As you MAY have noticed, I haven't posted for a while now....for a lot of reasons which I don't find necessary to mention. Anyway I decided to put Stoned Sun Vibrations on hiatus and concentrate my efforts to Downtuned Magazine ('n' Radio). Many of you probably know that Downtuned Mag is dedicated to the Greek heavy rock scene but since I've started Downtuned Radio too, I'm thinking of including posts about releases from all over the world. Apparently I'm going to keep a ratio but we'll see how it'll evolve.
From now on, you can find me on Downtuned Mag. And for any bands interested in reviewing/including them in radio's rotation etc., you can come in touch with me through the contact form over there. As I wrote above. I'll try to keep a ratio and at least in the beginning I'll try to "promote" mostly "smaller", more independent bands that deserve your attention.
So I want to thank each and everyone of you out there who supported, read, promoted and helped this blog. Also a big fat thanks to all the bands which helped SSV in their own way.
That's all for now folks! Thanks again! Maybe SSV will be back someday. Or maybe Downtuned will become better than SSV.... Who knows.
Be well and stay heavy!
Cheers,
Thanos
PS: Rock Trips Mixtapes will be back soon.... They'll be the only thing posted from now on. Perhaps some other personal comps too.
One more band coming from Sweden, Jeremy Irons & the Ratgang Malibus are a heavy rock quartet and "Bloom" is their second album which is an excellent rich blend of 70's hard rock, psychedelia and a progressive touch where is needed. They aren't such a big fans of 70's fuzz but they stay in a more haze and clear melodies with bluesy grooviness and of course under Zep's guidance. An awesome and very enjoyable release, close to the 70's era but following a quite different path from many representatives of the vintage heavy rock sound. You should check them out!
Enjoy!
I uploaded also their debut "Elefanta" which you can get it here.
Tiger Rock was a German trio formed back in '72. They released a couple of singles and two albums before they split-up in 1975. This is their first record called "Tiger Rock" (their second one "We're The Tiger Bunch" was not so good as this one in my opinion). Don't let the "glam band" cover mislead you. Here we have 5 boogie heavy rock tunes with fuzzy guitars, high energy drumming and great instrumental psych passages. There's no doubt you're going to love this proto-metal stuff!
Andre from Lesbian Rainbows came in touch in order to introduce me to their work. Lesbian Rainbows are a Portuguese duo (Andre Fernandes in drums and Rui Martelo in bass/vocals) and recently they recorded a 4 track jam called "The Holy River".
From their press release: "The Holy River is the name of a 4 track jam trip performed and recorded in an old abandoned house lost in the middle of the forest, riverside. The first two videos are now available and the other ones will be unleashed very soon. The name of the session is an invocation of the purity and mysticism of this place along with a revisitation (both aesthetic and conceptual) to Alejandro Jodorowsky's filmography (The Holy Mountain)."
Until now they have uploaded the first two tracks called "Torpedo em dia de feira" (which means Torpedo in fair's day) and "A bruxa tirou os dedos da tomada" (which means The witch took her fingers off the switch). Their music is close to Om/Sleep spirit with some post-whatever and mathrock influences in it and at least in their jams a great atmosphere is built. They have recorded their first single too which is going to be released in a while and I'm expecting it with a big interest. You can check their 2 jams below.
Judd Madden is a solo artist based in Melbourne, Australia. He is writing, playing, recording, producing all material by himself and he has just released two new albums called "Drown" and "Float".
The first one features seven tracks of groovy instrumental doom/stoner. Nothing radical, just another goood piece of riffy music we all love to hear. Nice 'n' heavy...
"Float" on the other hand while is totally instrumental too, is moving in different paths. It slowly builds a great mellow atmosphere, sometimes through post-rock and others in a more ambient way. In some tracks you can feel a nice desert mesmerizing groove too. Piano and harmonica used in a few parts build a more ethereal sound. Generally is a great album, ideal for the moments you want to relax and free your mind. A "gentle", calm release without denying its heavier aspects.
You can download both his albums for free, as well as his first work "Waterfall" (it's a good one too) released in 2010, from his bandcamp page.
Another one groovy stoner band with a lot of fuzz in their blood, Calamus from Germany. They released three albums, one EP, one single and two splits with Duster 69 and Slow Horse.
Here you can find their albums, the EP and one live performance at Stoner Hands Of Doom. Genre-lovers should check them out..Cheers!
