Jon McGough - Personal Top 20 of 2025

 

Jon McGough - Personal Top 20 of 2025

 

The honorable Jon McGough does stuff for the Doom Charts, Outlaws of The Sun and Stoner HiVe and we are honored to have him with us. He delivered a Top 25 to be used for the Countdown... And published here! But that's not all, cause of course, he wanted to add 30 more! So, scroll down and hit all those Top 55 albums, cause they are all, freakin awesome! Of course... And just so you know, he's also the master of ceremonies over on the cool Stoner Rock Army group on FB. Below is his list of his 55 very favorite albums of 2025 and below that, the reviews he wrote for Stoner HiVe in 2025... 

1/ Grey Czar – Euarthropodia

2/ Kryptograf – Kryptonomicon

3/ Kal El – Astral Voyager Vol. 1

4/ Naxatras – V

5/ Temple Fang – Lifted from the Wind

6/ Howling Giant – Crucible & Ruin

7/ Paralyzed – Rumble & Roar

8/ Beastwars – The Ship, The Sea

9/ Brimstone Coven – The Light Shines Not for Thee

10/ Ordos – Fire

11/ Mountain Dust – s/t

12/ Cosmic Reaper – Bleed the Wicked, Drown the Damned

13/ Gentle Beast – Vampire Witch Reptilian Super Soldier from Outer Space

14/ Crystal Spiders – Metanoia

15/ Moundrag – Deux

16/ Astralplane – Out of the Void

17/ Goya – In the Dawn of November

18/ ZOAHR – Mosaic

19/ Stoned Jesus – Songs to Sun

20/ Wolftooth – Wizard’s Light

21/ Elder – Liminality / Dream State Return

22/ Winds of Neptune – s/t

23/ HOG – Blackhole

24/ Steinsopp – Goloka Sessions

25/ Iron Rat – Beneath it All

 

 26/ Dead Shrine – Cydonia Mensa

27/ Khan – That Fair and Warlike Form / Return to Dust

28/ Komatsu – A Breakfast for Champions

29/ Requiem Blues – s/t

30/ Nightstalker – Return from the Point of No Return 

31/ Witchrider – Metamorph 

32/ Maanta Raay – s/t

33/ Palm Desert – Rays of the Gold and Greys

34/ Cactus Rojo – Dune

35/ Cerberus - Summon

36/ Good Spirits – The Green Seer

37/ Kadavermarch – s/t

38/ The Big Rip – Olympus Mons 

39/ Froglord – Metamorphosis 

40/ Zalomon Grass – Trouble in Time

41/ Tumble – Lost in the Light 

42/ Monkeys on Mars – s/t

43/ Birds of Nazca – Pangaea 

44/ Spidergawd – From Eight to Infinity 

45/ The Elven – Solstice 

46/ Icarus Burns – s/t

47/ Rust Bucket – s/t

48/ Bronco – s/t

49/ Foot – The Hammer

50/ Ever Age – s/t 

51/ Psalm – In Darkness... Have Mercy 

52/ Rainbows Are Free – Silver and Gold

53/ Year of the Cobra – s/t

54/ Ravine – s/t

55/ Goia Paranoia – Pandemonium Overdrive

 

And below you can revisit everything Jon McGough wrote for the HiVe in 2025!

Temple Fang – Lifted From The Wind

Nightstalker - Return From The Point Of No Return

Komatsu – A Breakfast For Champions 

Kryptograf – Kryptonomicon

DeWolff – Muscle Shoals 

 

Temple Fang – Lifted From The Wind

 

 

Temple Fang – Lifted From The Wind
Stickman Records – 2025
Rock, Psych, Free
Rated: *****

Temple Fang are here with five long masterworks built around psychedelic passages, spiritual journeys, and enlightenment. There’s a true sense of wonder and divinity as the emotional vocals put you in a state of heightened awareness across ‘Lifted From The Wind’. The four piece from Amsterdam utilize progressive structures and heavy psych across the long-form backdrop to create a mind-blowing album that resonates deep to the core. Like an ancient spirit speaking through the darkness, Temple Fang are the radiant light reminding you to close off the outside world and nourish the inner mind, body, and soul.

