We Kill Cowboys – Back From The Dead

 

 

We Kill Cowboys – Back From The Dead
Mongrel Records – 2025
Rock, Grunge, Alternative, Stoner, Punk, Metal
Rated: ****

South African cool cats We Kill Cowboys is signed to wicked Mongrel Records and should stick with them for the rest of their career. Cause it seems like the perfect fit, the outfit and label both have a snarl. And a certain way to wag their tail if they have some delicious rock and roll bone in their snout! And rest assured, they won’t let go until you hear it as well. And if you follow the HiVe you know we’ve been mentioned a lot of singles they’ve released over the past years. And now, on December 5th, they will be releasing a six track EP called Back From The Dead! A highly infectious take on late nineties alternative that not just snarls but bites as well! 

They signal the new EP Back From The Dead as a rebirth for the Cape Town quartet turned five-piece. A band long fueled by the grit of punk, the weight of grunge, a splice of stoner and the bite of post-hardcore. A bite that has definitely gotten deeper on the new six-track. After stepping fully into the role of lead vocalist, Alex Muller drives this new chapter with a voice that cuts through like wildfire. Powerful and decisive, carrying tales of rebellion and resilience. The arrival of guitarist Floris Le Roux thickens the band’s sonic storm, locking in with Mornay, Andrew, and Miggs to forge a force that feels dangerous, growling, untamed, yet intentional. Rising from the underground’s chaos, they return louder, sharper, and fiercely alive, even if the whole EP is over in 23 minutes… We Kill Cowboys is Back From The Dead and not wasting any time killing it!! Ferocious stuff! 

(Written by JK)

Only thing missing from this amazing band and this powerful release is a bandcamp account…

But you can check most of their songs on Youtube.. 

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P+A+G+E+S – No More Can Be Done

 

 

P+A+G+E+S – No More Can Be Done
Self-released – 2025
Metal, Drone, Sludge, Doom
Rated: ***

From the unfathomable depths of Cape Town’s underground, P+A+G+E+S emerges not as a new band, but as an entity transfigured by the dark, formed by the shadows and modeled after the murk. Formerly known as the more light exhuming Morning Pages, the trio spent half a decade carving out their sound before shedding it like a skin that no longer fits. Replacing it withs something colder, heavier and sharpened by determination. No More Can Be Done, is the debut full-length, and it feels less like a collection of songs and more like a ritual. An invocation of bleakness, suffocation and resistance. 

The album starts with fifteen minute long The Passage, a descent that drags the listener down by the ankles. This is the kind of music that does not explode but corrodes. Built on layers of crushing sludge and suffocating drone, the track sets the tone for a record that unfolds like a monument that goes into ruin in slow-motion. Every note seems to have been placed like a trap, with malign precision. And where chaos looms in its shadows, P+A+G+E+S seem calculated in their devastation. It is the hour of devastation, the atmosphere is thick, airless and nothing escapes. 

And that permeates the entire four tracks that follow, crawling or marching slow, feeling those guitars grind like rusted machinery. Drums like echoes of distant war drums. The sound weaponized and deadly. Lyrics with only a small glimmer of grim hope. No optimism can be found on No More Can Be Done, no hope, just survival. And you whisper this as you watch the walls extend outwards, and an all-consuming surge of heat blow back. And that’s what’s left when you touch everything No More Can Be Done leaves behind, ash, broken concrete and brittle bone. This is music for when the world turns to rot, when the sky goes black and there’s nothing left to do but stare into the dark. And as you see all that is black come alive and start to move, you choose to hold your ground. Knowing, No More Can Be Done… 

(Written by JK)

The albums comes out on October 25th! But the first single Shine On can be heard right now... 



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Acid Magus – Scatterling Empire

 

 

Acid Magus – Scatterling Empire
Mongrel Records – 2025
Metal, Sludge, Post, Prog
Rated: *****

We were fairly obvious with our adoration of their Hope Is Heavy album. Well, the South African cool cats Acid Magus are back with a follow up to that amazing album. It’s called Scatterling Empire, comes out this Friday, 21st of February on Mongrel Records, and it is one gigantic leap forward once again. So huge in scope and composition, so grandiose in its opening and so lavish in its overture ending, one could expect them to have camped out at a certain crossroad for a few weeks, just so they could sell their soul. They’ve deepened their progressive elements and have come away with songs of other worldly beauty. And if you are one of the few that read those weird words we wrote on their Hope Is Heavy album, you know I was truly in love with the drums. But on Scatterling Empire they are bewildering good! They have enlisted a new drummer, Jethro Vlag, and Roelof van Tonder, the drummer for Hope Is Heavy switched to bass duties. And the combination of those two facts turns every little thing about Scatterling Empire into an alchemic explosion.

