-
-
Outlaws Of The Sun
Catapult The Sun - MARTYRDOM (Album Review)
Release Date: March 12th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD.
MARTYDROM - Tracklisting
1.A Pale Stine 07:31
2.Powerful Dark Objects (Mind Bender) 06:03
3.Insanity Has Thin Walls 05:48
4.Noon Creeper 03:15
5.The Word Made Flesh 04:40
6.Black Sails On Wine-Dark Seas 07:18
Review
Instrumental Doom/Stoner Metallers Catapult The Sun return with another cautionary tale of gloomy heaviness with their latest album MARTYRDOM. The band have evolved from their previous EP’s with a sudden shift into Atmospheric Sludge and Post-Metal heaviness with echoes of PELICAN appearing very early on. Catapult The Sun bring a foreshadowing style of Post-Rock, Prog Metal and Ambient Metal into their overall sound whilst remaining slightly apprehensive when bringing a heavier dynamic to their creative outlook for the album.
The album does feel slow paced at times but this allows the band to bring some creepy elements into their music but adding a cautious Sludge Metal appetite which you can feel and fully appreciate within the excellent opening track A Pale Stine. The song does take time to fully find its footing but once that happens there’s no stopping Catapult The Sun evolving into more OCCULT and GOTHIC based sound.
Though fans of Clouds Taste Satanic will find much to enjoy here. I would even mention BONGRIPPER as well with Catapult The Sun moving into quite bleak sonic based territory on the majority of the tracks especially Powerful Dark Objects (Mind Bender), Insanity Has Thin Walls and Black Sails On Wine-Dark Seas.
MARTYRDOM can be too ethereal and sometimes out there but that’s one of the best things about the album with Catapult The Sun never playing it safe. The record can be quite fantastical and methodical at the same time with the band experimenting with different psychedelic sound effects and cosmic atmospherics which perhaps impresses the most on Powerful Objects (Mind Bender).
Every song is superbly structured with a great balance of “LOUD vs QUIET” dynamics which allows a certain Post-Stoner energy to fully appear and immerse with the dominant Instrumental Doom/Stoner Metal sound that is the band’s main weapon of choice to impress listeners with.
There’s a lot going on with this record and I recommend you give this album a few listens to fully understand and digest with Catapult The Sun exploring many different levels and areas of the whole Instrumental Metal world. The album is quite moody and action-packed as it draws closer to it’s natural conclusion that’s set against a wave of emotionally charged musical performances from the entire band.
MARTYRDOM is a richly engaging and deeply powerful album that delves into the heart of instrumental music and allows Catapult The Sun to create their own signature style of music to impress the underground scene with.
Words by Steve Howe
Links
Doom/Stoner Metallers Sea Of Snakes Release New Single “Behind The Mask” — First Taste of Upcoming EP Magmantus
Los Angeles doom metal outfit Sea of Snakes have released their crushing new single “Behind The Mask,” out now on all streaming platforms.
The track serves as the first preview of the band’s upcoming EP Magmantus, scheduled for release April 2.
Built on sludgy, riff-driven foundations, “Behind The Mask” blends the weight of doom metal with the grit of stoner rock and flashes of ’90s heaviness. Driven by pounding drums, thick low-end and melodic yet powerful vocals, the song delivers a dark and confrontational atmosphere that reflects the band’s evolving sound.
Lyrically, the track explores themes of hypocrisy and false virtue — questioning the figures people blindly idolize and the moral façades that often hide self-serving intentions.
Formed in Los Angeles in 2021 by guitarist Jim McCloskey, Sea of Snakes quickly established themselves in the underground heavy scene. The band debuted with the EP World on Fire, and after several lineup changes solidified with:
Line Up:
Jim McCloskey – Guitar
Greg Noriega – Bass
Chris Lowbridge – Drums
Jason Busiek – Vocals
Drawing influence from decades of heavy music — from early ’70s psychedelic rock to ’80s metal and ’90s grunge — Sea of Snakes channel those elements into a modern doom sound rooted in thick riffs, dark atmosphere and raw energy.
“Behind The Mask” offers the first glimpse of the band’s upcoming EP Magnamantus, a release that further expands their sonic approach while staying grounded in heavy, riff-driven songwriting.
Listen to the single here: Spotify | BandCampLinks
Skyraker - Society Of The Triode (EP Review)
Release Date: March 06th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD
Society Of The Triode - Tracklisting
1.Surreal p1 01:25
2.Surreal p2 05:25
3.Barrel 03:38
4.It's A Lie 04:00
5.Shifting Gears 03:30
6.Gremlin 04:20
Members
Jason Baker (vocals / guitars)
Ben Carey (vocals / bass)
Bryan Fairfield (vocals / drums)
Additionally featuring:
Matt Sulikowski (sax and flute on Surreal p1 and Surreal p2)
Matt Jones (keys / synth on Barrel)
Review
Society Of The Triode is the latest EP from Psych Stoner Rockers Skyraker who impressed me with their highly original and superbly eclectic debut album Stars And Screams. This EP continues a similar creative journey with their wicked blend of Psych, Space Rock and Prog Rock contained within the whole EP. Though, Skyraker introduces a slight Jazz and Experimental core to their music which is evident within the excellent two opening tracks of Surreal p1 and Surreal p2.
The introduction of sax and flutes featuring a great performance from Matt Sulikowski did take me out of my element when first listening to this but it’s superbly surreal and I wished Skyraker allowed more elements of this style of music to appear on the whole record. However, it’s their show and they know what’s best for them. Even the vocals are quite different with a certain left-field charm to them. The sudden influx of Hard Rock and Stoner Rock melodies changes the game and allows the record to be more closely to their debut album.
