-
Screaming From the Heavy Underground
Rock im Wald: A Bavarian Music Festival Keeping the Heavy Underground Community Thriving
Each summer, the pulse of the heavy underground beats resolutely from the heart of the Bavarian forest, delivering resounding waves of not just killer music, but palpable warmth and contagious energy.Rock im Wald is an underground music festival that takes place in Neuensee, a small village in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, nestled inside the municipality of Michelau im Landkreis Lichtenfels. The festival got its humble beginnings in 1995 and has been going strong ever since, developing strong roots and growing into the cult event that it is today. Rock im Wald draws fans and bands from all over the world and, especially for the last twenty years or so, has featured a wonderful mix of well-known acts (such as Orange Goblin, Red Fang, Truckfighters, and Slomosa) alongside supremely talented up-and-coming bands.So...how did this reclusive American find herself over 4,000 miles away from home at such an event? Well, a trip to Germany for me has been inevitable for several years now. It's no secret that my musical tastes within the heavy underground have always leaned heavily in the direction of Europe, with an extra special place in my heart for the German stoner rock scene. When I learned that Giant Lungs, my favorite band on the planet, would be getting a big break by being included in Rock im Wald's 2026 lineup, I absolutely had to be there to cheer them on. In addition to Giant Lungs, the festival boasted what I would call one of their best rosters ever this year, featuring bands such as 1000Mods, Elder, Fu Manchu, My Sleeping Karma, Kryptograf, Kylesa, Gluecifer, Kal-El, Hällas, and Dozer. Rising German stoner rockers Capacopter, one of my favorite picks for the Doom Charts this year with their debut self-titled album, also made a much-deserved appearance on the Holzbock Stage.
After a long-overdue in-person meetup with the lads of Giant Lungs, I got acquainted with the festival grounds and some of the Rock im Wald crew. The festival took place on a beautifully manicured football field, converted for the weekend into an ideal space for music fans to see some of the best acts in the heavy underground in an open and natural setting. I was immediately taken by the attention to detail within the setup and the professionalism and care with which the festival crew made sure everything ran like clockwork. Rock im Wald is a well-oiled machine, providing adequate camping space for festival goers along with everything they might need (or had forgotten to bring along) in the well-stocked camping store, plenty of food options, an expansive space for merch tables, a homey backstage area, and strikingly clean and well-kept grounds. Even more impressive than their expertise was the warmth of the Rock im Wald crew, delivering heartfelt welcomes and genuine care to fans and bands alike.Then there are the fans...some of the most accepting and friendly people I've had the pleasure of standing next to at a show. Enthusiastic chatter among complete strangers is the norm, and warm, electric vibes are felt from the moment one enters the crowd. As someone who has been injured in an aggressive mosh pit before, I was especially happy to see the respect with which these ritualistic metalhead dances went down at Rock im Wald: never violent, always courteous, and truly what they're supposed to be: coordinated and natural outpourings of intensity that occur when the love of music that feeds us all overflows.One of the best things about Rock im Wald is the intimacy of the setting. It's not uncommon to have a conversation with the frontman of one of your favorite bands after the show or to have a beer with the guitarist. Although the space here is much larger than the typical heavy underground stage in a bar or club, the performances feel incredibly up close and personal, and the bands are very down to earth.Of course, next to a stellar performance from Dozer that blew my mind, the highlight of the festival for me was finally getting to see Giant Lungs take the main stage and deliver what I would call their most energetic, enthused live show to date. And seriously...how lucky am I? Being involved in the heavy underground scene had afforded me many great opportunities, but to be able to hang out with your favorite band backstage before cheering them on from the front row as they perform is insane...I still don't think I've completely wrapped my head around it. But that's the most beautiful thing about the scene, and the great thing about keeping things small, right? There's such a sense of humanness and oneness within the heavy underground community, and that feeling was powerful at Rock im Wald. Whether you're a local or have to travel across an ocean like me, I would highly recommend taking in this incredible festival if you have the opportunity. Sure, you'll see some of the best groups the heavy underground has to offer, but more than anything, you'll be deeply immersed in the good vibes that make the stoner rock scene so great.A few photos and memories...
Hyper focused on the backstage goings-on.
Hanging out on stage with the coolest band in the world. 😎 From left to right: Flo (drums), Patrick (guitar), me, Jochen (vocals and guitar), and Don (bass).
Don, Patrick's head, Jochen, and me backstage before the big show.
Backstage with Don, looking out over the festival grounds.
The Giant Lungs set!
