing…

In ‘Tree Of Woe’, for example, the drums and guitar riffs really work great together. ‘Jack The Riffer’ is well-written and contains some scorching riffs (ah, Jack The ‘Riffer’…now I get it!). Apocalyptic scenarios are described in the lyrics of ‘Tusks Of Doom’ and the song’s music certainly strives to illustrate that.

As heavy as a stampede of Mammoths, “Under Acid Hoof” has a charm that reels you closer to the band.

‘Them!’ (Official Video)

TRACKLISTING:
01. Them!
02. Tree Of Woe
03. Tusks Of Doom
04. Far Harrad (Bonus Track)
05. Jack The Riffer
06. Under Acid Hoof
07. White Hag (Bonus Track – Live)

LINE-UP:
Chris Babalis Jr. – Vocals, Guitars
Chris Babalis Sr. – Guitars
Dimosthenis Varikos – Bass
Marios Louvaris – Drums

LINKS:

The Brothers Keg – Folklore, Myths And Legends Of The Brothers Keg

The Brothers Keg – Folklore, Myths And Legends Of The Brothers Keg
APF Records
Release Date: 11/09/2020
Running Time: 43:45
Review by Alun Jones
9.5/10

And lo, the ancient seers have foretold of the coming of the Brothers Keg. Anticipation building slowly, the wise masters of APF Records have foretold a fortuitous event, something that would elate the masses and bring joyous union to the land. At least it feels that way! Old Al can’t be the only one who’s been expecting something special with this release?

The Brothers Keg are a three-piece band from London way, comprising Tom Fyfe on drums, Tom Hobson on guitar and vocals and Paul Rosser on bass/vocals. Together, their music is colossal stoner/doom with a huge sound, massive ambition, and a fine angle on self-mythologising. The result is an album so epic, so over the top, and downright fun, that the Brothers deserve every ounce of assured swagger that they no doubt possess.

Tom Hobson himself describes the sound as “HP Lovecraft meets Queen’s ‘Flash Gordon’ listening to Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’ at the wrong speed, smoking a medieval spliff dipped in poppers.” That’s this review written really – do I need to sell this any harder to you?!

If you need more persuasion, imagine a cult sci-fi fantasy B-movie soundtrack featuring spoken word narration and bludgeoning riffs, and you’re halfway there. Tracks like ‘Moorsmen’, and ‘The Army Of The Thirsty Blade Approaches’, are skull splittingly mighty, generating a genuine feeling of excitement.

‘No Earthly Form’, and ‘Brahman’ have it all: heavy guitar and pounding rhythm; countered with atmospheric psychedelia that the listener can absorb like a movie. ‘Brahman’ is nearly 13 minutes of music that doesn’t outstay it’s welcome: from meditative chanting, a killer stoner riff, and washes of acid-soaked guitars creating a spacious landscape.

The narration adds to the band’s mystique without being cheesy or silly. Yes, it’s all ridiculously good fun – but the sheer weight of musical invention adds up to something exceptional. Add in some glorious cover artwork (that looks like a cyborg He-Man pursued by a demented Skeletor) and “Folklore, Myths And Legends Of The Brothers Keg” possesses an undeniable charisma. I want the vinyl, the t-shirt, the poster – I want everything! Hell, I want Brothers Keg action figures (with weapons and musical accessories, features small parts, ages 3 and up) and I want them NOW!

Another contender for album of the year? You betcha.

Of course, the Brothers Keg aren’t the only famous brothers in rock. Those crazy Van Halen boys are two of my favourites – oh, I used to have some wild times with them. Like the time they pulled the thread out of the crotch of David Lee Roth’s pants, so when he performed one of his patented scissor jumps – the pants split, and Diamond Dave’s family jewels were revealed for all. You didn’t need to be in the front row to see it everything, I can tell you.

Dave had his revenge at a later gig, though. Backstage, he switched out the blue M&Ms in a complimentary dish for laxative pills; Eddie’s tight white trousers were not a pleasant site at all that night. Now you know why their rider has always stipulated the blue M&Ms are removed ever since…

TRACKLISTING:
01. Moorsmen
02. From the Records of Arthur Shnee
03. No Earthly Form
04. The Ice Melteth
05. Introducing the Brothers Keg
06. Brahman
07. The Army of the Thirsty Blade Approaches
08. Castle Keg
09. Epilogue

LINE-UP
Tom Fyfe – Drums
Tom Hobson – Guitar/Vocals
Paul Rosser – Bass/Vocals

LINKS

Son of Boar – Stoned Wail Single

Son of Boar – Stoned Wail Single
Self-Released
Release Date: 26/06/2020
Running Time: 17:39
Review by Alun Jones
9/10

Singles don’t often get reviewed here at Ever Metal, purely because there’s so damn many of them. They just can’t compete with the album reviews. But rules are made to be broken, and this release from Son of Boar demanded some attention. Having witnessed the live onslaught of this band at Pentre Fest earlier this year, Son of Boar have risen on to my personal favourites list, and I’m damn near rabid for any new material.

Waves crash as a mesmeric bass begins to chime, creating a deceptively ambient vibe. Guitars and drums warm the sound as the band slowly build momentum. They’re in no rush, but when the main riff kicks in, it’s worth the wait. Luke’s vocals roar and the song rises like a leviathan from the depths. ‘Stoned Wail’ is 9 minutes of powerful, groove laden doom rhythms: thundering bass, churning guitars and crashing drums. This fisherman’s tale is indeed a whopper of humungous proportions.

