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

Dö – Unversum

 

 

Dö – Unversum
Lay Bare Recordings – 2024
Metal, Doom, Sludge, Stoner, Prog, Black
Rated: ****

Dö, the cosmos worshipping döömers from Finland are back with another adventure! Transversing the universe with their gripping metal powered by doom matter and thermoelectric sludge. Powerful, blackened and progressive. The eight tracks of the new album Unversum continue where Black Hole Mass and Astral Death Cult left off. Inspired by the Astral Death Cult ideology it’s forty five minutes of crushing and massive steamrolling ruckus. But there’s always a nuance here, a slide there, a solo soaring into planetary orbit and some ruddy groove to bring that demolishing metal into focus. Like a spark in the middle of the void, you suddenly hear all the details and see the glistening diamond at the abyssal depths of the fractal surface. It will shift as you listen, the edges and shapes shimmering with every guitar line changing, growing and evolving according to the precepts of their own cosmic and chaotic logic. There’s pure force radiating through it all, and that immediately becomes apparent after thirty second as you slide out of superluminal travel and into the drum section opening track Call Of The Supervoid. Blazingly hot, the entire album feels like Dö has found the way forward, and with it, the means to burst through the spacetime membrane and travel far beyond our known Unversum…

(Written by JK)

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Iron Jinn – Lick It Or Kick It (Live at Roadburn)

 

 

Iron Jinn – Lick It Or Kick It
(Live at Roadburn)

They returned to where it all began. Iron Jinn then named Iron Chin started life on the Last Night On Earth festival after which they stormed the fabled Roadburn festival back in 2018. Since then they delivered an amazing self-titled album, did a majestic tour with Alain Johannes, a European tour on their own and returned to play Roadburn as well in 2023. And that set, was of course recorded, and is set to be released through Lay Bare Recordings on April 5th. And as appetizer you can now view a live recorded video for Lick It or Kick It. Or listen to the live recorded Winding World on their bandcamp site… Both stunning and almost do justice to seeing these guys live… 

 

From the Pr Wire:

Experimental psychedelic rock sensation Iron Jinn, hailing from Amsterdam, is set to captivate the music world with the release of the first video and track Lick It Or Kick It from their highly anticipated live album. Recorded during their spellbinding performance at the renowned Roadburn Festival in 2023, the album promises to be a musical journey, showcasing the band's unique blend of psychedelic rock and experimental sounds.

Iron Jinn comprises the exceptional talents of Oeds Beydals (The Devil’s Blood, Death Alley), Wout Kemkens (Shaking Godspeed, De Niemanders), Bob Hogenelst (Birth of Joy), and Gerben Bielderman (Pauw). The collaboration of guitarists and songwriters Oeds and Wout traces back to their shared history in Death Alley and Shaking Godspeed, united by a passion for challenging the norms of heavy rock music.

The band's inception took place at the Last Night On Earth festival, organized by Oeds and Wout, and subsequently evolved into Iron Jinn with their second performance at Roadburn 2018.

"The Iron Jinn 2023 Roadburn performance was the perfect opportunity for us to present our debut album in the flesh. Roadburn’s Walter Hoeijmakers made it possible for us to expand the band’s line-up for this show with the addition of Jarno Van Es on keys, so we could recreate the layered density the album has to offer," said Oeds Beydals. "This show is a moment in time that we are thankful to have captured: a band getting into its own at a very early stage."

Expertly produced by Pieter ‘Pidah’ Kloos at The Void studio, the album promises to be a sensational auditory and visual experience. Iron Jinn aims to transport listeners into a realm of sonic exploration, weaving spontaneous improvisation and new energy into their studio-produced material.

"Creating fresh counterparts to the more produced studio versions by adding spontaneous improvisation and new fire to the music. Although we hope to keep evolving, this show is a moment in time that we are thankful to have captured: a band getting into its own at a very early stage," added Oeds Beydals. 

 

Live At Roadburn is set for release on 2 x 180g heavy weight black vinyl on the 5th April via Lay Bare Recordings. The double album captures the essence of Iron Jinn's musical evolution and creative process perfectly. 

 

Iron Jinn invites you to relive the magic and immerse yourselves in an unforgettable experience at the album release show on the 5th April at Ekko's in Utrecht. 

