Number 12

 

Number 12

 

Seventy points above Number 13 we arrive on a spot occupied by two albums! That’s right, the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown of 2025 contains 22 albums. Damn! Did I just give away the fact that after this placing there are no spots occupied by more than one album? I guess so… Sometimes it’s good to share right? And we hope these two bands will think as well. For they also share the same label: Heavy Psych Sounds. One was released in October and the other already in April. 

Let’s write a few words about the Italian quartet first. For the psych-space explorers have returned with a bold new chapter in a career defined by constant evolution. Building on some two decades of sonic exploration, from garage psych, to heave space rock and cosmic stoner, the new album blends hypnotic rhythms, swirling synths and expansive guitarwork into a retro futuristic soundscape that could help you imagine some weird new steampunk adventure. Time, infinity and human frailty are themes that unfold across eight powerful tracks. Turning it into a sci-fi journey completely and utterly timeless. 

The other album we find on Number 12 definitely set the table early when it comes to sludge rock and stoner metal. That’s right, the now stripped down trio, kick down the kitchendoor with their fifth full length and don’t even think about closing it behind them. It grooves, pulsates and swings like a caffeinated wrecking ball! Powerful by default, psychedelic stoner sway colliding with sludge-fueled force and razor-edged heavy metal riffs. No filler, all protein! Don’t worry, the bulldozing foundation is still there, but it is fully alive, breathing and snarling. Louder, leaner, this is a band full throttle and devouring all in its way. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, guests and all! 

 

On Number 12 we find: 

 

GIÖBIA - X-ÆON

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KOMATSU - A BREAKFAST FOR CHAMPIONS

 

 

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Heavy Psych Sounds

 

 

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Stoner HiVe’s - Komatsu – Breakfast is served…

Review for A Breakfast For Champions

Review for Rose Of Jericho

Review for New Horizon 

Recipe For Murder One, Number 19 on the Stoner HiVe Top 20 of 2016

Review for So How's About Billy

Review for Manu Armata

Review for Komatsu

Number 12

 

 

Number 12

Another twenty four points takes us from Magmakammer on Number 13 to todays Number 12. A band that reached the eighteenth position of the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown of 2022 with their debut album. This is their second record. And the proto, the metal, the doom and its progressive urges, it is all there to touch the hardrock, the stonerrock and the psychedelic rock they deliver. It is also there to make sure you turn the volume up as high as you possibly can. And it will transport you to a different universe altogether, thanks to the wider atmospheric reach and a strengthening of their otherworldly realm. An album rife with many layers and dynamics, turning more and more into the album you love so dearly with every spinning session. A tale is spun, not just by the lyrics, but also with the chosen instrumentation and how that slide guitar and synth helps you travel the galactic expanse… No need for spice, just listen to this album to journey through the fold…  

According to all of your votes, on Number 12 we find: 

Sons of Arrakis - Volume II

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Black Throne Productions

Number 12

 

 

Number 12

The awesome Besvärjelsen and their Atlas album held court at Number 13. But now we move on to Number 12 by jumping fourteen points. Where we find yet another album we were fortunate to mention earlier on during the year as well. Released back in July we immediately fell in love with it because it has that groovy diesel blues vibe, that seventies hardrock feeling and an incredible live feel to it. That live feel continues throughout the album and will give you a truckload of hints what it will surely be like catching these cats live on a stage somewhere. It’s got hard rocking blues stompers but also more psychedelic touches and such extremely wonderful keywork, all done so marvelous, and yet almost veiled among the luscious guitarwork, that you might start to think they were unsure of the actual beauty of it all. Vibrating at the perfect energy level this retro, vintage, seventies, classic, heavy hard rocking blues outfit keeps on delivering the goodness. The good and sweetness, the heaviness. On Number 12 we find…

Paralyzed – Heavy Road


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Out on StoneFly Records

On to Number 11!

Number 12

 

 

Number 12

 

Low Orbit created not just a crater but an entire black hole on Number 13! What an album indeed! And now we jump only one point. Indeed, one mere point. To reach Number 12! Where we find a band that has made the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown multiple times. And we are glad that this one has once again found itself into the hearts and minds of all the voters. Released early April we immediately fell in love with their opening track. That driving rhythm, those propelling riffs, that melody, that theme, that refrain, all so wonderfully circling each other. And we knew the boys did it again; only to find out that most of this album was recorded for the album that came before and just did not fit back then. So, in that case we are very lucky the guys found a way to rework and release it all. Cause hottdamn, these are so intense and so good once again. We already mentioned that circling aspect, but it is so prevalent on this record and it seems to do so around every conceived theme. They often feel like giant improvisations that immediately turned into a full-fledged rock song. And then there is the meaning behind it all, the bigger picture, the larger legacy; so well described by Jasper from that great No Man’s Valley outfit and his own Weirdo Shrine blog: “The band at least spoke out, had their say. It might not be too late for us. But if it is, and some future civilization will dig out this record they will hear a perfect echo of what this age of man was about: what great powers of creation we possess, and what great powers of destruction at the same time.” The album we find on Number 12 is yet another warning and another great moment in music…

 

Motorpsycho – Kingdom of Oblivion

 

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Number 12

 

 

Number 12

Our infatuation with Chaotic Divine by REZN which we found on Number 13 grows by the day and so does our love for the Number 12 album. Another one of those albums that skyrocketed to the Number 1 position of the Doom Charts. It’s been five years, but now they’re back with a super album from what you can call a supergroup! Comprised out of members that already earned their heavy spurs on band such as Roadsaw, Elder, Rozamov and Black Pyramid. The seven tracks on their new album are heady, heavy, punchy, proggy and powerful. There is all sorts of heavy here that can all be taken at face value, but better experienced as a whole. And a whole it is; it feels round, complete and perfectly layered. It will submerge you into your own inner sphere and it will prod your psyche into every possible direction. It will do so aggressively without turning it into a violent act or violate any part of your mind, body or soul. There is something about this album that will resonate much longer than you might expect; in fact… It might resonate with you, with me and everybody who might come in touch with this album for as long as they will live… And then it will ring on into eternity… On Number 12 we find:

 

Kind – Mental Nudge

 

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Ripple Music

Number 12

Number 12

A mere five points difference between Howling Giant on Number 13 and the album we find on Number 12. A duo that manages to sound huge, loud yet very contained within they space they define. A drum sound that clashes against the walls like gigantic waves; a compelling and distorted bass over which the almost ethereal voice floats and shines and gives air to the immense stoner doom that just continues to wash and tumble over you. Dark by default the continuation of each of the melodies keeps you on the edge of the abyss, never pushing you over, never exploding and holding a tight grip on one of your extremities. It is an unholy push and pull, that only really whips you into a different state when the title track rolls around. A Stand out track if ever there weas one and complete different from all that came before and comes after; sinister, raw, punky and venomous. Released early November through Prophecy Productions it immediately struck a chord with all the heavy music fiends out there and they took heed of the coming year… On Number 12 we find!  

Year Of The Cobra – Ash And Dust

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Number 12

Number 12

Messa and their Feast For Water album definitely brought us some great jazzy darkness on Number 13. But we now jump ten points to reach Number 12. A position once again occupied by two bands and their two albums. Both of them soared high on the Doom Charts; but one of them bit higher than the other. And both albums will get you high as well. As master Lucas stated: “They already cemented their place in the doom / sludge hall of fame, their newly minted fifth album is like a summary or showcase of everything the band does: Pounding, bludgeoning riffs, punctuated by thunderous, ponderous rhythms and otherworldly shouted vocals. It just so happens that this album showcases those elements in the best form possible. This is a creative peak for the band, one that will seem impossible to follow-up until some new sonic element is introduced.” And Chris Latta of Indy Metal Vault stated on the Doom Charts about the other album: “It wouldn’t surprise me if it ends up being the best-known album of their career. The revamped dynamic results in the group’s most accessible songwriting and their musicianship retains the power that made Relic so enjoyable. I do wish they had squeezed To the Wolves or another similarly direct chugger in here, but that’s hardly a deal-breaker. The band is getting bigger every day and it doesn’t look like the momentum will be stopping anytime soon.” And we agree with both of them! Number 12 is occupied by…

Forming the void – Rift

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Conan – Existential Void Guardian

Number 12

Number 12

Exactly one point above Spaceslug's Time Travel Dilemma album that occupied the Number 13 spot we find a massive quartet carrying a casket filled with intense progressive doom metal. They reached Number 4 of the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown with their 2014 album. And this year we find them on Number 12. The four freaks are still doom, definitely doom, but have let their love for prog and hardrock shine through ever more. With more space and even better vocals the album masks itself as an instant pleaser. But in truth, it takes a while to grasp every composition completely. It is a grower; and it will probably even age better than many of the albums released this year. It's got all the heaviness you need and so many layers to be discovered it might take another year to really let it all sink in. But we are not inconsiderate or heartless and can therefor truly understand its current spot on the Countdown... Check out the casket full of riffs!

Pallbearer – Heartless      

Number 12

Number 12

“We've been able to have our cake and eat it, too. Every song, every T-shirt, is absolutely a pure expression of what we want to do. And it connects.” ~ Tom Morello

Only one point again. It all was that close this year. We climb one point from Arenna & Windhand on Number 13 to reach these dubious kings on Number 12. After an absence of almost ten years they finally returned. And they did this with a sure fire bang. “Think of this album as a shamanistic journey that deserves to be heard in one sitting rather than dipping in and out. This should be the slab of excellence that brings them back into their well-deserved place at the top of the underground swamp.” As Madman Tony Maim said back in February of this year.  Well, in an amazing field of incredible albums they managed to grab the Number 12 spot of the Stoner HiVe top 20 countdown. It must be their tripped out vibes that has gotten all of us hooked!

