Hour of Power 11/09/13

1. The Bearded Fool (Old Man Wizard / Unfavorable) 2013
2. Realms (Beastwars / Blood Becomes Fire) 2013
3. Branch Davidian Compound (Cold Blue Mountain / ST) 2013
4. Come Samhain (Zodiac / single) 2013
5. Robotic Invasion (Fu Manchu / 7" split single w/ MOAB) 2013
6. Slave the Hive (High on Fire / single) 2013
7. My Wife (The Who / Who's Next) 1971
8. The Healer (The Brimstone Days / The Healer) 2013
9. III III III (Götterdämmerung) (Doublestone / Wingmakers) 2013
10. I've Come For It All (Borracho / Oculus) 2013
11. Tropic of Capricorn (Black Capricorn / Born Under the Capricorn) 2013
12. Age of Bootcamp (Eyehategod / split 7" single w/ Soilent Green) 2002 'classic clip'

The Brimstone Days - The Healer (album review)

Malmö, Sweden's The Brimstone Days are back with their second full-length album in 14 months.  I reviewed their last album, 'On a Monday Too Early To Tell' only early this year and their formula of happy-go-lucky, riff-centric rock took me by surprise.  They are one of the most unique bands out there in their approach to things, and while I may not share their 'everything is rosy' philosophy on a personal level, I can certainly appreciate their incredibly consistent level of hard rocking output.  The same goes for their presentation, though I may not like 'choreography' as a general thing, I definitely marvel at the band's single camera, single take music videos.  'The Healer' offers up 11 tracks of pure fun and blue eyed soul.  If there is a band today who wear their hearts on their sleeves any more vulnerably than this hard rocking trio, I haven't heard them.

As far as that consistency level goes, one may make the argument that 14 months isn't long enough time in between albums.  Not enough 'life' has happened in the meantime and there isn't enough growth as an individual to put on showcase as an artist.  That may or may not be a valid argument and if it is, it would apply here.  Then again, The Brimstone Days was never the kind of band that was going to be steeped in contemplation and self-reflection.  As a unit, they have been put on this earth to do one thing and one thing only:  to have a good time.  That's what comes through in the music most of all.

The album opens with "Black and Blue" which continues the band's observation of hard rock Holy Relics, as they had on their last album, paying tribute to Hendrix, Lynott and Clapton without directly ripping off any riffs.  Southern swamp funk washes in to the appropriately titled "We Come In Peace".  It's a pretty accurate statement of the band's overall party rock approach.  They mean no harm.  After all, what could be more peaceful than a raging housewrecker?

The Brimstone Days also have their old school soul moments, "Clap Your Hands" and "I Won't Let You Go", capturing the genuine funk flavor of Sam & Dave or The Staple Singers.  Blue eyed soul is not the kind of thing you hear a lot of nowadays, The Brimstone Days pull it off with genuine soul and fire.  But,  the band finds their most positive moment on "Miss Understood".  The line "They call me crazy I say misunderstood" really resonates for a lifelong weirdo like myself.  The song is like a clap on the shoulder and a supportive wink.  No, The Brimstone Days aren't going to engage in a deep, meaningful coffee shop conversation about "your illness", they are just going to stand there grinning and say, "yeah man, it's okay, go nuts if you want, we won't judge you".  The only difficult thing in an atmosphere like that is for the crazy guy not to take things too far.

'The Healer' picks up where 'On a Monday Too Early To Tell' left off, but if there were a noticable difference between the two albums, 'The Healer' finds the band in a slightly more thoughtful mood.  Quieter songs find a toehold on this album and certainly don't dominate, but their presence is felt.  For every quiet song though, there are two or three of the exuberant kind.  Of course, there are quiet moments within the exuberant songs ... But you know what, 'The Healer' pretty much sees the band continuing along a linear trajectory.  A trajectory which points towards wherever the nearest party is.

And the nearest party happens in Sweden on November 6 when 'The Healer' will be released on an unsuspecting public pushing desperately through their humdrum lives.  The Brimstone Days will brighten up the winter months.  As for the rest of us around the world, we can expect a release date of December 8.  The album will be released on CD and black and yellow vinyl through Transubstans Records.  Also, keep your eyes peeled for a new video, I'm sure it will be crazy, but we won't judge them for it.

