Astral Doom is a year old today.

Thanks to each and all of you.

My intention with Astral Doom was never to be a resource of spectacular quality such as The Obelisk, Sludgelord or Paranoid Hitsophrenic (familiarize yourself). Rather, I wanted to resemble all the independent blogs that existed prior to the powers that be crushed them with DMCA violations and sought to undermine the prominence of the one-click download provider. I discovered some of my favourite bands by wandering upon suggestions and contributions from the community of heavy music fans that exist online. It remains a genuine sadness that many sites and forums I once participated in remain no longer. I’d like to think Astral Doom has been a part of someone else’s journey. I still remember being 14, ten long years ago now, walking home from school with Come My Fanatics destroying my earphones. The authenticity of expression, the organic weight inherent to the music, as well as the words which showered disdain on the existing societal structures of man – these all spoke to me. I only hope it speaks to you now.

Ignominy.

Souls at Zero by Neurosis remains one of my favourite albums of all time. I do hear similar ideas touched and investigated in Come Abuse, who borrow from the aforementioned classic. However, Ignominy have a much greater sense of abandon in their writing. Most of it follows a well trodden path, but the disharmonic nature of some of the riffs and melodies used lets it feel very fresh. The band are considerably closer to playing something akin to experimental hardcore then 'post-metal' as a result. In that sense, it does remind me of an aggressive, modern, re-rendering of the first Killing Joke album. Have a listen on the stream below or DOWNLOAD HERE.

If you're into something slightly more hypnotic and drone orientated, Dying Sun just put out their new album, Transcendence. Band member Dan also decided to share his lucky used book store find below. Yes, I am jealous!!

2014 - Come Abuse

My Top 5 Releases of 2013.

What an exceptional year for music it has been! I've genuinely not even had the time to really dig down with the albums outside this top 5 as much as they deserve. When you consider that includes new music from Uncle Acid, Brutus, Kadavar, Samara Blues Experiment and Cult of Luna, just to name a few off the top of my head, it borders on criminality. Anyway, these are just my favourite albums of the year.... no more, no less. 

5. Chivo - Cantankerous Rock (Self-released)

Thick and heavy stoner rock with excellent drumming (and songs!!). Reminds me of the first Truckfighters album. A quality album of punishing heavy rock from Spain.

4. Blood Ceremony - The Eldritch Dark (Rise Above Records)

Definitely softer in their approach but also more sophisticated, this is safely my favourite record by the band. Their medieval folk melodies are finally allowed to take ultimate precedence. Don't worry though, still plenty of heavy included! 

3. Clutch - Earth Rocker (Weathermaker)

I'm no advocate or dedicated fan, like so many are, but even I can acknowledge this represents another career height for Clutch. Their very best output since Blast Tyrant in my opinion. Each and every song is memorable and delivered with flair. I really like the production too, clear but with lots of punch. Y'know, phat ass sounding drums and shit. 

2. Church Of Misery - Thy Kingdom Scum (Rise Above Records)

Another class act once again peaking. I definitely feel they've slightly shifted their style for this album.. it's a little faster paced, more Clutch than Electric Wizard if that makes any sense, speaking riff wise. Importantly however the groove hasn't left and the bass tone is absolutely delicious. I was compelled to nod my head in pure aural gratification every time I listened. The Japanese masters deliver another essential Doom album. 

1. Magic Circle - Magic Circle (Armageddon Shop)

I have listened to this album so many times this year. It's exceptional in the sense that it does the simple things very well. This might seem like quite an odd observation to make, but it results in the album having an enduring, timeless, CLASSIC quality to it. The vocal performance is extraordinary. It just works in so many levels with the riffs, the melody, the drum fills, the subtle bass licks generating a greater sonic experience. I cannot urge you enough check this out enough. Safe to say, I consider this a modern Doom Metal vintage that deserves it's place in any enthusiast's collection. Don't deny yourself!!

Stone Dagger - The Siege of Jerusalem.

7" out on Electric Assault Records in February Mid-March 2014. I will be spilling the blood of your first born child for this piece of compressed ethenyl and don't you fucking doubt it.

Hellbenders.

Final post of the year goes to some of my fellow country men (sou Brasileiro porra!) who have crafted a hell of an album. Being very honest with you.. in regards to stoner rock/hard rock, or whatever? If it isn't slightly Doom leaning generally it isn't for me. I keep it safe and listen to the classic shit; 7Zuma7, Kyuss, Lowrider, Sgt. Sunshine etc. They're giving it away for free, check out the jams and enjoy.

Dude I met from New Barn, holla me on the e-mail down on the right side man!! Peace.

2013 - Brand New Fear

DOWNLOAD HERE

Otherwise;

MERRY
FUCKIN'
CHRISTMAS

From

Astral Doom.

Down Under Doom.

The amount of quality releases that Australia has produced in the last 24 months is impressive;  just consider the new album from Clagg or the Milkmaids, The EP's from Motherslug, Sumeru and Zodiac. In addition to all of that you've also still have the vinyl for now (compact disc out in early 2014) The Wizar'd's Ancient Tome of Arcane Knowledge. Consequently, it was straight forward to do a little regional feature, enjoy! 

Lizzard Wizzard - 2013 - Lizzard Wizzard

With the strength and penetration of an adamantium boner, I present you Lizzard Wizzard. The songs all feature some kind of low-intellect stoner humour which is totally awesome. Come with me / Ten thousand leagues / Under the T.H.Sea / Fuck your swim coach / And fucking choke / On this gnarly roach. Sound wise they kinda remind me of a Doom orientated Wo Fat with hardcore vox. Bust out your bongs and pizza slices.

Sun Of Man - 2013 - I


If you dig Colour Haze, Sungrazer.. or anything of that ilk it's pretty certain you'll fall in love with this band. LOTS of drum fills, heavy stoner riffs and kraut-rock explorations. Just listen yourself and let yourself become infatuated with the jams. Peace!