https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:38:48 -0400 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/313/february-2026-best-new-heavy-album-releases https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/313 👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks 👉
1. STAR BEAST -  STAR BEAST II (BLACK THRONE PRODUCTIONS)
2. FATIMA - PRIMAL (BLACK ROBES RECORDS)
3. SUPLECS - HYMNS UNDER A BLOOD MOON SKY (RIPPLE MUSIC)
4. HERMANO - CLISSON, FRANCE (HERMANO)
5. OREYEON - THE GOTESQUE WITHIN (SELF RELEASED)
6. JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS - INEXPLORABLE OPPOSITES (MAGNETIC EYE RECORDS)
7. STARGO - VIOLENT SKIES (SELF RELEASED)
8. LOW COUNTRY JAM MACHINE - OUTTA SIGHT (SELF RELEASED)
9. IZZY AND THE BLACK TREES - KISSES TO CHAOS (SELF RELEASED)
10. BORRACHO - ETERNOS - (REPETITIVE HEAVY GROOVES RECORDS)
11. WEEDPECKER - V (SELF RELEASED)
🤘Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:03:08 -0400 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/312/star-beast---star-beast-ii https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/312 Psych, Stoner, Doom
Toronto, Ontario
Black Throne Productions
Released February 27, 2026
As someone who came of age in the 80s and early 90s, moving from metal into the rise of alternative and indie, but whose foundation has always been rooted in the blues heavy rock of the 60s and 70s, Star Beast II hits a familiar but darker nerve for me. Where the debut carried a bit more immediacy, this record leans further into shadow, dialing back the pop edge and embracing a moodier, slightly more obscure character. The blend of classic rock depth with a 90s indie sensibility gives the album a darker, introspective weight, where the hooks are still present but wrapped in a moodier, more shadowed atmosphere. Star Beast does it again, awesome!!!
Star Beast II by Star Beast
]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:44:03 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/311/i-listen-to-more-great-music-now-then-ever-before-february-2026 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/311
New releases, upcoming drops, rediscovered gems, and recent finds.

Below is a curated list of albums, songs, and bands currently in heavy rotation. Dig in.
Clisson, France by Hermano

Eternos by Borracho


Star Beast II by Star Beast


Hymns Under a Blood Moon Sky by Suplecs


Time Walk by Gozer

The Light Shines Not for Thee by Brimstone Coven

Violet Skies by Stargo


Primal (2026) by FATIMA]]> Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:26:27 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/310/january-2026-best-new-heavy-album-releases https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/310
🔥🔥JANUARY 2026 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES🔥🔥
👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks 👉 
1. REDWOOD - TIME TO LOSE (NORTHERN BUFFALO PRODUCTIONS)
2. DEMONS MY FRIENDS - DEMONS SEEM TO GATHER (RIPPLE MUSIC)
3. PLANET HUNTER - SOOTHSAYER (SELF RELEASED)
4. TEMPTRESS - HEAL (BLUES FUNERAL RECORDINGS)
5. SKY VALLEY MISTRESS - LUNA MAUSOLEUM (NEW HEAVY SOUNDS)
6. INDICA BLUES -  UNIVERSAL HEAT DEATH  
7.RITUAL ARCANA - RITUAL ARCANA (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
8. IRON HEAD - FUNDAMENTAL (SKULLISM RECORDS)
9. CAPACOPTER - CAPACOPTER (SELF RELEASED)
10. LORD ELEPHANT - ULTRA SOUL (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
11. UNDER - WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUNDWOOD (APF RECORDS)
12. AEON TEMPLE - RESURFACED (SELF RELEASED)
13. NEW MEXICAN DOOM CULT - ZAGGURAT (MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS)
🤘Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts.