Buy Tickets HERE

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Bismut – Ausdauer

 

 

Bismut – Ausdauer
Lay Bare Recordings / Spinda Records – 2023
Instrumental, Rock, Stoner, Psych, Prog, Metal
Rated: ****

In the past we only jotted down some words about their first full-sized album Schwerpunkt. But their second record Retrocausality received as much spin time over as that first one and their newest, about to be released, on Lay Bare Recordings and Spinda Records will surely do that as well. And well, it might just double down on that amount, for Bismut have delivered one hell of a new album called Ausdauer. Shortest track on the album, only six minutes, is the second one and it has a Japanese name, but we guess that translates to Fuan. And after that opening guitar work, they dive into a wild, wonderful, purgatory, almost heathen kind of riff. Indeed, it will surely give you all kinds of Karma To Burn flashbacks, but then again, there are more hints towards that heavier, relentless and riff-circling massiveness that K2B used to produce throughout the new Ausdauer album. Making the prog and certainly the space elements they used to showcase their prowess before, take a bit more of a backseat. But they’re still there as well, as they should be, cause Ausdauer was once again partially improvised on the spot, which means the three will always produce albums with a jam-like affinity. In fact, opening track Mendalir might be the most jam, jazz, prog and spacey one on the album, perhaps served up as a transition from Retrocausality to Ausdauer. Perhaps not. But that powerful riff throughout Mendalir serves as a stepping stone to build and let glide their progressive and psychedelic metal composition. Often taking so much of the center stage attention, it is not hard to also fall in love with that bass work underneath or even when it is walking beside that soaring lead. And as they steam through that second part, with those extremely explosive drums leading up to what must surely be an explosive finish, you are surprised they do not go the way of the dynamite samurai, but they duck back towards a more doom blues approach of all instruments involved. But that’s as much doom as you will get; for the rest of the album follows more the swing and groove of Fuan interspersed with the jazz meandering we know from Bismut. It takes their already dynamic approach to new heights and sounds like much of what you hear was found throughout many nights jamming together and many concert experiences where they noticed what seemed to work best. Those experiences seem to be translated and extrapolated tenfold on Ausdauer, they’re punching their weight, persisting in their approach and showing endurance when locking into a certain groove. Bismut shows determination and the right kind of spirit, and I would have been okay with the ending of Euphoria lasting another ten minutes…

(Written by JK)

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Today we celebrate the 10-year anniversary for Lay Bare Recordings!

 

 

Today we celebrate the 10-year anniversary for Lay Bare Recordings!

Congratulations to Désirée Hanssen, the lady in charge of Lay Bare Recordings! Ten years ago, she started the label and has since helped spread awesome music throughout the world! And to my little world, my little room filled with vinyl… I don’t own all the 52 releases she delivered so far, but quite a few. But the ones I do have are all highly cherished and were delivered in impeccable form! So, yes, 52 releases appeared in that decade and there is more to come… Very soon even! Congratulations Désirée Hanssen and keep doing that Lay Bare thing you do!!
 

Spinning Ruff Majik's Tårn
Released on Lay Bare Recordings in 2019


Below is the very cool PR stuff we received from Warren and his Plug Music Agency…

In a world dominated by digital streams and fleeting trends, independent Dutch record label Lay Bare Recordings stands as a steadfast champion of authentic music experiences. As they proudly celebrate their 10th anniversary, the label has achieved an impressive milestone of 52 album releases, showcasing an unwavering commitment to musical diversity and quality.

Founded in 2013, Lay Bare Recordings has carved a distinctive niche in the music industry by focusing on the artistry of vinyl releases across a vast spectrum of genres from the rock and metal world, from the low and slow to the hard and heavy, Lay Bare Recordings has solidified its reputation as a champion of diversity and musical excellence.

Over the past decade, the label has curated a collection that transcends mere sonic creations. Each album, meticulously crafted and pressed on high-quality vinyl, becomes a tangible embodiment of the artists' vision. The label recognizes the significance of preserving the analog warmth and intimate connection that only vinyl can offer, and they have consistently upheld this tradition throughout their journey.

"Today, 10 years later and working on the 52nd release, I still feel truly humbled to continue releasing such great music from bands all over the world. This can only happen by the support of you, the music aficionados, music fans from everywhere." says Désirée Hanssen, the founder of Lay Bare Recordings.

The label's 52 album releases span an impressive range of genres, showcasing the label's dedication to promoting artistic diversity. With each release, Lay Bare Recordings has not only celebrated the musicians' creativity but has also offered music enthusiasts a chance to experience music as a multisensory journey, combining stunning album artwork, meticulously designed packaging, and the tactile pleasure of spinning vinyl.

