The Oath - The Oath (2014)

As I mentioned in my Blues Pills review retro/stoner rock isn't exactly fashionable or original nowadays, but then there are some bands that manage to stand out. The Oath is just such a band. It's not hard to see why either.

Like Blues Pills, the most unique thing about The Oath is the vocals. Johanna Sadonis' bewitching vocals are the centerpiece of the album. They're confident, passionate and fit the lyrics quite well.

Musically, The Oath fit perfectly into Rise Above Records' roster of bands, joining such doom heavyweights as Blood Ceremony, Angel Witch, and Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats. They basic style could be said to be 60's/70's garage rock meets doom but it's obvious that they are incorporating a wide range of influences. Just some of the identifiable influences include Black Sabbath, King Diamond, Blue Cheer, Saxon, Motorhead, and Iron Maiden.

Yet, don't be fooled into thinking that this is merely a thrown-together hodgepodge of disparate influences. Rather, it's a focused, musically adept project that sounds great from start to finish. Songs such as the immediately catchy "Night Child" and the somber, psychedelic "Psalm 9" are evidence of this duo's success in cultivating their own musical identity, thus enabling them to stand out from the crowd in an over-saturated metal market.

Overall, even if it's not particularly ground-breaking, "The Oath" is a creative and thrilling album to listen to. There are plenty of killer riffs and instantly memorable choruses to keep you busy for quite a while. 

9/10

 

Blues Pills - Blues Pills (2014)

Retro-stoner rock bands imitating 60's and 70's psychedelic music seem to be a dime-a-dozen these days with many bands simply failing to add anything distinctive or original to the mix. Blues Pills, on the other hand, are the clear exception to the rule. Rather than simply pay homage to the greats (Led Zep, Cream, Hendrix) etc., they channel these influences into something grandiose, elegant, and positively captivating.

It's not only the singer's incredible Janis Joplin-esque voice or the infectious grooves that make this album so enjoyable. Above all, it's the band's unbridled musical enthusiasm and passion that seeps through every song. This is a band that is unafraid to push limits and challenge themselves; in fact they enjoy doing it.

Whether it's the over-the-top quality of "Devil Man" or the haunting ballad "River"the band operate very much as a tight unit, with the rhythm section perfectly complementing Elin Larsson's soulful vocals. As for guitarist Dorian Sorriaux, he absolutely excels on this album, conjuring the ghost of Hendrix letting it drive him to make stomping riffs and fiery solos.

Some songs could be a bit more differentiated, but overall there is a very good deal of diversity and at no point during my numerous listens did I feel bored with this incredibly talented band's stellar debut album. Simply put, this album is one of the finest in the blues rock/psychedelic/stoner/call-it-what-you-want genre. This band can safely be added into Sweden's vast pantheon of exceptionally talented artists.

9.5/10

Earthless - From the Ages (2013)

When it comes to stoner jam bands, these guys are absolutely some of the best. While I loved their previous two records, I feel that "From the Ages" is Earthless' most accomplished and accessible record to date. While an album with a 36 minute song on it may not sound that accessible, it's so easy to get lost in the psychedelic haze that the time just drifts right on by while you're listening to it. The whole album flows incredibly well and it's chock full of catchy riffs and soaring, bluesy solos. Equally top-notch are the bass playing and drumming which, of course, are key elements in stoner rock. This is just a fun record that's a great substitute for drugs (not that I've ever taken any!). If you're looking for some mind-blowing instrumental music then this should be right up your alley.
9/10

 

Purson - The Circle and the Blue Door (2013)

Along with many other genres, psychedelic music has been seeing a sustained revival in recent years. Purson is a newcomer to this revival and they're one of the best best I've heard. Everything you love about classic bands such as Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, The Beatles, Deep Purple etc. is here plus Purson's unique twist. The hazy, seductive vocals, swirling guitars, gorgeous keys, and catchy, theatrical melodies all make for an engrossing listen that is sure to appeal to fans of vintage music (such as myself). The closest modern comparison I can make with this album is to Blood Ceremony although Purson focus more on psychedelia than heaviness and have much more limited folk elements. This is undoubtedly one of the best psychedelic records to come out in recent times. Lovers of all things classic will most thoroughly enjoy this album as I did.
9.5/10

 

Blood Ceremony - Living With the Ancients (2011)

Since I haven't had a chance yet to review their latest album and since I just got into this band via this record, I figured I'd give it a review. Wow. Just wow. I don't think an album has blown me away like this in quite some time. What this band represents is the perfect blending of Black Sabbath and Electric Wizard's doom onslaught, Jethro Tull's frenzied flute playing, and the psychedelic keys of The Doors. Some might say that wearing their influences so blatantly on their sleeves makes Blood Ceremony an unoriginal band, but I think that the blending of these influences plus the inclusion of a female singer makes for some of the most original and awe-inspiring music in the stoner/retro-doom scene. The flute and keys on this album are absolutely breathtaking in their ability to evoke nostalgic sentiments. The singer has a subdued, rather eerie voice that perfectly matches the music. The occult/pagan lyrics and imagery are a brilliant touch. Finally, the riffs and solos are great, yet not too heavy as would be expected of a vintage-sounding band. This is one of those rare albums that you pretty much instantly fall in love with. I'm already kicking myself for not discovering this sooner and I absolutely can't wait to listen to and review their new one (as well as their debut).
10/10

Ghost - Infestissumam (2013)

Notable Swedish occult rockers Ghost made quite a stir after their debut "Opus Eponymous" with its unabashed Satanic lyrics and the band's provocative dress. It seems that these rising stars are bound to become one of Sweden's most popular bands (if they haven't achieved that status already) after their dazzling sophomore album "Infestissumam." The songs are somewhat catchier/poppier than on the debut, but the music is just as good and those who have high expectations for this album will not be disappointed. Like their counterparts in Ancient VVisdom, Ghost manage to make evil music that doesn't sound evil. In fact, it's so catchy that one would be forgiven if one thought Papa Emeritus was singing about flowers and hippies rather than the various aliases of Satan or what have you. Anyways, this might just prove to be the "pop" album of the year for me and no matter what your religious persuasion I can't recommend "Infestissumam" enough.
9.5/10

 

The Black Angels - Indigo Meadow (2013)

Modern psych heavyweights The Black Angels are back with their fourth album, "Indigo Meadow" and it is a very good collection of freakout tunes. As on their previous albums, influences from The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, and The Velvet Underground are quite apparent and the band incorporate these influences brilliantly as they continue to make some of my favorite psych-pop. If there's one problem though, it's that the length of the album can make it a bit hard to digest all at once, but for the most part "Indigo Meadow" is about as good as the rest of the band's discography.
8.5/10

 

Jimi Hendrix - People, Hell and Angels (2013)

First of all, it's astounding just how much material Hendrix left behind and how it's still in the process of being released over 40 years after his death. Second of all, this is a very accomplished album, and further demonstrates just how much of a guitar master Hendrix was (not that we needed any more proof.) People, Hell and Angels does contain a number of hard rock/psychedelic tracks, but is more oriented towards Hendrix's experimentation with blues, soul and funk. A few of the songs didn't quite pique my interest and sounded incomplete, but most of them are what you'd expect from one of the most renowned guitarists of all time. While I can't say I like this nearly as much as the original three albums, it's still a joy to hear new Hendrix tunes in 2013.
8.5/10

 

The Flaming Lips - The Terror (2013)

After 2009's rather disappointing "Embyro," The Flaming Lips  have returned with what is one of the best albums of their career. Always unpredictable, "The Terror" sees the band further developing some of the sounds they had previously dabbled in on "Yoshimi." It's a very laid back, spacey album that wears its Krautrock influences on its sleeve. It's also quite a beautiful album that takes multiple listens to absorb. It may not have the over-the-top ambition of "Yoshimi" or "At War With the Mystics," but it's still a unique and excellent addition to the band's discography and further cements their position as one of the best modern psychedelic bands around.
9/10

 

Animal Collective - Centipede Hz (2012)

After the amazing psych-rock masterpiece Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective's follow-up leaves me somewhat disappointed. The songs are for the most part rather average, but some brilliance does shine forth especially on the second half of the album. It's extremely quirky as you'd expect an AC release to be, but at the same time it feels like the band has kind of stagnated. Granted, this is a grower so I'll probably think better of it over time, but on my first listen I'm not very impressed.
7.5/10

 

Grizzly Bear - Shields (2012)

After initially not being that impressed with this album, I decided to give it another chance and found it to be much better the second the time around. Their music strongly resembles that of Radiohead and even that of late-era Beatles, but with a psych-folk twist. It's a very beautiful and lush affair with a very eclectic and quirky sound. While I'm not a huge fan of indie in general, this band is a notable exception. Definitely one of the best indie releases of last year.
9/10

 

Hail Spirit Noir - Pneuma (2012)

Another avant-garde black metal band, Hail Spirit Noir isn't nearly as chaotic as Deathspell Omega, and in fact their approach is entirely different. HSN experiment with the psychedelic sounds of the 60's and 70's to make for a very unique album that almost puts the band outside the black metal genre altogether. Despite its fresh innovation, I feel that some parts of the album drag on and could have been shortened or otherwise modified to pack more of a punch. Nonetheless, it's a very solid album that shouldn't be passed up.
8.5/10

 

Hexvessel - No Holier Temple (2012)

This is a lush, exotic trip through the Finnish occult universe that makes you feel like you're actually participating in some arcane ritual as the vocalists narrate the events. The songs meander their way through forbidden, unseen territory as if exploring the depths of a buried past. Overall, it's an excellent psych folk album that conveys a real sense of mystery and spirituality inside a captivating musical package.
9/10

 

Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound - Manzanita (2012)

This is a pretty unique and beautiful psych album I came across. It mixes the heavy bluesiness of bands like The Doors with the lush, pastoral qualities of The Zombies and early Pink Floyd. The production is great and sounds just like the 60's. Being as nostalgic as I am for the old sounds, it's quite surprising and satisfying to know that the classic spirit of 60's psychedelia is being kept alive by bands such as this one.

8.5/10