The first single, ‘The River’, is a great introduction to the band, their sound, and what to expect for the duration of ‘Lifted From The Wind’. With a running time of over eighteen minutes, it’s not even the longest track on the album! Just as the song, a river flows with no fixed path, there are twists and turns. There’s expansion, transformation, and growth. The three pieces of ‘The River’ flow flawlessly altering the riverside, eroding the ground from underneath. With the gentle beginnings of ‘Once’ we are presented with a different vocalist, in fact three-quarters of the band provide vocals on ‘Lifted From The Wind’ adding more diversity to an already talented roster of musicians. It’s a slow building track with shamanic spoken words, a sanctuary of thoughts that flicker like candlelight, afterwards escalading into cosmic swells and electric storms.

Exhale the tension, exhale the world, everything under the sun is golden. A bountiful yield of psych enriched melodies and bottom end vibrations await you on ‘Harvest Angel’. The polychromatic layers and changes of time implore you to turn face from the sun and follow the rainbow. Though ‘The Radiant’ is the shortest song on ‘Lifted From The Wind’ it is a mighty force to be reckoned with, shining its bold rays of harmonious vocalizations throughout while keeping the mood pleasantly buoyant. We are one with everything upon this earthly realm seeking the guidance and acceptance of the universe. ‘Josephine’ shifts from a beautiful, sunbathed day of warmhearted memories to a more dramatic turn in musical direction and events, with fear settling in after the loss of love to the ravages of time.

The struggles of the band from lineup changes to the dreaded plague have forged Temple Fang into a band with an iron will. Fortunately, their desire and strength to carry-on outweighed any of the detriments thrown their way and with ‘Lifted From The Wind’ have elevated themselves farther beyond possibly what even they could have imagined.

(Written by Jon McGough)

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Temple Fang - The Radiant

Temple Fang – The River

 

Nightstalker - Return From The Point Of No Return

 

 

Nightstalker - Return From The Point Of No Return
Heavy Psych Sounds – 2025
Rock, Stoner, Hard, Desert, Psych
Rated:

Greek legends Nightstalker released their seventh studio album ‘Return From The Point Of No Return’ last month and not only is it fantastic but it’s also a testament to the band’s longevity. Most bands are lucky to have a few years of creativity and relevance, whereas Nightstalker have had decades, which only shows the strength and endurance of the band. Whether they acknowledge or embrace the title is anyone’s guess, but Nightstalker are known as stoner rock legends. Titles and genres aside the power of the music is what compels us, so about this new album…

Bringing a heavy load of stoner-tinged grooves and distorted guitars Nightstalker hit like a ton of bricks smashing down from a ten-story building crashing down on our heads. There’s an energy swell in songs like ‘Dust’ where the drums are absolutely commanding, adding fuel to an already burning inferno of fuzzy guitars and thumping bass. Of course, Argy’s vocals are some of the most recognizable you’ll ever hear as his slightly accented and mid-tone Ozzy range narrates us through ‘Heavy Trippin’. It’s a more settled in song than its predecessor and ‘deeper’ subject wise with lyrics of self-reflection, soul searching, and one’s own existence within this thing called life, topics we can all relate to.

There are hints of grunge mixed in that may have been overlooked before from Nightstalker and are noticeable in tracks like ‘Uncut’ which is a headbanging powerhouse of energy. On the title track ultra-distorted guitars and heavy bass both vie for attention, later even ‘battling’ it out on the song. The mix and levels are perfect with all instruments pushed up equally in the production throughout the entire album, which is masterfully done. The echo on the vocals is a nice touch hooking and reeling you in towards the point of no return.

The somber beginnings of ‘Shipwrecked Powder Monkey’ are short-lived as the stoner rock fuzz hits bringing with it a powerful vocal and heavy power chords. Nightstalker remind you that songs don’t have to be overly complicated to get their point and emotion across. Possibly the favorite of the album is ‘Shallow Grave’, it starts slow and steady with great melody and lyrics. It’s brilliant how the second and fourth lines say, “A grave with no name…on”, with the exclusion of ‘it’ making the line that much better. The song is built in anticipation and just before the three-minute mark crashes into a crescendo of heavy rock as all instruments come in at full volume.