It's time for some 70's inspired bluesy heavy rock... Coming from nowhere else but Sweden, Marulk is a power trio bringing us their 9-track debut album and staying loyal to that 70's boogie sound. If you liked Graveyard's new album or you dig bands like Abramis Brama, Manoglia etc. or even if you'are looking to anything coming from Sweden with the heavy rock stamp on it, this is a release you should check.
*I have included the two songs of their 7" single inside the album's folder.
Second Croatian awesome band I came across in such a short period of time, thanks to Zbane (Husta's guitarist/vocalist) this time who came in touch.Husta is a trio coming from Klanjec, a small city in northwestern Croatia and they formed 3-4 years ago. As they say the band started as a way to take out their boredom by jamming out. So a few songs were created which led to this self-titled album. Not bad at all...
A couple of months ago I posted Ridge's one and only album "A Countrydelic And Fuzzed Experience In A Colombian Supremo", which you can find it here. Before that they released two EPs in 1999 and 2000. Most of the songs are included in their album too (with different production and "sound" though). So here they are for anyone who might be interested.
A friend of the blog, Blair Gibson from Canada, has compiled and self-published the book above called "From the Minds of Madness: The Origins of Heavy Metal Band Names". Book's whole idea is how metal bands, from past to present, took their names.
Coming from Finland this time, another great release that I missed last year. But thanks to Mr. Peter Hayden's bassist, Lauri, I finally dug this gem.
Although the band has a history of almost 10 years now and the have released a couple of EPs and a split with Galacticka, "Faster than Speed" is my first contact with them and I'm totally satisfied from what I've heard.
By Ron's request here are Spindrift's two releases. Fine pieces of dirty Kyuss-driven stoner from the Australian desert with quite raw production, especially in "Tearing The Fabric Of Space". Nice 'n' heavy.
Great groovy tunes coming from Australia in El' Garsonorogio two albums "Ready to Eat" and "Atma - Nivedana". Stoner like Kyuss, fuzzed-out like Fu Manchu and a little bit of Colour Haze's sound are the main components of their music.
Especially, "Atma-Nivedana" deserves a place in my classic albums list. They also appeared in PlanetFuzz Records' "Cowbells and Cobwebs" compilation. Check'em out!
I had heard Domo's debut when it was released and at some point I forgot it (don't ask me why, it's stupid I know). But it's not late to put it in my 2010's top releases. Even with some delay, they took the place they deserve. Let me be clear, if you're into psychedelic/space jams then you're a sinner if you haven't check this one. Nothing more, nothing less.
While we're waiting for Crystal Antlers' new album ("Two-Way Mirror") to be released on 12th July, I think it's a good chance to remember their previous works.
Crystal Antlers is a band from Long Beach, California formed in late 2006. Started as a trio and with time evolved in a 5-piece band (a full bio is available here), they have released so far three singles, one EP and a full album.
Duff Downer is a stoner four-piece band from Germany formed in 2006 but their first work was released last year. Nothing new or innovative, just good bass-heavy stoner in the veins of Kyuss, Orange Goblin and a little bit of Sixty Watt Shaman's southern touch. Seven groovy, bad-ass trips to the desert (with some great vocals I have to say) given for free by the band. Great tunes for the summer!
Coming from Memphis, Tennessee The Heavy Eyes introduce us to their music with their first EP. Although it was released last year, I neglected to check it. Fortunately, Eric (drummer in The Heavy Eyes) came in touch and suggested me their work.
These guys simply walked into a room, jammed and recorded four tracks of fuzzed out heavy rock awesomeness with touches of blues. As they say and you'are going to listen, it's a completely rough production which in this case is something I liked. You know it gets you more in the 70's spirit...
Judging from this EP if they decide to record a full album, it's going to be absolutely great. I hope it'll happen during this year. Cheers!
You can download the EP straight from their bancamp page.
Oh Lord! This is a mind blowing record! It's Herder's mighty debut coming from The Netherlands and what a better description for the album than its cover. Aggressive and frenzy stoner/sludge which from the moment it starts, violates your whole existence without any mercy and respect to mankind's noble feelings. Fans of High On Fire, Weedeater, Goatsnake will highly appreciate it. Just pump up the volume and let the onslaught begin... Cheers! *Thanks to Dan for the suggestion.
There are moments in your life where you wonder (and maybe blame yourself) why you didn't discover something in an earlier time. That's exactly how I felt when I heard The Dive for the first time few days ago.
