“井の中の蛙大海を知らず”
~ Zhuangzi

The February Peroration rolls out as Kiribati rolls into Friday. A good day, music wise, across the globe! And we would love to hear more from that side of the globe. And not just because we are featured in a new book, written by the very cool Nobu from Hebi Katana. It’s called the Doom Metal Guidebook and is there for all who are proficient enough in the wonderful Japanese language. We are truly honored to be included. And we hope more bands from that side of the globe manage to find us. And perhaps even another blogger, writer or podcaster from that region. Cause even though we have tons of albums and many Contributors, we always look for more… And there is always more, just check out the 21 albums on the February Peroration Post. Some made the regular list, many didn’t. And some of those that didn’t even have multiple blurbs! Which I guess means they definitely have something special going on… Something special!

The following are professions of love and adoration by Doom Charts Contributors for albums they could not stop spinning. Each month, the Doom Charts critics submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and other sorts of heavy rock and metal albums. The results are compiled and tabulated into the chart which is published on the First Friday of the new month. However, sometimes a love is so great, but for whatever reason the album unfortunately did not make the published Doom Charts Edition or because there were so many contributors in love with that one album, that multiple blurbs were written, and only the one got published… Well, you can peruse that love here…

BLOKE – LIVING WITHOUT EXPECTATIONS
New Wave, Krautrock, Noise
Berlin, Germany
Tonzonen Records / Cargo Records

Berlin-based band BLOKE‘s compositions are rooted firmly in the eighties new wave era, but instead of rehashing what came before, they drown them in psychedelic noise and krautrock to give their debut ep that special kind of oomph – a certain je ne sais quoi that leaves you wanting more and makes you come back time and time again for another spin.
~ Ronny Dijksterhuis (Stoner HiVe)

THE BOY THAT GOT AWAY – PEACETIME
Stoner Rock, Grunge
Denmark
Self-released

Equally heavy and heartfelt, there’s not a subpar track to be had on Peacetime, the latest album from Danish grungy stoner rockers THE BOY THAT GOT AWAY. This is an album that sees the band continuing to do what they do best: expertly intertwining the expressiveness of melody with an undercurrent of raw heaviness and grit. On Peacetime, you’ll find sandblasted desert textures, familiar heavy rock tones, stoner groove, metallic steadfastness, and murky grunge; in a nutshell: a whole lot of genuine soul counterbalanced by the stark weight of reality.
~ Stephanie Zalta (DoomCakes, Screaming From The Heavy Underground)

BLUNT KNIFE CASTRATION – LIVE FAST DIE SLOW
Metal, Sludge, Doom
England, UK
Remorseless Records

This may be a far cry from winning a Grammy this year but where BKT may miss the pop music voter hearts, they stockpile the album with extra nasty vibes in battle form. Ripping and slashing with unrelenting riffs and snarling vocals that would send fear streaking down the back of a modern day werewolf in sheep’s clothing. Blood covers the ground and flesh lay in the crimson wastelands to decay and become a feast for the carrion.
~ Bobby Rayfield (Monuments In Ruin, Inherent Records, Mystery Pick)

CHRISTIAN MISTRESS – CHILDREN OF THE EARTH
Heavy Metal, Proto, NWOBHM, Doom
Olympia, Washington
Cruz Del Sur Music

CHRISTIAN MISTRESS bow at the altar of Judas Priest, early Scorpions, and bands from the NWOBHM times, (think Witchfinder General with awesome female vocals) and pair nicely with contemporary bands like Castle, Haunt, High Spirits, Lucifer, and Wytch. Their new record, Children Of The Earth, is short and goes by quickly, but stop complaining, this is the first new CHRISTIAN MISTRESS material in ten years! If you like traditional metal with killer female vocals and fun songwriting you will really dig this record.
~ Rich Piva (Musipedia of Metal, FuzzDoomRip)

CLOUDS TASTE SATANIC – BIRMINGHAM 2024
Heavy Psych, Stoner Rock, Stoner Metal, Doom
New York, NY, USA
Self-released

Thundering through space and time, their radiating sunburst moves swiftly and without falter into the darkest of places. Unobstructed, it passes lightyears beyond the worlds we know. Its touch, a reflection of moments ago, brings a warmth and heartiness of future to the creatures that may witness the majestic spark. At times, weightless and gracefully living in combination with the heaviness of a neutron star, these songs carry us to new lands where our culture can be reborn.
~ Bobby Rayfield (Monuments In Ruin, Inherent Records, Mystery Pick)