I may be biased, but I think the Rock im Wald t-shirts were particularly cool in 2026!Acknowledgements
An extra special thanks to Christian from Rock im Wald for allowing me to be so involved in this epic event while making sure that I was well taken care of during my time there. Massive respect to all of the festival crew for their professionalism, attention to detail, and welcoming demeanor. Much love to the heavy underground fans at Rock im Wald for your loving and accepting attitude, ensuring the community continues to thrive. And of course, an overwhelming surplus of hugs and air kisses to my dear friends Giant Lungs for being the best hosts a girl could ask for. You all rock! 🤘🖤Day-by-Day Video Recaps of Rock im Wald
Rock im Wald Day 1 RecapRock im Wald Day 3 RecapMore About Rock im Wald
You can keep up to date with the Rock im Wald festival by checking out the following links:Check out Giant Lungs!
You can follow Giant Lungs and listen to their music at the following links:- Giant Lungs Bandcamp
- Giant Lungs Spotify
- Giant Lungs Apple Music
- Giant Lungs Soundcloud
- Giant Lungs YouTube
- Giant Lungs Instagram
- Giant Lungs Facebook
German Stoner Trio Kuyper Makes a Powerful Introduction with Their Debut EP "The Great Belt"
If you're at all immersed in the German stoner rock community, you've likely seen Stefano of the Fuzzy Time page in your Instagram feed as he tirelessly and enthusiastically reviews, promotes, and reacts to European underground music and festivals. Unsurprisingly, Stefano has been in a few bands of his own, including a trio called Kuyper since 2023. Stefano, along with two lads who are both named Malte (Malte L. and Malte S., to be precise), draw upon their passion for stoner rock on a broad scale, including its offshoots and amalgamations in Kuyper's larger-than-life sound.Kuyper - The Great Belt
In fact, the band's debut EP The Great Belt (self-released by Kuyper on August 1, 2026) packs a ton of variety, with each song highlighting multiple styles of music while embodying a distinct mood and personality.The song Blue Dog takes on a foot-stomping, southern-fried heavy blues cadence marked by a gravelly stoner/desert undertow. This track flows perfectly into Dead Kitty Cat, whose intro is also saturated with blues. This time, however, it's a much more atmospheric, soulful sound with strong psychedelic space rock influences. Walls of bluesy stoner riffs suddenly drop in just past the one-minute mark, and soaring vocals add even more dimension. This multi-layered track evolves into a blistering, jammy outro by its end, having taken the listener through the entire scope of moods and rhythms a band can possibly manage in just under four-and-a-half minutes. Earthbuddies, which was the premier single from The Great Belt EP, changes gears to focus on heavy spaced-out riffs and vibrant heavy rock grooves - more of a classic stoner/desert sound. Limestone Branch really brings it all together, starting off with a chugging, doom-laden stoner riff before seamlessly flowing into that bluesy heavy rock swing and adding in some confident vocals. The persistent low growl of the bass is really the glue that holds it all together. Finally, Time Driver makes great use of similar stoney heavy rock sounds, but this time, it quiets down for verses with a more open feel, kissed by a light. spacey/psychedelic influence and delivering sharp contrasts between the heavy and the light.A "first spin" music video for the single "Earthbuddies"Final ThoughtsAfter listening to The Great Belt, it's beautifully clear that this EP was fashioned by a group of musicians with a profound love and respect for stoner rock and its subgenres. You'll hear nods to stoner/desert, psychedelic, space, and heavy rock, as well as a strong backbone of southern-leaning heavy blues. And, while big names such as Kyuss, Fu Manchu, and Truckfighters will certainly float around your mind as you listen, the best part of The Great Belt EP is it still projects a strong, independent identity.I'm also blown away by the off-the-charts energy that Kuyper maintains from start to finish here, leaving no doubt that these guys must put on a live show to remember, electrifying even the sleepiest of crowds.With a knack for playing a wide variety of ultra-infectious stoner-oriented sounds in a palpably spirited way, Kuyper is poised to become a mainstay in the heavy underground scene - not just in their home country of Germany, but on a global scale.More About Kuyper
Kuyper is:Malte L.Malte S.StefanoYou can follow Kuyper and listen to their music at the following links:
Best New Releases July 2026
July was an incredibly hectic month for me, as I prepared to travel internationally for the first time ever in my almost-forty years. In fact, there's a good chance that as you're reading this, my happy ass is overseas attending a music festival and doing other obnoxious, touristy things (with some extra-special hosts). Because of my trip, I had to make my Best of the Month List early, so I'm sure I'll miss a few things (again). I promise, as soon as I'm home and reacclimated, I'll catch up. Until then, here are my favorite albums from the month in descending order (plus one honorable mention):Honorable Mention:
Dead Meadow - Foundlings