We’ll leave the last two alone in hopes that you explore them as well as the whole album. ‘Return From The Point Of No Return’ is a solid release of heavy rock with stoner qualities, one that proves the band are showing no signs of slowing down. Even having already placed their stamp on the rock world and being giants in the heavy underground, Nightstalker continuously kick out the jams. This one is on repeat at headquarters and hopefully our fine readers are already enjoying it as well. The only thing left to do is pick up the record…

(Written by Jon McGough)

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Heavy Psych Sounds

Kryptograf – Kryptonomicon

 

 

Kryptograf – Kryptonomicon
Apollon Records – 2025
Rock, Hardrock, Prog, Proto, Seventies, Stoner, Doom
Rated:

If you know me, you can imagine my excitement when I learned of the new album ‘Kryptonomicon’. I was completely gob smacked by their self-titled debut way back in 2020 and it still frequently finds its way onto my turntable. I remember there being a certain enigma surrounding the band when I first heard of them. Who are these guys? What do they look like? What does Kryptograf mean? Of course, all these questions have been answered but what remains is their craft and that sound. That sweet proto-metal, 70’s, stoner-doom concoction, that is Kryptograf. That undeniable Kryptograf sound!

‘The Eldorado Spell’, the band’s second outing dropped in 2022. That album was perhaps more experimental, but it escaped the ‘sophomore slump’ and confirmed that they weren’t just a one-off. It has aged well, containing some of my favorite tunes from the band. Three years later and here we are, and here is Kryptograf.

The album starts with the multi-faceted ‘Beyond The Horizon’, which rightfully is one of the singles of the album. As such it harnesses what any great single should, catchy guitar riffs, remarkable vocal melodies, and the collective wonders of the entire group. But of course, done with that Kryptograf elegance! ‘The Blade’ continues us on our musical journey with the proto-metal meets proto-doom sound that Kryptograf has been exploiting (to our delight) since day one. At the two and a half mark the guitars go into a mesmerizing harmonization sequence while the bass walks around the neck with fervency. This is all in preparation to come crashing back into the striking chorus.

The title track ‘Kryptonomicon’ has some great bluesy licks on it and highlights one of the band’s true strengths, which (to me at least) is the vocal melody and the structures of them. There is knowledge and skill in such efforts to create memorable sing-along songs. ‘You And I’, the single that was released way back in the first quarter of 2024 has a strong Graveyard vibe on it. I found the small yet mighty harmonica appearance to be exciting and unexpected. The energetic track is catchy with potent vocal deliveries and displays some amazing drumming, some of the best on the album.

As the promo stated, the B-side of the album is a ‘heavier’ or ‘moodier’ Kryptograf, I would add ‘doomier’ to that assessment. Though not a drastic change, there is a mood shift into darker territory compared to that of the first half of ‘Kryptonomicon’ with more of a doom focus musically and desolate themes lyrically. Fans of the band will recognize this as the opposite side of the same coin. It is after all, Kryptograf! ‘From Below’ directs us downward into the abyss. There’s a tense feeling in the air, a sense of uneasiness, the urgency to escape. If not from the depths, from life itself. Stoner doom riffs and minor keys fill the winding path as ghoulish vocals assist in haunting the track. The song ‘Lost At Sea’ is filled with vocal harmonies that seize the listeners’ attention, one of the most engaging aspects of Kryptograf. I’ve always felt like they have somewhat of a nautical, across open seas, journey into the unknown sound to some of their material, even if not subject wise. Perhaps it’s just the way that Kryptograf can tell a story and convey it to the listener. ‘The Gales’ is both dreamy and nightmarish, with the bass directing the relaxed verses before a sinister middle section filled with crashing and pounding drums decimates the sleeper. Though Kryptograf are great storytellers, this uneasy portion is told through the instrumentation. Then just as all seems lost, in true Kryptograf fashion, you’re hit with a powerful vocal melody and commanding guitar solo. All is right once more.

‘Kryptonomicon’ sees the band building upon their previous two albums, taking the best sounds and approaches from them while charting new waters and continuing upon the fresh course ahead. One thing is for sure, they retain their classic sound that is undeniably Kryptograf!

(Written by Jon McGough)

Listen to the first two singles now and get psyched for the full album, releasing on March 7th through Apollon Records!