As mentioned, the albums starts out grandiose and full of seizing rapture. The track is called War, an alarm going off all around you, a thunderous opening hitting you from all angles, darkening your sky, oppressive in its eruption, it leads you towards a momentary flash of light, sudden in its arrival, with beautiful vocals starting the tale anew. After which the assault continues, like a gatling gun scattering riffs galore. And those drums and those roars and and… It’s a righteous charge into battle! There is no denying you are immediately right smack dab in the middle of it all. Following track Incantations progresses to make the War you’ve been cast into, start to feel holy and unholy all at once. The fighting noises underneath War move seamlessly into the opening prayers, backwards, turning it all more atmospheric, even reflective during certain segments. Expanding their sound and reach into different territories. And you are with them, defiantly running with them across the plains and mountains. And this is just the second track. Heavier in emotion, darker in tones it all reflects the story of humanity, its history and the state of the world today. To accentuate that condition following track Wytch, howls and screeches at you, hooks in you, blast beats emphasizing its violent nature. And the interplay between the bass and drums is once again mind-blowing. And that’s besides the fact that your mind was already tearing itself apart coming to grips with those amazing vocals. The esoteric psychedelic interlude Ascendancy takes you to the single and highly melodic Emperor. Easiest to grip vocally, to scream along with, as the progressive nature of the track keeps taking you higher. The next track Citadel opens highly atmospheric, tranquil and slow moving, before imploring all sorts of percussion to set the scene and paint this picture of many colors of multiple cultures of winds coming in from all around the world to whirl and wind and whisp, turning smoke rings around your head into electric flashing and charged entities. The guitar work, so open and yet so enveloping. Never a note too much or out of place. And so much to explore…

Absolution is the interlude set-up that ending overture Haven needed. Beautiful string work to frame the ending scene, the forever goodbye. Especially once the choir enters the Haven track, the setting sail that begins early on in the track really takes off. But before you get to that part, more gripping guitar work, drums, a punching blast beat and ever more flowing progressive brilliance. Such an uplifting ending, freeing, full of release and that final smile...  And no… The journey doesn’t end there. For the curtain has been pulled back on the greatness of this collective. We can only hope they will continue on for many more albums, cause the deal they made back there, at the crossroads, promises more musical brilliance from these cool cats. Acid Magus have created their own Empire. A hammer strike against the gods. One that will ring on forever. And into legend…

(Written by JK)

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Stoner HiVe on Hope Is Heavy

Stoner HiVe on A Planet, A Deathstar

Stoner HiVe on Caligulator

Stoner HiVe on Demon Behemoth

Filthy Hippies – Share The Pill

 

 

Filthy Hippies – Share The Pill
Mongrel Records – 2024
Rock, Psych, Shoegaze, Indie, Noise
Rated: ***

As we inch closer to the deadline for YOUR lists for the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown of 2024. Namely, before Saturday December 14th, 8.00 CET. We decided to deep dive into that folder full of albums we desperately had wanted to mention this year. We wrote about something like 250 albums and EP’s this year. But in that folder, there are still some 400 more that we had wanted to bring into your peripheral vision. And we are saddened that we will never get to that… But well, besides trying to keep up with all the new ones coming out, we’re now trying to bring into the spotlight one from every month passed that we unfortunately did not mention during the month they were released.

For July we revisit the Filthy Hippies album. Out on Mongrel Records it is called Share The Pill and boasts no less than twelve tracks that meander through psych rock, shoegaze, indie and noise. That slacker touch makes all their psychedelic melodies flow from era to era and touch upon all those wonderful influences to turn the album and the listener completely on. Yes! It’s all happening. Once again. And with so many lazy grooves to tune into the experience is as delightful alone as it is when shared. After some line-up changes the South African (now) five-piece emerges as the perfect drowsy trip, turning almost every track into a dream like mantra to fall in love with. Especially for those of you that like those oddballs, the chameleons that know how to sound hallucinogenic without becoming to trippy and seem to be able to whisper secrets in your ear without you noticing it... Buy this ticket.. 