Foundlings is a seven-track collection of previously unreleased gems from US psychedelic stoner trio Dead Meadow. This album unearths songs that were recorded between the years of 2002-2024, including an utterly mesmeric cover of Led Zeppelin's No Quarter.Favorite Track: Lost to LightBest New Releases July 2026
(in descending order)4.) Ultracombo - Season 3
After a four-year studio hiatus, Italian stoner/alternative quartet Ultracombo is back with their new EP Season 3.The vibrant opening track Out of My Mind is filled with soaring melody, darting guitar tones, and off-the-charts energy, an anthemic song reminiscent of modern fuzz rockers such as Truckfighters, Carson, and Witchrider. From here, the EP takes a sharp and ominous turn, launching into a set of moody tracks sung in a mix of English and the band's native Italian. Under a discernible cloak of darkness, these last four songs mount with tension before exploding into massive choruses, often launching directly into a towering wall of fuzz. This EP is also adorned with some standout spacey tones, giving some songs a discernible sci-fi feel.All in all, Season 3 picks up right where Ultracombo's Season 2 EP (2022) left off. Much more than just a natural continuation, however, Season 3 shows the band energetically delivering their fuzzy signature sound while experimenting with darker moods.Favorite Track: Out of My Mind3.) Irata - Human
Stoney alt rock trio Irata packs a ton of variety on their fourth album Human. Within the eight powerful tracks you'll find the perfect balance of tranquil respites, bursts of intensity, and exciting twists and turns. Generally speaking, the more laid-back songs on Human feature soothing 90s-era grunge and alternative tones, soothing vocal harmonies, and hypnotic melodies, reminiscent of bands like Torche. Conversely, the heavier tracks have a steely, spacey, Tool-esque progressive metal sound with crawling basslines and palpably tense atmospheres. The production is noticeably polished, but the recurrent stoner buzz and crunch of the guitar remind you that, at its core, Human is a raw underground rock album, giving me no doubt that these songs would sound incredible live.Human marks the first time that I've listened to Irata, but it was more than enough to convince me that it won't be the last!Favorite Track: Altar2.) Troy the Band - (des)
The release of (des) is an interesting yet undeniably opportune time to stumble upon shoegazy noise rockers Troy The Band.After the release of their debut album Cataclysm (2024), the London group parted ways with their original vocalist. Since then, Troy the Band has been working with a prime selection of guest singers including Soozi Chameleone (ex-Dead Witches) and Matt Sutton (Tayne), adding a plethora of unique and talented voices to their sophomore release. Further, the band has confirmed that one of these vocal contributors, keeper of badass siren song Ana-Maria Terr Bordei, will take over as their permanent singer (an absolutely perfect choice).With that said, I have to implore you not to balk at the word "shoegaze" here. While Troy the Band certainly makes use of some bleak, atmospheric tones throughout (des), there are an equal or greater number of swells of stormy intensity in the mix, stirring forces summoned as much from rumbling instrumental crescendos as the unfettered expression from each and every vocalist. Undertows of doom add an additional layer of darkness while blistering stoner metal movements contribute an unrelenting harshness that effectively completes the spectrum of moods explored on (des).However, I must add that, particularly as a millennial and a diehard fan of Lilith Fair-era female voices in rock, I'm utterly blown away and inspired by the girl power here. Fellas, you did a fantastic job as well, but the ladies really took it to another, goosebump-inducing level. Bravo!Favorite Track: Denial1.) Solace - Fading Failing Ruin
I've recently learned that Solace is kind of legendary around here - both in sound and when it comes to standing the test of time. The New Jersey-based band got their start 30 years ago and, over the years, has been artfully building upon a sturdy base of heavy metal, doom, and stoner metal.Solace's fifth full-length album Fading Failing Ruin marks my first time hearing the band and I was absolutely giddy to find myself immersed in a sea of some of my favorite things upon pressing "play": smooth but powerful classic metal vocals, epic storytelling, and the sinister heft of doom combined with intricate heavy metal guitar work (think traditional doom bands such as Trouble and Reverend Bizarre), all often mixed with the longer-form style and twists and turns of prog.Far from over-processed, Fading Failing Ruin possesses the perfect amount of raw analog quality to its sound, making it feel even more like it was plucked directly from the golden age of 80s-era traditional doom. Even so, the album simultaneously boasts a keen cinematic soul that's crystal clear, pulling the listener deep into its saga.In short, Fading Failing Ruin is a modern classic from a band whose creative momentum knows no bounds (and no brake pedal).Favorite Track: Beyond BelowThat's it for July! I hope you enjoy these albums as much as I do!Be sure to check out the Doom Charts this month where there are forty albums waiting for you to discover and show your favorite heavy underground artists some much- deserved love!Follow Doomcakes on TikTok!
