HÖG- BLACKHOLE

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · September 27, 2025

HÖG are a 3-piece heavy rock band from Portland, Oregon. Consisting of Daniel on guitars and vocals, Adam on drums, and Bobcat on bass, the band originally formed in 2018. They initially released a three song Self Titled EP in 2022, with a different drummer and bassist. HÖG play a style of 70’s driven hard rock with hardcore and punk influences throughout. They just released their debut full length album entitled BLACKHOLE on August 22nd 2025, on RidingEasy Records. It contains eight tracks at thirty five minutes long.

“Don’t Need You” rips out of the gate with a hard rocking aggression that is thoroughly felt, rather than just heard. The bombastic drumming and blistering guitars are fantastic! The band definitely has the hard seventies rock vibe happening but that’s only a piece to their overall sound. The frantic first riff cycles into some hardcore, doom, with heavy psych and blues. HÖG are dishing out the jams in such splendid fashion! “Life Too Late” has the driving rock allure of Motörhead with Daniel’s vocals being raspy akin to Lemmy, but not as throaty. This song has hints of prog screaming out of the guitar leads that is laced with some pure punk frenzy. The drumming of Adam is on fire! Clusters of fills and hammering beats are played throughout this whole record. The music is pretty straight forward with elements of angular rhythms and scorching guitar leads.

The title track “Blackhole” hits it hard and direct. Accentuating riffs with an old school flare, the song is a rager! Daniel cranks out some powerful and electrifying leads backed by a rock solid rhythm section. Bassist Bobcat lays down the groove as Adam smashes his drums with undeniable confidence and conviction. “Bring You Down” conjures up some heavy psych with a splash of warm vocal effects to lure you right in. The riff rocking tones are met with powerful Angus Young style leads that are so dynamic. At the end of the song, the bass growls into a break that is magnified by the fury of wah guitar sounds and crazy mid tempo percussion. It is all enhanced by electrifying leads and blustering rhythms.

“City Witch” carries the hardcore torch doused in heavy rocking fuel. The acceleration is almost to the floor on a lot of these tracks. However, the more subdued start to “Shallow Earth” brings in the doom with spoken vocals to match. HÖG anchors back into the speed rocking rage combined with scores of dynamic and bluesy leads. The transitions are flawless and flow smoothly into one another. “My Mind (Is Getting Heavy)” dials down the intensity slightly but only to express other heavy components of their music. BLACKHOLE has a very captivating sound and message that is hard to not love and wanna keep listening.

The final song on the album is called “Free”. It’s an older song that was featured on the band’s original three song EP, dating back to 2022. It’s a tremendous track and a great closing song to complete this amazing recording. The frantic riffing and reckless drumming are in full swing on this one. The wailing guitar solos are brilliantly executed and cap off this tightly crafted piece of musical art. There’s a strong sense of urgency in these eight songs that really sets up nicely with the overall production. HÖG recorded these tracks on 2” reel tape (analog) and it really captures the warmth and energy suitable for their style. I am totally hooked on their sound and these songs resonate with me completely.

Whether it’s because of my current state of mind or sonic roots of hardcore and proto-metal, these songs are exactly what I was craving. Repeated listens have only solidified my resolve for how much I enjoy this record. HÖG are in contention for debut album of the year and an exceptional band to watch out for in the future.