Highlights include: "Nightmare Is Here" and "Miss Understood".

Rating: 4/5



Total Run Time: 35:18

From: Malmö, Sweden

Genre: Hard Rock, Funk, Soul

Reminds me of: Jimi Hendrix, Sam Cooke, Small Faces

Release Date: November 6, 2013 (Sweden), December 8 (Worldwide)

The Brimstone Days on facebook

GET IT HERE

Hour of Power 05/11/13 (playlist)

1. I Appear Missing (Queens of the Stone Age / ... Like Clockwork) 2013
2. Throw That Stone (The Brimstone Days / On a Monday Too Early To Tell) 2012
3. Blind (Whitcomb / The Conqueror) 2013 ***
4. Keep Your Weeds (Jex Toth / Blood Moon Rise) 2013
5. Casse Tete (Kings Destroy / A Time For Hunting) 2013
6. Ancient Song (Geezer / Gage EP) 2013
7. At The Cromlech (Kröwnn / Hyborian Age) 2013
8. Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Monster Magnet / Dopes to Infinity) 1993 'classic video'
9. Hollow Tyrant (JG Blizaro) 2013
10. Invokation I: The Acid Skull (Nibiru / Caosgon) 2013

*** Thanks once again go out to The Soda Shop for finding this one

The Brimstone Days - On A Monday Too Early To Tell (album review)

One of the true pleasant surprises of recent memory came in the form of this album.  It was a pleasant surprise if for no other reason than this band had completely fallen under my radar.  I'd never heard of The Brimstone Days until I was sent this CD by Ozium Records and dang if they didn't knock my socks off.

'On a Monday Too Early To Tell' is boogie rock of the highest caliber.  Funky drums and busking guitar abound as this Malmo trio moves through 14 high-energy songs in 48 action packed minutes.  This is happy-go-lucky, shake your ass music.  That may come across as shallow but that very subject is addressed in "Burry The Hatchet".  It's 'come home from a long, tough day at work and throw on a good record to forget your troubles' music.  There's not as much cowbell as I might have expected on an album with this kind of guitar and uptempo drum sound, but the hi-hat is the real unsung hero of the whole affair.

Most of the guitar greats are worshipped here, Hendrix, Page and Clapton are all served up each in their turn and sometimes all at once as on "Confession", Håkan having apparently studied up and taken lessons only from the best.  Funky riffs, funky riffs and more funky riffs, this is one of the most consistent rock n' roll records I've ever heard.  The band hit their particular vein of rock gold and keep chipping away from beginning to end.

But don't get the wrong impression, The Brimstone Days are not one-trick ponies. Slow and groovy blues can be found under the headings "Helping Hand", the previously mentioned "Burry The Hatchet" and "Throw That Stone".  The title track has some slower, midtempo groove stories to tell as well.  The band wear this style well, still funkin' but swinging it slowly.  Add some satisfying wah solos and you feel like you're ready to hit the town but be prepared, these guys like to have a good time.

This is classic rock n' roll, taking only the most 'positive' sounding elements of some of the greatest acts of the seventies from AC/DC to Kiss to Bad Company, Steve Miller Band among others.  Again, this is truly upbeat music in every sense of the term.  Arguably, the best is left for last.  "Throw That Stone" is a midtempo rumbler, sounding perhaps heavier and more dangerous due to its relatively slower tempo which features the crowning achievements of Hampe on Bass duties.

Any neurotics out there who feel wary of buying a CD these days without first being able to preview the whole album, let me just finish by saying watch the videos below, what you see is pretty much what you get here.  High energy rock and roll with the odd dash of pop sensibilities or blues earnestness and no sharp decline in quality between one track and the next.  Good riffs and good vibes, man.

Highlights include: "Same Old Story" and "I Need Soul"

Rating: 4/5



All of The Brimstone Days videos are shot with a single camera in a single take.  Dig it!