Although this self-titled album is their first one, they exist in our world for eleven years now. And you know, you can feel it listening to their work. They're a totally solid band with their own identity and a maturity in their sound, things you can find in bands which are together for a long time.
This is quite an astonishing release coming from Croatia and it's Umor's first full length album, released by a DIY collective called "Sonic Doom Records". Their music is an interesting (and successful) blend of doom slothfulness, sludge heaviness, post rock atmosphere and stoner grooves. Of course many have tried it but the result wasn't always as good as this one.
"Vile" starts as an epic sludge tune which leads to a space delirium. "One" takes more psychedelic paths and has some great guitar riffs in it. "Mountains of The Wolf" continues the same way but in a more ambient atmosphere where ceremonial drumming and distant guitar tunes make the difference.
The two last tracks "Exposure" and "Silent Key - The Sign" (almost 18min each) are my favorites and I think the record's highlights. The doom influences are more obvious here, riffs are monolithic and slow-heavy as hell, while excellent pounding drumming comes to make the atmosphere thicker and darker. The vocals in all tracks are ritual, haunting and manage to express a kind of silent anger coming from the depths of Goran's soul.
These guys are definitely talented and they prove it with "Pralayaah". In my opinion it's a "don't miss" album and I highly recommend it to all. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
You can download it from their bandcamp page and pay what you want. You will also find their s/t EP and the split with Cojones.
Purling Hiss recorded this three-track session at Daytrotter's Horse Shack studios (2 March 2011). The tracks included are: "Almost Washed My Hair", "Don't Even Try It", "Run From the City". Cheers!
When Dead Moon disbanded in 2006, Fred Cole and Kathleen Cole formed Pierced Arrows (in 2007) along with drummer Kelly Halliburton. Continuing from where Dead Moon have stopped, they have released (since now) two 7"s and two full albums.
Wow! That's one of the coolest records I heard this year. It is exactly what I needed at this time! Fat grooves, great riffage skills and absolutely wonderful vocal turns which I loved them.
I had expectations from these Spaniards when I listened their demo few years ago. And "Beats Of Olarizu" is totally above them.
All tracks are equally great to me. Maybe I like a little bit more "Receiving the Liquid Writings" or the "epic" "Eclipse". Or maybe "The Strangest Of Lives"... Well, you get the point!
An awesome psych-stoner release with a beautiful artwork I have to say. Definitely it will be in my year's highlights. Word.
Just a while ago I read this message from The Grand Astoria and I thought it'll be good to spread it to anyone might be interested in helping the guys:
"Hi there!!
We really need some help now brothers and sisters!As you may know we don't have regular jobs,some of us live in the communes with non-comfortable conditions,we only live from our music trying to survive. We started the page at bandcamp to collect some money.All your donations will be used in a proper way!We will rent a van for the summer tour (we don't have ours,we rent it in Latvia and it's very expensive for us cos most of times we hardly get any money for the show),pay for visas (we are russians and we need visas and other stupid papers to travel in Europe),buy gasoline and food and record some cool new stuff in Lisbon,Portugal (the studio is already booked)
Dowload our latest record in the best quality!If you don't have any money you can dowload itfor free,just search in the internet!Nema problema.God knows we are always sharing our music for free
I have written before about Purling Hiss and put up their 3 albums (here) and their split with Puffy Areolas (here). What we have here is a Purling Hiss live performance at WFMU radio on Brian Turner's show. Not so furious psych as I like, except the last track, but it's good stuff anyway.
Goddamn! At last Planet Of Zeus' new release finally took its place in my player! Three years passed from their first album but it totally worth the time.
Put on your truck hat and boots, get some booze and tobacco and let these gents take you a trip to U.S. south.
Signed to a new label, their second album is heavier, tighter and more complex than their first one. These guys worked enough these years in order to build more well-structed tunes with a straight in your face attitude.
The songs are meant to play live and loud (actually you get this live feeling, listening to "Macho Libre"). They are made for partying. You know, couple of friends, a pack of beers, put some Planet of Zeus on and all your problems are gone.
Clear and heavy production, giving you a fat sound (the two guitars help in that in a major degree) that lets you feel the band's fury and energy.
Babis has worked his vocals and took them a step further by making them more intense and harsh (I love his accent, his grandpa probably was born somewhere in NOLA). Using two guitars, Yog along with Babis, was one of the best choices the band made. And that's because the sound became thicker and it's like a total riff fest. Jay pumps up the heaviness with his thick bass vibes underneath and Syke's powerful and dynamic drumming punches you in the face.