CONIFER BEARD – СТРАНСТВИЙ СКАЗ
Stoner, Alternative Rock
Yelabuga, Russia
CSBR Records

On their earlier records CONIFER BEARD tried to keep the spirit of Fu Manchu and Kyuss alive with straight forward stoner. It was a bit of a hit and miss affair, especially because the English lyrics and delivery seemed a bit out of place. Now they’re back with a new ep where a wonderful intro and outro bookmark four hammering stoner rock songs, all sung in Russian. And that’s the best thing they could’ve done. Sure, you can still hear the old influences, but they’re less on the forefront and it seems as if singing in a language closer to their hearts opened new doors to incorporate psychedelic rock and alternative rock into their sound. It gives it their own little twist and results in a great ep that makes you eager to hear where they’ll go next.
~ Ronny Dijksterhuis (Stoner HiVe)

DORRE – FORTRESS
Post Metal, Progressive Metal
Belgium
Lay Bare Recordings

DORRE is a proto metal band that expertly layers psychedelic rock into their sound, adding a fluidity that counteracts the abrasiveness of the metal textures. Ultimately, this creates kaleidoscopic atmospheres that are tethered to, but not bogged down by the weightiness of metal. The band also utilizes many progressive concepts such as longer-form song arrangement, a skillful use of building, and the resulting changeable nature of each track. Knowing this, it’s not surprising that one of the best qualities of DORRE‘S latest release Fortress is its sheer unpredictability, keeping the listener excitedly on the edge of their seat for the entire duration of this enthralling album. In fact, the cinematic quality of Fortress makes it thoroughly immersive; there’s absolutely no way to listen without being plunged into its delightfully volatile tale.
~ Stephanie Zalta (DoomCakes, Screaming From The Heavy Underground)

GREY MOUNTAIN – GREY MOUNTAIN
Blackened Doom Metal, Death Metal, Post
London, UK
Eat Lead and Die Music

The variety and dynamics within the album make it stand out from what is already a mountain of new music arriving in 2025. They combine into their doom traditional heavy metal, death, black, post, and even some discordant influences. If that sounds like it a lot that’s because, well, it is. But fear not, the band handles these myriad styles with apparent ease and pulls off a very cohesive experience. The album is just under 39 minutes in length across seven songs so it’s a balanced ride even in terms of running time so coming back to this a few dozen times isn’t a problem at all. The flow is perfect and it goes from one end to the other without any issues. Thankfully, the production/mix handles the different styles very well without anything being muddled–every instrument shines in their own spotlight without overtaking the others. I really like the sound of the rhythm section, very full and encompassing.
~ Justin Wittenmeier (DoomedForMetal)

ICARUS BURNS – ICARUS BURNS
Instrumental, Progressive, Stoner, Psych, Metal
Berlin, Germany
Self-released

The body tingles as the sounds begin to vibrate. Molecules stutter and quake, breaking down the physical to become more than a solid mass. We turn inward and become a being of unseen nature, gliding through our internal bodies. Soaring among the curves of our mind with spirit guided bliss. Ripples push out and trigger a response of reflection where our new eyes can see the call of creation.
~ Bobby Rayfield (Monuments In Ruin, Inherent Records, Mystery Pick)

Where some instrumental albums may leave you fatigued, ICARUS BURNS keeps the listener occupied with the constant evolution of the songs. Their progressive nature keeps you on your toes, and there’s no lack of enthusiasm here. The band are in fine form displaying their craft with a plethora of sounds to keep you engaged, be it the expansive guitar work, the stellar bass, or the extraordinary drums, they all play their part in keeping you vitalized. Comprised of soaring highs and dramatic lows, there’s a certain mythos to the album itself. ICARUS BURNS guides you along that musical narrative, and it really feels as though a story is being ‘told’. From beyond the labyrinth to a scenario where Icarus eludes his misfortune to fly high amongst the heavens, so too does ICARUS BURNS with this excellent release! 
~ Jon McGough (Stoner Rock Army, Stoner HiVe, Outlaws Of The Sun)

KARLA KVLT – THUNDERHUNTER
Doom, Sludge, Post-Metal, Dream Pop
Hamburg, Germany
Exile On Mainstream Records

