He’s got his finger in every little pie around. Doing stuff for Doomed & Stoned, Stoner HiVe and his very own Howls From The Hollow. Which will soon air it’s hundredth episode with aid from many of the Doom Chart Contributors… He joined the Doom Charts in March 2019 and has been doing everything is very own distinct Reek of STOOM style. Short blurbs often with a twist; and at the end of every year his favorite album from every month. How fitting for the monthly Doom Charts! Sure, you can browse his other favorite albums on Stoner HiVe or his slightly different list on Doomed & Stoned. But here are the Reek of STOOM monthly best! And it’s a dozen best of the best! So, best of wishes to Reek of STOOM and keep bringing that Reek twist to things!
JANUARY
STARIFIED – FAT HITS
I stumbled across this excellent Russian trio a little over two years ago; their previous album “Feathers” being one that I reviewed over at Stoner HiVe. I predicted big things for them back then, and with the new arrival of “Fat Hits” and their signing to prodigious Californian label Ripple. They have completely surpassed all my expectations. Right from the off, “Scapegoat” prowls with the menace of a Doom riff, swaggering and brooding – the trademark licks and hooks are all there, but beefier and more prominent. Then comes the first single release, “Don Loco”, a story of descent into madness replete with Vadim’s powerful vocal delivery captures STARIFIED’s sound implicitly: Heavy, groovy and catchy. Every song on the album has a diverse energy all of it’s own: “Anti-Rebel”s punk chugging breaking down into an Indie-Metal groove, “Wider Lane”s Melodic Metal flesh through to the Post-Hardcore doomings of “Noah” Every track delivered and executed with a new vigour and attitude that oozes pure class! STARIFIED have created a diverse, brilliant and thoroughly Modern Stoner Doom album….a highlight of 2021 already.
FEBRUARY
SPELLJAMMER – ABYSSAL TRIP
“Abyssal Trip” is a sprawling, monumental and crippling slice of Psychedelic Doom that rivals CONAN and SLOMATICS with it’s Jovian gravities and UFOMAMMUT’s swirling, dark ambiences…TRULY EPIC! End of year lister guaranteed!
MARCH
ACID OMENS – DREAMS
This Russian combo offered up one of the best Psychedelic experiences of the year: A melting-pot of Acid, Sludge, Prog Rock and Experimentation that truly IS mind-bending, both in sound and experience!
APRIL
MYTHIC SUNSHIP – WILDFIRE
The ninth studio excursion for these Spaced-Out Danes has an intensity, an intent about it right from the off: “Wildfire”‘s surging riffs plunge deeper and heavier than ever before, sonically free-form and vigorous, and that means only one thing – Vital, surging Space Rock!
MAY
ALASTOR – ONWARDS AND DOWNWARDS
Abyssal Doom of the Highest Order, “Onwards and Upwards” contains Majesty, Power and Crushing riffs so thick you’ll need a snorkel!
JUNE
BOSS KELOID – FAMILY THE SMILING THRUSH
When a band can incorporate the intricate precision of Gentle Giant and weld it to the powerful mesmerism of Motorpsycho, you KNOW you’re onto a winner. A Masterclass of Progressive Rock, with twists, turns and tribulations that bewilder, excite and charm simultaneously. Year-end Lister for sure. Immerse yourself in the knots and convolutions of a band who are at the zenith of their game.
This Brazilian band generates highly-charged, excitable Prog in the same manner as Motorpsycho, Boss Keloid etc… Slammingly heavy, masterfully executed!
AUGUST
KAL-EL – DARK MAJESTY
Norwegian Noise Druids KAL-EL epitomise the Sound of Doom. Their hybrid influences of BS, EW and CM are worn like proud bandanas, and rightly so! Their new offering “Dark Majesty” encapsulates the band’s ethos: create authentic, credible and exhilarating Doom metal in time-honoured fashion. Not only do they accomplish it, they surpass and raise the standard higher than ever. That classic Sabs background is there, but Kal-El seem to have evolved it… run with it, made it something all of their own – and THAT is the beginning of Legends. No-Brainer for AOTY contention.
SEPTEMBER
AGUSA – EN ANNAN VÄRLD
Two epic tracks highlight the breadth of musicianship and innovation on display in “En annan värld” from Swedish Progressive Rock band AGUSA: The Scandinavian penchant for melody is imprinted on both of these excellent tracks, evoking memories of Janus, Anglagard, Opeth and Tabula Rasa respectively. Any fan of Epic Progressive Rock will fail to find fault – Outstanding!
OCTOBER
DUST MOUNTAIN – HYMNS FOR WILDERNESS
An intoxicating blend of Psychedelia, Pagan/Folk, Doom and Black Metal that is simply lush, expansive and totally addictive. From the people behind ORANSSI PAZUZU/WASTE OF SPACE ORCHESTRA, this is 7 tracks of Pure GLORY!
NOVEMBER
KANAAN – EARTHBOUND
Norwegian Psychedelic Spacelords KANAAN get heavy with the fuzz pedals on this latest outing – leaner, meaner and heavier than previous efforts, this is a masterclass in Modern Progressive Psychedelia!
DECEMBER
WEEDPECKER – IV: THE STREAM OF FORGOTTEN THOUGHTS
Polish Psychonauts WEEDPECKER bring their singular brand of Melodic Sludgy Stoner Rock to melting point on “The Stream Of Forgotten Thoughts’ ‘. 8 tracks of prime lysergic loudness guaranteed to take you off on mind-bending adventures. Excellent!
Doom Charts 