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Kryptograf - Kryptograf ended up on Number 5 on the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown of 2020

Kryptograf - The Eldorado Spell ended up on Number 17 on the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown of 2022

DeWolff – Muscle Shoals

 

 

DeWolff – Muscle Shoals
Mascot – 2024
Rock, Roots
Rated:  

Formed in The Netherlands in the year two thousand and seven, DeWolff have been cranking out tunes as a collective for almost two decades. They say time flies when you’re having fun and boy do DeWolff have fun! The brothers Pablo and Luka van de Poel and Robin Piso have traveled the world playing venues and festivals alike. They have played with tons of musicians across the world. The band has recorded in different countries, provinces, and states across the globe. Which brings us to the small yet historical town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, USA. Three Dutchmen walk into an Alabama studio, sounds like the setup to a bad joke your Uncle Joe might would tell at a family gathering right? No, this is not the case. The reason of course, as I mentioned, is the historic significance of Muscle Shoals. Specifically, the musical significance of the town and the famous studios within. DeWolff found themselves with a chance to record in FAME Studios and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, both of which produced legendary acts of R&B and Soul, as well as Rock ‘n’ Roll and Southern Rock, respectively. When that opportunity came, DeWolff seized the moment.

Which brings us to the album Muscle Shoals. Even those that are familiar with or have heard of the band DeWolff may not realize this is their tenth studio album. However, there is no burnout or lack of inspiration from this group, and you need only listen to Muscle Shoals as proof. DeWolff have their own personality, it’s an irresistible feel-good atmosphere projected throughout the entire album, and you can’t help but feel its energy. The retro vibes are strong, not only in the compositions and production, but also in the songwriting. We have the rockin’ tunes of ‘Natural Woman’, ‘Truce’, and ‘Ophelia’ that achieve a 70’s sound with the vocal harmonies and the ever-present keys that are staples of DeWolff’s music. They aren’t afraid to add claps, saxophone, or backing vocals to the mix, and the songs are all the better for these additions. We have the groovin’ tracks of ‘Out on the Town’, ‘Hard to Make a Buck’, and ‘Fools & Horses’ which are full of stories and perhaps even life lessons. The influences of old school rock and soul that have shaped DeWolff are evident as they shine on Muscle Shoals, and the chemistry of the band is undeniable. The brothers have similar voices, and the back-and-forth vocals on ‘Hard to Make a Buck’ and ‘Fools & Horses’ are really special, a true highlight of the album. We have the lovin’ songs, I put them in the same category as they are all related to love, though I’d like to point out the three different stages of a relationship. You have the upbeat beginning of ‘In Love’ with a walking bass line and splendid percussion, while the backup vocals echo the fresh new excitement of affection. ‘Let’s Stay Together’ is more of a reflection of the past, longing for that initial connection that has somewhat faded over time. The track is more of a somber affair, with an orchestral sound to the organ. Then we come to the end of this trio of songs with ‘Ships in The Night’, I feel it can be interpreted in two different ways. Either the love is rekindled or the realization hits that like ships in the night, separate paths can only align for a short time.

There are four other tracks that I didn’t mention, though I hope you go out and check the album out yourself and see what all my rambling and praise is about. After enjoying their previous album, last year’s ‘Love, Death & In Between’ as much as I did, I wasn’t expecting a new album so soon, nor was I expecting such a great album. DeWolff has so many components that I enjoy. Organs, vocal harmonies, and a retro sound, just to name a few. There’s plenty to love on Muscle Shoals, and if you love Blues, Soul, and Classic Rock, you’ll enjoy this latest outing.

(Written by Jon McGough)

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Review for Live at Royal Theatre Carré with Metropole Orchestra

Review for Tascam Tapes

Review for Thrust

Review for Roux-Ga-Roux

Review for Grand Southern Electric

Review for Orchards / Lupine

Review for Strange Fruits and Undiscovered Plants

Review for Dewolff

Jon McGough - Personal Top 20 of 2024

 

Jon McGough - Personal Top20

 

The honorable Jon McGough was everywhere before he joined Stoner HiVe back in July. And then he also joined the Doom Charts and the cool Outlaws of The Sun! Where his list of favorite albums was published as well, with some 35 more! That's what I like to call, keeping yourself busy! And that's in between driving hundreds of miles to see a live show or churning out riffs and riffs and more riffs himself. Be sure to check out al his outputs everywhere and meet him in the cool Stoner Rock Army group on FB where he's a lieutenant to the General himself... Below is his list of Favorite albums and below that, the reviews he wrote for Stoner HiVe.