(Written by JK)

Filthy Hippies · Share The Pill

 

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Crash and the Void - Neon Bloodstains (ft. Johni Holiday)

 

Crash and the Void - Neon Bloodstains (ft. Johni Holiday)
 

He's everywhere! That dude from Ruff Majik! You know the cat! Johni Holliday, and this time he wreaks havoc on the new Crash And The Void song: Neon Bloodstains! Ferocious, serrated and ready to cut you up! What a time to be knife indeed! Wowzah! Dangerous animals combined lead to Neon Bloodstains!

 

Words from the PR Wire:

Crash And The Void Unleashes New Single Neon Bloodstains Featuring Johni Holiday of Ruff Majik

Pretoria’s own Crash And The Void is back and bolder than ever with their new single Neon Bloodstains out today via Mongrel Records, featuring guest vocals from Johni Holiday of Ruff Majik. Inspired by the intense and competitive world of the video game Cyberpunk 2077, the band crafted a song that mirrors the violence and drive required to succeed in the music industry. “I feel like the violence and competitive nature found in the game, which I played extensively, was a good parallel to the music industry and how you need to carve your way to success,” says Marius Schutte, the band’s vocalist and primary songwriter. The track’s message is clear: stand your ground, don't sell yourself short, and be realistic about the monumental task ahead when striving for success.

This self-produced song showcases the collaborative spirit of Crash And The Void. Initially entered into a competition to be featured in Cyberpunk 2077, the song evolved beyond its original form. The final doom breakdown, a highlight of the track, was a collective effort created during a rehearsal. The original demo, solely created by Marius Schutte, didn’t include this breakdown due to competition restrictions. Marius’s love for soundtracks and ludomusicology is evident, with the song’s opening lead line being a heavily distorted synthesizer inspired by Mick Gordon’s work on the DOOM soundtrack.

True to their innovative spirit, the band members recorded their parts in their home studios, with Marius programming the drums. This DIY approach not only highlights their versatility but also their commitment to producing high-quality music. Watch the Video Buy / Stream Neon Bloodstains

About Crash And The Void:

Crash And The Void makes music by infusing traditional balls-to-the-wall rock music with concepts often found in film music, particularly horror and sci-fi genres. Their collective musical influences range from Hans Zimmer to Black Sabbath and everything in between, creating a unique sound that is both thrilling and cinematic.

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Ruff Majik – What A Time To Be A Knife

 

 

Ruff Majik – What A Time To Be A Knife

Sorry, we’re going to boast a bit now. We’ve been one of the lucky ones that have been living with this track for a month or two now. And we’ve also been one of the lucky ones to already have heard it live. O’ and let’s not forget… We’ve also been one of the lucky ones to drive them home, offer them a place to sleep and serve them breakfast and basically cater to their every need. And we’ve been happy to do it! Cause Ruff Majik has something special, it needs to be cherished, the boys need to be stroked and fondled with care so that it may grow! And flower into the mushroom cloud that wants to envelope everything! And yes, it needs to be heard by one and all! Just get a load of the new single: What A Time To Be A Knife! It’s the first single of the new Moth Eater album to arrive via Sound of Liberation Records somewhere around October. It will be the completion of the trilogy that started with The Devil’s Cattle and Elektrik Ram and it will be telling the tale of Ruff Majik on the road, the good fight against everything evil they’re in and about that explosive energy that courses through the veins of these good ol’ boys! Love it! And if you don’t, do as they state on their own post about the new single… “Skip to the last three second…”

Their own words:

"What A Time To Be A Knife is out now, everywhere music can usually be found. It’s angry - don’t say we didn’t warn you. Featuring some extra power from our homie Reegan du Buisson (Facing the Gallows). Mixed and mastered by Justin Bernardo. Written and recorded by all of us. Released via Sound of Liberation Records. To all our friends, families and supporters, we love you. To everyone else, skip to the last 3 seconds of the song …"

Way too many words with and about Ruff Majik

Review of Elektrik Ram

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New Video – We Kill Cowboys

 

 

Brand New Video – We Kill Cowboys

We’ve got two premieres for you all this morning! Well, sort of... The crazies that follow Stoner HiVe know we love We Kill Cowboys! And we’re thrilled to premiere the new single and video R.I.P. by the South African four. Hailing from Capetown they infuse elements of stoner, grunge and punk on this new track and with its highly atmospheric openings tones, opt for grand gestures and to immediately captivate the listener… Once heard, you will be dying to hear it again! R.I.P.!

