Heavy Underground Band & Album reviews: My favorites in Riff rock/ fuzz/ stoner/ doom/ sludge/ heavy psych/ hardcore & metal
Gran Moreno is a two-piece band from Austin, Texas. They play a blend of heavy psychedelic riff rock with a Spanish and progressive groove. The band consists of brothers Ricardo Rodríguez and Christian Rodríguez. They recently released their official debut album called El Sol, on January 16th 2026. It contains seven tracks at thirty two minutes long. The first song...
Oath is a psychedelic doom metal band from Athens, Greece. Formed in 2021, The duo consist of Andreas Androulakakis on vocals and guitars, and Marios Manousakis on bass and drums. Oath released a three song EP in 2024 called Death Lurks Everywhere and various singles before and after. On February 13th 2026, Oath self released their debut full length album...
Stargo is a stoner metal three-piece from Dortmund, Germany. They consist of Nordin on guitar and vocals, Stefan on bass and synths, and Karsten on drums. They have released four albums including: 2009’s Phonism, 2020’s Parasight, 2022’s Dammbruch EP, and their latest, 2026’s Violet Skies. Violet Skies was released on February 13th 2026 and contains eight tracks at forty three...
Indica Blues is a stoner rock band from Oxford, United Kingdom. Forging elements of desert rock, heavy psych, blues, and doom, the band formed in 2014. They consist of Tom Pilsworth on guitar and vocals, Lewis Batten on guitar, Andrew Haines-Villalta on bass, and Rich Walker on drums. Their recordings include two four song EPs, 2014’s Towers Rising and 2016’s...
Motsus are a Belgium three-piece band specializing in heavy instrumental stoner rock with doom and psychedelic vibes. The band consists of Tom Maene on guitar, Wouter Verhelst on bass, and Wouter Velle on drums. Formed in 2012, Motus released their debut full length album, 2018’s Oumuamua and most recently, their sophomore record 2026’s Atlas. Atlas came out on January 30th...
REDWOOD, the heavy psychedelic/ stoner rock band from California, are back with another new album! Sheafer McOmber from the band Deer Lord just released his last record three months ago, 2025’s Red Colony (review here). Eight months before that, 2025’s Sky Offering (review here) saw the light of day. McOmber is a one man operation and a very talented musician...
As I reflect back on this past weekend at Ralph’s Rock Diner in Worcester, Massachusetts, I am completely blown away on the reception we got from my old band’s first show in over seventeen years. The love and support that we received from our old school and new fans alike was completely amazing and humbling. The love and appreciation felt...
Temptress is heavy rocking doom metal trio originated in Dallas, Texas. Formed in 2019, the band consists of Kelsey Wilson on guitar and vocals, Christian Wright on bass and vocals, and Andi Cuba on drums and vocals. The music combines heavy psych, grunge, stoner, and doom, with atmospheric layers of synth and post-hardcore elements also. They released a three song...
Lord Elephant is a three-piece instrumental heavy psychedelic stoner doom band from Florence, Italy. The power trio consists of Leandro Gaccione on guitar, Eduardo De Nardi on bass, and Tommaso Urzino on drums. They released their debut album, 2022’s Cosmic Awakening, and 2023’s Doom Sessions Vol.8 (Split with Oreyeon) on Heavy Psych Sounds. They just released their sophomore album called...
New Mexican Doom Cult is a four-piece band from Gävle, Sweden. Formed in 2015, their sound is a mix of proto-metal, doom, and heavy psych. The current lineup consists of: Nils on guitars and vocals, Fredrik on bass, David on guitars, and Magnus on drums. They have released their debut full length album, 2023’s From The Crypt, and a slew...