The rest of Society Of The Triode focuses upon experimental rhythms and increasing reliance on familiar Stoner Rock/Metal structures but Skyraker at least try different SONIC passages that remind of bands such as NEBULA and MONSTER MAGNET with a fucked up rebellious streak appearing within the lyrics. Other great tracks to check out are Barrel, Shifting Gears and Gremlin with mood exploring Grunge, Electronica and Indie Rock.
When everything is said and done, Skyraker have released a superbly realised vision of modern day Stoner Rock/Metal that stands on its own creative merits especially when they play a freakier and aggressive style of music.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
Links
GHOROT - Obsidian (Album Review)
Release Date: April 10th 2026. Record Label: Lay Bare Recordings / King Of The Monsters Records. Formats: CD/DD/Tape/Vinyl
Obsidian - Tracklisting
1.Void Drinker
2.Lascaux
3.A Seeping Infinitude
4.Beneath the Soil
5.Lafayette
6.Deluge
Members
Carson Russell - Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Brandon Walker - Drums, Vocals
Chad Remains - Electric Guitar, Amplifiers, Vocals
Review
Blackened Doom/Sludge Metallers Ghorot return with their impressive third album Obsidian which is perhaps their most daring, heaviest and darkest record to date. The band go all in with their Blackened Doom Metal vision which goes into slight Post-Metal territory with its Progressive themes making an early appearance within the outstanding opening track Void Drinker, The vocals are a mixture of harsh growls, death chants and some clean vocals which are quite easy to understand even when they’re all singing over each other.
Though, that only tells half of the story as Ghorot brings a wicked Stoner Metal influence which allows the band to play some truly epic instrumental solos with a fresh modern day Psychedelic element despite the apocalyptic surroundings and filth ridden chaos happening for the majority of the album.
There’s a grizzled and determined commitment from Ghorot to provide some of the heaviest and filthiest extreme sounds on the record but they still bring a wonderful sense of rhythm and melody to the listener. You feel this sense of musical wonder on tracks such as Void Drinker, Lascaux and A Seeping Infinitude with that violent EXTREME energy being played through every angle.
The album does become ever more creepy and violent with each passing moment with Ghorot venturing into abrasive SONIC METAL landscapes on the later stages of the album. The vocals are quite challenging at times with each band member having their own individual chance to take the spotlight from each other but it works superbly well as you’re giving a unique perspective when they all suddenly appear or change at will.
If you ever wonder what HIGH ON FIRE would sound like if they added elements of BLACK METAL into their music then I urge you all to listen to the standout tracks of Lascaux, Beneath The Soil and Deluge though that’s my own thoughts and impressions. You can also hear bands such as THOU, NEUROSIS, MASTODON and PRIMITIVE MAN but Ghorot always keep to their own musical vision and create their own great blend of music which will have you coming back for more punishment long after the record has finished.
Obsidian is perhaps the album that allows Ghorot to be truly considered as a force to be reckoned with. As this is their most impressive record to date on all counts. This is an exciting blend of crushing grooves and punishing beat downs that can be quite complex at the same time. Ghorot never shy away from touching upon hard-hitting subjects whilst putting the listener through a pulsating and brutal workout of EXTREME levels of DOOMED OUT HEAVINESS.
This is a masterclass of Blackened Doom/Sludge Metal. End Of.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to GHOROT for the promo.
Obsidian is available to buy now on CD/DD/Tape/Vinyl via Lay Bare Recordings, King of the Monsters Records, and GHOROT.
Links:
DOOM METALLERS SPIRIT ADRIFT RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE "ETERNAL CELESTIAL ENERGY"
Heavy metal doom giants SPIRIT ADRIFT have returned with a cathartic, crushing new single, “Eternal Celestial Energy,” out today via 20 Buck Spin.
The long-awaited new music from revered songwriter and frontman Nate Garrett follows the band’s critically acclaimed 2023 album Ghost at the Gallows and arrives ahead of their March 20th appearance in San Antonio at Paper Tiger alongside Crowbar and Eyehategod.
Marking their first new release in three years, “Eternal Celestial Energy” signals SPIRIT ADRIFT’s highly anticipated return to the forefront of doom and offers a glimpse of what lies ahead in the band’s next monumental chapter.
Stream "Eternal Celestial Energy": Youtube | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music.jpg)
About SPIRIT ADRIFT:
Spirit Adrift’s music is an alchemical sonic melting pot that combines classic doom, traditional heavy metal, and the intensity of old school thrash, forging a unique and forward-thinking sound. Led by founder, multi-instrumentalist, and frontman Nate Garrett, the band has built a reputation for towering riffs, anthemic songwriting, and emotionally charged performances rooted in both personal struggle and defiant perseverance.
Since emerging in 2016, Spirit Adrift has released a string of critically acclaimed albums—Chained to Oblivion, Curse of Conception, Divided by Darkness, Enlightened in Eternity, and Ghost at the Gallows—earning praise from outlets such as Decibel, Revolver, Metal Hammer, and Kerrang!, who ranks the band among the best of the decade.
Spirit Adrift has toured and shared stages with the likes of High on Fire, Yob, Crowbar, Corrosion of Conformity, Midnight, and has appeared at major festivals such as Download, Hellfest, and Psycho Las Vegas. Their live shows are visceral and cathartic—equal parts power and conviction.
Follow SPIRIT ADRIFT:Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple MusicThanks to Secret Service Publicity for the details.
.jpg)