From the PR Wire:


Cape Town’s We Kill Cowboys Unleash Raw Power With Their Video For Latest Single R.I.P

Cape Town based rock unit We Kill Cowboys release the video for their latest single R.I.P out now via Mongrel Records. Fronted by Alex Muller, whose sultry and gritty vocals lead the charge, We Kill Cowboys' sound is a blend of psychedelic rock, grunge, and stoner blues. Their music dives deep into anti-establishment themes, inviting listeners into a world of thought-provoking narratives.

The band's upcoming single, inspired by the pain of betrayal, is a personal yet universally relatable anthem. Muller comments, "The song is based on dealing with betrayal. It's a very personal song, one of those kinds that just pours out. They need to come out. You need to feel that shit and share it."

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We Kill Cowboys - Earth Demon

 

 

We Kill Cowboys - Earth Demon

Wanna see how We Kill Cowboys do their thing? Well, go watch the new live performance video for Earth Demon! We mentioned the single back in September and felt compelled to mention the new video as well, since we have watched it multiple times! Go HERE to read what we wrote back in September. After watching the video of course…

From the PR wire:

We Kill Cowboys Unleashes Psychedelic Grunge Fury with Earth Demon Live Performance Video

Cape Town's dynamic 4-piece rock 'n roll ensemble, We Kill Cowboys, is set to captivate audiences with the release of their live performance video for the latest single, Earth Demon. This electrifying visual spectacle, directed by Owen Wilson, unfolds at LuvBuzz Studios the band's rehearsal space, transforming it into a psychedelic haven where music and mayhem collide.

Fronted by tattoo artist, and singer-songwriter, Alex Muller, We Kill Cowboys is a force to be reckoned with. Their genre-defying sound melds psychedelic rock, punk rock, grunge, and stoner blues into a potent auditory cocktail that has left audiences clamouring for more.

The video is a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the heart of the band’s sonic onslaught. Shot amidst the pulsating energy of their rehearsal studio, the video captures the essence of a We Kill Cowboys party, where friends join the chaos for a night of unbridled celebration.

Jono Tait’s, the mastermind behind the searing guitar riffs that slice through the air, takes centre stage, while Andrew Middelkoop’s thunderous metal drum fills inject an undeniable pulse into the music. The foundation of their musical onslaught is laid by Danie Otto, whose fuzzy bass grooves resonate deep within, providing the backbone for We Kill Cowboys' aural explosion.

Known for their immersive live performances, We Kill Cowboys is ready to shake the very core of the music scene. Their shows are a relentless surge of energy, cranking the amplifiers to the max and leaving audiences' ears ringing and minds reeling. The "Earth Demon" live performance video promises to be a visual and auditory feast, showcasing the band's commitment to pushing boundaries and expanding horizons.

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Acid Magus – A Planet, A Deathstar

 

Acid Magus – A Planet, A Deathstar

A Planet, A Deathstar is another stand out track on the Acid Magus album Hope Is Heavy released on Mongrel Records back in August of this year. Sure, we singled out that Caligulater track when we wrote a little rant about their album, but A Planet, A Deathstar deserves to be singled out as well. And they did, with this amazing lyric video… Go check it out and if you haven’t heard their Hope Is Heavy album yet, be sure to do so…

You can read that write-up about Acid Magus’s Hope Is Heavy HERE!


From the PR wire:

Acid Magus Shares Mesmerizing Lyric Video for "A Planet, A Deathstar" from Critically Acclaimed Album "Hope Is Heavy"

In a sonic voyage that transcends the boundaries of conventional music, Acid Magus, the South African progressive psychedelic doom quintet, is thrilled to announce the release of a captivating lyric video for "A Planet, A Deathstar," the fourth track from their highly praised sophomore album, "Hope Is Heavy." For fans of All Them Witches and those who revel in the atmospheric realms of psychedelic doom, Acid Magus promises an immersive journey through hauntingly beautiful soundscapes.