]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:08:32 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/309/new-release-indica-blues---universal-heat-death https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/309 January 30th, 2026
Universal Heat Death crawls forward on thick, fuzzed out riffs that feel heavy in both weight and intent, balancing doom pressure with a gritty blues undercurrent. The band lets the songs breathe just enough, using atmosphere and restraint to build tension rather than crushing everything. Vocals and guitars stay raw and expressive, giving the album a worn, end of the road feel that fits the theme without ever feeling forced.
Universal Heat Death by Indica Blues]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:24:16 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/308/new-release-redwood---time-to-lose https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/308 January 30th, 2026
Time To Lose hits that sweet spot where grungy grit and psychedelia bleed into each other, with a raw, live feeling energy that keeps the record immediate and unfiltered. Nothing feels overworked, the riffs breathe, the arrangements stay loose, and the psych elements add space without sanding down the edges. The vocals sit perfectly in that vibe, cool, unforced, and full of character, giving the album its personality as much as its weight.
TIME TO LOSE by REDWOOD]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:12:40 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/307/playgroundz-rocks-top-27-albums-of-2025 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/307 After a year of listening, reviewing, and talking about music online, here are the Top 27 Albums of 2025
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1. Kal - El - Astral Voyager Volume 1 (Blues Funeral Recordings/Majestic Mountain Records)
Astral Voyager Vol. 1 (North American Version) by Kal-El
2. Dunes - Land Of The Blind (Ripple Music)
Land of the Blind by Dunes

3. Castle Rat - The Bestiary
The Bestiary by Castle Rat

4. You Guitarprayer - I Am The Light/The Light I Am (Worst Bassist Records)
I Am The Light / The Light I Am by You Guitarprayer

5. Black Magic Tree - Terra (Majestic Mountain Records)
Terra by BLACK MAGIC TREE

6. Brimstone Coven - The Light Shines Not For Thee
The Light Shines Not for Thee by Brimstone Coven

7. Clouds Taste Satanic- Birmingham 2024
Birmingham 2024 by Clouds Taste Satanic

8. Kryptograf - Kryptonomicon (Apollon Records AS)
Kryptonomicon by Kryptograf

9. Supernaughty - Apocalypso (Ripple Music)
Apocalypso by Supernaughty

10. Warcoe - Upon Tall Thrones (Ripple Music)
Upon Tall Thrones by Warcoe

11. The Lunar Effect - Fortune's Always Hiding (Svart Records)
Fortune's Always Hiding by The Lunar Effect
12. Bygone - Bygone (Svart Records)
Bygone by Bygone

13. Mooch - Kin (Black Throne Productions)
KIN by MOOCH

14. Hog - Blackhole (Riding Easy Records)
BLACKHOLE by HÖG

15. Black Tongue Reverend - Upstate Of Mind
Upstate Of Mind by Black Tongue Reverend

16. Lommi - 667788 (Majestic Mountain Records)
667788 by LOMMI

17. Borracho - Ouroboros (Ripple Music)
Ouroboros by Borracho
18. Giant Lungs - Praise The Laze
Praise The Laze by Giant Lungs

19. Black Water Rising - The Edge
The Edge by Black Water Rising

20. Wolftooth - Wizard's Light (Ripple Music)
Wizard's Light by Wolftooth

21. Ikitan - Shaping The Chaos 
Shaping The Chaos by IKITAN

22. Gin Lady - Before The Dawn Of Time (Ripple Music)
Before the Dawn of Time by Gin Lady

23. The Great Lie - Songs For a Monday Morning (Lemmis Records)
Songs for a Monday Morning by THE GREAT LIE

24. Mountain Dust - Mountain Dust
Mountain Dust by Mountain Dust

25. Mount Hush - II
II by Mount Hush

26. Paralyzed - Rumble & Roar (Ripple Music)
Rumble&Roar by PARALYZED

27. Sheev (Ripple Music)
Ate's Alchemist by Sheev]]> Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:42:05 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/306/playgroundz-rocks-the-year-in-review-picks-2025 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/306 ]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:30:01 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/305/bygone---bygone-album-review https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/305 The guitars are the real strength of the album. The tones are warm and full, clearly rooted in classic hard rock rather than metal, but they still have some weight to them. The riffs are well written and do what they need to do, and the lead parts feel natural and musical instead of flashy. There’s a good sense of groove throughout, and the band knows when to pull back and let things breathe.
There are subtle space-rock touches throughout the album that add depth to the songs. Light synths and atmospheric layers show up at the right moments, adding to the arrangements without taking over.
The production is clean and punchy, with a slight early 80's shine to it. The guitars sit up front where they should, the vocals are clear, and nothing feels overworked. It has a classic feel, but it still translates well in modern times.
Bygone is a great record. The songs hit hard, the tones are full and rich, and the mix lets everything breathe. It’s the kind of album you want to play all the way through, and it gets the sound it’s going for exactly right.

