Rolling Stoner/Psych/Doom/Sludge/Retro/Drone/Space Thread 2013: The Next Day

Hopefully I'm not stepping on some toes here, but I wanted to talk about the new Sgt. Sunshine album and I noticed one of these was never started for 2013! People need to populate this thread, because I've really been big into stuff like this in 2013.

I'll admit to having missed out on Sgt. Sunshine over their first two albums, but I'd read some scattered praise about them and needed something to throw in my All That Is Heavy cart and grabbed it. Well. There are some fantastic riffs on here and I can see why people really love this band, but I'm so disappointed in the muddy production. I get that it was an intentional thing, but I just don't feel like it does them any favors. The low end gets emphasized, but at the expense of everything else. Look at Colour Haze, they get a great fucking sound, but they don't have to sacrifice the rest of the mix. I guess it just sticks in my craw because it really has the potential to be a really great record otherwise.

But on the posi tip, here's stoner/psych/doom/sludge/retro/drone/space that I'm totally digging:
Age of Taurus - Desperate Souls of Tortured Times
Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats - Mind Control
Carpet - Elysian Pleasures (a real revelation for me, kind of stoner jazz rock stuff on Elektrohasch, love it!)
Spaceking - In the Court of the Spaceking
Kadavar - Abra Kadavar
Orchid - The Mouths of Madness
Spiritual Beggars - Earth Blues
Blaak Heat Shujaa - The Edge of an Era
Romero - Take the Potion
The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic - The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic (side project by former Monster Magnet guitarist)

Also been digging stuff from Space Mushroom Fuzz, but I think you may have to have a high tolerance for jambands to really get into this.

Purson is right up there too. I had high expectations for their debut album based on the "Rocking Horse" single from a year ago, and they delivered.

Blood Ceremony also really come into their own on their new album.Still plenty doomy in places, but it mostly cranks up the Black Widow/Wicker Man OST influences, which I just love.

I talk about this album way too much, but Contackt by Sungod is a natural for this thread. jvc if you haven't checked it out, you should.

http://holodeckrecords.bandcamp.com/album/contackt-hd011

Ooh, that Sungod sounds very promising! Thanks for the recommendation.

I've been really, really anxious to hear the Purson, but I keep being told that it's still an "import" when I check at my locals. I think I just need to order it online somewhere because it doesn't seem to wanna get stocked around here. I loved the "Rocking Horse" single and the 7" with "Leaning on a Bear" and "Let Bloom".

Another album on my own personal radar: Ice Dragon side project/alter ego Tentacle apparently released a great doom album. I havent heard it yet but ut's on Bandcamp, I believe...

Anyways, really looking forward to checking out all these albums jvc. You are a prince and a scholar.

As are you, I had no idea there was an Ice Dragon side project! Nice to know.

Theres at least a couple of them. Those guys are insane!

Ha, they are! It's tough enough keeping up with Ice Dragon's releases.

Well the plan was to roll this thread into Rolling Metal for a wider audience so it's not just me talking to myself. I haven't been as active due to new job, vacation, feelin under the weather. Here's what I'm liking in rough order so far:

Purson - The Circle And The Blue Door (Rise Above)
Uncle Acid - Mind Control (Rise Above)
Kadavar - Abra Kadavar (Nuclear Blast)
Toner Low - III (Bilocation)
Motorpsycho - Still Life With Eggplant (Rune Grammofon)
The Crystal Caravan - With Them You Walk Alone (Transubstans)
Vidunder (Crusher)
Ghost B.C. - Infestissumam (Loma Vista)
Queens of the Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork (Matador)
Orchid - The Mouths Of Madness (Nuclear Blast)
Sgt. Sunshine - III (Elektrohasch)
Gozu - The Fury Of A Patient Man (Small Stone)
Manilla Road - Mysterium (Shadow Kingdom)

Fellwoods, who had a split single with Ice Dragon last year, really needs to put out something new. Or at least make their EP available on CD.

Hadnt realized about a new QOTSA album (or that they signed w Matador)

Looking forward to Blood Ceremony. Just heard this, and it's awesome:

Naam - Vow (Tee Pee) June 4

I've liked the previous stuff I've heard from Naam so I'm anxious to hear that. Definitely a huge cosign on the Gozu too, good stuff.

I must have missed out on the decision to keep this in the regular rolling metal thread, sorry! I like the idea of this being a separate thread though, because Ned and some other posters that don't typically follow the metal threads pop in from time to time to hype good drone stuff.

It's still so weird to me that QOTSA is now on Matador.

space-psych-stoner thread is definitely a separate thing imo.

i didnt start it this time incase certain people complained about taking it out of rolling metal.

agree w j, but this thread primarily seems to concern stoner, doom & retro metal, with a side of fuzzed-out hard rock. that niche definitely needs its own thread, but keeping the name so close to the more expansively inclined rolling psych/drone/freak thread (which has been going for 8 years) seems a little odd.

i like this thread

Yeah I def missed it

It won't be out until summer, but Shooting Guns' new LP Brotherhood of the Ram is fantastic. More of the same catchy instrumental doom/kraut/space/psych jams, but is expands on the idea even more. Filthier tone, a lot darker, song lengths longer, but still plenty hooky.

this is drone metal though rather than the freak folk kind

Been into this Cult of Dom Keller album for the past few daze: http://mannequinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mnq-037-the-cult-of-dom-keller-s-t-lp

Hadnt realized about a new QOTSA album (or that they signed w Matador)

several tracks streaming here :

http://www.likeclockwork.tv/

love it.

That Follakzoid record is pretty good fun, very Neu! influenced, but since when has that been a bad thing?

Heh, exactly. Follakzoid proudly displays their influences, but when the resulting album is this good - who cares?

It seems like the new Moss is getting pretty lousy reviews, but I like it. Its a pretty bleak and desolate slab of doom. I think some might be turned off by how one-note it is, but I like how it just revels in the darkness and sludge and doesn't really give a fuck if you care.

Saw Follakzoid live last month. Can-worship all the way, but a terrific sound.

Yeah I totes want to check the Follakzoid out

Spun Water on Mars, the new-ish Purling Hiss, several times today after checking in a little while back and letting it percolate. Pretty damn great! Lazy, fuzzy garage POP with a heavy stoner/psych undertow. Traces of Weezer, Pixes and Dino Jr on the more upbeat & catchy numbers (esp. "Rat Race" and "The Harrowing Wind"). Super heavy leadoff track "Lolita" shoots nirvana through the boogie van instagram. All the name-dropping not to say that this is at all derivative or stale, but rather that PH are taking inspiration from a fairly wide and unexpected range of sources. It's garagey enough to please genre purists, but also gently implies the inevitable early 90s revival. Course there's plenty of killer guitar mangling where appropriate, but it's a surprisingly restrained album on that front, given Polizze's chops and the fried self-indulgence of his early recordings. Among their contemporaries, I'd say it slots in p comfortable with the likes of King Tuff, Kurt Vile and Ty Segall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lqJW0LSdW0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXTAiTxN0W8

^ first of those = "The Harrowing Wind"

Also digging Moon Duo's Circles remix companion album, their second such offering, a risdy special I picked up a few weeks back. First side is tilted in the general direction of semi-actual dance music, with excellent versions from Tom Furse and White Rainbow, among others. "Dance music" defined fairly liberally, cuz the guest producers rarely disguise the fact that these tracks began life as buzzed out trance rockers, but substantial liberties are nonetheless taken. Funky shit. Side two is more experimental, grubby and even a bit unhinged, with the best moments coming from Sun Araw, who pilots a lurching raft of buoyant neon squiggles through your dome, and Umberto, closing the curtains with a characteristically 80s-damaged ghoul school take on "Rolling Out". Excellent companion piece to Mazes' disco redux.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taS5loJCnEE

^ "Trails (White Rainbow Trail Blazer Edition)"

Yeah, I've been enjoying that Purling Hiss as well. I haven't heard any of their older stuff, does it stack up well with this latest?

yes and no. they (or he, really) gots two phases previous. first was a wall of hairy, matted riffs & noize over a beat, as on hissteria and the self-titled/untitled/whatever-titled debut LP. those records are cool, a lot more interesting & catchy than most head-caved gtr grot of a like nature, but not my favorite shit in the world. better to check w freedom purists.

in 2010, PH made a lateral leap to crudophonic shoebox guitar pop on "public service announcement" and 2011's follow-ups, the lounge lizards EP and dizzy polizzy cassette. all three of these are GREAT, imo, and they strongly prefigure water on mars. that said, they require elevated tolerance for home rec tape hiss and lazy/loser dgaf vibes.

water is polizze's first full-band effort w PH, and the first pro studio recording. he's been writing great songs all along (or at least generating great song ideas), but now you can actually hear them.

they require elevated tolerance for home rec tape hiss and lazy/loser dgaf vibes.

I think my years of Pollard and GbV fandom should help me out here. Thanks for the rundown, its been a name I've read a lot but hadn't got around to hearing until now.

oh yeah, if you can hack (or better yet love) early GBV, you're all set

should have said that water is the first full-band full-length. think the current lineup recorded lounge lizards too. not sure though.

couple tracks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C84r_jPOVAQ

^ PSA's "run from the city"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NDe2EBCkOg

^ LLEP's "midnight man" (cleaner & tougher)

Speaking of remix albums, Clinic's Free Reign II is way great

Is it? I've been meaning to check that out but I keep forgetting about it.

it is. haven't even heard the official mix, but the lopatin version is awes.

shit, man, contederizer can string some quality words together about Purling Hiss. kudos. loved all those descriptions.

one of my fave bands of the past 5 years, but i have to admit i love Hissteria the most. I like the other/older/lo-fi-er stuff (PSA, LL, etc), and feel like Water on Mars is a tad disappointing. BUT w/ two little kids in my house and way too busy a life, i have definitely not been able to give it the good listens it deserves. i've no doubt that my cursory listens have translated thusly into my brain: "well, this ain't destroying my skull like Hissteria, therefore i don't like it as much." and that isn't really fair.

Polizze completely and totally rules, tho.

Review of the new Toner Low:
http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2013/05/23/toner-low-iii-bt/

That record sounds good, but Toner Low is an appalling name for a band.

Ya kind of punny, brings back flashbacks of temping after college. Not sure if Tone-Lo would be better or worse.

Finally heard the new Blood Ceremony, love it.

New Brutus is fun: http://www.thesleepingshaman.com/news/brutus-svart-records-gear-up-to-release-behind-the-mountains-pre-orders-now-available/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brutus-svart-records-gear-up-to-release-behind-the-mountains-pre-orders-now-available

"ratchatcher" on the new motorpsycho is pretty absorbing for a seventeen minute epic, way less symphy too than anything on death defying unicorn

This was a nice surprise, I wasn't even aware a new Jex Thoth was coming out and I got to hear it this weekend. Definitely up there with Purson & Blood Ceremony as a favorite so far. Another Wisconsin doom/psych band, Sleestak has a new EP, hits all my fuzz and space buttons. Jex Thoth remains on a Swedish label and seems to mainly play in Europe. Hope they throw their domestic fans a bone and play some shows in the U.S.

Jex Thoth - Blood Moon Rise (I Hate Records) Jun 14
http://www.deafsparrow.com/jex-thoth-review-2013.html
http://puregrainaudio.com/reviews/jex-thoth-blood-moon-rise
http://ihate.bandcamp.com/album/blood-moon-rise

Sleestak - Book Of Hours EP (Sleestak)
http://sleestak.bandcamp.com/album/book-of-hours

Introducing the new monthly Super Doom Charts!

Top 40 albums as voted by a group of "bloggers, reviewers, radio hosts and label heads in the amorphous world of stoner doom sludge, etc."

http://theparanoidmusicblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/super-doom-charts-for-may-2013.html

And this is why I suggested sticking to Rolling Metal.

what?

Because no one posted itt in two days? That happens with Rolling Metal from time to time too. I don't know, whater. Have a mod kill this thread then.

sometimes rolling promo goes too fast sometimes noone posts for a week. it happens.

Your FB page gets more discussion that this!