To be honest,  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this release—I’ve never heard of any of the musicians or the bands they are from. To be further honest, I usually avoid anything with the tags ‘alternative,’ and ‘noise,’ but I also saw the words doom, sludge, and post in the press release so I dived fully into this release. I’m glad I took a chance because “Thunderhunter,” is a darkly unapologetic raw album that embraces a lot of styles while still firmly belonging to the doom/sludge genre.  It’s atmospheric as hell, using its distortion to sprawl out like some intangible force that suffocates everything in its path. It’s a subtle album with a lot of depth, which is yet more reasons to like it.  While definitely intense and emotionally cathartic, the album presents itself on its own terms.  Many listens will be required for absorption to take full effect but with a runtime of just 37 minutes over 7 songs, repeated listens won’t be an issue. 
~ Justin Wittenmeier (DoomedForMetal)

This is some dark, gloomy and heavy shit. Kinda like BIG|BRAVE meets Lana del Rabies with an added bit of mysticism through the use of emotional, subdued female vocals with a dream pop delivery. High quality, high power an high energy. A plain wonderful album that has everything your wretched heart needs.
~ Ronny Dijksterhuis (Stoner HiVe)

LEADFEATHER – ROLL THE DICE
Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Heavy Blues, 70’s
London, UK
Self-released

It’s so nice in the modern world to have a throwback to the past, especially when it comes to infectious, blues-based rock ‘n’ roll. Taking that early blueprint and running with it London’s LEADFEATHER make no qualms about revisiting what may have already been done by adding their own adaptation and flair to the equation. The vocalist has a wide range, and his soaring vocals are a mixture of Plant, Gillan, and Coverdale. The guitarist is no slouch either channeling that 70’s love reminiscent of Zeppelin with an extra emphasis on the blues. We will keep Leadfeather on our radars and in the meantime enjoy this E.P ‘Roll The Dice’.
~ Jon McGough (Stoner Rock Army, Stoner HiVe, Outlaws Of The Sun)

MOTORPSYCHO – MOTORPSYCHO
Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock 
Trondheim, Norway
Det Nordenfjeldske Grammofonselskab

It’s quite likely that you’ve heard of MOTORPSYCHO, an avant-garde progressive rock group from Norway who’s been creating their eclectic style of psychedelic progressive rock since the late 80s. On their latest release, a self-titled double album (appropriately eloquent for this magnum opus), MOTORPSYCHO will mentally seat you before the most captivating theater performance, complete with engaging main acts, a mix of soothing and delightfully peculiar interludes, and mysterious B-plots. Additionally, the inclusion of saccharine but riff-heavy pop rock anthems such as Stanley (Tonight’s the Night) really set the album apart, appealing to a wide variety of heavy music fans. The vehicle for the primary plot line is MOTORPSYCHO‘S signature brand of prog, which is always both futuristic and comfortingly retro, incorporating elements of 70s heavy rock, space rock, jazz, proto metal, and above all, an immeasurable number of elaborate twists and turns that propel the listener on a most immersive mind flight.
~ Stephanie Zalta (DoomCakes, Screaming From The Heavy Underground)

MÖUTH – GLOBAL WARNING
Heavy Psych, Stoner Doom
Stockholm, Sweden
Bonebag Records

MÖUTH delivers a sonic avalanche, a powerful mix of raw energy and refined art. Heavy-rock songs, evoking the sound of large stadiums, the Swedes show their skillful handling of melodies in heavy and solid songs in contrast to other more alternative songs with clear inspiration from the sounds of the 90s. With doom touches, they put the emphasis on building catchy songs with epic moments, MÖUTH are a fresh band with things to contribute. Their songs with a vocation for anthems offer a pleasant and fun listen since their combination of Stoner elements with heavy-rock or proto-metal born in the 70s are extremely effective.
~ Roberto Lucas (Denpa Fuzz)

THE PIGHOUNDS – TUTTI FRUTTI
Garage Rock, Grunge, Stoner Rock
Dortmund, Germany
Noisolution

