Bygone sits in a late 70's to early 80's hard rock space, with a strong focus on groove and melody. The vocals are confident and forward in the mix, with a classic hard rock feel that fits the music well.
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.
NOVEMBER 2025 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES
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
Mothertomb's “Beware” hits from the first note with a slow, dark intro that pulls you into a weighty, ominous world. When the full band drops in, the riffs thicken, the groove locks in, and the track settles into a doom-laden crawl that refuses to rush.
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
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.
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.
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.
ALBUM REVIEW: PSYCHLONA - WARPED VISION (MAGNETIC EYE RECORDS)
Released September 27th, 2024
Warped Vision, the fourth and latest release from Psychlona, is a magnificent work of Psychedelic Desert Rock in its finest moment. It made landfall on September 27th, 2024 via Magnetic Eye Records and we have tracked it all the way from Bradford, UK.
The sound is rich and polished, with velvety vocals performed with a swaggy attitude. Lush and grungy guitar tones are layered on top of the drums and the bass, who do all the heavy lifting effortlessly. Together, it all sounds like a perfect storm.
The opening track, "Jasmine," sets the stage with swelling guitar lines spread out and a heavy riff-driven groove. The vocals, drenched in delay and reverb, hover above this storm, occasionally striking down with electrifying guitar leads. The impact is undeniable, and I can't help but be intrigued by this musical phenomenon. So let’s go, pun intended.
From "Let's Go," the second track on their eight-album masterpiece, the band delivers more desert rocking spacey psychedelia. This upbeat song continues to showcase their signature blend of melodic vocal lines and intricate guitar hooks, captivating listeners with its infectious energy and clever songwriting.
Track three “Smoke” blows in a change and a momentary lapse of reason sets over me. Like swimming in a fishbowl, the track exudes a unique blend of beauty and melancholy. Its slow and refined guitar lines intertwine seamlessly with the relaxed vocal performance, creating a captivating soundscape. However, with just over a minute remaining, the song takes an unexpected turn, escalating to another realm. Fast-paced grooves, hard-riffing guitars, and raw energy converge to create a sonic storm that reaches new heights.
"Cut Loose", "Topanga", and "Kaleidoscope" emerge as an obscure and captivating trio of songs. Carefully crafted with intricate arrangements, they transcend the mainstream with cherished cult classic familiarity. Their allure grows with each listen, warping the listener's perception and leaving a lasting impact.
As the album nears its conclusion, the song "Split" slows down the pace, creating a pleasing contrast. The verses continue to carry a melancholic tone, which transitions into a heavier electric guitar-driven sound. Ending the album with "Magic Carpet" is a fitting choice, as it strongly resonates with the overall theme and atmosphere of the album.
Psychlona delivers a collection of songs that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. With Warped Vision this release cements their place as a formidable force in the psychedelic desert rock scene.
From Madrid Spain, 3 piece heavy psych and stoner rock band Free Ride deliver a remarkable 9 track album with all of our favorite ingredients. Just released August 9th on Small Stone Records and If you like a mix of psych, stoner, desert, or even punk rock, Acido Y Puto is for you
The opening song “Space Nomad” kicks off the album like a soundtrack into the unknown. Its laid back acoustic, clean, and atmospheric sounds capture the essence of moving around in space and alone.
On track 2, Free Ride follows this up with more of the same message on the song “Outsider”, this time with a heavy taste of grunge and fuzzy guitars and alternative lead vocals. A rhythmically compelling groove keeps this one snappy and charging forward.
“Kosmik Swell” is an immersive instrumental that combines the ethereal sound of “Space Nomad” and the pulsating sound of “Outsider”. A masterful track that showcases ripping guitar leads.
Free Ride has mastered the art of balance with its sonic exploration into the human psyche, carefully extracting the inner dark side of the soul, tapping into a little light of hope where our cleaner and purer thoughts are met with dirty resistance. In this journey, the prettier things get, the fuzzier they become. Balance is everything, and Free Ride has the formula. Perhaps we all need some more Acido Y Puto.
Listen Here >> https://freerideband.bandcamp.com/album/acido-y-puto
Album Review: "L'Œuvre Au Noir" by Brüle
french stoner/DOOM band
https://thebandbrule.bandcamp.com/album/l-uvre-au-noir-2
Brüle, the 3 piece french stoner/DOOM band, from South Of France (Perpignan), just released their first full length album, "L'Œuvre Au Noir”. The album features nine tracks that showcase the group's signature blend of stoner, doom, and occult.
The lead single, "La Bruixa Del Sol”, is a masterclass in slow heavy doom riffage with soaring lead vocals on top. The dynamic occult melodies lock into the sludgy laid back pocket, capturing the true essence of doom.
Other standout tracks on the album include "This Life", a perfect track 2 on the album, full of catchy stoner hooks within their brand of Doom and “Seal Of Lucifer", a powerful mid tempo doom track with a riff cooked in a fire, and “Land Of Nod”, showcasing more of the bands time spent in scorched earth.
Overall, "L'Œuvre Au Noir" is a complex masterclass of different and connected parts, in which some describe it as Solar Doom. The songs are mesmerizing and memorable, and the lyrics are thought-provoking. If you're a fan of Brüle, or even if you're new to their music, I highly recommend checking out "L'Œuvre Au Noir” to explore the occult side of your soul.
Playgroundz Rocks Top 11 Picks In The Heavy Undergound - July 2024 Releases
1. OCCULT WITCHES - SORROW’S PYRE (Self release)
2. DRUG HUNT - FEAST (Bad Vibe Good Friends)
3. ORANGE GOBLIN - SCIENCE, NOT FICTION (Peaceville Records)
4. DOOMBOYZ - EVIL RIFFS FROM LOS ANGELES (Self Release)
5. THE BRIDGE CITY SINNERS - IN THE AGE OF DOUBT (Self Release)
6. SARAJAH - SARAJAH (Argonauata Records)
7. THUNDERDOPE - MOTORSATAN (Self Release)
8. ANANDA MIDA - LIVE AT DUNA JAM (Heavy Psych Sound Records)
9. JUPITER CYCLOPS - AGE OF THE UFONAUT (self release)
10. POHL - MYSTERIES (Wrong Speed Records)
11. BAD ABSALOM - PARADISE IS CANCELLED (self release)
Psychedelic Russian rockers Bongtower deliver their galactic doom album Oscillator II with otherworldly concepts and a journey through the solar system. Self released on January 19th 2022, each track follows the group's odyssey from planet to planet with robotic interludes announcing each arrival and departure.
Starting out on planet earth and beginning the launch into space is the song “Phase”. As we are told the universe is not made for us, the fuzzy thick distorted guitars and angry drums are all around us on the track “For All Mankind”, reminding us of our mission and to find the ultimate answer. Standout songs include the epic thirteen minute track called "Mars" that raises the bar.. Other enjoyable songs such as "Uranus” focus on the vocalist's gravelly growls and sludge guitars, and the dynamic clean breakdowns on these songs makes you feel like you're floating around somewhere in deep space until there's a sudden disturbance from catastrophic guitar frequencies. The album ends with the Vangelis Cover “Alpha” resolving with closure but leaving you wanting more.
Oscillator II plays like the soundtrack to some of my favorite science fiction movies and shows. Original in storytelling with the distinct psychedelic doom sound, Oscillator II is a dynamic record that sets Bongtower apart from other artists in the genre. Carl Sagan would be proud.
Submerge yourself into this album like virtual reality and reach out and touch the stars.
Listen Here >>> https://www.playgroundz.rocks/bongtower