New Shooting Guns song, nine and a half minutes of obnoxious motorik space rock:

http://exclaim.ca/MusicVideo/ClickHear/shooting_guns-motherfuckers_never_learn

That Shooting Guns track is owning me right now. I'm in a stoner motorik loop listening over and over and over.

This thread is totally fine imo.

http://www.thischarmingmanrecords.com/index.php/mountain-witch-album-recording-almost-finished/

Mountain Witch

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y92/TheEndOfItAll/My%20GIFs%202/36efc1d2.gif

Steven R. Smith is making his Ulaan Passerine cassette a Bandcamp "name your price" for the next week.
http://worstward.bandcamp.com/album/ulaan-passerine

http://gaphals.bandcamp.com/album/nocturnal-s-t-lp

This Wrekmeister Harmonies record is a very cool journey from very organic sounding and slightly Skelton-ish long-form drone to tumultuous doom metal and then gently back again. Great album.

The harmonium makes it IMO - i saw an early performance of what I think turned into that record. I did not attend the live performance in the cemetery but there are good reasons for that.

the live performance in the cemetery

wait waht??!?

Yeah, the whole gang went out to a cemetery and played the whole thing in front of a giant mausoleum.

http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/1000expats/expatsfeatures/tm_objectid=16403767&method=full&siteid=50080&headline=the-goths-and-grave-robbers-name_page.html

They were promoting it pretty aggressively, which made me think they were concerned abt turnout. Getting to the cemetery may have been a challenge? It started at dusk. I bet it was pretty cool but I have multiple reasons for not going.

just watched a couple of youtube clips of it - crappy video but it looked like quite the experience

Eeek, that whole Metgumbnerbone thing looks creepy as hell

Did the drummer throw a giant hissy fit and pitch his sticks in the air and storm off the stage like a baby? Because that's what he did when I saw them.

Chicago is turning into this bizarro world paradise of square dances in the plant conservatory and metal shows at the cemetery and the place is overflowing with food and drink, I don't even know what to make of it tbh. In July I get to see Alasdair Roberts (and friends!) courtesy of my tax dollars in a giant lush park! Yezzir, to bounty! I mean, obvs braggin but also I'm glad to call it home. I just realized that I kind of take it for granted, hence the ramble.

Both Kranky and Thrill Jockey are both having amazing golden streaks at the moment afaic, and I know that's only one tiny corner of the music universe, but even with just the stuff related to those labels, I would just be in heaven.

Yeah, I didn't even want to get started on that! It's just that it has seeped out of the corner and into Millennium Park -- Drag City in a city park? YES PLS. I am still kicking myself for missing the Feelies :(

Which reminds me since i am here:

On sale Friday, June 28th at 10am

World-renowned space rock pioneers HAWKWIND have announced the dates for their first North American tour in nearly 20 years and Empty Bottle Presents is honored to host them at the Logan Square Auditorium. At the helm of the group is leader and founding member DAVE BROCK, and he is joined by long time members DEAD FREAD, TIM BLAKE, RICHARD CHADWICK, MR. DIBS and NIALL HONE - HAWKWIND's longest standing line up. The tour commemorates the anniversary and re-release of the band's landmark 1975 album, Warrior on the Edge of Time. HAWKWIND will perform the album in it's entirety along with classic tracks selected from their 40+ year history. The tour will include a full light show, cosmic space dancers, and psychedelic projections and is sure to be a far out experience. Joining the group as support on all dates is the Boston-based psychedelic/progressive rock group PERHAPS.

Joining the group as support on all dates is the Boston-based psychedelic/progressive rock group. PERHAPS.

Man I am so there for Hawkwind - can't wait.

I was wearing my Space Ritual shirt in Dollar General on Armitage the other day and some dude just gushed about how he can't wait to take his brother and how it's the greatest show to come to Chicago in years.

Definitely take Hawkwind for granted living here. Seems like they tour at least once a year and yet I have never seen them.

CAVE played Millennium Park once.
Their new album is good, excited for the guys.

Don't get me started! Ticket: purchased.

Here's the second installment of the Super Doom Chart:
http://theparanoidmusicblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/super-doom-chart-for-june-2013.html

Any writers who'd like to participate in the future are welcome, just contact them (https://www.facebook.com/ParanoidHitsophrenic) or Lucas Klaukien directly on FB.

I finally got some writing done, summarizing favorite albums from Apr-June including Jex Thoth, Purson, Blood Ceremony, Uncle Acid, Naam, Kadavar, Motorpsycho, Gozu and QOTSA:
http://fastnbulbous.com/summer-album-rundown-2013/

It's been a slow-ass year for U.S. tours by bands on this thread. I haven't seen much since Graveyard toured in February, other than Boris and Torche. On top of that it seems like even American bands have been just focusing on Europe, like Wo Fat, Jex Thoth and until now, Naam. Figured it worth mentioning the Naam tour. I'll be there at the Chicago show early to catch Deepspacepilots.

NAAM tour
07.06.13 Studio at Webster Hall New York, New York
07.07.13 il Motore Montreal, Canada
07.09.13 Wreck Room Toronto, Canada
07.10.13 Bug Jar Rochester, NY
07.11.13 Beachland Ballroom Cleveland, OH
07.12.13 Double Happiness Columbis, OH
07.13.13 Pyramid Scheme Grand Rapids , MI
07.14.13 Reggies Rock Club Chicago, IL
07.15.13 Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
07.16.13 Gabe's Oasis Iowa City, IA
07.18.13 Windsor Hotel Winnipeg, MN
07.20.13 Pawn Shop Edmonton, Canada
07.21.13 Palomino Calgary, Canada
07.23.13 Astoria Vancouver, Canada
07.24.13 Highline Seattle,, WA
07.26.13 The Know Portland, Oregon
07.31.13 Soda Bar San Diego, CA
08.05.13 Czar Bar Kansas City, MO
08.06.13 Conservatory Oklahoma CIty, OK
08.07.13 Club Dada Dallas, TX
08.11.13 The Earl Atlanta, GA
08.18.13 Saint Vitus Bar BROOKLYN, NY

I also need to talk about a late discovery that I’m kicking myself for not hearing in time for my year-end lists. Stealth-released on Bandcamp on November 27, Crag Dweller’s debut, Magic Dust is a real corker. I found it via fellow Portlanders Fellwoods’ page, wondering when then heck they’re going to have something new. Hard rock and proto-metal with tons of crazy-eyed guitar shredding. I’ve been playing it constantly this month. If you’re left itching and craving more, try Owl’s debut, also from last year.

http://cragdweller.bandcamp.com/album/magic-dust/

I'm willing to bet there's zero chance I'm gonna be able to catch Naam at Grand Rapids next weekend, but it would be cool if I could...!

You live by Grand Rapids? I'm tempted to road trip there on 8/3 for Founder's release of their Mango Magnifico (with locally grown jalapenos!), but I have Baroness/Royal Thunder that night.

Were Naam originally called Kingdom of Naam? I was thrown off, didn't know they had a Bandcamp page, but then found it. Here's a couple uncharacteristic but good Nirvana covers: http://kingdomofnaam.bandcamp.com/album/nirvana-covers-ep

Spirits Of The Dead – Rumours Of A Presence (The End)

Norwegian psych-prog with bits of folk and stoner/doom. I'd been craving more stuff like Fellwoods, Dead Man and Elope, no idea how I missed their first two albums!

Goatess - Goatess (Svart)
Swedish stoner/doom/psych influenced by Kyuss, Sleep, Monster Magnet, from Chritos of Lord Vicar.

Cauchemar – Tenebrario (Nuclear War Now!)
Three years after their debut La Vierge Noire EP, Montreal-based Cauchemar finally released their first full album on June 12. Anna Giroux, author of the Hellbent For Cooking heavy metal cookbook, sings in French, creating a slightly exotic, gothic feel that could be about medieval castles and mysticism. The music is old school doom along the lines of Pagan Altar, with occasional fast instrumental passages informed by NWOBHM.
http://cauchemar.bandcamp.com/album/tenebrario

http://wall.bandcamp.com/
Like Floor, but perpendicular, and from Belarus!

There's a new Holy Wave tune & video from their upcoming album. It's called "Lady Madonna's Operation":

http://vimeo.com/64907226

I saw NAAM on the 14th, and they were magnificent. Great to see a good psych band finally, a good way to celebrate my birthday. They were total rockstars, with the lead guitar/vocalist lookin like a 6'7" member of Graveyard, an Eno-lookin guy on keyboards, bassist a mix between Lemmy and Mastodon guys, and Alex Van Halen on drums, ha ha.

New goodies:
http://borracho.bandcamp.com/album/oculus
http://smallstone.bandcamp.com/album/adelphophagia
https://soundcloud.com/noisolution/the-flying-eyes-lowlands-pre

xp from Rolling Metal - Solitude Aeturnus - Beyond The Crimson Horizon (1992) is in this month's Decibel's Hall Of Fame. Nice to see one of the many overlooked, long-suffering '90s doom albums get props. Saint Vitus' C.O.D. (1992, with Chritus of Count Raven) and Die Healing (1995) will be reissued Aug 20. I just bought Count Raven's Storm Warning (1990) and High On Infinity (1993), which I'm liking. Destruction of the Void (1992) seems harder to find. Now if American could just reissue Trouble (1990) and Manic Frustration (1991). You'd think there would be demand, Trouble tops the ;RYM list for 90s Doom, and both were in Popoff's top 5 for the 90s.

Speaking of DOOM, anyone read the Louder Than Hell oral history? Does it cover any doom?

DOOM Reunion/Comeback Albums

New Pyramidal! http://open.spotify.com/album/4E5zQ8CX8JDwW2U1Y6un1B

http://killermoonmusic.bandcamp.com/album/tunnel-vision

Touring news:

Truckfighters!

August 19: St. Vitus bar, Brooklyn, NY
August 20: Kung Fu Neckties, Philadelphia, PA
August 21: secret show in Manhattan, New York City, NY
- attend our show in Brooklyn on Aug 19th and win secret showcase invitations: this will be super super fuzzy!
August 22: Blind Bob’s Bar, Dayton, OH
August 23: RIBCO, Rock Island, IL
August 24: show 1: Bash on Wabash street festival, Chicago, IL
August 24: show 2: Reggies Rock Club, Chicago, IL
August 25: Cactus Club, Milwaukee, Wi
August 26: Chez Bevauns Garden of Fuzz, Cedar Rapids, IA
August 27: The Sattelite, Silverlake, Los Angeles, CA
August 30: The Hood bar, Palm Desert, CA
August 31: The Rock, Tucson, AZ

Vista Chino:

Jul 29 Arena Wien Bezirk Landstrasse, Austria
Jul 31 Rock Planet Cervia Ra (Ravenna), Italy
Aug 03 Tuinfest Lierop, Netherlands
Aug 07 Backstage (Free & Easy Festival) Munich, Germany
Aug 08 Usine Geneva, Switzerland
Aug 10 Open Flair Festival Eschwege, Germany
Sep 06 Flames Central Calgary, Canada
Sep 07 Starlite Room Edmonton, Canada
Sep 09 Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, Canada
Sep 10 El Corazon Seattle, WA
Sep 11 Hawthorne Theater Portland, OR
Sep 12 Slim's San Francisco, CA
Sep 13 Echoplex Los Angeles, CA
Sep 14 House of Blues Anaheim Anaheim, CA
Sep 16 The Summit Music Hall Denver, CO
Sep 18 Fine Line Music Cafe Minneapolis, MN
Sep 19 Metro Chicago, IL
Sep 20 The Crofoot Ballroom Pontiac, MI
Sep 21 Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, Canada
Sep 23 Corona Theatre Montreal, Canada
Sep 24 Dagobert Quebec, Canada
Sep 25 Ritual Nightclub Ottawa, Canada
Sep 26 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
Sep 27 Underground Arts Philadelphia, PA
Sep 28 Alrosa Villa Columbus, OH

Various pre-order packages offered, including ltd edition of 25 pre-order packages with vinyl, shirt, hoodie, canvas print, flask, shot glass, trucker hat, lyric sheet, slipmat, and cover print, $175.
http://www.shopbenchmark.com/vistachino/catalog/product/view/id/17269/s/vista-chino-limited-edition-package-5/

Monster Magnet (First U.S. tour in a decade!)

11/14: Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection
11/15: Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews
11/16: Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
11/17: Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights
11/19: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
11/20: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
11/22: Seattle, WA @ Neumos
11/23: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theater
11/24: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
11/26: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
11/27: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
11/29: Tempe, AZ @ Club Red
11/30: Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad
12/2: Austin, TX @ Red 7
12/3: Houston, TX @ Fitzgeralds
12/4: Dallas, TX @ Trees
12/6: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
12/7: Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend
12/8: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Sound Stage
12/10: Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
12/12: Boston, MA @ Sinclair
12/13: West Chester, PA @ The Note
12/14: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/monster-magnet-last-patrol-poster.jpg

New Monster Magnet Album Last Patrol Due Oct. 15; Hear “The Duke (of Supernature)” Premiere Now

For years, the fans of long-running and massively influential New Jersey rockers Monster Magnet have been divided. Purists on the one side celebrate the band’s earliest works — 1991′s Spine of God and its follow-ups Superjudge (1993) and Dopes to Infinity (1995) forming a holy trinity of modern heavy psychedelic rock that few can match — while others revere the more straightforward, riff-heavy approach that began to show itself on Dopes, came to the fore and brought the band massive commercial success on the subsequent 1997 outing Powertrip, and has been more or less the root basis for their development since then, God Says No (2001), Monolithic Baby! (2004), 4-Way Diablo (2007) and their Napalm Records debut, Mastermind (2010), each offering an atmosphere of its own while keeping a consistent thread structurally via the songwriting of guitarist, vocalist and founder Dave Wyndorf.

On Oct. 15, Monster Magnet will issue what could be a new stage of their evolution in their ninth full-length and second for Napalm, Last Patrol. While some — and I count myself among them at least at times — have clamored for years for a return to the space rocking psych of the band’s first triumphs, we all know the past is the past. Monster Magnet in 2013, by the sheer laws of physics, cannot be Monster Magnet in 1993. And yet, as we hear on the new track “The Duke (of Supernature),” Magnet are at their most ethereal in decades. Wyndorf, who has long been the driving force in the band and taken his lumps along the way accordingly, shows his intent even in the fact that he recorded Last Patrol with rhythm guitarist Phil Caivano, DIY-style, such as it is. The aim was a natural sound and one that brought in elements Monster Magnet long since left behind in favor of more straightforward, accessible fare.

Still, it’s not like Wyndorf — joined in the band by Caivano, bassist Jim Baglino, guitarist Garrett Sweeny and drummer Bob Pantella — is trying to recreate wholesale something his outfit did years ago and with a different lineup. Frankly at this point I don’t think he could stop being catchy if he wanted to, and “The Duke (of Supernature),” for its lysergish drawl and attitude drip, is still a catchy showcase of quality songwriting. So at least here, they’re not just looking back and they’re not just pressing on as they were. It’s something new. What will the rest of Last Patrol hold? I’ll let you know when I hear it.

In addition to the the announcement of the album release, the first showing of the gorgeously cosmic John Sumrow painting serving as the front cover to Last Patrol and the track “The Duke (of Supernature)” itself, Monster Magnet here unveil their first coast-to-coast US tour in a decade. It’s a thrill and an honor to host both the song and the info for your listening and perusing pleasure.

Stream at: http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2013/07/23/monster-magnet-last-patrol-track-premiere/

Every time I try to check out a new doom / stoner band these days, I'm disappointed. I keep wanting to hear a doom band that sounds like Bardo Pond or something, but then I think, eh, I'll just go listen to Bardo Pond.

Most recent attempt to get back on the doom horse: the Egypt / Wo Fat split LP. Kept forgetting a record was playing.

I post this not to bellyache, but to ask for recommendations. This thread is far too long to parse. I guess I'm looking for more 'stoner' than 'doom,' (I can't abide the recent occult trends, and pretty much feel like Witchcraft's Firewood will never be bested as far as post-Pentagram shit goes), and I generally get bored quickly by growl-y vocals. Additionally, I find most of the modern Kyuss-inspired 'dudes in denim' stuff equally tiresome. You see what I'm up against here. Maybe I plain just don't like stoner / psych / doom anymore? If so, blame Herbie Hancock, because that's really all I wanna listen to these days when I'm 0))).

I just heard Vista Chino's Peace, and it's great. Strange, this thread is not very long. I don't know about any Hancock-inspired jazz fusion stoner/psych. Causa Sui? There's tons of interesting psych out there that I feel is more visceral and satisfying than Bardo Pond. I'd suggest digging into the psych threads of the past couple years. Naam and the Bandcamp links I posted just a couple days ago for Luder and Flying Eyes are recommended too.

Try Windhand, who have almost a hypnagogic approach to stoner pdych. The first album is nit so much Bardo Pond as much as sort of halfway between St Vitus and Peaking Lights or something. Second album is out in six weeks

xp to Jimmywine

Thanks dudes! Checking these out now.

And yeah, I thought this thread was longer for some reason. Will review.

Diggin' Causa Sui so far. Very Kyuss, but not too much. That Summer Sessions thing looks interesting.

Windhand seems fine. I've had enough female-fronted doom to last me a lifetime, though.

The first two Causa Sui are more conventional but still good, also influenced by Colour Haze which if you haven't you should check out starting around Los Sounds de Krauts and self-titled. Causa Sui get more improvisational on Summer Sessions and Pewt'r Sessions. They have a new one coming out next week, Euporie Tide, will report back soon on that!

Loved the Summer Sessions and Pewt's Sessions a ton. Downloaded the new one last night, but I haven't had a chance to give it a go yet.

Took a long walk yesterday afternoon and listened ot a couple new stoner records, the new Borracho and Vista Chino. I loved Vista Chino, I think there's a lot of insteresting stuff going on there and I really like some of the jazzier grooves the rhythm section gets into later on in the record. I'm glad they aren't doing this under any Kyuss-related name, I feel like that realigns the expectations to be a little more reasonable. Stil, it's pretty damn good. Much less impressed with the Borracho record. I mean, it's fine, but I kinda feel like its indistinguishable from 90% of the other stoner rock out there right now.

Borracho is more meat and potatoes hard rock, understandably not for anyone seeking boundary-pushing, but I like it. Monolith Cult - Run From The Light and Iron Tongue - The Dogs Have Barked, The Birds Have Flown are along those lines but slightly more interesting/challenging. I got a hold of Dead Meadow's Warble Womb (out Oct 22) and am loving it. The new White Hills is okay. I have way more albums by them than I realized, as I always forget about them. Not a ton of stuff out this summer, but looking forward to SubRosa, Windhand, Jesu, Carlton Melton, Pinkish Black, Horisont, Earthless, Sahg, White Denim Monkey3, Samsara Blues Experiment and Truckfighters.

In the meantime I wrote sort of a doom trilogy:
I. Cans Of DOOM
II. Doom Goes Pop
III. I Want A Wino Doll

Brief reviews of Vista Chino, SubRosa, Causa Sui, Weedpecker, Windhand, Pinkish Black and Witchburn. Who saw Vista Chino on this tour? So good.

http://fastnbulbous.com/autumn-album-rundown-part-1-2013/

I dunno but I loooove the new Windhand. Bummed I missed the show. Did you go fnb?

http://theparanoidmusicblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-super-doom-chart-for-october-1-2013.html

I saw Windhand last Friday. New tunes better live, still don't like much of the new record.

White Denim, At Devil Dirt, All Them Witches, Wooden Shjips, Sahg, Samsara Blues Experiment, Black Capricorn, Cave, Fuzz, Russian Circles, Monster Magnet, Aqua Nebula Oscillator, Moonbow, Doublestone, Earthless.

http://fastnbulbous.com/autumn-album-rundown-part-2-2013/

Anyone see the Wooden Shjips/Cave tour?

http://theparanoidmusicblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-super-doom-chart-for-november-1-2013.html

Seeing lots of Monster Magnet fans emerge from the woodwork. I'm seeing them Saturday.

crosss from halifax are kind of like non-doom doom or maybe just droney drone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnGtklJF62E

thanks for the hookup, fastenbulb. love the noctum & fuzz albums, psyched for new monster magnet.

Anyone see the Wooden Shjips/Cave tour?

I know La Lechera did, I really, really wanted to but couldn't make it happen.

Lotsa great albums on that list, tons of wonderful stuff. I'll be picking up the Wooden Shjips today and I'm still seeking out the new Samsara, really looking forward to both.

this thread rules. i didn't follow whatever discussion happened earlier about whether it should be a part of rolling metal or not, but whoever's making those calls: let's have another one of these for 2014, plz.

i love rolling metal, but having this separate is crucial, imo.

Shjips were ok but not particularly inspiring. The rest of the show was incredible.

Y'all should check out Rabble Rabble for awesome heavy grooves. I'm on my phone now but you can look it up.

I've heard Rabble Rabble a while back but definitely will seek out their latest!

I have a Truckfighters t-shirt that says, "Probably the best band in the world." Only partially cheeky, they have put on some of the best shows I've seen in recent years. When many bands from Europe never come to the U.S. at all, I have to give props for this Swedish band for touring the country three times in the past few years, and even playing Chicago twice in one day last summer. And they haven't even had a new album to promote since 2009's excellent Mania (Fuzzorama, 2009).

http://fastnbulbous.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/truckfighters-universe.jpg

Their fourth album is finally out January 24, Universe. They are running a pledge campaign to raise funds for releasing the album. That won't be a problem, as they're already at 81% of their goal just a week or so into the campaign. However, it's a nice opportunity for fans to get some perks for various level of pledges, from a download, CD to signed album, posters, hats, they'll even play a private party! 3% of any money raised after the goal is reached will go to LifeWatch.

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/universe

It's that time of year again! You have until December 11 to participate in The Ultimate Stoner Hive Top 20!

http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ultimate-stoner-hive-top-20-of-2013.html

This is the first reminder to get the attention of all of you lovely freaks out there. On December the 12th we start once again with the countdown of the Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 albums of 2013! But to do so we need your help. We need to know what albums made your head spin, blood boil and your bones jump with pure euphoria! So please, my lovely fellow freaks, send your lists to our email. The rules: vote for any amount of albums or EP’s released in 2013. (And at the end of December 2012) If you dug only one; name that one. If you dug 78; name all of them! It doesn’t matter how much, one, five, 10, 13, 20 or 41. We just want to know which albums made you go crazy!

Every year we hope that more of you find the time and energy to send in your list. The Ultimate Stoner HiVe top 20 list has been a steady grower going from 18 lists to 37 to 48 and on to 56 in the 2012 edition. So should we set our goal high and hope for the big 100? Or just hope to make it over that 60 mark? Either way it would be grand; just so that the list becomes more and more valid with each passing year…

The deadline to send in your list closes on December the 11th… So there’s still enough time to get crackin… Go on… If not for yourself or me; do it for all the rest of the lovely freaks out there… Scurrying in the HiVe…

Send your lists HERE

Give us yr ballot!

I'll give it to y'all good, but probably not until 12/11! In the meantime, I'd like to bring attention to some things that could slip under the radar because of their recent release dates.

Brimstone Coven - II (STB)
http://brimstonecoven.bandcamp.com/album/ii

Like Witchcraft, this Martins Ferry, OH band began as sort of a Pentagram tribute, but quickly expanded their sound. Initial concerns about originality were wiped away by uncontrolled urges for repeated listens. A little proto-metal, psych and prog, and great riffs. A couple poppy harmonies and everyone woulda raved about them like Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats' second album, but I'm totally satisfied with this one.

Sahg - Delusions Of Grandeur (Indie)
Norwegian stoner metal band Sahg has followed a creative path somewhat similar to Sweden’s Grand Magus, at least on their first three albums. Starting out as extra hard stoner rockers, they evolved into doom, and then classic metal. Sahg has made another shift on their fourth album, with a more ambitious, glossy, progressive metal sound along the lines of recent Mastodon and Anciients. Pretty much everything Sahg tackles has sounded like a natural evolution, and I’ve stayed onboard for every turn. Dropping the pattern of numerical titles of I (2006), II (2008) and III (2010), Delusions Of Grandeur is, appropriately enough, a concept album inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. “Ether” embodies both dense metal blasts and references to space rock timelords Hawkwind. Most impressive is album-closer “Sleeper’s Gate To The Galaxy,” 11:18 of evolution, time-changes and solos that neatly encapsulates all the progress Sahg has made the past 7 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOITlKj6xJg

Black Capricorn - Born Under The Capricorn (Stone Stallion Rex/Voice of Azram)
The island of Sardinia, Italy sounds like a magical place with rolling sand dunes and stunning views of the Mediterranean sea. While the legendary Duna Jam is hosted there, it doesn’t seem the kind of place that would foster a sound so steeped in horror, drugs and dread. The men and women in Black Capricorn must sit in smoky basements and watch Hammer horror just as much as Electric Wizard does in grey old England. Their second album Born Under The Capricorn may not strive to smash boundaries of doom as much as rub them raw. The sound is satisfyingly rough, but not so blown out that you can’t distinguish the riffs. The longest track, the 16:44 “Born Under The Capricorn,” begins with a snippet of the melody of The Supremes’ Motown hit “You Keep Me Hangin On,” possibly a nod towards the prehistoric glacially slow grooves of proto-metal pioneers Vanilla Fudge, who covered the song in 1967. There’s more hooks and interesting psychedelic sound affects going on that keep the music engaging even on the longest tracks, and may be a good route for people who grew impatient with the latest Windhand. It’s definitely a huge leap of improvement from their self-titled debut from 2011.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-i9BVqZKyk

The Entrance Band - Face The Sun (Beyond Beyond Beyond)
Dead Meadow - Warble Womb (Xemu)
Those into indie psych along the lines of Tame Impala, Hookworms and the new Wooden Shjips shouldn't sleep on these. I've always liked The Entrance Band live, but this is the first time they really delivered on the songwriting. Dead Meadow have been around for a long time too and I expected to see more excitement over this release than I have. It comes out tomorrow.

Mammatus - Heavy Mental (Spiritual Pajamas)
http://www.midheaven.com/item/heady-mental-by-mammatus-lp
This also comes out tomorrow. I actually haven't heard it yet, but love the heavy stoner psych of their first two albums from 2007 and 2009.

Seidr - Ginnungagap (Bindrune)
https://soundcloud.com/catharsispr/seidr-the-pillars-of-creation

Kentucky supergroup's first album, For Winter Hire (2011) was a promising album that mixed Doom, Black, Death and Post-Metal. They nailed what they were going after on this one, a really cool, expansive, cosmic double album. I think it kicks the shit out of Deafheaven, partly because I prefer the deeper vocals on this to their distracting shrieks.

Elevators To The Grateful Sky - Cloud Eye (Transubstans)
http://elevatorstothegratefulsky.bandcamp.com/

Very solid stoner/doom/psych from this Italian band, may not make much impact beyond genre fans, but it'll be in my top 70 overall probably. Also on Transubstans worth checking out is Epidemics (female-led Swedish garage along the lines of Spiders) and Deep, another Italian stoner-doom band, more low-fi.

The Crystal Caravan - With Them You Walk Alone (Transubstans)
This came out earlier in the year and seems to be slept on. Those who dug Troubled Horse last year should hear this.

Avatarium (Nuclear Blast)
Leif Edling's post-Candelmass project, doom mixed with classic proto-metal, clear melodic vocals from Jennie-Ann Smith.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWuGTYiQs8U

Shooting Guns - Brotherhood Of The Ram (Pre-Rock/Easy Rider)
http://shootingguns.bandcamp.com/album/brotherhood-of-the-ram

Second album of heavy stoner-doom-psych with Krautrock influences from Canadian band.

Selim Lamouchi & His Enemies - Earth Air Spirit Water Fire (Van)
https://soundcloud.com/selim-lemouchi-enemies

Wasting no time after dissolving The Devil's Blood, Selim Lamouchi has a new album that continues his path of heavy occult psych and proto-metal. This is looser, less polished with longer songs.

yeah, that's been the problem with the last couple devil's blood albums. songs are way too fucking short. dude probably needs an hour or two to really stretch out.

last patrol is such a fucking blast. thanks again, fastabulb.

"Skilfiul Grinning Skull" by Acid Mothers Temple, off of their album In Search of the Lost Divine Arc is probably song of the year

This is the last monthly list for the year.

http://theparanoidmusicblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-super-doom-chart-for-december-1-2013.html#more

Some new surprises even for me, such as this:

Lumbar – The First and Last Days of Unwelcome (Southern Lord)
http://lumbarsl.bandcamp.com/album/the-first-and-last-days-of-unwelcome

One-off supadoom group with Mike Scheidt (YOB), Tad Doyle & Aaron Edge.

In The Company Of Serpents – Of The Flock
http://inthecompanyofserpentsdoom.bandcamp.com/album/of-the-flock

Valley Of The Sun - Electric Talons of the Thunderhawk
http://valleyofthesun.bandcamp.com/

http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2013/12/02/top-20-of-2013-readers-poll/

Wounded Giant - Lightning Medicine
https://woundedgiant.bandcamp.com/album/lightning-medicine

4 days left to submit to Stoner HiVe poll: http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2013/12/the-ultimate-stoner-hive-top-20-albums.html

It is a weighted vote count. But you decide how many albums you sent in and if they are in any order. You can send in 1, 5, 10, 20, 41 or 968 albums. They need to be released between December 2012 and now. When they are in no particular order they are all counted as high vote; but not as top three votes. Otherwise the points are cast in the order you put them with the top three gaining a few extra points. And you can vote for any album or EP you desire…

1 day left. Here's mine.

01. Spirits Of The Dead - Rumours Of A Presence
02. Goatess - Goatess
03. At Devil Dirt - Plan B: Sin Revolución No Hay Evolución
04. SubRosa - More Constant Than The Gods
05. Naam - Vow
06. Vista Chino - Peace
07. Motorpsycho - Still Life With Eggplant
08. All Them Witches - Lightning At The Door
09. Brimstone Coven - II
10. Purson - The Circle And The Blue Door
11. Uncle Acid & The Dead Beats - Mind Control
12. The Crystal Caravan - With Them You Walk Alone
13. Causa Sui - Euporie Tide
14. Gozu - The Fury Of A Patient Man
15. Shooting Guns - Brotherhood Of The Ram
16. Jex Thoth - Blood Moon Rise
17. Fuzz - Fuzz
18. Wounded Giant - Lightning Medicine
19. Magic Circle - Magic Circle
20. Avatarium - Avatarium
21. Noctum - Final Sacrifice
22. Blood Ceremony - The Eldritch Dark
23. Black Capricorn - Born Under The Capricorn
24. Monster Magnet - Last Patrol
25. Earthless - From The Ages
26. Brutus - Behind The Mountains
27. Black Sabbath - 13
28. Horisont - Time Warriors
29. Argus - Beyond The Martyrs
30. Mountain Witch - Cold River
31. Aqua Nebula Oscillator - Spiritus Mundi
32. Samsara Blues Experiment - Waiting For The Flood
33. Mammatus - Heady Mental
34. Queens Of The Stone Age - Like Clockwork
35. Seremonia - Ihminen
36. The Entrance Band - Face The Sun
37. Dead Meadow - Warble Womb
38. Obelyskkh - Hymn To Pan
39. Kadavar - Abra Kadavar
40. Lumbar - The First and Last Days of Unwelcome
41. Windhand - Soma
42. Mansion - We Shall Live EP
43. Jess and the Ancient Ones - Astral Sabbat EP
44. Hexvessel - Iron Marsh EP
45. Moonbow - The End Of Time
46. Seidr - Ginnungagap
47. The Flying Eyes - Lowlands
48. Jupiter & Okwess International - Hotel Univers
49. Zodiac - A Hiding Place
50. Doublestone - Wingmakers
51. Elevators To The Grateful Sky - Cloud Eye
52. Funeral Circle - Funeral Circle
53. Weedpecker - Weedpecker
54. Blues Pills - Devil Man EP
55. Trippy Wicked & The Cosmic Children Of The Knight - Underground EP
56. Wall - Wall
57. Iron Man - South Of The Earth
58. Witchburn - Bathed In Blood
59. Diesto - For Water Or Blood
60. Victor Griffin's In-Graved - In-Graved
61. Earthen Grave - Earthen Grave
62. Wardruna - Yggdrasil
63. Uzala - Tales Of Blood & Fire
64. Sungod - Contakt
65. Age Of Taurus - Desperate Souls Of Tortured Times
66. Luder - Adelphophoagia
67. Carousel - Jeweler's Daughter
68. Ice Dragon - Born A Heavy Morning
69. Selim Lamouchi & His Enemies - Earth Air Spirit Water Fire
70. Sandrider - Godhead
71. Big Business - Battlefields Forever
72. The Warlocks - Skull Worship
73. Monkey3 - The 5th Sun
74. Monolith Cult - Run From The Light
75. Monomyth - Monomyth
76. Blackout - We Are Here
77. Toner Low - III
78. Supervoid - Filaments
79. Spiral Shades - Hypnosis Sessions
80. Melvins - Tres Cabrones
81. Miss Lava - Red Supergiant
82. Cauchemar - Tenebrario
83. Nocturnal - Nocturnal
84. High Priest Of Saturn - High Priest Of Saturn
85. Borracho - Oculus
86. Rote Mare - The Kingdom
87. Black Pyramid - Adversarial
88. Mystery Ship - EP II
89. Killer Moon - Tunnel Vision
90. Sgt. Sunshine - Sgt. Sunshine III
91. Sasquatch - IV
92. Valley Of The Sun - Electric Talons of the Thunderhawk
93. Orchid - The Mouths Of Madness
94. Cardinals Folly - Strange Conflicts Of The Past
95. Magister Templi - Lucifer Leviathan Logos
96. Solstice - Death's Crown Is Victory EP
97. Queen Elephantine - Scarab
98. Cathedral - The Last Spire
99. Tumbleweed Dealer - Tumbleweed Dealer
100. Witches Of God - The Blood Of Others
101. Tombstoned - Tombstoned
102. Bloody Hammers - Spiritual Relics
103. Domovoyd - Oh, Sensibility
104. Hollow Leg - Abysmal
105. Chinaski - Resiliencia
106. Scorpion Child - Scorpion Child
107. Barn Owl - V
108. Vidunder - Vidunder
109. Nymf - From The Dark
110. Larman Clamor - Alligator Heart
111. Weed Is Weed - Blunt Force Trauma

He extended the deadline a bit, about 12 hours left to vote. Ballots of any size welcome.

http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-ultimate-stoner-hive-top-20-albums_12.html

Vista Chino was featured on Fuse news yesterday, ha ha.

I like your like a lot Fastnbulbous, it's got a lot of great stuff on there. But, goddamnit if it doesn't reveal how much more I still need to hear!

like your LIST

Avatarium (Nuclear Blast)
Leif Edling's post-Candelmass project, doom mixed with classic proto-metal, clear melodic vocals from Jennie-Ann Smith.

that is one ridonkulous solo on 'moonhorse'

The Stoner HiVe top 20 countdown of 2013

Super slow roll 'til end of the year started....

20. American Sharks – American Sharks
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsl8knLNnyY/UqoX4BIJ4nI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/xNiGQ4no6ZA/s320/Number20-AmericanSharks-KLAAR.jpg

Beating two bands with one point and two bands with three points. This trio of fun guzzling, fast paced rock loving fishes have given us an amazing album with only nine tracks. But during that warp speed overdrive heaviness you get thick kick karate kicks in the guts and pure adrenaline coursing through your veins. Thrilling, freaky and absolute crazy enjoyment bordering on the demented is served with smashing drums, filthy rumbling bass and a wild speedy vocalist. And then we realize that it’s a debut effort and that these freaks will probably only get better and better and better and crazier. Holy hell and great balls on fire! I sure hope these guys never get caught by a trawler and end up in a fishstick… (Insert Kanye West joke) We have loved every second of these…

19. Naam - Vow
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZSJyo1zc7s/UqrsB1XOtuI/AAAAAAAAGbM/Ci2dOBv-b3k/s320/Naam-19.jpg

And if you’re interested in some high quality psychedelic space rock that reminds of the good ol’ days. Get your hands on this little gem. For their second album is filled with mind-altering dark horse heaviness and with one point above American Sharks we find them on Number 19. Thanks to the addition of keys and a freaky fourth member to their galactic tribe the sound moves away from the Monster Magnet and Black Sabbath influences towards a more Spacemen 3’ish, Hawkwindian and Floydian future. This is one hell of a cosmic firebomb! And I vow to pledge allegiance to their name…

I def need to hear that Naam album

ha i thought the same thing! not sure it'll remind me of the "good ol' days" but it sounds good.

I voted for the Naam but moved it down slightly in my list because it's too dang short! They needed just one more killer tune. But man, they played a great show last summer.

I forgot to include the links -- each entry features a different beer!

http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-20.html
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-19.html

18. Monkey3 - The 5th Sun
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-18.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DM3943VUiU/UqxPCXfLUXI/AAAAAAAAGbs/8TIPAqhkuMY/s320/monkey3+copy.jpg

With exactly one point more than NAAM we arrive at Number 18. Another space jam extravaganza! With their fourth album in twelve years these four amigos have delivered another piece of high grade interstellar quality. Their highly layered atmosphere is filled with shooting guitar lines and massive drum asteroids. Uplifting, mesmerizing and enchanting. They slowly build their cathedrals and let them explode in a beautiful climax. Grander, bigger and with more dynamics this is definitely better than all that came before. Like the one before that and the one before that. So you know what this means when their fifth record comes our way. But until then we are appeased with this amazing diamond that shines as bright as the sun…

That photo is so dorky, but they're Swiss, so it's okay.

Avatarium (Nuclear Blast)
Leif Edling's post-Candelmass project, doom mixed with classic proto-metal, clear melodic vocals from Jennie-Ann Smith.

that is one ridonkulous solo on 'moonhorse'

― j., Friday, December 13, 2013 8:47 PM (Yesterday)

whole album is pretty solid actually

17. Purson – The Circle And The Blue Door
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-17.html

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bpM9YlwyiY/Uq2FlkAAYkI/AAAAAAAAGcM/uOD3kEv1ccc/s320/Purson-17.jpg

These guys and girl arrived out of nothing in the final few days. Propelling them from a place somewhere below the first hundred to Number 17 with four points more than Monkey3. These eccentric English occult rockers are fronted by a lovely female creature with a luscious warm, smoky and seductive voice and for some weird and possibly insane reason this release has completely escaped my attention. Luckily, thanks to all of you lovely freaks out there who voted for this gem pushed it into the top 20 and into a rightly deserved spotlight. Because their psychedelic guitars, repetitive kraut bass lines and vaudeville organs are highly addictive and seem to capture you and set you loose in a baroque labyrinth where there’s only one escape route. So get out the LSD or take up the opium pipe cause I see a blue door and I want to paint creepy and colorful circles on it…

hmm that avatarium sounds like it could be really good

Listened to the Avatarium album for the first time this morning. It rules.

Put this in Rolling Metal yesterday, should have posted here:

Glad people are getting into Avatarium. Maybe it'll make an impact in the metal poll.

Interview with Jennie-Ann Smith:
http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/avatarium-singer-people-have-this-preconception-that-female-vocalists-only-use-opera-styled-vocals-in-metal/

Leif Edling with some thoughts on Sabbath's album:
http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-mainman-says-new-black-sabbath-album-could-have-been-better/

I would have liked this to be higher, of course, but glad it made the top 20 at least.

16. Goatess - Goatess
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-16.html

Today we arrive at Number 16. Again with a mere one point difference in regards to the Number 17, Purson. Hailing from that country that been doing so well the past few years in delivering that ‘retro’ minded goodness we all love so dearly. In this case we are referring to a Swedish self-titled debut effort that has a frontman in their midst that has already seen and experienced enough to slaughter the beast with ease. We are there for trusted to experience heavy rock in throwback mode that implores loads of doom weight, psychedelic shifts and stoner curveballs. Add to this that intense bluesy atmosphere, a truckload of fuzz and a chased vocalist that just shrieks, howls and wails himself straight into your very spine and you can be sure that the shivers you experience are the ones that you feel when you are on the right path… So let’s got slaughter the beast with them…

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg7lsWKD8cg/Uq7Ugwwfa8I/AAAAAAAAGck/iNeOiAObEjY/s320/Goatess2-16.jpg

15. Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats – Mind Control
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-15.html

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbT87cs9aWY/UrAdtq_GInI/AAAAAAAAGdA/VS6Hjf4Femw/s320/Uncle-Acid-15.jpg

With one point more that Number 16 and eight points over the Number 20 position we are treated to some occult riffing on today’s Number 15. A group that also made it to the Stoner HiVe top 20 back in 2011 where they occupied the Number 12 position. Earlier this year I asked the man behind the band if it troubled him that the veil of mystery had been lifted. But he concluded that even though the music still has the same obscure feel to it the group has already evolved to an entirely different entity. Which sums up quite nicely what this album entails in comparison to the one that came before and made the group explode. Still creepy and still catchy the boys move a few small steps away from the too obscure and occult and towards sixties heavy pop and polyphonic refrains. This is heavy on an entirely different scale. And still every song works as a hypnotic ritual and creates visions. Hallucinations that make your mouth water with thick blood and lust… And they control your every action…

Fester’s Lucky 13: 2013 Year-End Summary
http://fastnbulbous.com/lucky-13/

http://fastnbulbous.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2013-best.jpg

Best Of 2013 Spotify playlist:
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/5eUKwdDfwsCQDko9fENfNV

The Obelisk Presents: The Top 20 of 2013
http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2013/12/16/the-obelisk-presents-the-top-20-of-2013/

1. Clutch, Earth Rocker
2. Monster Magnet, Last Patrol
3. Gozu, The Fury of a Patient Man
4. Vista Chino, Peace
5. Lumbar, The First and Last Days of Unwelcome
6. Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Mind Contro
7. Samsara Blues Experiment, Waiting for the Flood
8. Beelzefuzz, Beelzefuzz
9. Beast in the Field, The Sacred Above, the Sacred Below
10. Devil to Pay, Fate is Your Muse
11. Ice Dragon, Born a Heavy Morning
12. Borracho, Oculus
13. Across Tundras, Electric Relics
14. Black Pyramid, Adversarial
15. Sasquatch, IV
16. Iron Man, South of the Earth
17. Magic Circle, Magic Circle
18. I are Droid, The Winter Ward
19. Queens of the Stone Age, …Like Clockwork
20. All Them Witches, Lightning at the Door
21. Blaak Heat Shujaa, The Edge of an Era
22. The Freeks, Full On
23. Luder, Adelphophagia
24. The Flying Eyes, Lowlands
25. Black Skies, Circadian Meditations
26. At Devil Dirt, Plan B: Sin Revolucion No Hay Evolucion
27. Kadavar, Abra Kadavar
28. Naam, Vow
29. Mühr, Messiah
30. Uzala, Tales of Blood and Fire

14. GHOST (B.C.) – Infestissumam
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-14.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmyxARuyF90/UrFgftCuF9I/AAAAAAAAGdc/MnF7lh4jvwI/s320/ghost2-Nr14.jpg

Another entry that only had one point more than the one that came before. Yes, these lovely guys do their musical dance on Number 14. And they do it with pazazz! Their flamboyant dazzling style might defer the attention a bit form their pop sensible doom metal but still; they do it on their own terms and with a definite feel for flair! Moving ever forward from their theatrical beginning towards a musical future; (which was even more perfected on the follow-up EP also released this year) these boys dress for every occasion. On the album released earlier this year they combine pop sensible hooks and melodies with a hallowed atmosphere, some sixties occultism and Scandinavian metal twists. Instead of hostile we are treated to docile tunes that beg to be stroked… Stroked hard…

Lucky 13 isn't up quite yet. While we wait, I'll remind you that my own year-end summary not only features an overall Spotify playlist and a nearly 12 hour MP3 mix, but playlists for each genre, including:

Stoner Rock
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/6UKASotBjiX4OVPptkXNdm

Hard Rock, Heavy Blues
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/5RLB8fprxInUajGbwhNJTO

Doom
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/1Sw2WGCoUR47uKE0TDqnO3

Metal (Black, Death, Death-Prog, Grindcore, NRWOTHM, Power, Sludge, Thrash)
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/2TweUZibhtaxdoK9CUssK1

Occult Rock, Neo-Prog, Post-Metal
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/3EdM55TACD5Hep8dQG8ZKK

Psych Rock
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/2jwma4l2gY4ZlcU6MUIv2L

Avant Rock, Experimental, Modern Classical, Jazz & Ambient
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/3G1nDLwaoXv4za3lwU4Ffy

This guy from the Super DOOM Lists group went further and got permission from each of these bands to be included on this free Bandcamp compilation. Awesome:
http://blackinsectlaughter.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/best-albums-of-year-compilation-album.html

Are we having fun??

13. Black Sabbath – 13
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-13.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqvYIq7-u5E/UrMtAd7XMCI/AAAAAAAAGds/jgsqjzTrV-E/s320/13.jpg

Today we are able to pay homage to one of the bands that actually started the entire scene. And what amazing luck it is, that these guys really and truly made it to the Number 13 position with one point more than Ghost. With only one of the original members absent the guys delivered a damn fine album and toured the world with a great show. Better than all of us expected and definitely not as bad as everyone feared. The album mostly got flak due to the peak limiting and the compressed dynamic range. Well; the lyrics got a bit of heat too. But overall, the fans who were holding their heart with anticipation or fear were pleased or appeased and happy. The old boys had definitely delivered! Too bad ol’ Bill wasn’t there to live in this moment with them…

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHJBpPmXxGk/UrMtCTc7XvI/AAAAAAAAGd0/tyj5i-iIAqU/s320/black-sabbath-13.jpg

Fester’s Favorite Things (sing along!)

Aged bourbon on rocks and blood thickened warm Glog
Oysters on crackers and cheese stinking of bog
Spine crushing Black Sludge and green alien beings
These are a few of my favorite things

Iggy’s leathery skin and Norse men’s silky hair
Ozzy’s damned soul and Doom filled with despair
Barrel aged Porters and the devil’s black wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Lemmy’s hairy warts and and trolls under mountains
Toxic Yeti farts and Porter filled fountains
Headhunting Savages with feasts fit for kings
These are a few of my favorite things

When the Gods smite
When Kanye sings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad

12. Kvelertak – Meir
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-12.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ux5gJTdYXrQ/UrQsecNpS5I/AAAAAAAAGeM/9XECyVMVpdM/s320/Kvelertak-General-Use-12.jpg

Today we climb four points! And find ourselves listening to a Number 12 that is more metal than anything else in the list. (Well, maybe Number 11 can beat them there?) With their six members they bring high octane riffs that go metal on one moment and hardrock or perhaps even pubrock the next. With background colors provided by black metal influences and with a hardcore or punky-flair the vocals grab you by your throat and try to suffocate until your bones start rattling. This is aggressive rock history compressed and served steaming hot. And on those moments that their small stoner side presses itself towards the forefront we understand why these Norwegians are this high up in the list; they are able to do it all and combine everything to make something which nobody can refuse…

11. Carcass – Surgical Steel
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-11.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gv-kxjKuxY/UrWG5Kd-StI/AAAAAAAAGes/BGIdNAIqt5Y/s1600/beer11.jpg

“The Eleven Brown Ale is a smooth Dark ale with hints of caramel and roasted nuts that are a result of the careful formulation of the malts. A slight hop bitterness balances the sweetness of the malts and provides the complement that makes the Eleven...”

The amount of votes cast for Number 11 and which beats Kvelertak with two points was amazing, something I had not expected at all. Not because the album was weak or silly; but because perhaps it moves even further away from the ‘regular’ featured music on the blog. Then again; Nick Cave and David Bowie are both also still in the top 100 of most voted for bands; as we will see after the countdown has finished. But this one is so atavistically metal it’s almost scary. With their melodic deathmetal approach towards every aspect of their sound they return after having been absent for many years. It puts the album they released before they called it quits in 1996 to shame and has the band revisit the sound everyone loved. This is a homerun for all their fans and apparently the guys have been able to sweep up loads more among different areas of heavy rock and metal junkies… On Number 11 we find some pure and vigorous metal!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CtAcYH5OdDU/UrWGzmrFEzI/AAAAAAAAGeg/QzS5Nj6Ga3M/s320/carcass2013-11.jpg

fnb - i noticed weed is weed on yr year end list (whom i've never heard of) and now i'm wondering which of these years album are the most stonery - not just genre-like but aesthetically too

Ha, yeah it's hard to surpass Weed Is Weed in stoner themes! I think that's why the bands are so diverse, aesthetically people have very different ideas of "stonery," some like wobbly psych, jammy space rock, drones, heavy fuzz, or still more heavier crunch. Here's some jammy space rock:

10. Samsara Blues Experiment – Waiting For The Flood
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-10.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jeZPnRdg60/UraiLM4lyqI/AAAAAAAAGe8/GMnl3NNxRtA/s320/10-barrel-oregon-brown-ale.jpg

“They took a standard brown malt bill and augmented with Aromatic, Marris Otter, Cara-Crystal wheat, flaked barley, chocolate, and special roasted malt. They then overloaded it with Cascade, Centennial, Northern Brewer, Simcoe, and Chinook hops, leading to a complex battle of pine and citrus flavor and aromatics. Which has lead to: Rich citrusy, floral hop aromas with a crisp, vivacious fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a long, grilled root vegetable, chocolate mint and honey grilled citrus finish.”

Two points above Number 11 we enter the top 10 with a band that is the embodiment of underground, experimental and jam based grooving. Released only a month ago it has quickly surged through the hearts of all music lovers out there and mesmerized with its four tracks. With heavy nods towards seventies heavy psychedelic rock and worldly influences it is a pure and unadulterated cosmic adventure blow out. Chuck full of massive riffs and gigantic rhythms this proggy stoner extravaganza is paying homage to the giants of yore and with it, it turns into something gigantic itself. So get your bathing suit on and prepare to float…

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzuxMn5YbBY/UrajUWCTZ8I/AAAAAAAAGfo/VOltU3EAwbI/s320/Samsara-Blues-Experiment+01copy.jpg

My Psych list includes a lot of stuff not included in the more stoner/doom focused list upthread. I've been listening to the Spotify playlist and getting more into Wolf People (UK psych-prog-folk inspired by obscure Finnish bands, Mighty Baby, Dark, Groundhogs, Dungen), Föllakzoid (Chilean psych/space rock) and Pinkunoizu (Danish arty psych). The latest by Master Musicians Of Bukkake and Psychic Ills grew on me too.

Spotify playlist (433 tracks, 35 hours!)
http://open.spotify.com/user/1212496385/playlist/2jwma4l2gY4ZlcU6MUIv2L

01. Wooden Shjips – Back To Land (Thrill Jockey)
02. Naam – Vow (Tee Pee)
03. Wolf People – Fain (Jagjaguwar)
04. Thee Oh Sees – Floating Coffin (Castle Face)
05. Cave – Threace (Drag City)
06. Föllakzoid – II (Piccadilly)
07. Pinkunoizu – The Drop (Full Time Hobby)
08. Mammatus – Heady Mental (Spiritual Pajamas)
09. Aqua Nebula Oscillator – Spiritus Mundi (Tee Pee)
10. The Entrance Band – Face The Sun (Beyond Beyond Beyond)
11. Hookworms – Pearl Mystic (Redeye)
12. Dead Meadow – Warble Womb (Xemu)
13. The Flying Eyes – Lowlands (Nois-O-Lution)
14. Master Musicians Of Bukkake – Far West (Important)
15. The Asteroid No. 4 – The Asteroid No. 4 (Asteroid #4)
16. The Cult Of Dom Keller – The Cult Of Dom Keller (Mannequin/Reverberation Appreciation)
17. Psychic Ills – One Track Mind (Sacred Bones)
18. The Lucid Dream – Songs Of Lies And Deceit (Holy Are You)
19. The Limiñanas – Costa Blanca (Trouble In Mind)
20. Sungod – Contakt (Holodeck)
21. Vision Fortune – Mas Fiestas con el Grupo Vision Fortune (Faux Discx)
22. Jacco Gardner – Cabinet Of Curiosities (Trouble In Mind)
23. Luder – Adelphophoagia (Small Stone)
24. Movements – Like Elephants 1 (Cleopatra)
25. Ice Dragon – Born A Heavy Morning (Navalorama)
26. The Warlocks – Skull Worship (Zap Banana)
27. Carlton Melton – Always Even (Agitated)
28. Barn Owl – V (Thrill Jockey)
29. Retribution Gospel Choir – 3 (Chaperone)
30. Bardo Pond – Peace On Venus (Fire)
31. Pond – Hobo Rocket (Modular)
32. White Manna – Dune Worship (Holy Mountain)
33. Huge Rat Attacks – Organic Babies (Huge Rat Attacks)
34. Mikal Cronin – MCII (Merge)
35. TOY – Join The Dots (Heavenly)
36. Acid Mothers Temple & the Melting Paraiso U.F.O. – In Search of the Lost Divine Arc (Important)
37. Destruction Unit – Death Trip (Sacred Bones)
38. The Flaming Lips – The Terror (WB)
39. The Black Angels – Indigo Meadow (Blue Horizon)
40. Mars Red Sky – Be My Guide EP (Mars Red Sky)
41. White Hills – So You Are…So You’ll Be (Thrill Jockey)
42. The Hedgehogs – The Heights (Hedgehogs)
43. Dean Allen Foyd – Road To Atlas EP (Crusher)
44. The Cosmic Dead – Inner Sanctum (Evil Hoodoo)
45. Mind Spiders – Inhumanistic (Dirtnap)
46. The Bevis Frond – White Numbers (Woronzow)
47. MGMT – MGMT (Columbia)
48. Spaceking – In The Court Of The Spaceking (Spaceking)/li>
49. Deerhunter – Monomania (4AD)
50. Julian Cope – Revolutionary Suicide (Head Heritage/Redeye)

Tremendous list, fnb. Just listened to that Cosmic Dead album and it might be my favorite thing I've heard from them. Closest we'll ever get to a Hawkwind dub/punk album

9. SubRosa – More Constant Than the Gods
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-9.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yooNOOVl_Ag/Urg3pYRzrbI/AAAAAAAAGf4/0HNzfOBoMU0/s320/9-exit+9.jpg

“Exit 9 Hoppy Scarlet Ale is a richly flavored red beer crafted with a variety of domestic and imported malts and a classic American yeast strain. It is assertively hopped with Amarillo, Centennial, Chinook and Citra hops for a bouquet with complex notes of citrus and tropical fruits and an appropriate bitterness in the finish. Recommended with spicy foods, such as gumbo or curry, as well as alongside rich blue or sharp cheddar cheeses, or just by itself...”

We dive into the single digits with a band that received one point more than Samsara Blues Experiment. On Number 9 we find a five piece magical doom band that scurries the ancient subconscious for those haunting melodies that vibrate low and long through the very core of your being. Their evocative ambience, their folky touch and that duo of electric violins simply bewitch and charm their way into your heart. Plagued by setbacks through their existence and having all their gear stolen only a month ago this band has constantly delivered high grade payment for the primal and antique hopes, desires and biddings to have the Gods look favorably upon us…

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi-k68SjCbc/Urg3rYfcheI/AAAAAAAAGgA/69kXKjvkOrU/s320/subrosa-9.jpg

Maybe I ranked the Cosmic Dead too low, will have to reconsider it. A couple bands seem to draw more attention for people when they see them live, like Hookworms and Psychic Ills, which is #2 in Changingdad's post today.

This psych poll has oddly limited choices, am gonna have to listen to more of them first:
http://psychorizon.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/psychorizon-year-end-poll-2013/

I wd probably go ahead and just not give a crap about it...

treat it like an ILX Poll: Jex Thoth wins!

I did a spot check on some of those albums *oof* so you don't have to. Yeah, skip it. This is a good one to participate in though -- http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2013/12/02/top-20-of-2013-readers-poll/

8. Kylesa – Ultraviolet
http://stonerhive.blogspot.com/2013/12/number-8.html

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hp8lEO2oHQY/Url0N7DBe0I/AAAAAAAAGgQ/YqbnCJEpHJU/s1600/8-Ball-Stout_beer_medium.jpg

“This smooth oatmeal stout has won well over a dozen additional gold, silver, and bronze medals at various beer competitions since first bringing home a silver for Lost Coast in the 1997 World Beer Championships. Presenting a deep, rich brown on the pour, capped by plenty of fluffy light brown foam, 8-Ball offers up luscious aromas of dark chocolate and well-roasted coffee, with some hints of smoky char and a bit of an earthy character. Look for a core of roasty-toasty malts on the palate, joined by some scorched caramel and a mild char note, with the flaked oats helping contribute to a nice round and creamy feel.”

To reach Number 8 we climb four points from SubRosa. It is the final album that belongs to the group of artists that all had almost the same amount of points. Cause we’ve only climbed twenty-five points from the Number 20 position to the Number 8. But after this we make the jump to the frontrunners. But before we do we are treated to the sixth album of a shapeshifting group that has always delivered some damn fine sludge metal. We could always trust these guys and girl to deliver some aggressive heaviness that was thick with punk. But since their last album they used more breathing room and more melodic and psychedelic influences. We can still enjoy those leaden riffs and colossal grooves; but the angelic side is much more prominent than ever. Which we all seem to dig even more! Highly diverse and ultraviolet!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WuVrikCjiN4/Url0PLpNytI/AAAAAAAAGgY/klDH58jg51Y/s320/Kylesa-2013-8.jpg

Changing dad's album of the year:

Wooden Shjips - Back To Land
02. Psychic Ills - One Track Mind
03. Savages - Silence Yourself
04. Fuzz - Fuzz
05. Hookworms - Pearl Mystic
06. Föllakzoid - II
07. The Lucid Dream - Songs Of Lies And Deceit
08. Cult Of Dom Keller - Cult Of Dom Keller
09. Wolf People - Fain
10. The Limiñanas - Costa Blanca

Honorable mentions:
The Asteroid #4 - The Asteroid #4
Jacco Gardner - Cabinet Of Curiosities
KVB - Minus One

Tracks
http://backseatmafia.com/2013/12/21/best-10-tracks-of-the-year/

01. deathrowradio, "Hocus Pocus"
02. Savages, "She Will"
03. Psychic Ills, "FBI"
04. Föllakzoid, "Trees"
05. Fossil Collective, "Wolves"
06. Moon Duo, "Zoned"
07. Findlay, "Off & On"
08. Hookworms, "Radio Tokyo"
09. The Asteroid No. 4, "Revolution Prevail"
10. Besnard Lakes, "People Of The Sticks"

The poll is shaping up quite differently this year, with a much greater focus on sludge metal than stoner rock. What remains for the top 6? Vista Chino, At Devil Dirt, Magic Circle, Blood Ceremony, Kadavar, then either Windhand, Brimstone Coven or Fuzz?

7. Red Fang - Whales and Leeches
http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2013/12/number-7.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrhcgZxu4T4/UrqsO7slnQI/AAAAAAAAGgw/1vk1rMY7LkA/s320/7-IMG_1036.jpg

“Most breweries have at least one piece of equipment that’s just a bit persnickity. At Boulevard they have fermenter number seven, the black sheep of the cellar family. Ironically, when the brewers were experimenting with variations on a traditional Belgian-style farmhouse ale, the perfect combination of elements came together in that very vessel. You could call it fate, but they called it Tank 7, and so it is. Beginning with a big surge of fruity aromatics and grapefruit-hoppy notes, the flavor of this complex, straw-colored ale tapers off to a peppery, dry finish.”

As mentioned in the post about Kylesa’s Ultraviolet album that made it to the Number 8 position we now jump 26 points to make it to Number 7. The funbunch that stars on the bottom position of the five frontrunners has also made the list in 2011 when their album reached the Number 5 position. And on this album, their third, they show us that the can also get gritty and swampy but with much more depth and height. For this album goes the way of the sumo and leaves behind of some of the melodies and humor we knew from their earlier work. Heavier, fatter, darker and much sludgier. They are hear to blow out and suck you empty! Errr?!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnfQgppIHfo/UrqsVYEz0wI/AAAAAAAAGg4/MVaEmdN8kfQ/s320/Red-Fang-7.jpg

6. Monster Magnet – Last Patrol
http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2013/12/number-6.html

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETXqEGi1Mjs/UryK6HvnscI/AAAAAAAAGhI/A30wZ6LeDUo/s320/6.jpg

“It is described as a “dark, spiced ale with the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg,” with a 9.0 percent alcohol content by volume. The beer is made with seven different types of malts, including two-row, Munich and others, along with magnum hops. Spices include ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and orange peel. And it is malty and big-bodied, with intermingling toasty and fruity characters. Almost a dessert in itself, it’s the quintessential winter beer – absolutely savory. And absolutely allusive…”

We climb three points from Red Fang to make it to Number 6 where we find another bunch of old rockers that made the countdown before. Their 2010 record made it to Number 14 that year and we were all glad the boys had made a new one and the frontman was back and ready for action. The new one goes a more psychedelic and experimental route in comparison with the one that came before but not as much as the older ones that we all hold close to our hearts. Sludge, Space, Sleaze and all kinds of heaviness go hand in hand with trippy lyrics and a hypnotic atmosphere. Now all we need to do is hope this isn’t their last patrol…

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-roxjgJdnQ/UryK93kw4fI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/JhK4PHb5ZeU/s320/monster-magnet-6.jpg

Last year's Stoner HiVe Top 20:
http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2012/12/the-countdown-so-far.html

1. Witchcraft – Legend
2. Kadavar - Kadavar
3. Graveyard - Lights Out
4. Om - Advaitic Songs
5. Orange Goblin - A Eulogy for the Damned
6. Mamont - Passing Through the Mastery Door
7. Goat - World Music
8. Royal Thunder – CVI
9. Stubb – Stubb
10. High on Fire - De Vermis Mysteriis
11. Colour Haze - She Said
12. Troubled Horse - Step Inside
13. Wo Fat - The Black Code
14. Greenleaf - Nest of Vipers
15. Ufomammut - Oro: Opus Primum
16. Horisont - Second Assault
17. My Sleeping Karma – Soma
18. Ufomammut - Oro: Opus Alter
19. The Sword – Apocryphon
20. Major Kong – Doom for the Black Sun

Countdown so far:

20. American Sharks – American Sharks
19. Naam - Vow
18. Monkey3 - The 5th Sun
17. Purson – The Circle And The Blue Door
16. Goatess - Goatess
15. Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats – Mind Control
14. Ghost B.C. – Infestissumam
13. Black Sabbath – 13
12. Kvelertak – Meir
11. Carcass – Surgical Steel
10. Samsara Blues Experiment – Waiting For The Flood
9. SubRosa – More Constant Than the Gods
8. Kylesa – Ultraviolet
7. Red Fang - Whales and Leeches
6. Monster Magnet – Last Patrol

So for the top 5 I think Kadavar for sure, since they ranked high last year, then Vista Chino and probably Windhand. Since At Devil Dirt didn't make it last year, not sure who else. Possibly Horisont, Magic Circle, Blood Ceremony. Guess not Brimstone Coven or Fuzz...

Your liveblogging the Stoner Hive countdown was how I heard the Greenleaf album last year which endedvuo having a couple of my favorite songs from the year on it

Greenleaf was a pleasant surprise. Then Dozer reunited for Roadburn/Desertfest. I wonder if they'll record anything. Truckfighters album is out in a month, and this is the last week they're taking pre-orders (link upthead).

5. Kadavar - Abra Kadavar
http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2013/12/number-5.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd6EnSbStsA/Ur3X2cmJltI/AAAAAAAAGhg/hiXyZ9ZkyOo/s320/5-2.jpg

“A lot of the new breweries that has cropped up everywhere over the past year or so seems to be dedicated to making boring bitters and other so called Real Ales. Weird Beard is luckily miles away from this rather stale approach. Their focus is on crafting a range of diverse and exciting beers, and it’s our duties, as beer geeks and borderline alcoholics, to support them in this endeavor. Weird Beard - five o’clock shadow. An absolutely amazing American IPA. There is no holding back on the hoppiness of this one. A perfect beer if you love bright hoppy flavors. This is what hop bomb should have tasted like. Beautiful beer, this makes you glad that people care enough to brew this well.”

One point higher as Monster Magnet we find one of those bands that give a new meaning to the words retro, bellbottoms and old skool. On Number 5 we find a trio that made the list last year and made it all the way to the Silver Medal position on Number 2. Their follow-up album makes it to Number five and with a live performance on Roadburn that blew everyone’s mind we can rest assured that these cats will return again soon. But first we have this gem to destroy our teeth on. Unpolished psychedelic stoner and hard rock that grooves with a high pitched villainous vocalist at the helm and a true animal on drums. It is the sound of blood, sweat and tears right through to their lo-fi production; which leave us doubled over with pleasure and fulfillment. It’s a kind of magic!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERYxIvTf7jM/Ur3X5oSe0nI/AAAAAAAAGho/3lsJ0QHp1vA/s320/Kadavar_5.jpg

Avatarium could still make an appearance too...

Captain Beyond Zen's Top 40 Albums of 2013

1. Mountain Witch - Cold River
2. Tombstoned - s/t
3. Uncle Acid & the deadbeats - Mind Control
4. Devil - Gather the Sinners
5. In Solitude - Sister
6. Bloody Hammers - Spiritual Relics
7. Orchid - The Mouths of Madness
8. Beelzefuzz - s/t
9. Vista Chino - Peace
10. Tombstones - Red Skies and Dead Eyes
11. Windhand - Soma
12. Domovoyd - Oh Sensibility
13. Kadavar - Abra Kadavar
14. Noctum - Final Sacrifice
15. Egypt - Become the Sun
16. Goatess - s/t
17. Fuzz - s/t
18. Monster Magnet - Last Patrol
19. Red Fang - Whales and Leeches
20. The Flying Eyes - Lowlands
21. Mothership - s/t
22. Ice Dragon - Born A Heavy Morning
23. Black Capricorn - Born Under the Capricorn
24. Samsara Blues Experiment - Waiting For The Flood
25. Sandrider - Godhead
26. SubRosa - More Constant Than The Gods
27. Black Wizard - Young Wisdom
28. Kröwnn - Hyborian Age
29. Borracho - Oculus
30. Lord Dying - Summon The Faithless
31. Horisont - Time Warriors
32. Purson - The Circle and the Blue Door
33. Blood Ceremony - The Eldritch Dark
34. ASG - Avalanche
35. Realmbuilder - Blue Flame Cavalry
36. Sasquatch - IV
37. Kylesa - Ultraviolet
38. Doublestone - Wingmakers
39. Brutus - Behind the Mountains
40. Spiral Shades - Hypnosis Sessions

http://captain-beyond.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-top-40-albums-of-2013.html

The Tombstoned debut is much better than I expected it to be. They've got a promising future.

4. Queens of The Stone Age - …Like Clockwork
http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2013/12/number-4.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzyh21trEqA/Ur8p_p_AoVI/AAAAAAAAGh4/WQ2Ri3V_8LE/s1600/naamloos.png

“It has a big round raisin toffee fruitiness and the a dark amber color. There’s not a great deal to smell in this beer save for a slight woody toffee which is a shame. And there’s woodiness in the flavor too, it’s a brown resinous timber and it backs up the fruitiness very well. The hops are crisp and crunchy, sharp with brambles and they lead to a decent dry finish.”

We climb yet again only one point after enjoying the magical Abra Kadavar and find ourselves at Number 4. It is one of those albums that received as much flak from the early fans as it received praise from the later ones. And the other way around. For it moved every further away from the obscure, weird, rough and heavy beginnings towards something big, colorful and poppy. There is still that air of strange and dry heat surrounding it and there’s still enough of that gritty desert atmosphere permeating the songs. But not everyone has declared their love for this album; but the ones that conjured this one up will not care. For apparently dying a couple of hours, fighting with your brothers from the early days and fathering a couple of children changes you. And as time passes we all change. You can set your watch to that…

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KkKdpa55AV0/Ur8p_m5njcI/AAAAAAAAGh8/gdTV69K8gJw/s320/josh-homme--010-4.jpg

3. Windhand - Soma
http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2013/12/number-3.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itv8Rau6ilY/UsAujWCuTRI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/sSRBMsYrtTg/s320/3-thumb_600.jpg

“The brand 3 Horses refers directly to the origin of the Breda brewery. As long ago as 1446 the “Burghers” of Breda were granted the privilege of brewing their own beer, a right normally reserved to one of the ancient guilds. Slightly grainy and a crisp aroma come from this clear pale golden color brew with a small white head. A taste of club soda and dirty water come from this relatively light bodied brew. With an almost tin taste and a bitter aftertaste it sours the throat like you’re drinking liquid bronze...”

We reach the Bronze medal after climbing one more point. After this we reach the two albums that were voted for way ahead of the rest. But first we are treated to Number 3. There’s heavy, heavy and heavy and then there’s this piece of doom metal extravaganza. With a damn fast new release after their earlier one released in March 2012 these freaks are keeping a sweet speedy pace; which is not something they do with their music. A steady syrupy march towards the inevitable cliff; but there seems to be no end and the slow trek becomes cumbersome, repetitive and full of chronic deceit like you’re on a stroll with Sisyphus. And that’s exactly where their strength lies. Length, repetition, endurance and oppressive structuring…

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ljt72PpKra8/UsAulUO9F9I/AAAAAAAAGiY/Vgf8L4dJBe8/s320/windhand-3.jpg

Hrm, I'm thinking Vista Chino will win it, followed by maybe Magic Circle?

hah guess who forgot to vote again this year. Vista Chino are certs since I reckon I know most of the voters.

Since it's not posted, what do you pick for #2?

Still not posted. So what we got, Magic Circle? Avatarium? Blood Ceremony? I suddenly have the fear it might be Clutch. Hugely popular band, good band, mostly overrated albums.

If I know these guys I promise you it's Clutch

Well that kind of sucks.

2. Clutch – Earth Rocker
http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2013/12/number-2.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4u7hWp693A/UsHYlpyDnLI/AAAAAAAAGio/RMyUlmXFaFw/s320/2-new+belgium+2+below.jpg

“New Belgium Brewing declares a snow day for everyone! This joyful phrase conjures universal meaning: forget work and enjoy. 2ºBelow is New Belgium’s winter seasonal, bringing warmth and relaxation to cold winter days. It carries the subtle chocolate and caramel flavors of the newly developed Midnight Wheat malt. Pleasantly hoppy, the Styrian Golding, Centennial and Cascade hops bring a bright note to complement roasty undertones. It is the deep garnet of roasted walnut and presents a creamy tan head. “With its layered hops, it delivers the depth people crave in a winter beer but it’s very drinkable,” said Grady Hull, assistant brewmaster at New Belgium Brewing. “We intentionally created a beer that could carry its weight without weighing you down…””

The Silver medal position has eighteen points more than Number 3, Windhand. For the longest time this album held the Number 1 spot in its clutches, which was a pretty big surprise for me. It is a damn good album but I had not expected it to reach that or in fact this position. The same goes for the current Number 1. But; let’s focus on the Silver medal first. Their ninth album made it to the Number 19 position of the 2009’s edition of the Stoner HiVe top 20 countdown. On their tenth studio record the fellas go for the gusto in a big, fast and heavy way. And it may function as a blueprint for all bands out there who might feel like they’re stuck in a rut, format or lack the guts to have the dealer set them up with an additional set of cards. For even though some of the changes seem to be floating beneath the surface and there is still much stoner groove and metal blues to be enjoyed; all limiters are thrown out of the window here. They implore a skinned off sound where instruments crackle and vocals pop. The riffs growl and claw at your face without tearing off your fur. And all eleven compositions are equally powerful and where the band used to loose themselves a bit in extravagant earthly, native or eccentric meandering they now use all those influences much more subtle and have it transport the groove like an underground current. And all those earthly up-tempo beautiful rockers are even more infectious thanks to the vocals that stun with humor and melancholy truths. All of which are brought to us with care by blues poets, stoner souls and deranged vicars… If you’re gonna do it; do it on stage…

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbArMQw1ZMY/UsHYoDUq_vI/AAAAAAAAGiw/hJCckkp00yg/s320/Clutch-2.jpg

these guys have always been popular amongst the hive. even back in audiogalaxy days. I had a tape copy of their 1st album way back but never cared for anything else. Music was okish but i hated the singer. Not heard this album.
It won metal hammer UK album of year btw

It's their best record in a decade. Just good old fashioned hard rock.

Very meat 'n' potatoes, great sound, good live, but most of their songs don't stick for me. I have a hard rock list and they didn't make the top half:

1. Gozu – The Fury Of A Patient Man (Small Stone)
2. Queens Of The Stone Age – Like Clockwork (Matador)
3. Årabrot – Årabrot (Fysisk Format)
4. Moonbow – The End Of Time (Moonbow)
5. Zodiac – A Hiding Place (Prosthetic)
6. Doublestone – Wingmakers (Levitation)
7. Gaytheist – Hold Me…But Not So Tight (Good To Die)
8. Blues Pills – Devil Man EP (Nuclear Blast)
9. Wall – Wall (This Chaming Man)
10. American Sharks – American Sharks (American Sharks)
11. Diesto – For Water Or Blood (Eolian Empire)
12. Iron Tongue – The Dogs Have Barked, The Birds Have Flown (Neurot)
13. Motörhead – Aftershock (UDR)
14. Big Business – Battlefields Forever (Gold Metal)
15. Melvins – Tres Cabrones (Ipecac)
16. Coliseum – Sister Faith (Temporary Residence)
17. Nails – Abandon All Life (Southern Lord)
18. The Body – Master, We Perish (At A Loss)
19. Scorpion Child – Scorpion Child (Nuclear Blast)
20. Clutch – Earth Rocker (Weathermaker)
21. ASG – Blood Drive (Relapse)
22. Larman Clamor – Alligator Heart (Small Stone)
23. Mothership – Mothership (Ripple Music)
24. Falcon (Ex-Circle) – Frontier (Ektro)
25. Secrets – Fragile Figures (Rise)
26. Skogen Brinner – 1st (Subliminal Sounds)
27. The Brimstone Days – The Healer (Transubstans)
28. True Widow – Circumambulation (Relapse)
29. Mojo Waves – Lo And Behold! (Mojo Waves)
30. La Chinga – La Chinga (La Chinga)
31. Free Fall – Power & Volume (Nuclear Blast)
32. Ape Skull – Ape Skull (Heavy Psych Sounds)
33. Melvins – Everybody Loves Sausages (Ipecac)
34. The Quill – Tiger Blood (Metalville)
35. Alice In Chains – The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (Virgin)
36. Spiritual Beggars – Earth Blues (Inside Out)

From HP Taskmaster:
LAST CALL FOR THE READERS POLL:

Tomorrow afternoon I'm taking the Top 20 of 2013 Readers Poll down so the results can be properly mathematicified. If you haven't yet added a list or even a pick or two to the cause, now would be the time. Once again, thanks to everyone who's participated thus far:

http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2013/12/02/top-20-of-2013-readers-poll/

In the context of my summary, didn't include albums in the genre lists that made my overall top 13, which in the case of the hard rock list were Spirits of the Dead, and this, which I highly recommend:

All Them Witches – Lightning At The Door (All Them Witches)
After self-releasing their music on Bandcamp, Elektrohasch remastered and issued Our Mother Electricity last year. The Nashville, TN based band is the only American band to have made the roster of the German label run by Stefan Koglek of Colour Haze. Their style of stoner desert blues is distinctly American, and their own. There’s no direct comparisons for sound, with only vague associations with Giant Sand that probably are in my own head and not the band’s, and a touch of menacing folk-Americana of Wovenhand. Much of their sound comes down to their secret weapon, drummer Robby Staebler. His deceptively laid back, lurching rhythms allow for a lot of space in the music while enhancing it with drama such as the middle section of “Swallowed By The Sea.” This recording really captures the full range of his heavy toms and singer Michael Parks, Jr.’s bass where the first album didn’t. Imagine if John Bonham had listened to Captain Beefheart and wore an electro-shock collar that enabled him to reign in the bombast. All Them Witches is that and much more. The blues is well over a century old, and it’s still being creatively reimagined. | http://allthemwitches.bandcamp.com/album/lightning-at-the-door

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXr66dBcJ58/UsKm9aAev5I/AAAAAAAAGjA/G9t59n0joaE/s320/beer-051712-xlg.jpg

The Countdown so far...

Since we are about to announce the numero uno, the number one, the Gold medalist of The Ultimate Stoner HiVe Top 20 albums of 2013! The one that beat Clutch by 8 points. It must be the right time to run through the countdown so far... Later on today, before the clock strikes twelve and 2014 begins, we will know which album occupies the number one position! Thanks to all you lovely freaky voters out there!

1. …
2. Clutch – Earth Rocker
3. Windhand – Soma
4. Queens of The Stone Age – …Like Clockwork
5. Kadavar – Abra Kadavar
6. Monster Magnet – The Last Patrol
7. Red Fang – Whales and Leeches
8. Kylesa – Ultraviolet
9. SubRosa – More Constant Than The Gods
10. Samsara Blues Experiment – Waiting For The Flood
11. Carcass – Surgical Steel
12. Kvelertak – Meir
13. Black Sabbath – 13
14. Ghost – Infestissumam
15. Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats – Mind Control
16. Goatess – Goatess
17. Purson – The Circle And The Blue Door
18. Monkey3 – The 5th Sun
19. Naam – Vow
20. American Sharks – American Sharks

1. Vista Chino – Peace
http://stonerhive.blogspot.nl/2013/12/number-1.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_W-wtR28crg/UsLrlC64gMI/AAAAAAAAGjY/PRp7Wvd5Xx0/s320/GOLDBEER1.jpg

“Fiji Gold Beer is by no means a pilsner that deserves that gold label. It is a basic yellow fizzy in appearance, but with a slightly richer color and a pathetically thin head. The aroma is not offensive, but it doesn't conger up a huge desire to drink it, either. The hop profile in the nose is slightly reminiscent of a decent Pilsner, but that's where the similarities end. The least attractive part of this beer is the sweet graininess in its taste. It's out of place, and has the same kind of malt off-flavor you usually find in a first-time home brewer’s beer, before he or she has discovered the complexities of grain and hops and just throws a pre-hopped extract brew together and wonders why it doesn't taste pro. I often describe this flavor as tasting "like a headache," though it's not usually an alcohol or ester issue. The mouth feel is fine. But, that's not enough to carry this beer…”

In a last ditch effort, after Clutch held the Number 1 position for days on end, this one surpassed it during the final two days. It now has the Gold Medal firm in its grasp. With eight points more. It is of course the album that was highly anticipated for quite some time. One that was meant to be released earlier; but due to legal issues which arose (thanks to the one that did not partake) after their initial successful reunion run (minus one), they had to change name and lots of bass players that were also there in the very beginning decided to call it quits at that point. For the band that started it all, the band that forever will be known as the godfathers of stoner and the flag carriers of the desert sound was brought to life in 2010 thanks to the vocalist. After which the original drummer joined and plans for the future were brewing at the start of 2011. As mentioned before the project grinded to halt due to multiple legal complications and fans feared the worst. But all good things take time and will always come to pass. For it was definitely worth the wait. The album is a throwback to the good ol’ days; and that lo desert sound that we all love so dearly. But with a more loose, bluesy and perhaps even jazzy sound; you can hear the boys matured and discovered their inner soul and recognized its beauty. The vocalist sounds better than ever, the grooves are there, the riffs are damn fine and the drummer is so magnificent that he alone would have deserved a top spot this year. All that’s left to do is to poor another beer, put on the album and dream away under the starry sky as the fireworks explode above… Peace…

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mPKuIRKW9Y/UsLrlHeHhyI/AAAAAAAAGjc/42NfLReOHMQ/s320/vistaChino-1.jpg

Egypt - Become the Sun

who can tell me about this?!?

http://egypt1.bandcamp.com/album/become-the-sun

hear for yourself, mane

Apparently Sheavy put out a new album this month. I haven't thought about those guys for a decade.

(re-)listening to the first track, sounds like they're kind of hitting that middle ground between stoner rock and Pantera-style country-fried groove/thrash. Not unlike Clutch or Down...
xp

Way late but I was a little blown away by the Sungrazer half of their split w/ The Machine, esp. "Dopo" and "Yo La Tengo". I was not that into their last album but clearly they deserve closer attention

I loved Sungrazer, too bad they split up.

The Obelisk Top 20 of 2013 Readers Poll
http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2014/01/01/top-20-of-2013-readers-poll-results/#more-40727

1. Clutch, Earth Rocker (589 points)
2. Vista Chino, Peace (431 points)
3. Queens of the Stone Age, …Like Clockwork (357 points)
4. Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Mind Control (354 points)
5. Monster Magnet, Last Patrol (329 points)
6. Kadavar, Abra Kadavar (312 points)
7. Windhand, Soma (291 points)
8. Earthless From the Ages (285 points)
9. Red Fang, Whales and Leeches (276 points)
10. Black Sabbath, 13 (220 points)
11. Blood Ceremony, The Eldritch Dark (217 points)
12. Church of Misery, Thy Kingdom Scum (166 points)
13. Sasquatch, IV (155 points)
14. Carcass, Surgical Steel (136 points)
15. Kylesa, Ultraviolet (129 points)
16. Orchid, The Mouths of Madness (124 points)
17. Samsara Blues Experiment, Waiting for the Flood (114 points)
18. Deafheaven, Sunbather (112 points)
19. Kvelertak, Meir (109 points)
20. Ghost, Infestissumam (103 points)
20. The Melvins, Tres Cabrones (103 points)

Honorable mention also goes to:
ASG, Blood Drive (96 points)
Naam, Vow (95 points)
Alice in Chains, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (90 points)
Pelican, Forever Becoming (90 points)
Gozu, The Fury of a Patient Man (85 points)
Deville, Hydra (79 points)
Lumbar, The First and Last Days of Unwelcome (79 points)

In Solitude, Gorguts and Black Pyramid also has respectable showings, as you can see in the lists themselves. Clutch dominated from day one and never relinquished the lead, but some of the races for the spots behind them were tight, like Queens of the Stone Age and Uncle Acid keeping it close, as well as others. In any case, such unanimity around Earth Rocker was exciting in itself. It was my album of the year too.

While the results are quite similar to Stoner HiVe, the coolest part this year is seeing all the individual ballots. I checked out the lists of the few who voted for my favorite, Spirits Of The Dead, and found Hidden Masters and Rose Windows. As usual, I'm thrilled to find more music I like, but also wonder how the hell I missed them. I even read an article on Hidden Masters. They were not low profile, debuting on Rise Above/Metal Blade. Just totally dropped the ball and forgot to listen to 'em.

Sock to the gut!

needs new thread

I was pretty let down by the Rose Windows. The Reckless employee sticker had me expecting something a little heavier. It's not bad, just pretty watered down stoner/occult stuff. The last track sort of reveals that they were maybe a Fleet Foxes clone before they decided to jump on the occult rock bandwagon.

I like the Rose Windows, but then again I like some Fleet Foxes stuff too. Agree it's not that heavy though, apart from like one track.

I like Fleet Foxes too, wasn't meant to be a knock against them. There was just something about the Rose Windows that felt a little forced, like it was a band unsure of their footing but that might just come down to the kind of patchwork way the band came together.

Rose Windows put on a hell of a show when I saw them recently, I haven't listened to the album much but it might not measure up.

New year, folks:

Rolling Stoner/Psych/Freak/Doom/Sludge/Retro/Drone/Space Thread 2014: These Start at 11