@doomcakes4 My picks for the best new heavy underground albums of July 2026! This list is short and possibly incomplete, since I'll be leaving on vacation soon and didn't have as much time to listen to music this month. I'll catch up, though! 😉 More info can be found on the blog, Screaming from the Heavy Underground, link in comments. #doomcharts #screamingfromtheheavyunderground #doom #stonerdoom ♬ original sound - Doomcakes 
Late to the Party: 22ad - "See the World"
22ad is a quartet from the Netherlands who creates a markedly smooth blend of grunge, alternative, psychedelic, and stoner rock.I deeply regret missing the band's full-length debut See the World back in March, but fortunately, a lovely post from Stoner Hive about the release provided a much-appreciated introduction.See the World, generally speaking, is one of the most mesmeric albums I've heard since I started writing reviews, with calming melody, hypnotic low-end pulses, spacey interludes, and refreshing breezes of ethereal atmospheres making up the framework of the release. However, my favorite thing about See the World is the powerful, well-timed surges of intensity it contains throughout. Be it a warm rush of soaring, jubilant tones that have you mentally flying away on winds of euphoria, or electric jolts of palpable trepidation that will leave you with empathetic goosebumps, these rushes of feeling have a way of snapping you out of your contented trance, making you feel vibrantly alive.A no-skip gem best listened to from start to finish, See the World is a nearly spiritual experience that's as invigorating as it is meditative."Bus 14" official music videoMore About 22ad
You can follow 22ad and listen to their music at the following links:
Transonic Science Releases New Single "Vincent Price", Continuing Their Journey with Argonauta Records for the Release of Their New Album "Velvet Doom"!
Pioneers of the German stoner rock scene Transonic Science are regulars here on Screaming from the Heavy Underground for many reasons. First, this dynamic quartet has stood the test of time, perfecting their characteristic brand of "bulldozer blues" for going on three decades now. Secondly, the band is a paragon when it comes to the classic stoner sound, generating warm and gravelly, desert-kissed grooves with turbulent breakdowns, energetic drums, unstoppable bass, and adaptable guitar. The band also brightens up their sound occasionally with hookier tracks, marked by soaring alternative rock tones. Transonic Science doesn't stop there, however...the group also peppers moody songs into their albums, typically relying on murky grunge or soulful blues influences to tug at your heart while stimulating lyrics encourage thought and inner reflection. Finally, the distinct vocals of Ergün Aktürk are what truly lights the fire within the band's soul. While he usually leans on his trademark husky croons and raspy yowls, Ergün can also deliver velvet-smooth melody at the drop of a hat, particularly on those aforementioned soulful tracks.I instantly fell in love with Transonic Science's sound when I happened upon their Bulldozer Blues EP in 2023, an attachment that was made super official after the band released their full-length album Psychobulb in 2024. Now, I'm thrilled to announce that Transonic Science is cooking up something new, and they're giving us a first taste via the single Vincent Price.Featuring a melancholic, grunge-infused stoner riff, a standout sinister bass line, haunting bridges, and impassioned ire in the choruses, Vincent Price moves among feelings of longing, anguish, and rage. This emotional vehemence crescendos as the song plays on, with the instrumentals seamlessly shifting into some doomy atmospheres along the way. My favorite part of the song is one that palpably bleeds with internal conflict: the repetition of the phrase "Where's the one to guide old Mr. Devil Devil?" amid the contrasting weighty thrum of the bass and sorrowful interjections of the guitar.As if the release of Vincent Price wasn't enough for this old girl to handle in one day, Transonic Science has also announced that they will be continuing their sonic journey with Italian label Argonauta Records (who the band worked with on Psychobulb) as they prepare to release their next album Velvet Doom this fall.Says the band:"Once we had finished recording, we immediately knew that we wanted to ask Gero if he would release our album. We had such a great experience with our last release on Argonauta. It's a cool label, relaxed, welcoming, and professional all at once. Gero agreed right away, and here we are!"Ladies and gentleman...the signal has returned!Be sure to follow Transonic Science and Argonauta Records for more updates! Of course, you can bet that I'll be here to spread the word about every step of the way to what is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year for me!More About Transonic Science
You can follow Transonic Science and listen to their music at the following links:
