Lacertilia – Transcend

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · November 17, 2025

Lacertilia is a cosmic stoner rock band from Cardiff, United Kingdom. Formed in 2013, the South Wales five-piece consists of Matt Fry on vocals, Lucas Zalunski on guitar, Michael Young-Temple on guitar, Ed Hughes on bass, and Tom Lee on drums. They have released 2015’s Crashing Into The Future EP, 2016’s We’re Already Inside Your Mind, 2017’s Live at Hellfest 2016, 2020’s Calling The Quarters, and 2025’s Transcend. They also put out a few singles throughout their inception too. Transcend is the band’s latest release which came out on October 24th on Majestic Mountain Records. It contains eleven tracks around forty nine minutes long.

“Archaic Oscillations” is an acoustic space trip of an introduction right into “We Go Here”. The band makes a devastating entrance of thick fuzz-driven grooves of riffalicious heaviness. Lacertilia is an avalanche of prime heavy stoner metal with a twisted hardcore punk edge. The music delves into many styles of heavy rock including psychedelic and blues. “We Go Here” is a grandiose opening track that kicks so much ass, they immediately command my full attention and focus. The vocals are so varied and unique. He has a smooth but raw singing style laced with some aggressive vocals also. The band storms into each riff with stellar grooves and dynamics, as demonstrated on “Listen Close”. Transcend is an amazing musical mastodon of ginormous riffs, grooves, and noisy intervals of sonic bliss.

Lacertilia covers the full audio spectrum of heavy underground music. “Over And Out” conjures scorching leads and menacing riffs wrapped around a personal message. They really fire off the beautiful melodies and blues infused rhythms. The head tripping “Nothing’s Sacred” is incredible! The song is a mellow and mind blowing experience in a ten minute span. The music shifts into more heavy territory here and there and has a spacy aura about it. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful and expansive tracks on Transcend. “Nothing is safe no more, nothing is sacred” has a powerful drive in the vocals. “Transcending” begins with an alluring tribal groove of clean guitars, with huge percussion. The instrumental piece is captivating and starts subtle but builds into an exquisite interlude.

“Deviate From The Plan” cranks up the heavy riffs again and it’s another crushing song! The vocals are raspy on this one and the music is crunchy and groove-laden. Lacertilia are creating some intriguing and amazing songs continuing on with “Weird Scenes”, “Cerulean Sky”, and the closer, “The Sky Is The Key”. The final track is a big one! The mellow and jamming beginning has a smooth crescendo as the vocals flex their diversity. The lyrics on all of these tracks are pretty expressive and awesome, quite frankly. The seven minute mammoth covers a lot of musical terrain. The slow but progressive build up of the song is patient but persistent. Both music and vocals dials in the intensity simultaneously, and takes the tune for a ride. Dazzling leads and bombastic pounding grooves ensue, as the song blasts off into oblivion. A fitting choice for such a magnificent recording.

I am really digging what this band is doing. They are super original and create such deep songs that require many listens. I can tell that Transcend has done just that to me. I am totally enthralled with this band and album right now. This is some top notch fuzz rock that will inspire and connect with you, as long as you allow it in. I am so grateful that such amazing bands exist today.