Tutti Frutti, the third full-length release from Dortmund grungy garage rockers THE PIGHOUNDS, is an album that’s as spirited as it is therapeutic. While it’s safe to say that THE PIGHOUNDS draw from garage, stoner, grunge, alternative, punk, and psychedelic rock influences, their overall sound is uniquely their own. Most notably, this is a sound that forms very naturally, in a gradual and layered way, just as human emotion would. On Tutti Frutti, you’ll find sadness and pain, but it’s always met with an equal amount of optimism and healing, all to the tune of some irresistibly catchy rock music.
~ Stephanie Zalta (DoomCakes, Screaming From The Heavy Underground)

POTHAMUS – ABUR
Sludge, Post Metal, Alternative
Mechelen, Belgium
Pelagic Records

I doubt if I have ever heard a more astonishing evolution between a first and second album than what POTHAMUS shows us on their sophomore effort ‘Abur‘. Based around repetitive post-metal patterns, hammering sludge and experimental, drawn-out atmospheric alternative music, they create a world all its own. Diverse, captivating and full of confidence they guide you to every corner of the heavy underground, while you wander around in awe of everything you see and hear. The shifts in scenery, the soothing chants, the monstrous growls, the thumping bass and drums, the hypnotic soundscapes. It’s al there and it makes ‘Abur‘ an extraordinary listening experience, stretching from the deepest pits of the underworld to the most beautiful and delicate places in paradise.
~ Ronny Dijksterhuis (Stoner HiVe)

REQUIEM BLUES – REQUIEM BLUES
70’s, Retro, Blues, Heavy Rock
Liverpool, UK
Helium Head Records

The term power trio may get thrown around often, but REQUIEM BLUES are the true definition of the classification. The guitarist is a modern guitar god who plays with a frenzied passion, the bassist might as well be called a ‘lead bass’ player with his feverish style being felt across every note, and the drummer is a master of percussion whose skill is fiery and intense. The album sounds like it was recorded in a rehearsal space with the vocals having a middle-of the mix live show feel to them, which only adds to their allurement. REQUIEM BLUES are first-class musicians, and they join bands like last years Magick Potion and Emu with this new resurgence of retro rock and 70’s worship. The future is bright!
~ Jon McGough (Stoner Rock Army, Stoner HiVe, Outlaws Of The Sun)

SAMSARA TRIP – SAMSARA TRIP
Instrumental, Stoner, Psych, Rock
San Antonio, Chile
Self-released

You’re in for a delightful surprise as SAMSARA TRIP have your bags packed ready to take you on that long-awaited holiday you so desperately need. Their debut album plays more like a pilgrimage rather than a fancy resort setting, where you must endure the chilly nights beside a calming fire and it’s only you, yourself, and the universe gazing back. SAMSARA TRIP bring the soothing heavy psych sounds that caress your wandering thoughts, swirling guitar passages, a loud steadfast bass, and commanding drum rhythms. There are far more things at play, heavier moments that are sneaked in amongst the psychedelic backdrop bringing not only clarity to the wandering mind but contrast and diversity to the album.
~ Jon McGough (Stoner Rock Army, Stoner HiVe, Outlaws Of The Sun)

SCORPION CHILD – I SAW THE END AS IT PASSED RIGHT THROUGH ME
Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Post Punk, Dark Wave
Austin, Texas
Noize In The Attic Records

SCORPION CHILD released their second album, Acid Roulette, in 2016, and then kind of disappeared. The band has had a revolving door of members, players who went to other bands, and even a partial record was recorded then scrapped in 2020 amid reports the band was done. Alas, the band is now back, with a new lineup and a new record, I Saw The End As It Passed Right Through Me, with the only original member remaining being singer Aryn Jonathan Black, and this record rocks. The classic rock/Zeppelin comparisons are not totally invalid on record three, but these songs lean way more into post punk, darkwave, and even into evil punk, with some songs reminding me of AFI, but never do they venture too far away from a big, arena rock sound on the eight tracks. A dark and complex record and not at all what I was expecting in the best possible way.
~ Rich Piva (Musipedia of Metal, FuzzDoomRip)

SEEKER – SEEKER
Stoner Rock, Doom, Space
Gainesville, Florida, USA
Self-released

Atmospheric space themed doom grooves bursting at the seams with crunchy riffage and powerful rhythms. Vocals throughout this superb, but far too short, release are delivered in a powerful tonal mix of melancholy and yearning and are accompanied by searing, swirling lead guitar work. They say space is infinite and you’ll be wishing this release had those same properties because you’ll never want it to end!
~ Frazer Jones (Desert Psychlist)