To commemorate their 10th anniversary in style, Lay Bare Recordings have launched a "Killer Classics Sale" that promises to enthrall music enthusiasts. With discounted prices on select vinyl releases. In addition to the Killer Classics Sale, Lay Bare Recordings is excited to offer exclusive pre-orders for upcoming releases. This unique opportunity allows fans to secure their copies of eagerly anticipated albums before they hit the shelves.

KILLER CLASSICS SALE IS ON!

TREASURES FROM THE VAULT & RELICS FROM THE PAST

Killer classics for €15, €10, or less! A celebration offer especially for vinyl lovers for a limited time. Hurry up the stock is limited! ORDER NOW

EXCLUSIVE PRE-ORDERS

As the party goes on Lay Bare is thrilled to launch the pre-orders for Mojo & the Kitchen Brothers - Flaming Tiger Lizard EP and debut full length Mojo's Heavy Cream.

"Mojo & the Kitchen Brothers is a 5-headed omnium gatherum of eclectically inspired music freaks from Belgium cooking up a late 60’s early 70’s mix of heavy progrock soaked in psychedelia. Catchy tunes, proggy riffs, deafening drums, roaring basslines and spacy, triple-guitar jams take you on a journey through the limbo between past and present."

Dive into the captivating world of sound crafted by this dynamic Belgian group, and seize the opportunity to pre-order their albums 'Flaming Tiger Lizard EP' and 'Mojo's Heavy Cream' individually or as an attractively priced bundle.

Pre-Order Flaming Tiger Lizard

Pre-Order Mojo’s Heavy Cream

As the label looks toward the next decade, their unwavering dedication to the soulful spirit of music remains their guiding principle. The label's commitment to nurturing artistic innovation and fostering a genuine connection between musicians and listeners continues to drive their endeavors, ensuring that the timeless allure of vinyl will thrive for generations to come.

For more information about Lay Bare Recordings and their 10th-anniversary celebrations, please visit their official website at www.laybarerecordings.com

Watch this space for news about the upcoming releases from Sister May, Ghorot, RRRags, Bismut, Modder & Severant. 

 

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The Tazers – Outer Space

 

 

The Tazers – Outer Space
Self released / Plug Music Agency / Rola Music – 2022
Rock, Psych, Fuzz, Indie, Stoner, Garage
Rated: *****

Outer Space, that’s where South African psych-rock band The Tazers want to take us with their new four track release with that very title. Four tracks of fuzzed out indie rock, that’s as psychedelic as they come and as liberating as you can handle. The flow of invigoration and cathartic energy flowing through those first two tracks will surely make you want to dance straight into the heart of something mystic and all of the beautiful people you happen to come across. It’s all happening man! The following two tracks are much more direct in their delivery; wild, peculiar, yet extremely well-crafted racket that will fire you up and as the sound shifts send you into a hotter realm all together. The sidewalk directness of all this powerful lust-driven, need to party rock ‘n roll, their thundering grungy chords, the fuzztone tunneling and the raw high energy, will blast you right through the glass ceiling and into the heart of the sun. Inspiring; The Tazers really have something special there!

(Written by JK)

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Monstroid – Set 2: Burnt Sky

 

 

Monstroid – Set 2: Burnt Sky
Self released – 2021
Rock, Stoner, Alternative
Rated: ****

Been listening to the new Monstroid for a while now and accidentally took the final words of the press release to heart. I try to not read anything about an album before hearing it, cause it might color the experience. And whether the bandmembers themselves are responsible for it or Warren Gibson from Plug Music Agency; the final words on the page were: “All music written and played to be enjoyed from the driver’s seat.” And the first umpteenth times listening toMonstroid’s Set 2: Burnt Sky album were all done behind the wheel. Nine tracks that will immediately evoke fuzzy feelings and stoner sentiments. With overtones of alternative nineties influences and spacey elements the South African foursome have delivered a damn fine and highly soulful album. One that indeed comes even more into its own when on the road; short sharp rock tracks trade places with cosmic rockers that have a knack for dynamics and atmosphere. And that is forgoing the monstrous drive and groove the quartet’s got going throughout the album. And all of the above is served with this intense catchy and pop sensible attitude. So yes, Monstroid will continue to burst out of the car stereo for many months to come!

(Written by JK)

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