The Well – …And Flames Ran Like Living Animals

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · September 14, 2026

The Well is a heavy rock trio from Austin, Texas that coalesces stoner rock, doom, and heavy psych into one entity of audio arousal. They consist of Ian Graham on guitar and vocals, Lisa Alley on bass and vocals, and Jason Sullivan on drums. The band have released four full length albums including: 2014’s Samsara, 2016’s Pagan Science, 2019’s Death And Consolation, and their latest, 2026’s …And Flames Ran Like Living Animals. The band also released two EPs, 2012’s Seven and 2013’s First Trip. …And Flames Ran Like Live Animals was released on September 14th 2026 on Spaceflight Records. It contains nine tracks at forty minutes long.

The Well have become one of my recent favorite bands as of late. I saw the band live for the first time at Planet Desert Rock Weekend this past January and again just recently, on August 29th 2026. I really love their last three records and the latest album, …And Flames Ran Like Live Animals is another masterpiece release from this amazing band! I was lucky enough to buy a copy on vinyl when I recently saw the band and I’ve listened to it every night since then, sometimes twice in a row! The Well has such a mesmerizing effect on me when I listen to their music and this latest release is another hypnotic experience in sonic brilliance. The songs all have such an organic and vibrant sound to them that they each tell a compelling story. However, as one entity, …And Flames Ran Like Live Animals is a musical masterpiece in my eyes (and ears). The colorful album artwork says a lot about what message the band wanted to convey with this record, whereas the three other releases are black and white. The bright colors and abstract flare complement the musical art that lies within.

The opening track, “Season Of The Flame” doesn’t waste anytime and cranks out the doom heavy riffage in hard rocking fashion. The song is a no-frills stoner doom classic in its entirety. The dual vocals of Ian and Lisa are as captivating as ever. The music dips into a mellow bridge midway through and expresses their shared vocal harmonies. The psychedelic elements in the music are soothing and satisfying when combined with the fuzzy rhythms of heavy doom. The second track entitled, “Love Cult (Xmass)” is a total banger! The heavy riffs and great singing combination are stellar! The song has a dark and doomy feel with the haunting vocals and dirge-like tones of classic 70’s rock. There’s heavy psych textures and great guitar leads shining through. The trade off vocals at the end of the track, are particularly rewarding and sonically satisfying.

The doom continues on with the monolithic third track called “Between The Bodies”. This heavy slab of thick Sabbath-style classic rock riffs are so compelling on their own. The music is heavy and introspective and each instrument is an essential ingredient to the way the song plays out. The dynamic vocals layered on top are absolutely beautiful also. “Mother Leeds” is another spellbinding piece! The song begins with an organ and Ian Graham singing along as it soon progresses from there. The Well has a real skill for song crafting because “Mother Leeds” brings you on an unwavering sonic journey. The music crescendos and drives fuzzy tones and heavy stoner grooves along for a glorious cosmic adventure, and what a grandiose song to complete side A of this vinyl record with.

“New Hallelujah For The Damned” begins side B with a strong entrance and it was the first single from the album. The song is a riff rocker with a blanket of keys layered on top. The nasty guitar leads are righteous as is the whole vibe and resonance of the song. The next track, “Love Look This Way” begins a little chilled out with a spoken sample. The song slithers along nicely with subdued vocals and atmospheric tones. It’s a heady song that is easy to get completely lost in. The next colossal piece is called “Mystery Babylon”. It’s a thick chugging doom riff that is dense and heavy in mammoth proportions. The song has a great breakdown in the middle, as the drums and grooving bass begin a jam that transcends with guitars and vocals blending in.

“Dillinger’s Requiem” is a short poetic spoken piece that serves as a reset and intro for the final song, “Other Girls”. The song has an uneasy feeling with the vibe but that is absolutely intentional, I imagine. The haunting aura and transition of tones is completely mesmerizing with the way that The Well are able to emit so much emotion into these nine tracks is incredible. …And Flames Ran Like Live Animals is a brilliant return for The Well and the band continue to create such enthralling music that permeates my body and soul. This album is ranked very high on my favorites list and continues to grow with each and every listen. The music is either a religious experience or a demonic possession. I think the band took my soul the night I recently saw them live because I am completely addicted and obsessed with this album. So I urge the eager listener to be careful with this one because its potential to take over is likely and imminent.