SHREW – SHREW
Portland, Oregon, USA
Psych, Stoner, 70s Hard Rock, Proto
Glory or Death Records

What happens when the best parts of the amazing bands Greenseeker and Slow Goat come together? How about the record of the year candidate and self-titled debut from Portland, Oregon band SHREW?  This record is fuzzy, heavy, raw, groovy, and even sexy, psych-ladened rock and roll that gets better and better on each listen. The songs are masterfully played and the songwriting has moved to a more personal point of view from the more fantasy leanings of Greenseeker, with amazing results. A breathtaking record and one fans of every heavy rock genre will not be able to get enough of.
~ Rich Piva (Musipedia of Metal, FuzzDoomRip)

SHRIEKING DEMONS – THE FESTERING DWELLERS
Death metal, thrash, sludge, doom
Italy
Transcending Obscurity Records

As hellish and unrelenting as it is, there’s something vital and celebratory about SHRIEKING DEMONS‘ new record. The Italians wear their love of old school death metal on their sleeve, while sounding unquestionably original, fresh, and out of their goddamn minds. Filthy, filthy fun that twists and turns and shreds while never being anything less than an absolute party.
~ Kyle SB (Good Boy PR, Stoner HiVe)

The Doom Charts February 2025 – Peroration Playlist…

And a special thanks goes out to Günther “Doktor420” (Stoner HiVe) for the cover image…

Special thanks to the ongoing contributors to the monthly Doom Chart.  You folks help give voice to the heavy underground:

Adam Walsh (Earmunchies); Andy Kovalcik (Bandcamp-NYP-Hard&Heavy); Ben Bellum (The Greatest Thing You’ve Never Heard); Billy Goate (Doomed & Stoned); Bob “Mr. Weird Beard” Baker (More Fuzz Podcast); Bobby Rayfield (Monuments In Ruin, Inherent Records, Mystery Pick); Brandon Collins (Morbid And Miserable Records); Bucky Brown (The Ripple Effect); Chris Tighe (The Mighty Decibel); Clint Willis (Hand of Doom Radio); Damien Regnauld (Stoner Freaks Anthology); Edouard Dubuisson (Les chroniques d’Eddy, MetalUniverse); Frazer Jones (Desert Psychlist); Günther “Doktor420” (Stoner HiVe); Ioannis Valiakos (Desert Vulture); Jacob ‘Reverend Fuzzcut’ Baker (CleanAndSoberStoner, Monster Riff); JC Cansdale-Cook (The MotorFuzzin’ Ibex); Jim Thompson (Heavy in the Hills); JJ “HP Taskmaster” Koczan (The Obelisk); John Gist, (Vegas Rock Revolution / The Doomed & Stoned Show); Jon McGough (Stoner Rock Army, Stoner HiVe, Outlaws Of The Sun); Jonny Pirie (Hour of the Riff); Joop Konraad (Stoner HiVe); Justin Wittenmeier (DoomedForMetal); Kyle SB (Good Boy PR, Stoner HiVe); Lee Edwards (The Sleeping Shaman); Marc-Eric Gagnon (Stonefly Effects); Matthew Hartnett (Aftershocks TV / Seismic-Sounds.com); Mel Lie (Sunday’s Heavy Tunes); Michael D’Amato (Playgroundz Rocks, D’Amato Production); Mitch Kline (DoomyRiffs.com); Remi VL (Remi Post Too Many Links); Rich Piva (Musipedia of Metal, FuzzDoomRip); Roberto Lucas (Denpa Fuzz); Rod Reinhardt (Captain Beyond Zen); Ronny Dijksterhuis (Stoner HiVe); Ryan Foster (Slightly Fuzzed); S Patrick Brooks (The Heavy Underground Farm Report, Outlaws of the Sun); Scott Spiers (CleanAndSoberStoner, Monster Riff); Stephanie Zalta (DoomCakes, Screaming From The Heavy Underground); Steve Howe (Outlaws of the Sun); Stevie Reek (Howls from The Hollows, Doomed & Stoned, Stoner HiVe); Thierry “Pumpkin-T“ François (Metal Intégral); Tom Schmahl (Rock Circuz).

Feel free to send in your albums to stonerdoomcharts@gmail.com where they’ll be delegated to the crew above to determine their thoughts and gather the votes at the end of the month. Leave us comments below and let us know what you think about the Charts.