Riff rock and band reviews: My favorites in heavy fuzz/stoner/doom & metal

Luna Sol – Vita Mors

I’m not sure how this band got past my heavy rock radar. Being a big fan of the John Garcia fronted band Hermano, I somehow missed out on this one. Luna Sol from Denver, Colorado, features Hermano and Supafuzz guitarist David Angstrom as the frontman and guitarist. The lineup is rounded out with drummer Zeth Pedulla and bassist Doug Tackett....

Brant Bjork Trio – Once Upon A Time In The Desert 

Brant Bjork is a legend in the stoner/desert rock world. His musical bio reads like a history book. He was the original drummer of Kyuss (on 1991’s Wretch and 1992’s Blues For The Red Sun), played drums in Fu Manchu (on 1997’s The Action Is Go, 1999’s Godzillas/ Eatin’ Dust, 1999’s King Of The Road, and 2021’s California Crossing), played...

Slomosa – Tundra Rock

Slomosa are a quartet hailing from Bergen, Norway. Their sound is a mix of stoner rock and grunge with catchy melodies. The band formed in 2017 but solidified their lineup in 2020 and released their debut Self Titled album, that same year. The record was well received, despite being released during the pandemic. The band members consist of: Benjamin Berdous...

Iota – Pentasomnia

Iota is a 3-piece, heavy psychedelic rock band from Salt Lake City, Utah. They formed in 2002 and released their debut album in 2008 entitled Tales, on Small Stone Records. The album was very well received and remains a landmark record for the psychedelic space rock universe. It was a top release of 2008 and a favorite to many fans...

Legions Of Doom – The Skull 3

On August 22nd, 2021, the doom and rock community mourned the loss of a true icon. Eric Wagner. He was one of doom metal’s most legendary singers. His vocals were unmistakable in Trouble and The Skull. I remember first hearing “At The End Of My Daze” on the 1990 Self Titled Trouble album and thinking, this singer is incredible. The...

Black Tusk – The Way Forward 

Black Tusk formed in 2005 and is from Savannah, Georgia. They play heavy sludge metal music with punk and hardcore influences. The band has been associated with acts like Kylesa and Baroness. The mentioned Savannah based bands started as playing heavy sludge metal but have changed their musical styles throughout their careers. Black Tusk have remained true to their original...