Bygone by Bygone]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:40:16 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/304/black-magic-tree---terra-noteworthy-album https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/304 BLACK MAGIC TREE - TERRA
Black Magic Tree's Terra album is a feel good experience, blending great, somewhat classic guitar riffs with a modern production style. The music is characterized by catchy guitar lines and a brilliant fullness of melodic vocal hooks and clever vocal phrasing. The entire band feels rooted like a magic tree, and the energy is contagious.
For more information follow >> https://blackmagictree.bandcamp.com/album/terra

Terra by BLACK MAGIC TREE

]]> Sat, 13 Dec 2025 22:44:03 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/303/you-guitarprayer---i-am-the-lightthe-light-i-am-noteworthy-album https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/303 You Guitarprayer is an epic masterclass in performance and production, offering a truly cosmic and spiritual experience. The album's meticulous arrangement, characterized by perfectly spaced dynamics and instrumentation, conveys a sense of profound light. The incredible depth of the musicianship and the pristine separation of complex sonic elements contribute significantly to this elevated feeling.
For more information follow them here >> https://youguitarprayer.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-the-light-the-light-i-am

I Am The Light / The Light I Am by You Guitarprayer

]]> Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:31:06 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/302/november-2025-best-new-heavy-album-releases https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/302 👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks >>

1. YOU GUITARPRAYER - I AM THE LIGHT / THE LIGHT I AM (WORST BASSIST RECORDS)
2. BLACK MAGIC TREE - TERRA (MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS)
3. WOLFTOOTH - WIZARD’S LIGHT (RIPPLE MUSIC)
4. MAHA SOHONA - A DARK PLACE (SELF RELEASE)
5. BOGWIFE - FROM ASHES (MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS)
6. ACIDSITTER - DOOMSCROLLER’S BLUES (SELF RELEASED)
7. KADAVAR - KIDS ABANDONING DESTINY AMONG VANITY (CLOUDS HILL)
8. WINDS OF NEPTUNE - WINDS OF NEPTUNE (SMALL STONE RECORDS)
9. ELECTRIC BOYS - SHADY SIDE OF TOWN (TARGET GROUP)
10. FROZEN PLANET…1969 - EGOLAND (SELF RELEASED)
11. BEASTWARS - THE SHIP//THE SEA (SELF RELEASED)
12. STONE NOMADS - EMPIRES OF STONE (RIPPLE MUSIC)
13. YAWNING MAN - PAVEMENT ENDS (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
14. BLACK SABBITCH - UNREST IN THE WEST (RIPPLE MUSIC)
15. SOFTSUN - ETERNAL SUNRISE (HEAVY PSYCH SOUND RECORDS)

🤘Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts.

]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:49:46 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/301/mothertomb---beware-single-review https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/301 Alice Gawlinski’s vocals cut through perfectly. Haunted and distant, her voice floats above the riffs, adding space and mood without losing any of the heaviness. She commands attention without trying to dominate, giving the track a subtle but undeniable power.
The band keeps it simple but deadly effective. Solid riffs, steady atmosphere, and hints of psychedelic and gothic flair make the track feel layered without overdoing it. Everything lands exactly where it should. They know their sound and ride it all the way.
As a debut, “Beware” is a statement. Dark, immersive, and heavy as hell, it shows Mothertomb has a clear vision and a natural groove. By the end, you’re left wanting more, and you know whatever comes next is going to hit just as hard.
For more information about Mothertomb, please follow the link >> https://mothertomb.bandcamp.com



Beware by Mothertomb
]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:57:14 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/300/october-2025-best-new-heavy-album-releases https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/300
OCTOBER 2025 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES

My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks







1. BRIMSTONE COVEN - THE LIGHT SHINES NOT FOR THEE (SELF RELEASED)

2. THE LUNAR EFFECT - FORTUNE'S ALWAYS HIDING (SVART RECORDS)

3. HOWLING GIANT - CRUCIBLE & RUIN (MAGNETIC EYE RECORDS)

4. BENTREES - SILVER VEINS (SELF RELEASED)

5. BIRDS OF NAZCA - PANGAEA (SELF RELEASED)

6. THE BATELEURS - A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS (SELF RELEASED)

7. HONEYBADGER - LET THERE BE LIGHT(SELF RELEASED)

8. LACERTILIA - TRANSCEND (SELF RELEASED)

9. REDWOOD - CLOUD COLONY(SELF RELEASED)

10. SOLAR SUNS - ALTITUDE (ARGONAUTA RECORDS)

11. BLUE HERON - EMULATIONS (BLUES FUNERAL RECORDINGS)

12. BONE CHURCH - DELIVERANCE (RIPPLE MUSIC)

13. WINO - CREATE OR DIE (RIPPLE MUSIC)

14. STONEBIRDS - PERPETUAL WASTELAND (RIPPLE MUSIC)

15. PSYCHONAUT - WORLD MAKER (PELAGIC RECORDS)







Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts









]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:49:01 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/299/september-2025-best-new-heavy-album-releases https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/299
SEPTEMBER 2025 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES

My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks







1. CASTLE RAT - THE BESTIARY (BLUES FUNERAL RECORDINGS)

2. WARCOE - UPON TALL THRONES (RIPPLE MUSIC)

3. FISH HOOK SMILE - FISH HOOK SMILE (GLORY OR DEATH RECORDS)

4. THE GREAT MACHINE - WORKING CLASS ANARCHIST (SELF RELEASED)

5. POLLY - DEATH DRIVE (SELF RELEASED)

6. STONE MACHINE ELECTRIC - FACES (ARGONAUTA RECORDS)

7. GOATMILKER - GOATMILKER (SELF RELEASED)

8. APPALOOZA - THE EMPEROR OF LOSS (SELF RELEASED)

9. INSOMNIAC - OM MOKSHA RITAM (BLUES FUNERAL RECORDINGS)

10. DREAMLORD - ARTIFICIAL IMPRISONMENT (SELF RELEASED)

11. ELDER - LIMINALITY/DREAM STATE RETURN (SELF RELEASED)

12. BLACK MOON CULT - OPHIDIAN FUTURE(THE CHILDREN OF YIG) (BLACK DOOMBA RECORDS)







Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts.





]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:47:21 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/298/august-2025-best-new-heavy-album-releases https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/298
AUGUST 2025 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES

My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks







1. SUPERNAUGHTY - APOCALYPSO (RIPPLE MUSIC)

2 .BORRACHO - OUROBOROS (RIPPLE MUSIC)

3. HOG - BLACKHOLE (RIDING EASY RECORDS)

4. MEZZOA - TON 618 (GLORY OR DEATH RECORDS)

5. BLACK WATER RISING - THE EDGE (SELF RELEASED)

6. LOMMI - 667788 (MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS)

7. ASTROQUEEN - RUFUS RISING EP (SELF RELEASED)

8. BLACK TONGUE REVEREND - UPSTATE OF MIND (SELF RELEASED)

9. TORSO - ANNIHILATION DAY (APF RECORDS)

10. BLACK NOON - DEAD MAN EP (SELF RELEASED)

11. GIANT HAZE - COSMIC MOTHER (TONZONEN RECORDS/CARGO RECORDS)

12. TORVUS - .44 CALIBER ANGEL (SELF RELEASED)







Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts.





]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:42:46 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/297/noteworthy-album-black-water-rising---the-edge https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/297 Released August 17th, 2025
There’s something really cool about seeing a band from your own backyard making moves, and BLACK WATER RISING is one of those groups that make you feel connected to where you came from. The Edge delivers a powerful, fresh take on hard rock, featuring impactful riffs and memorable lyrics. The album masterfully fuses rock, grunge, and stoner rock, creating a record that you will want to keep blasting.



The Edge by Black Water Rising]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:32:41 -0400 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/296/best-new-heavy-album-releases-july-2025 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/296 MARGARITA WITCH CULT - STRUNG OUT IN HELL (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
HEBI KATANA - IMPERFECTION (RIPPLE MUSIC)
MATRA - MATRA IV 
ATOM JUICE - ATOM JUICE 
WITCHSNAKE - SATANAS
FOOT - THE HAMMER (COPPER FEAST RECORDS)
DARKO - CANVAS
STONEGAZER - THRESHOLD
PSALM - IN DARKNESS...HAVE MERCY
THE LONGHUNT - NATURAL ORDER

Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts]]> Sat, 06 Sep 2025 11:43:57 -0400 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/295/best-new-heavy-album-releases-june-2025 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/295 👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks
MOOCH - KIN (BLACK THRONE PRODUCTIONS)
ELECTRIC CITIZEN - EC4 (HEAVY PSYCH SOUND RECORDS)
SLEEPING MOUNTAIN - SLEEPING MOUNTAIN (SELF RELEASED)
GOYA - IN THE DAWN OF NOVEMBER (RIPPLE MUSIC)
LORQUIN’S ADMIRAL - LORQUIN’S ADMIRAL (ARGONAUTA RECORDS)
MORDBEAR - MORDBEAR (SELF RELEASE)
AGANOOR - DOOMERISM (SELF RELEASE)
MOLDERA - COLONIZE (SELF RELEASE)
KING WEED - SINS AND REDEMPTION (SELF RELEASE)
SUPERSONIC DRAGON WAGON - BITTER & BOLD (SELF RELEASE)
WOODHAWK - LOVE FINDS A WAY (SELF RELEASE)
RAINBOW BRIDGE - SOUNDTRACK OF A SILENT LAND (SELF RELEASE)
RAVINE - CHAOS AND CATASTROPHES (RIPPLE MUSIC)]]> Sat, 06 Sep 2025 11:38:12 -0400 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/294/best-new-heavy-album-releases-may-2025 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/294 👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks

1. KAL-EL - ASTRAL VOYAGER VOL. 1 (MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS/BLUES FUNERAL RECORDINGS)
2. THAMMUZ - III (ARGONAUTA RECORDS)
3. THE OSSUARY - REQUIEM FOR THE SUN (SUPREME CHAOS RECORDS)
4. PARALYZED - RUMBLE AND ROAR (RIPPLE MUSIC)
5. DUSTY ROSE GANG - A1 FROM DAY ONE (RIDING EASY RECORDS)
6. ROKETS - BAD CHOICES (SVART RECORDS)
7. WHITE NOISE GENERATOR - MYRIADS
8. JOVIAC - AUTOFICTION PT. 1 - SHARDS (INVERSE RECORDS)
9. STONE FIST - STONE FIST (GO DOWN RECORDS)
10. PELICAN - FLICKERING RESONANCE (RUN FOR COVER RECORDS)
11. CRYSTAL SPIDERS - METANOIA (RIPPLE MUSIC)
12. ZIG ZAG - DEADBEAT AT DAWN (RIDING EASY RECORDS)
13. STONE FROM THE SKY - BAKENEKO (ARGONAUTA RECORDS)
14. WITCHCRAFT - IDA (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
15. KILLIAD - KILLIAD (SELF RELEASE)
16. ROOT ZERO - DARK RAINBOW (SELF RELEASE)
17. SLUMBERING SUN - STARMONY (SELF RELEASE)

🤘Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts.
]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:43:32 -0400 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/293/album-reviews-earl-of-hell-the-chris-rolling-squad-the-great-lie https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/293

The Great Lie delivers six fast and furious tracks on Songs for a Monday Morning, and there’s nothing sleepy about it. This EP hits hard right from the start and doesn’t let up. It’s pure, old-school hardcore with a smart edge.
The first song, "Fractured," kicks in with raw energy and lyrics about how everyone’s a little broken. Deep stuff packed into a minute and a half of chaos. "Rinse and Repeat" and "Another Way" keep the energy high and the anger real. Every song is tight, focused, and just rough enough to feel alive.
"Head Low" shows a slightly more thoughtful side, while "Lay Down" is quick and intense, like a musical punch to the gut. The closer, "Critical Thinking," leaves you thinking, not just headbanging.
The production keeps things sharp without cleaning it up too much. It still feels raw, which fits the vibe perfectly. If you’re into hardcore that’s real, loud, and doesn’t waste your time, this one’s worth the short but solid ride.
Songs for a Monday Morning by THE GREAT LIE