Acid King – Middle Of Nowhere, Centre Of Everywhere

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Number 12

Number 12

“Recently awarded a massive 93 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago, fending off stiff competition to win a Gold Medal at their American Whiskey Tasting. Medium deep amber color; forward vanilla spice on nose, with toasted nut, sweet fruit, earth and cedar shavings; dryish, rounded and smooth but elegant, flavors of sweet vanilla, nut, maple butter, mint and wood smoke; finish is long, warming and spicy.”

After being treated to that amazing solo album by John Garcia on Number 13, we climb just one point to reach the next damn fine record. A band that had us waiting for more than five years before the album before this one was released. Which was back in 2012. This time around it took them only two years. And this by no means hints at a rush job. No. We are treated to grade a heavy doom and gritty stoner profoundly inspired by everything from the seventies. There is something epic, mountainous and majestic about this record; and when you whip out some violin power you can do no wrong in my book! Simply electrifying!

Mos Generator – Electric Mountain Majesty

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Number 12

Number 12

“12 Horse Ale poured a clear, yellow color with a two fingered width, white head. The aroma is mild with pale malt.  The body is all bready malt with some decent depth.  The finish has a very faint, dry yeastyness to it.  Overall; a sturdy and solid beer…”

 

Today we climb four points! And find ourselves listening to a Number 12 that is more metal than anything else in the list. (Well, maybe Number 11 can beat them there?) With their six members they bring high octane riffs that go metal on one moment and hardrock or perhaps even pubrock the next. With background colors provided by black metal influences and with a hardcore or punky-flair the vocals grab you by your throat and try to suffocate until your bones start rattling. This is aggressive rock history compressed and served steaming hot. And on those moments that their small stoner side presses itself towards the forefront we understand why these Norwegians are this high up in the list; they are able to do it all and combine everything to make something which nobody can refuse…

Kvelertak – Meir

 

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Number 12

Number 12

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

Sweden; it seems to be a chosen country, a territory filled with ancient riffs and structures and rhythms and melodies of yore. They shimmer and glint in their bronze armor as they devour the stage. And there are many of them. On Number 12 we find yet another collection of these seventies styled stoner Mongols running head first and guitar drawn towards the stuff of legends. For yes, not only is this number filled with Swedes, it is also filled with songs that make up one of those retro styled classical masterpieces. Rolling waves of riffs and whirling dashing drums completed by vocals with the right amount of shrill haunting. And even if there’s a weak sentence or dubious refrain here or there; there is no way that can harm such intense retro-pleasure! Let’s all move to Sweden…

Troubled Horse - Step Inside

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Number 12

“Hey! Don’t mess with a cat on acid!”

Number 12

The mysterious trio we find on number 12 uses classic rock, retro doom and old school stoner in a lo-fi way to produce an occult and mystic sounding musical ritual. Heavy guitars, massive riffs and a witchy sounding singer take us through the roots of all the horror psychedelics out there. The dirty analog way of recording gives the entire album a savory mouth like that of a forbidden taste without sounding sloppy or cheap. It actually makes you wonder every now and again if this gem wasn’t found somewhere in a dusty crypt; and it keeps that incredible fine balance between creepy and catchy in a perfect way. It’s mesmerizing and hallucinatory and makes you envision pure lust for the sinful properties of man. Aah yes, that vintage spilling of blood…

Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats – Blood Lust

Number 12

Number 12

Just above The Black Angels at magical number 12 we find a band that has been around for almost fifteen years. During which the line-up changed more often than a woman changes her mind. But with the return of their original drummer; which has been replaced seven times now, they are planning to finally forge forward in the world of heavy rock. Maybe that is the reason behind the album title? A new righteous start? Sludge, doom, stoner, metal; these guys got it all down to a knack. They filled the new record with smooth and racy slow and mid-tempo riffs; interspersed with chaos and madness. Combinations of Black Sabbath riffs and atmosphere; laced with the haunting agitation of Jane’s Addiction. Of magnificent solo’s and boggy swamp-riffs. We are also treated to a bit of trash; mighty doom and mixtures of mystery and atmosphere. So the eclectic nature of this beautiful piece of music gives it a deserved spot on the list…

Solace - A.D.

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Magic 12

Magic number 12

The Argentinean Three Amigo’s are one of the most prolific producers of music out there. Already on their twelfth, thirteenth or maybe twentieth album; the guys keep growing and amaze! Once pushed into the corner of stoner and psychedelica; these guys have been able to fight themselves out of there with their own style. Free Rock is what they call it; and it is a combination of all that is right in music! Groove from the depths of their soul; and beautiful guitar. This time around there is some addition of Argentinean folk. An album which gives the listener a powerful experience. Three hoorays’s for:

Los Natas - El Nuevo Orden de La Libertad

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