"A Planet, A Deathstar" opens with hauntingly delicate acoustic guitars, creating an atmospheric and desolate ambiance that draws the listener into a sonic abyss. The track then unfolds into an expansive cascade of stoner/grunge rock-inspired riffs, showcasing Acid Magus' masterful ability to blend contrasting elements seamlessly. The lyrics, delivered with evocative intensity, invite fans to join the band on a quest for meaning hidden between the lines.

The lyric video, a visual masterpiece crafted by the talented Marthinus Kirsten, complements the song's ethereal nature. Kirsten's artistic interpretation adds a layer of visual depth,
enhancing the overall experience and allowing fans to further immerse themselves in the profound narrative woven by Acid Magus.

The members of Acid Magus include Keenan Kinnear, Roelof Van Tonder, Anrico Jeske, Brendon Bezuidenhout, and Jethro Vlag. Their collective synergy has given rise to "Hope Is Heavy," an album that has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach to the progressive psychedelic doom genre.

"A Planet, A Deathstar" is a testament to the band's ability to weave together diverse musical elements into a cohesive and mesmerizing tapestry.

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Crash And The Void – Shadow Fiend

 

 

Crash And The Void – Shadow Fiend

Out today the new single and video for South African rockers Crash And The Void. Shadow Fiend shows their alternative rock side as well as that experimental edge, and all done in that highly dynamic and infectious way. This new single is as hot as molten lava and has you longing for the full album!

From the PR wire:

Alternative cosmic rock band Crash And The Void is set to make waves in the music scene with the release of their latest single and accompanying video, Shadow Fiend. The band, known for their innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics, is excited to unveil this transformative piece through Mongrel Records.

The track delves into the psychological concept of "the shadow self," a theme rooted in the theories of Sigmund Freud and expanded upon by Carl Jung. The narrative of the song intertwines with the Marxist theory of dialectical materialism, exploring the cyclical nature of governing systems. The track tells the tale of an individual navigating isolation and loneliness within an antiquated system, ultimately finding empowerment by embracing their repressed anger and pain.

The protagonist of "Shadow Fiend" evolves from a state of despair to one of hope, driven by the desire to dismantle the oppressive system that perpetuates their suffering. Confronting opposition with the phrase "it's just a game we play," the song highlights the use of gaslighting tactics employed by those in power to maintain control.

The lyrics vividly depict a societal divide, where some are privileged ("Silver Snakes" or lucky ones) while others are born into a struggle, fighting their way out of an "aching abyss." The struggle for survival evolves into a quest for power, glory, and dominance. "Shadow Fiend" explores the darker aspects of the human psyche, as the protagonist loses themselves to their "shadow self," succumbing to the alter ego that takes over completely.

Guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter Marius Schutte reflects on the creative process, stating, "The bone structure for the song was written back in 2018 when I was trying to write cinematic rock music for the first time. The main approach was to use dramatic chord progressions to imitate film music but doing it using heavy guitars. The breakdown at the end of the song is new, and only written in 2021 whilst finishing the rest of the first album's writing.” When asked about the eye-catching video he adds, “The video cost us nothing to make and was largely AI generated through a complex coding system”.

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Stoner HiVe's Quick Fire Friday

 

 

Stoner HiVe's Quick Fire Friday

It’s Friday! And we’ve got a lot of liquid ground to cover! For the Heavy Underground is on fire! There is so much great music released on a daily basis it continues to amaze and awe. So, this here, you know, the Quick Fire Friday we sometimes do, is a way to cover a bit more territory, even though it means we only use a small selection of words to do so. But still, they are a few good words about something heavy and something cool! Check it out below… And we know… There is so much out there, so much good and heavy stuff, and we just simply cannot ever do it all justice. But here it is… Another Stoner HiVe Quick Fire Friday! And it burns hot like molten lava!

The Polvos – Going Down

They’re heading out to Mexico for a tour and you will want to book a flight to join them after hearing the new Going Down single by The Polvos! If you remember their 2019 album Darkness Emotion you know what kind of psychedelic fuzz and heavy space they are capable of. And Going Down has all that and then some! In fact, you don’t need to book a flight, just listen to the track and you can fly over by yourself!!