The Chris Rolling Squad – Damn You All to Hell  

If you're into rock that's loud, gritty, and unapologetic, Damn You All to Hell is right up your alley. The Chris Rolling Squad throws down 15 tracks of no-nonsense rock 'n' roll that mixes punk speed, hard rock attitude, and a dirty garage sound.
It opens with "Pendejos 666," a short, chaotic blast that sets the tone. The title track and “Loaded Gun” bring fast riffs, catchy choruses, and serious swagger. "Blind (So Fucking Blind)" and "Headshot 1st" keep the speed and rawness going strong.
“Cannonball Holocaust” is back from a previous release, and it still rips just as hard. The album wraps up with "F-world Song," which sums up the band’s ‘no rules, no filters’ attitude.
This record doesn’t try to be fancy, it just rocks hard. Fans of Motörhead, The Hellacopters, or anything loud and fast will feel right at home here. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, and it doesn’t ask for permission.
The Chris Rolling Squad - Damn You All To Hell by Cimex records



Earl of Hell – Earl of Hell


Earl of Hell’s debut full-length is heavy, dark, and drenched in attitude. The Scottish five-piece brings a mix of stoner rock, punk, and metal that sounds like it crawled out of the underworld—and that’s a good thing.
“Satan Is Real” starts the album with a punch, and the intensity stays high through “The Infernal Dream” and “Impaler.” The guitars are thick, the vocals are gritty, and the mood is straight-up sinister. There’s melody buried in the chaos, but it never loses its edge.
Tracks like “Calling, Is The Crow” and “Macabra Cadabra” get a little weirder and moodier, adding some creepy atmosphere. “Waiting to Die” and “Bloodlines” close things out in dark, doom-soaked style.
The production is solid, it’s rough enough to keep the energy raw, but clear enough to hear every heavy hit. Fans of bands like Red Fang, Electric Wizard, or early Mastodon will find plenty to like here.
This debut proves Earl of Hell knows exactly who they are, and they’re not afraid to turn up the volume and drag you down with them.
Earl of Hell by Earl Of Hell]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 17:04:30 -0400 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/292/rating-card-mount-hush---ii https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/292 Released November 9th, 2024
Playgroundz Overall Score: 46/50

92% Top Contender

https://mounthush.bandcamp.com/album/ii-2




II by Mount Hush]]> Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:30:38 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/291/playgroundz-october-2024-new-releases-top-16 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/291 1. HERMANO - WHEN THE MOON WAS HIGH (RIPPLE MUSIC)
2. CERTAIN DEATH - STRANGE GARDEN (SELF RELEASE)
3 .BURN RITUAL - HOUSE OF THE WICKED (SELF RELEASE)
4. CRIMSON OAK - WILLOW (TONZONEN RECORDS)
5. ENFORCED - A LEAP INTO THE DARK (CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS)
6 .VOKONIS - TRANSITIONS (MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS)
7 .HIGH REEPER - RENEWED BY DEATH (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
8. STONER - HITTIN’ THE BITCHIN’ SWITCH (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
9. THE PALE HORSES - ENCHANTRESS (SELF RELEASE)
10.ELEPHANT TREE/LOW RIDER - THE LONG FOREVER (BLUES FUNERAL RECORDINGS)
11.HELL VALLEY HIGH - WELCOME TO HELL VALLEY (SELF RELEASE)
12.SUN AND SAIL CLUB - SHIPWRECKED (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
13.CORTEZ - THIEVES AND CHARLATANS (RIPPLE MUSIC)
14.DESERTS OF MARS - DEAD PLANET EXODUS (SELF RELEASE)
15.SANTA PLANTA - FROM THE TRAILS OF DESIRE (SELF RELEASE)
16.TRANSYLVANIA STUD - EMPRESS (HELSING RECORDS)]]> Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:00:40 -0500 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/290/noteworthy-album-certain-death---secret-garden https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/290 Released October 17th, 2024
"Strange Garden" by Certain Death leans into a raw, rock-driven sound of proto-metal’s earliest influences. With gritty, organic riffs and a dark atmospheric edge, the album offers a refreshing homage to the foundations of heavy rock. A powerful, vintage-inspired experience!

Strange Garden by Certain Death]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 21:43:12 -0400 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/289/noteworthy-album-burn-ritual---house-of-the-wicked https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/289 Released October 25th, 2024
House of the Wicked by Burn Ritual is a dark blend of stoner rock and doom that is hypnotizing. Each track offers thick, resonant riffs and haunting melodies that pull listeners into its shadowy depths. This EP takes you on a journey into the heart of darkness!

House Of The Wicked by Burn Ritual]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:49:15 -0400