Tracklist
1). I Need Soul (3:38)
2). What Do You Want (2:40)
3). Confession (3:45)
4). Close The Door (3:02)
5). Same Old Story (3:38)
6). Burry The Hatchet (4:03)
7). One-Two-Two (3:24)
8). Helping Hand (4:06)
9). Give Me A Reason (3:43)
10). On A Monday Too Early To Tell (2:52)
11). Captain Tom (4:01)
12). Upon Your Shoulders (3:03)
13). Tuczon Arizona (3:22)
14). Throw That Stone (3:46)
Total Run Time: 48:56

Johannes - Drums
Håkan - Guitar / Vocals
Hampe - Bass / Backing Vocals

From: Malmo, Sweden

Genre: Rock, Boogie Rock, Funk

Reminds me of: Black Keys, Jimi Hendrix, Small Faces

Release Date: September 12, 2012

Suggested listening activity for fellow non-stoners: Good camping music.

Better Reviews:
Cosmic Lava
Hard Heavy Old
Pagan Hel Reviews

Brimstone Days facebook

Brimstone Days official site

GET IT HERE

Hour of Power 02/23/13 (playlist)

Once again, maybe the best HoP yet.  A whole bunch of new videos and new songs premiered this week but not Ice Dragon's "Season of Decay". This fan made video was made a couple weeks ago but was uploaded to youtube just this week so it starts this week's playlist.  The release of Beastwood's 'Alabama Space Witch' is right around the corner so what better way to commemorate the occasion than by showing the brand new video clip of the opening song, "Galactic Bison"?  Kadavar's "All Our Thoughts" video was shot on a phone camera and took roughly half a year to edit.  Now we reap the benefits of all that hard work.  The Brimstone Days shoot all of their music videos in a single camera / single take fashion with no need for lengthy editing sessions, their new one premiered this week and it is memorable.  Australian paisley pop psych outfit Ride Into The Sun have a new single coming out soon, the video for "Hunt Like Wolves" is actually a couple weeks old but slipped under the radar until it showed up in my inbox.  Great stuff.  As is Newcastle-Upon-Tyne quintet Druganaut's compelling album teaser video "Sober Again".  Pittsburgh doom veterans Dream Death's new album comes out the same day as Beastwood's, February 26, and they have released the song "Feast" as a preview which, judging from comments, is catching on like wildfire, much as it should.  As always the Hour of Power is rounded out by highlights of the week's posts, great songs from Palm Desert, DemonAuta, Aleph Null, Crag Dweller, Black Overdrive and Hellryde Inc., in that order.  Maybe a bit static with the imagery but the soundtrack is guaranteed to get your blood moving.  Thanks to all the musicians, readers and browsers for making this another terrific week at PH!

1. Season of Decay (Ice Dragon / single) 2012
2. Galactic Bison (Beastwood / Alabama Space Witch) 2013
3. All Our Thoughts (Kadavar / ST) 2012
4. What Do You Want (The Brimstone Days / On a Monday Too Early To Tell) 2012
5. Hunt Like Wolves (Ride Into The Sun / single) 2013
6. Sober Again (Druganaut / TBA) 2013
7. Feast (Dream Death / Somnium Excessum)2013
8. Acid Phantom (Palm Desert / Rotten Village Sessions) 2013
9. Hacia el 6to Sol (DemonAuta / Caminando en la Luna) 2013
10. Mars Father (Aleph Null / Belladonna EP) 2013
11. Gotta Have It (Crag Dweller / Magic Dust) 2012
12. Misery Mountain (Black Overdrive / ST) 2012
13. Piss Me Off (Hellryde Inc. / Hellryde Incorporated) 2012

2012 Chronicle (Year in review) part 13 - Addendum, oversight, late additions, etc.

What can I say, it was a big project and I lost track of some things.  Also, I discovered a number of albums in the last couple weeks that I felt were definitely worthy of inclusion.  Each of these entries will be added to the relevant monthly year in review posts for future generations to see ...