Tour Dates:

•November 24: CUERNAVACA @ CatBobber Pub
•November 25: MÉRIDA @ Doomcatán Fest
•November 30: PARACHO @ La Amargura Bar
•December 1: VERACRUZ @ la cofradía de los muertos
•December 2: CDMX @ Tianguis del Chopo
•December 2: CDMX @ Denso Rock.

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Crash And The Void - The Villain

Out today, the new video and single The Villain by South African alternative rock crazies Crash And the Void. “Inspired by the profound philosophies of political thinker Hannah Arendt and the controversial concept of “moral relativism”, The Villain delves into the depths of moral relativism, drawing further inspiration from the profound works of Friedrich Nietzsche. The track challenges preconceived notions of villainy, offering a satirical take on the archetype by portraying the antagonist as sly, banal, and calculated – a far cry from the conventional, over-the-top depictions.” And the video is damn cool! And the song even cooler! Using prog influences of yore to spice up their alternative nineties and some pop sensible hook and groove! Tasty!

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Lazer Snake – Approach Seduce

I wrote something about this, perhaps even witty, but the computer locked up, and I lost it. I felt like I was bitten by this cosmic snake because I said something about not being happy about the chosen name, because there are so many bands, projects and artists already named like this. But well, who cares when it is this entertaining right? Lazer Snake is a duo consisting of Daisy Lazer and Bobby Snake who implored the help from friends whenever the track needed more. And when it comes to the fourth final track on this EP, they got aid from another duo called Horse Gives Birth to Fly, making it in fact a quartet and the track All Ends Up something that dances around alternative metal, rock, doom and touches it all off with something industrial. Cooky!

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Ruff Majik – Ruff Majik vs The World

We love Ruff Majik and we love their newest album Elektrik Ram! Which you already knew if you by some weird chance read our little screed about it back in April. To see them performing in my home was definitely a highlight and we still have something we never got finished waiting to be published. Will get to that soon! But now, we want to mention the addendum to Elektrik Ram, their wild two covers from the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World movie. Both Black Sheep and Threshold feel like an extra touch up for Elektrik Ram as well as a pure and honest homage to the movie and the songs. Well done, once again!

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 Nepal Death – Sister Nirvana

Get on your  psychedelic disco shoes!! We mentioned their self-titled album from 2021 and wrote something about smoke filled ritualistic orgies and reciting impromptu, five-hundred-stanza-long poems. Well, Nepal Death is back and has turned to psychedelic disco dancing! New single Sister Nirvana with its Eastern influences, early disco and sixties psych turns this into something enigmatic. And so does the video!  

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Nyxora – Almost There

Time for another single by Portland fourpiece Nyxora! We mentioned their Good Night, Ophelia single and Nyxora continues that sound on Almost There. Perhaps even a bit more traditional and straight trucking, less operatic and gothic, but that spirit still lingers here as well. Shakespearian metal perhaps? Does this mean there is a full album in the works? Let’s hope so!

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We Kill Cowboys - Earth Demon

 

We Kill Cowboys - Earth Demon

They released their Live In The Studio version before they put out their studio version meant for the EP. It’s Earth Demon by We Kill Cowboys! The due to be released next year EP called Rage has already seen the release of two singles now, all somehow referring to human shortcomings. Pink Codeine, talking about addiction, was pure psychedelic punk fire, but Earth Demon takes this a notch further. Leveling their rock aim at narcissistic inclinations, this track whirls around you with furious energy and of course in part thanks to that Eastern motif starting the Earth Demon run. Can't wait to hear the rest of Rage!

South Africa's vibrant music scene is about to experience a seismic shift as Cape Town's very own Psychedelic Grunge Rock pioneers, We Kill Cowboys, announce the release of their latest single, Earth Demon, out now on Mongrel Records. The track is set to captivate audiences with its powerful message and hard-hitting sound, setting the stage for the band's forthcoming EP, The Rage, expected to drop at the end of January 2024.

We Kill Cowboys has always pushed the boundaries of musical expression, and Earth Demon is no exception. The band, known for their fearless exploration of

diverse genres, has dedicated this song to all the narcissists out there. “It's a love song, but one with a profound twist.” Says vocalist and guitarist Alex Muller. “Earth Demon delves into the complex dynamics of empath/narcissist relationships, extending beyond just romantic entanglements to encompass family bonds as well.” The lyrics take listeners on a journey, shedding light on the toxic nature of these relationships and the damage they inflict. The band refers to these individuals as “Earth Demons," a term that seems fitting for their destructive influence.

In terms of musical evolution, We Kill Cowboys is making a significant shift towards a harder sound, a transition that is evident in the new single. The track features metal beats, fuzzy bass lines, and a wall of guitars, all perfectly complemented by Alex's distinctive husky vocals. Floris Le Roux, who handled tracking, mixing, and mastering for the single, has played a pivotal role in capturing their evolving sound. The collaboration with Le Roux has not only influenced their music but also pushed the band into uncharted sonic territories, to the delight of their fans.

"Earth Demon" is just a taste of what's to come from We Kill Cowboys, as it serves as the second single from their upcoming EP, "The Rage." Fans can expect the EP to deliver a raw, unapologetic, and electrifying musical experience.

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Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

 

 

Stoner HiVe’s Quick Fire Friday

Another Quick Fire Friday round today! All thanks to the amount of singles and videos coming in lately and the fact we had to get the Peroration Post ready for the Doom Charts. Loads of reviews are almost done. But can’t completely find the time to finish them… But for the Quick Fire Friday craziness we only use a small amount of words to get the good word out! The good word about something heavy and something cool! Check it out below… And we know… There is so much out there, so much good and heavy stuff, and we just simply cannot ever do it all justice. But here it is… Another Stoner HiVe Quick Fire Friday! And it burns hot like molten lava!

Pipe Dreamer – Past The Point Of No Return

Their debut album No Solace For The Soulless was released in January 2021 and reviewed on the HiVe in February. And on September 18th they will send out the first single Past The Point Of No Return for their upcoming EP The Past Is Just A Memory. Which will be ‘a reflection of the many aspects of loss and the feelings left behind. It’s a cathartic piece of sonic art that will resonate with those missing someone in their lives.’ Cathartic, that’s how we ended our review of their debut record. And that’s how this blackened, post metal and sludge single will work as well… Especially on repeat…

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Prosthetic Bung - Mr. Neckofthewoods

Prosthetic Bung, straight out of Toronto, Canada! A two-piece consisting of Steff & Zach who do this weird, chaotic, stream of consciousness noise experiment. Indeed, five highly improvised tracks, recorded in a cloud of smoke and what possibly might be a fit of mental derangement. And since releasing Mr. Neckofthewoods they have already released a new selection of improvisational craziness called Schallplatten der Unergründlich Büngüs. So, better check’m all out, before they release a next one!

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Bloodthorne – El Presidente

They’re about to release their new album entitled Cosmic Passengers, and El Presidente is the lead single of that album. We are talking about doom, stoner trio Bloodthorne from Bristol, Tennessee, USA. Stoner metal with a definite doom trod, a penchant for bluesy guitar work and a Southern touch. These seven and a half minutes of riffs and that later forward pushing metal holds a lot of promise for the rest of the album.. Can’t wait for September to arrive!

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Halcyon Bluefish - Promised Land

Featuring Andrew Paine from Ethyl Ehter and Filthy Hippies and on this track South African hero Desmond Kannemeyer it’s Promised Land by the Halcyon Bluefish duo. New wave, dark wave, gothic touched, vaporous and spellbinding. That Mongrel Records definitely knows how to pick out the crazy good ones…

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Wolf Prayer – Oblivion

Are you ready to float off with the fuzzy dream rockers Wolf Prayer? Check out Oblivion, the second single from the Spell Of The Crimson Eye album. Cosmic, hypnotizing and groovy! And that luscious incredibly soulful seventies key-work later on, yowzah!

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Earthblood - Primal Fury

And then there’s the Earthblood three to bring it all back down to earth with an explosive bang! Primal Fury is the lead single for the Primal Fury EP to be released on Inverse Records, September 22nd. Furious sludge and doom metal, delivered at runaway train speed and running over all that stand in its way. Zang!

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Hippie Death Cult – Better Days

We all love a good cult! Well, all and only the rocking kinds! Like Hippie Death Cult! And they will release their new album Helichrysum on Heavy Psych Sounds on October 20th! But the second single Better Days is out now and takes it all back towards those haze days, sixties and seventies rock, but with a doom touch and a glowing psychedelic soul heart. Loving it! Buzzing over here!