Here we have an album full of great heavy groove-ridden tunes that blast your head, with some breaks like "Unicorn without a horn" and "Hazelnut" which are more acoustic and trippy just to let you take a breath. Personal favorites are "Dawn of the dead", "Leftovers", "Vanity suit"...Well, the whole disc is a personal favorite.
They don't fear to show their influences but they manage to incorporate them, make them part of their sound (and not the other way). They don't invent something new (who says they want to!) but they are having their own identity and manage to make something fresh, addictive and an absolutely awesome companion for this summer.
As a conclusion, Planet of Zeus proved that they lead Greece's stoner/heavy rock vanguard (as I have said, I personally put them in #1 at this point). They released a totally professional work which stands at the same level as many major bands' releases. And I believe that they are one from the few Greek bands which are capable to record an album, live at studio. Check them out and don't miss them if you have the chance to see them live! Macho Libre is here to take your head in a silver plate!
Someone is Stoner Rock Is Here To Stay chatbox, mentioned Elevator. I have only this release from this band, I don't think I heard it more than a couple of times so there isn't much to say. But since Riez asked for the upload here it is. Just to inform you that the rip is in 160kbps.
From last.fm: "Elevator is a band from Moncton, New Brunswick. Started in 1994 as Elevator to Hell, a solo outlet for Eric’s Trip lead man Rick White, the project eventually grew to include Eric’s Trip drummer Mark Gaudet and White’s wife Tara on bass. The band mainly produces hauntingly lo-fi psychedelia. After releasing some LP’s on Sub Pop, the band’s name changed to Elevator Through, and by 1999 it was shortened to simply Elevator. In 1997 The Sadies’ Dallas Good was added as a second guitarist, though he didn’t begin recording with the band until 2002’s Darkness > Light album. Between label releases, Elevator have put out many albums on their own Great Beyond label."
If I manage to find more Elevator's works I'll post them here too.
Well a year has passed from the day I decided to start Stoned Sun Vibrations. It isn't a long time but for me it's quite a great "achievement" and pleasure. But enough with the sentimental stuff, this is a a blog dedicated to HEAVINESS after all....
First of all, I would like to thank all the mates out there who pay a visit and check what's being posted. Hope you like the most of them! Also a big thanks to all the bands who came in touch (or not) 'cause without them, Stoned Sun Vibrations wouldn't be as good as it's now!
Finally, a fat thanks to all the fellow bloggers, Riez from Stoner Rock is Here to Stay, JK from Stoner Hive and Mr.A from Wine Women & Song (just to name few), who helped my blog evolve and become more "popular" from the very first time of its existence.
Now as a kind of a celebration, I made a 2-disc mixtape which contains tunes which were posted here during this year. But instead of posting it, I thought that it would be a good idea to burn them in cd and send them to a few of you out there. But since it's hard to send as many as I liked to (I wish I had the money), I made 5 copies in a nice hand-made package.
If any of you, want one just send an email to let me know. I'll wait a week and if I get more than 5 emails, I'll randomly choose five of you and send you the mixtape. I believe that's quite a fair solution!
Seems that 2011 France will have a rich harvest of heavy tunes. Startruckers' second work is the third great French release I heard in the last couple of weeks and that's a good thing to see.
Heavy groovage from beginning 'til the end with the 70's feeling of being free spread all over, along with the 90's grunge spirit of coolness. The hot sun and warm breeze of Mediterranean sea, complete the groove and bring the southern vibes closer to Europe. Enjoy!
You can download "The Southern Sessions #2", as well as their first release "The Southern Sessions #1", from their bandcamp page for free!
Chrome Locust was a New York's band formed back in 1998. Band's life lasted almost a year but before they split up, they released this awesome album in 1999. Chrome Locust started as a side project of Michael Wildwood (D Generation's drummer), Todd Scofield (aka Todd Youth, D Generation's guitarist. Also played with bands as Murphy's Law, Son Of Sam and Danzig among others) and Jim Heneghan. The result was this s/t album which unfortunately was their first and last work.
These punk rockers know how to play slow-burned heavy music. Downtuned and "sludgy", high-energetic and fast..all in the right time. I doubt if at least one of you not going to like this (relatively) unknown gem of heavy sound. Imagine a jam where Sabbath met MC5 and decided to play in front of a bunch of stoners. Great stuff!
Get ready to violate your repeat button cause album's half-hour length isn't enough to satisfy your needs for heaviness!