 

1. Gjenferd - s/t

2. Sacri Monti – Retrieval

3. Old Horn Tooth – Mourning Light

4. Emu – s/t

5. Tarot – Glimpse of the Dawn

6. Anciients – Beyond the Reach of the Sun

7. High On Fire – Cometh the Storm

8. Magick Potion – s/t

9. DeWolff – Muscle Shoals

10. Opeth – The Last Will and Testament

11. Greenleaf – The Head & The Habit

12. Magmakammer – Before I Burn

13. The Shadow Lizzards – Paradise

14. Hashtronaut – No Return

15. Freeways – Dark Sky Sanctuary

16. Spirit Mother – Trails

17. Khirki - Κυκεώνας

18. The Quill – Wheel of Illusion

19. Gnome – Vestiges of Verumex Visidrome

20. Phantom Hound – From Boom Town to Ghost Town

 

And check out the reviews he wrote last year here:

 

Starspawn of Cthulhu – Alienum

 

Quine – Quine E.P. 

 

The Blacktones – The Longest Year

 

Erronaut – The Space In Between

 

Phantom Hound - From Boom Town to Ghost Town

 

The Kryss Talmeth Experience - When The Wheels Fall Off

 

Starmonger – Occultation 

 

Starmonger – Occultation

 

 

Starmonger – Occultation
Interstellar Smoke Records – 2024
Rock, Desert, Stoner, Psych
Rated:

If you are reading this Stoner HiVe review, I know that we are kindred spirits with a love of the heavy underground and all the variety of acts, artists, and blends of genres it provides us. Day after day there is a buffet of new music to ingest, but occasionally, something or someone profoundly different crosses your palate. One such band would be Starmonger. They blend multiple genres that we are familiar with, but with a unique mix and sound that is all their own.

One of the reasons the band has a different sound are the vocals of vocalist/guitarist Arthur Desbois, they truly stand out and were the first thing I noticed. Here on Occultation, they span from carefully laid out medium ranged plateaus to more operatic high altitudes as he bellows out above the progressive stoner structured instrumentation. He is not the only one on vocal duty however as all members contribute to the microphone. When the extra layers of vocal harmonies hit and come together, they pierce through the atmosphere making the hairs on your arms stand up.

As far as Starmonger’s sound goes I guess you could pigeon-hole them into heavy psych, stoner, and doom, had you needed to, but there are more underlying things at play looking under the microscope. For one thing the progressive elements are undeniable, complicated structures and time changes fill Occultation, with the album being skillfully built around them. There is also an uplifting theatrical tone to the album, one that touches the very core of the listener. Combining this with the arrangements makes Occultation an album that I can only describe as epic!

With various forementioned time signatures you must have a strong- and open-minded timekeeper upon the throne, drummer Seb Antoine fills these qualifications with elaborate fills and a steady pace when need be. Bassist Mathias Friedman accompanies the heartbeat with his own complex parts, basslines that are amazing and perfectly situated, as he balances time between the rhythm section and as a rhythm part behind the guitar. Arthur is also talented at guitar, whether it is a riff, chords, or impressive lead parts. Theres also the knowledge of knowing when not to play and use the space within the progressions to allow for the bigger picture to unfold.

Starmonger has formulated a saga with multitudes of layers to be peeled and is truly a testament to what three guys, their instruments, their aspirations, and vision can accomplish. To my ears, that accomplishment is a magnificent victory with Occultation.

(Written by Jon McGough)

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The Kryss Talmeth Experience - When The Wheels Fall Off

 

The Kryss Talmeth Experience - When The Wheels Fall Off
Kozmik Artifactz – 2024
Rock, Stoner, Blues, Psych
Rated:

From the very beginning of ‘When The Wheels Fall Off’, The Kryss Talmeth Experience kicks in the door with one foot of stoner rock, with the second one planted firmly in heavy blues. The lyrics to ‘Jump in the River’ state “Feel the rhythm in your soul, feel that rhythm takin’ hold.” Well, you feel that rhythm of the bass and drums, playing together and off one another absolutely tearing it up. I can imagine the rumbling of a wooden stage in a small pub somewhere, if I were so lucky to attend a live show. You also feel the soulfulness of the blues dipped vocals, dripping like thick syrup with a minor amount of grit on the back end. The blues run so deep, even the guitar isn’t safe from its influence. When it’s not knocking out chunky distorted stoner riffs on rhythm, the leads are embedded with a mixture of it and a 70’s retro feel. ‘When The Wheels Fall Off’ is a seriously feel-good album encapsulating the rock ‘n roll spirit and its bluesy origins. The wheels are tightly secured upon this well-oiled machine, so hop upon and let The Kryss Talmeth Experience take you for a ride!

(Written by Jon McGough)

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Phantom Hound - From Boom Town to Ghost Town

 

Phantom Hound - From Boom Town to Ghost Town
Glory or Death Records – 2024
Rock, Metal, Doom, Stoner, Blues, Grunge, Psych, Sludge
Rated:

Originally formed in 2013 as Hound, the band released an E.P. ‘The Ether’ in 2016 and after a name change in 2018 the Oakland trio self-released their debut album ‘Mountain Pass’ in 2020. We all lived through and remember what happened in 2020, the worldwide pandemic saw that Phantom Hound were stopped short of their goals with the album as fear set in and lock downs became standard practice. It was a difficult time, the pandemic, social injustices, civil unrest, financial crises, and the blazing infernos that lit up the West Coast led to a mass exodus of people from the band’s location and hometown. With great tragedies come great inspiration, as the world shut down the band experimented, hashing out what would be the beginnings of ‘From Boom Town to Ghost Town’.

One such experiment from these early sessions is the mostly instrumental ‘Eyes Upon Riches’, it starts with the sound of shovels and picks hitting gravel and rock, a story from California’s past. The album conceptualizes the idea of what once was, is again, history repeating itself, the similarities between past and present. California saw a huge influx of prospectors during the Gold Rush, but all good things must end and eventually the gold dried up, similarly the state was booming pre-pandemic before things grinded to a halt and went bust. Musically the track sees the band experimenting with sounds during the lockdown, including new amps, synthesizers, delays, and it also contains an excerpt from a poem called "The Prospector" by Robert Service that is spoken on the track. The song has become a staple set opener for Phantom Hound’s live shows.

‘The Locksmith’ starts off in a stoner rock direction maybe even more stoner-metal with de-tuned guitars and riffs that never wonder too far off course from the main chord structure but damn it’s a thick heavy tone that draws you in. Jake Navarra’s vocals are a highlight, they’re clear and comprehensible yet have a soulful rasp at the back end of them that’s quite unique. The lyrics provide some insight into the stir craziness that the population felt when life was put on hold during the lockdowns, when we were at the mercy of the locksmith. The back half of the track has an extensive lead guitar presence with multiple leads from wah-wah injected segments to more expansive melodic solos.

‘Gold Fever’ is a more rock-oriented track with some grungy undertones, with Stephen Roger’s bass prominent in the mix. I really like how the second verse cuts the guitar out and it’s just the bass and drums building up again towards the chorus and it’s a nice touch on the second half of the verses to have the layered vocal parts. The lyrics not only refer to greedy politicians and the greed that can overtake people of power but also coincide with the theme of the Gold Rush and the thirst for more. Gotta dig, gotta dig again!

I would consider ‘Claims and Prospects’ the sister song to the previous one, but with even more of a grunge presence. The power chords and drums have a grungy Nirvana sound to them, while there are Layne Staley characteristics within the vocals. The lyrical theme of greed continues, though this time more specifically about people and institutions of power who seek to take your claim and make it their own. For those that have seen the music video, Phantom Hound takes a comedic approach of the idea with Uncle Sam wanting his piece of the pie. Born free and taxed to death is the old saying.

The title track ‘From Boom Town to Ghost Town’ is a song of sorrowful goodbyes in the sense of having to leave behind something or somewhere near and dear to your heart. Within those fearful farewells though there are also new beginnings, as life continues, so do we. The vocal harmonies are excellent in the verses, as are the acoustic guitars, making for one of the most special and memorable tracks of the album.

‘Waterways (The Motherlode)’ is the longest track in duration and probably also for the time spent during the writing period, Phantom Hound worked on it for over a year seeing the band challenging themselves to break out of their shells and create the masterpiece. I remember telling the guys it was my favorite and they also consider it to be the standout on the album. It starts with a slow groove and some bluesy guitar that intensifies to a heavy riff and spoken word before transforming yet again into the stoner-rock realm. Jack Stile’s drums are heavy and precise while transversing the time changes whilst still maintaining his style and I love the tom-fills.

Talk about going out with a bang, ‘Hooch’s Skull’ starts as one of the heaviest, metal inspired, and fastest BPM’s on the album. Even after the tempo slows Jake’s guitar still screams metal with the lead parts towards the latter half of the track. Based off a true story of a Gold Rush legend, the lyrics tell of his ghost still searching for his bones.

As you may be able to tell through my lengthy review, (I’m still just scratching the surface) this is one special album. I feel like it’s approachable and accessible to any and everyone in the heavy underground, there’s something for every itch. I also feel like this will be their breakthrough; Phantom Hound have brought forth an album with an interesting concept that avoids tired lyrical themes that plague others. With a fresh take musically as well, ‘From Boom Town to Ghost Town’ achieves something heartfelt, of substance, and completely genuine.

(Written by Jon McGough)

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Glory Or Death Records

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Erronaut – The Space In Between

 

 

Erronaut – The Space In Between
London Doom Collective – 2024
Rock, Stoner, Grunge, Desert
Rated:

The four piece sonic astronauts of the band Erronaut hail from the United Kingdom, offering an elaborate, expansive, and stunning album with their debut ‘The Space Inbetween’. Filled with that fuzzy stoner sound we all love, cool clean vocals, and melodic hooks both musically and lyrically, the band have weaved together a sound of tranquility that can simultaneously blast you up through the atmosphere.

Erronaut navigates you through a voyage of distorted guitars that spew forth a never-ending fuzz that envelopes the entirety of ‘The Space Inbetween’, but it’s one you’ll never tire from, in fact you’ll embrace. The vocalist has a great tone and voice, almost pushing them to the edge with some throaty rasp to accentuate the heaviness of the choruses, bringing focus to his range as a singer. Passionate, relatable lyrics of introspection, self-reflection, and personal growth engage the listener. There’s an intensity to the drums, every time he hits the skins, you’re well aware of it as the sounds vibrate through your stereo speakers. It’s also an extremely bass-heavy album, purposely dominating at times, with plenty of instances where the instrument takes center stage.

I thought about spoiling it, but I decided not to, I’ll just say the coordinates at the beginning of the album 5.68* N 98.54* E are of importance and what a neat little Easter Egg from the band. Songs like ‘Way Down Below’ and ‘Lost Cause’ are completely unforgettable, fuzzed out tunes with standout bass that are full of melody and spatial expeditions. ‘Dark Horizon’ and particularly ‘Per Contra’ display Erronaut’s grunge influence with melancholy lyrics and tones but with a positive, upbeat tempo and prevailing conclusions. ‘1202’ and ‘Underneath the Sun’ have the stoner rock touch but truly they’re high-quality rock songs with solid arrangements and hooks at the centers. After many listens the two-parter ‘Beyond Sleep Pt. 1&2’ are my favorite tracks, ethereal spacey sounds that create a cascading almost freefalling experience through the heavens with auditory bliss. You won’t want to miss out on this, the journey, the experience, The Space Inbetween.

(Written by Jon McGough)

Listen to the first single Lost Cause now and get ready to adventure through The Space Inbetween as of Friday August 30th!



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The Blacktones – The Longest Year

 

 

The Blacktones – The Longest Year
Sleaszy Rider Records – September 2024
Rock, Metal, Sludge, Doom, Grunge, Death
Rated: ***

There are many The Blacktones bands, but this The Blacktones outfit originally formed in Sardinia in 2011 as an instrumental band and through the years and with the addition of members have multiplied not only in numbers but also in sound. Through their musical progression they’ve evolved from stoner metal into more sludge metal territory with death, doom, and grunge as influences, resulting in a formidable combination.

