Dozer – Rewind To Return: Rarities, Singles, and B- Sides

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · September 8, 2025

Sweden’s stoner rock legends Dozer have released a new album of older material called Rewind To Return: Rarities, Singles, and B- Sides on August 1st 2025. Blues Funeral Recordings, who worked with the band on their last record, 2023’s Drifting In The Endless Void (review here) have released this one too. The current lineup of Dozer consists of Fredrik Nordin on vocals and rhythm guitar, Tommi Holappa (also originator and creator of Greenleaf) on lead guitar, Johan Rockner on bass, and Sebastian Olsson (also in Greenleaf) on the drums. The band have released 1999’s Coming Down The Mountain Split EP with Unida, 2000’s In The Tail Of A Comet, 2001’s Madre De Dios, 2003’s Call It Conspiracy, 2006’s Through The Eyes Of Heathens, 2008’s Beyond Colossal, 2013’s Vultures, and 2023’s Drifting In The Endless Void. The Bandcamp write up for Rewind To Return states: “In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Dozer present ‘Rewind to Return,‘ a double album of singles, rare tracks and b-sides from across their proliferant history. Dozer have always been prolific. Driven by take-no-prisoners energy, they’d hit the studio often, laying down songs in rapid-fire batches with little concern for schedules and album planning, and their early days saw the band self-release a multitude of small run 7-inch singles that tapped into their DIY leanings and allowed forward momentum at maximum velocity. More songs surfaced on compilations and as limited release b-sides, while others went into the proverbial vault.Neither a chronological document nor a comprehensive assemblage of every non-album track, ‘Rewind to Return‘ is a carefully considered selection of the band’s favorites, chosen for their meaning and impact. Brilliantly remastered by Karl Daniel Lidén, this collection was created as the best possible record to commemorate Dozer’s vast catalog and untouchable three decade legacy at the forefront of the heavy underground.”

Dozer has been one of my favorite bands since I first heard them back in 2004. I have been following them ever since and was exasperated when they re-emerged with 2023’s Drifting In The Endless Void. Last year, I witnessed the band’s triumphant return to the United States. The review of that unbelievable live show is here. Dozer has such a distinct sound that has really transformed throughout their two decades plus of existence. Rewind To Return: Rarities, Singles, and B- Sides Is a collection of older material, a good amount that I have never heard before.

“Tanglefoot” is a hard driven rock song that was released originally in 1998, as part of the Demon Cleaner VS Dozer Split. The recording has a nice raw and bass heavy sound and features the band at its early stages of creativity and development. “Hail The Dude” hits it hard! It was released a year later in 1999 as Domestic Dudes Split w/ Demon Cleaner. You can already hear Dozer expanding their range but staying fuzz rocking to the core. The riff-centric bluesy guitar leads, psychedelic twists, and the bass driving rhythms, accompanied by the pounding drums, all make for a great song. The third track called “Centerline”, was also on the Demon Cleaner VS Dozer Split. It’s another great song that has a desert rock feel with the simple drum beats and fuzz scorching guitar tones and the overall funky groove. The next track, “Southern Star” was a bonus track on the Call It Conspiracy album. It came out in 2003, as the crisp and clean production was another transition in the band’s sound evolution. The vocals are very powerful on this and the music is just killer and rocking. “The Electrocuter” was a B-side on 2002’s Day of the Rope 7”. A head ripping number that is equally devastating and hook friendly.

The next track is called “Universe 75”, a heavy and fuzzy wall of sound and musical annihilation. This was an early demo and it’s a savage beast of pounding rhythms and a mellow mix of cosmic harmony. “Serpent’s Head” was a 2011 reissue bonus track for In The Tail Of The Comet. It has a fuzzy space and tribal tone that kicks ass. The sound quality is great on this track. The halfway point on this hour plus long album brings us to a classic number. “Rings Of Saturn” was originally on the vinyl release on their second release, Madre De Dios. It’s a bulldozing song of sheer volume and heaviness. A Misfits cover of the song “She” is next. The band makes it their own by slowing down the beginning into a sludgy and phased-out doom riff. They then rip into the hardcore pace that the punk fueled song calls for. The aptly titled “Mammoth Mountain” from the 1997 Nerve Compilation CD with local Borlänge, Sweden bands. Next we have “Silverball” from 1999’s Hawaiian Cottage split w/ Demon Cleaner. It’s another rip roaring song that Dozer has been actively pushing out since their inception.

“Star By Star” has the same pristine production as Call It Conspiracy and was recorded at the same time, I believe. It was used on two different releases, a Split 7” with Giants of Science (released in Australia when they toured there in 2004), and also a B-side on the Rising CD single. It’s an excellent rocking song, full of spunk and energy. “Seasons Of Giants” and the last track, “Two Ton Butterfly” are very old ones that were on early demos. “Vinegar Fly” is an awesome cover song from fellow Swede’s, Sunride. The track was recorded in 2004 with the other songs from Vultures. It’s a great song and a nice addition to this already stacked compilation. Dozer delivers the goods with all their releases. The band is a long time favorite of mine for good reason, they are amazing! A new listener can start with any of their albums and this one is a great catalyst to diving into their music. This is a fantastic release with a full remaster from the incredible Karl Daniel Liden. I love the band’s complete catalog and these songs are very appealing to me right now. Hearing some of these old songs for the first time is amazing. I really enjoyed the continuous growth and expansion of the Dozer sound. The root songs are what is contained on this record. It has a comprehensive variety of songs that will appeal to most people with a good set of ears and musical sense.