With two additional live tracks (‘Outlet’ and the boogie influenced ‘The Weekend’), this is a great introductory package to a band destined for big things. ‘Stoned Wail’ is taken from the forthcoming debut album, which, to be honest, I’m shitting my shoes off in anticipation for. TUSKS UP!

TRACKLISTING:
01. Stoned Wail
02. Outlet (Live)
03. The Weekend (Live)

LINE-UP:
Luke Oliver – Vocals
Adam Waddell – Guitar
Lyndon Birchall – Guitar
Gaz Bates – Bass
Luke Doran – Drums

LINKS:
www.sonofboar.bandcamp.com/
www.facebook.com/SonOBoar
www.twitter.com/Son_Of_Boar
www.instagram.com/son_of_boar/
www.youtube.com/channel/UC1YKTfwlyEpZfmjqNyTF5Dg

EMQ’s with SON OF BOAR

EMQ’s with SON OF BOAR

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Bradford, UK based Stoner/Doom Metal band, Son Of Boar. Huge thanks to bassist Gaz Bates for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

I’m Gaz, I play Bass in Son Of Boar. This band is a mishmash of other Bradford bands really, started with Lyndon (Guitarist) looking for members for another band and after a long process we landed with this line-up, Luke D on Drums, Luke O on Vocals, Adam on Guitar and Lyndon and I.

How did you come up with your band name?

It basically translates to ‘Sons of Bradford’ which is where we are from, the Bradford Sigil has a tongueless Boar Head on it, the story of which is told on our EP “A Tongueless Tale”. I’d tell you the story but I dont want to rob you of the pleasure of listening to it!

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

Bradford or ‘Bratfud’ as the locals say, in West Yorkshire. The metal scene in Bradford is killer! And I’m not just saying that; We have bands like Ironrat, Psychlona, Black Falcon, Gods Of Hellfire and Dawn Of Elysium. Not too far away we have Sound of Origin, Master The Crown and loads more that escape me at the moment.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

The latest recorded release is “A Tongueless Tale”, which is on Spotify and Bandcamp. We do have two recently released live videos on our YouTube that we recorded at Voltage Studios in Bradford.

Who have been your greatest influences?

For me personally Black Sabbath, but then again who isn’t influenced by them, really? Collectively bands like Pantera, Grand Magus, Rammstein, The Misfits and Down usually come up when we are talking about music.

What first got you into music?

I’m the youngest by 8 years in my family, so I had to listen to whatever my brothers listened to; so Blur, The Seahorses, and Pulp from one brother, and Dry Kill Logic, Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Placebo from another, so I was always listening to music! My eldest brother got a Bass and I kinda stole it, and it went from there.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

I couldn’t say, so many to pick from! Though we did just tour with Everest Queen, and I would love to do a split with those guys! And now i think of it, Goblinsmoker! There’s none heavier and I’d love to work with them.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Again… So many to pick from! Download has a special place in my heart, so I’ll go with that.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Praise! I know that’s daft, but we are always taken aback when someone says they like us!

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

GO SEE LOCAL BANDS! DONT PAY TO SEE COVER OR TRIBUTE BANDS!

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Randy Rhoads. Guy’s time was cut too short.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Playing to a crowd that really likes us is always great! What I hate is when people think this is a ‘hobby’ and dont take it seriously.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I’d close the pay gap between covers bands and original bands and I’d rid the term ‘Female Fronted’ as it isn’t a genre and is daft, a band is a band, dont have to specify there is a female singing.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Shooter Jennings – “Black Ribbons”.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Ahhh… I love a good Vinyl, but downloads are easier and dont take up any room so my other half can’t complain!!

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

We played Opium in Edinburgh last year and the crowd was insane! People doing backflips off the stage and everything! That was pretty cool.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Well I still work a daytime job, so I’d still be doing that. I’m in customer service…

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Ozzy Osbourne, David Lee Roth, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Iggy Pop! Imagine the stories!

What’s next for the band?

We are currently recording our next release! Can’t say too much about it, but we are super excited.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

We are on Bandcamp: www.sonofboar.bandcamp.com and Spotify, just search us! We are looking at new content for our YouTube channel also.

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

Cake! This isn’t the first time I have had this discussion! They are considered a cake for tax purposes.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thanks for asking us to do this! I’d like to say: Keep going to shows, keep supporting bands, and don’t be a D*ck!!

Gallows Pole – This Is Rock

This Is Rock Cover

Gallows Pole – This Is Rock
Pure Rock Records
Release Date: 30/08/2019
Running Time: 40:43
Review by Chris Galea
5/10

With such a gory-sounding moniker and an artwork vaguely reminiscent of Judas Priest’s “Sin After Sin” I expected to hear something heavy and ferocious. I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
The album’s genre could broadly be described as Hard Rock but occasionally sets foot in Country Rock and Stoner Doom territory. More importantly though, overall “This Is Rock” feels bereft of passion and is characterised by half-assed drumming and disinterested (male) vocals.
In some songs – such as ‘You Got Me’ and ‘Point of no Return’ – I did find some gratifying moments but still not enough to get me hooked.
Until I heard “This Is Rock”, Gallows Pole was an unknown entity to me…whereas in fact this Austrian band has been around for several decades. So it pains me to say that the album sounds more like something you’d expect from a pub band.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Summerdays
02. Heaven Knows
03. Midnight Gambler
04. Point Of No Return
05. You Got Me
06. Daylight
07. When I Sleep
08. Move On Out
09. When You Love
LINE-UP:
Alois Martin Binder – vocals, guitars, bass
Dina Höblinger – vocals
Harald Prikasky – guitars
Harry El Fischer – guitars, vocals
Andy Wagner – drums
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/GALLOWS-POLE-174803492598152/

Bandpic

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Chris Galea and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.