With ‘The Longest Year’ The Blacktones bring an arsenal to the table, one such weapon is the vocalist Aaron Tolu with his multiple styles at the microphone. From a clean melodic voice to his screams and guttural growls, this guy has range! Whether the music forms around his vocal variations or vice versa, they certainly complement each other, as the instrumentation unfolds various tempos and techniques throughout.

The single ‘The Parade’ starts with drums and electronics playing with polyrhythmic elements and a massive sounding bass, with the vocals having the occasional young Phil Anselmo tone to them on the verses, but with more discipline. The song ‘Older Brother’ brings out some of the grunge influence I mentioned earlier with an Alice in Chains vibe to it with the grungy double guitars leading the way, as well as a powerful chorus channeling Layne Staley. ‘Take This Time’ is more of a heavy rock song structure wise with a great flow to it transforming from melodic clean verses to a distorted chorus, leading to a bridge interlude with a spacey, bluesy lead guitar before slamming back into the main tune.

With ‘The Longest Year’ crossing multiple genres and soundscapes, The Blacktones have numerous influences that bleed into their music and though they are literally on an island their music knows no bounds and their fanbase has no border.

(Written by Jon McGough)

Album comes out September 2024. Listen to their 2017 The Day We Shut Down The Sun album here...




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Quine – Quine E.P.

 

 

Quine – Quine E.P.
Self-released – 2024
Rock, Prog, Alternative, Electronica
Rated: **

Imagine a world where guitars no longer speak or weep. Quine from Belarus (not the French one) embodies this as the band forgoes the use of guitars instead focusing on bass and more nontraditional avenues such as low detuned synthesizers and other electronica. This produces a rather futuristic overall feel and one where the bass seems to take center stage. Especially on the track ‘Syn’ where the funky bass line opens the Quine E.P. before being joined by the vocals that have a James Maynard Keenan likeness to them. “Wite’ opens with synths and has a feeling of disconcert but also of optimism and expectation within the lyrics of a better world. It’s a bass heavy track that is full of A Perfect Circle worship, as well as a few great lead keyboard parts.  The more laid-back track ‘Thes’ continues the spiral down the matrix without a glitch, the bass playing is spot on and the narrative vocals serving the main role of the song. A unique experiment that works quite well, Quine is on to something here, their quest is imminent.

(Written by Jon McGough)

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Starspawn of Cthulhu – Alienum

 

 

Starspawn of Cthulhu – Alienum
Self-released – 2024
Doom, Metal
Rated:

Alienum is a doom filled, sci-fi, Lovecraftian inspired adventure through ancient time and space. The vocals are haunting throughout ranging from baritone to a resonating bass similar to Peter Steele in some instances but unalike in the fact that the singer has an authentic European accent. On 'Ancient Visitors' you're immediately cast into the fire and the ancient mythos with a metallic intro and bellowing lead guitar parts behind the thick doom riff rhythms, while the chronicle of aliens mixing their blood with our ancestors is told. 'Melodies from Another Dimension' is probably my favorite song with a repeating synth sequence, a masterfully played spacious guitar solo, and the song showcases the deeper range of the vocalist. 'They Come at Night' is another headbanger of detuned rhythm guitar, doom metal, and minor notes while the lyrics tell the terrifying horror of being awakened by unearthly beings. Did I mention this new Starspawn of Cthulhu album is all the work of one Roberto Biasin? That's right I forgot to say it's a one man operation. This talented musician and his mysterious tales of alien visions, ancient visitors, and extra dimensional voyages are all very much worth your time as the lyrical themes and concepts are fascinating!

(Written by Jon McGough)

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A new member to the team: Jon McGough!

 

 

A new member to the team: Jon McGough!

You've seen him around, everywhere, always posting about his new favorite finds, those new heavy rock albums he adores... And he’s also driving hundreds of miles to see live shows. Puer dedication! So,  yes, as a permanent fixture to many a Facebook group, forum and reacting to posts everywhere, Jon McGough has been writing mini reviews without even knowing it. And then he joined the Doom Charts and upped his game. And now he’s graced us by joining Stoner HiVe to write the occasional review as well… First up: the new Starspawn of Cthulhu!

We welcome the honorable Jon McGough to the team and can’t wait to read his first words of wisdom about the new Starspawn of Cthulhu… Welcome good sir, welcome!