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Acid Magus - Hope Is Heavy

 

 

Acid Magus - Hope Is Heavy
Mongrel Records – 2023
Rock, Stoner, Prog, Metal, Doom
Rated: *****

I hope the band won’t freak out about me focusing on one little aspect of one song. And I hope it won’t freak anyone out too much, for me once again going into some personal history. Again. But yes, I know, Hope Is Heavy. And the new Acid Magus album is damn heavy and incredibly interesting. Focused and intense, for almost one whole hour. But I wanted to mention the fact that the third track Caligulater took me back to somewhere around 1995. The peak of the drum ‘n bass era, for me at least, (which has been making a comeback recently) and seeing in one cool night all the top DJ’s pull their weight on a bill. Aphrodite, DJ Krush, Ganja Kru, Roni Size, and all doing so splendidly, and turning the venue into one sweaty pool of buzzing energy. But outside of the main halls, in a hallway, near the fire exits, there was this little Belgian or French band, (unfortunately can’t remember the name or anything), playing the hits of the great DJ’s which were throwing down in the main hall, but… with guitar, drums, bass and rocking hard. The way they made Super Sharp Shooter from Ganga Kru sound, was insanely good and still stands tall as one of the amazing musical moments in my life. And here it comes, Caligulater has the same vibe. Not only took me back to that era but had me bouncing of the walls and buzzing with energy that needed to be danced out. That growling guitar tone, only momentarily and for mere seconds giving you a jolt of electricity, and then those drums kick in. The classic drum ‘n bass rhythm, which is only there for a minute, with a break in the middle before the soaring vocalized middle part start. But then returns for two more rounds of dance offs. It sets that one track so apart from everything else out there and the rest of the record, I could not help but single it out. Even though, those other six tracks demand every bit of your attention as well. The slower, doom opening of Demon Behemoth, grandiose in gestures and wide in arc, highly atmospheric and immediately offering up impressive vocals. Progeneration, equal in setting the scene and mood, offering up an entire universe of expansiveness and psychedelic swirls. Or what about the soon to be released single and video Dead Weight, featuring Johni Holiday from Ruff Majik. Turning all that expansiveness from earlier tracks, inwards, making it dense, grittier, and totally infectious, until of course they once again throw a curveball and open up the entire composition, heralding the coming of Angelic illumination that inevitably gets thwarted by a doom trod down the ever-darkening stairs, where a choir awaits to signal a return to the beginning. Two more tracks, the longest ones await all you heavy rock lovers. Cathedrals in their own right, Trillion Tonne Sun and the download bonus track Curse of the Wyrd Syster. The dirge, the progression, and the way they deepen both aspects, while giving way to structured pieces of melodic bodies of openness, simply stunning. With Hope Is Heavy, Acid Magus produced an album, meant for the ages. And I have high hopes it will end topside on many year-end-lists.

(Written by JK)

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Filthy Hippies – Good Time

 

 

Filthy Hippies – Good Time

We’ve always dug those Filthy Hippies, identified with them and longed to be there when that high water mark was there in the sixties. But we’ve also always dug the Capetown Filthy Hippies, identified with them and am supremely happy to be around when their music is all happening! And after seeing that new psychedelic and mesmerizing new video Good Time, all you wanna do, is indeed, have a Good Time! And yes, we are slowly turning into the Mongrel Records Press Agency, but we can’t help it, we love what that label puts out! Go check out the video below, everything else those Filthy Hippies do and Mongrel Records as well! It’s all good, it’s all happening! 

Prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey with Cape Town's very own Psychedelic Shoegaze band Filthy Hippies as they announce the release of their latest sonic expiriment Good Time, out today on Mongrel Records. Infused with dreamy melodies and hypnotic visuals, the band's newest single and music video promise to captivate audiences worldwide.

Good Time combines the band's signature dreamy shoegaze sound with psychedelic elements, creating an otherworldly auditory experience. The band members draw inspiration from their diverse musical backgrounds, infusing elements of ethereal shoegaze, swirling psychedelia, and haunting lyrics, resulting in a mesmerizing blend of sound that takes listeners on an introspective voyage. 

Filthy Hippies is a Cape Town-based Psychedelic Shoegaze band known for their mesmerizing soundscapes and immersive live performances. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of psychedelic music, the band has garnered a dedicated following, both locally and internationally, and continues to enchant audiences with their ethereal melodies and captivating visuals.

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