March 21 - WINDHAND (ST) - Richmond, Virginia based doom quintet Windhand's five song debut was one of the best releases of the year.  It has made many year end lists and has netted them a deal with Burning World records.  Their Electric Wizard meets Uncle Acid style of doom is supremely addictive.  Find it here and be blown away by one of the best albums of the year.  Highlights include "Black Candles" and "Winter Sun".  Rating 5/5

March 27 - Pale Divine (Painted Windows Black)

June 14 - NIGHTOSAUR (Spaceaxers) - Minneapolis based power trio Nightosaur play a raw brand of 'fossil rock' with elements of punk, thrash and sludge.  Their sophomore effort is a high energy, eptempo outing and loud above all else.  Get it here.  Highlights include "Too Far South For Mutiny" and "There May Be Dragons".  Rating 4/5

September 12 - THE BRIMSTONE DAYS (On A Monday Too Early To Tell) - Malmo, Sweden based three-piece The Brimstone Days are a high energy, no-nonsense, back-to-basics rock & roll band.  On their second album they bang off 14 killer songs in 48 satisfying minutes with hardly a detour into ballad country.  These guys get straight to the point and stay on track.  Find it here.  Highlights include "Same Old Story" and "I Need Soul".  Rating 4.5/5

September 23 - BLUE ASIDE (The Moles of a Dying Race) - Boston proggers Blue Aside released maybe my favorite prog album of 2012.  It's an album that I like more and more with each subsequent listen.  Cold landscapes and an ever-present feeling of paranoia pervade this album.  Read my review.  Get it here.  Highlights include "The Ice Mammoth" and "The Moles of a Dying Race, Part I".  Rating 4.5/5

October 5 - CHAINS (Of Death) - Clearly, you will notice, ambient drone doom is not a major area of focus around Paranoid Hitsophrenic but with Chad Davis involved I was more than happy to make an exception.  This is magic ritual music, more meditative and darker than Saturnalia Temple or Spectral Haze and more of a mood setter.  Find it here. Highlights include "Anticosmic Void" and "Necromantic Force".  Rating 4.5/5

October 31 - MAGE (Black Sands) - Leicester, England quintet Mage play a burly style of mossy stoner doom.  This is their first full length album, full of big riffs and some very memorable songs.  Aside from those listed below "Danse Macabre", "Degenerate" and "Witch of the Black Desert" are standout tracks.  Good mix of stoner and doom by way of the desert.  Read my review.  Find it here.  Highlights include "Cosmic Cruiser X" and "Drowning Doom".  Rating 4/5

November 9 - ARKHAM WITCH (Legions of the Deep) - Old School metal quartet  with elements of doom from Keighley, England, featuring two thirds of Lamp of Thoth.  So much of this album is standout material, there's hooks and riffs galore and this album is littered with reference to the work of Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft, etc.  Come upon it here.  Highlights include "The Cloven Sea" and "David Lund".  Rating 4/5

November 12 - Hound (Spirits Are Appearing)

November 14 - THREE SEASONS (Understand The World) - A standout entry in the field of prog from Uppsala, Sweden, this would have been a standout in the original prog era of the early 70s, of which this album really sounds like.  There's some top flight material on this album and this band is at the forefront of this Golden Age of Swedish Rock.  Read my review.  Find it here.  Highlights include "Searching" and "Set In Stone".  Rating 4/5

November 14 - WHEELFALL (Interzone) - Epic stoner rock with great riffs and a hypnotic attitude, this French foursome's much lauded debut full length is a downtuned wet fuzz dream come true.  It's not often you hear a stoner rock band attempt a 20+ minute song, but Wheelfall does it.  Lot of great French releases in 2012, 'Interzone' is near the top.  Get it here.  Highlights include "It Comes From The Mist" and "Holy Sky".  Rating 4.5/5

November 22 - BLACK SPACE RIDERS (Light is the New Black) - This is a very interesting release from a German space / stoner rock quartet.  A lot of the song titles have bracketed subtitles which creates the impression that the band has so many ideas they don't know what to do with them all, this abundance of ideas comes across in the music.  Check it out.  Highlights include "Digging Down" and "Startrooper".  Rating 4/5


***

There you have it.  2012 was an amazing year for music and I didn't even get the chance to pick up or listen to half of everything I wanted to.  I'd like to think that I supported only the best of the absolute best, but there were just too many albums that I didn't get around to.  And with upcoming releases from none other than Black Sabbath, Alice in Chains, Cathedral and Clutch as well as Serpent Venom, Windhand, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats and High Priest of Saturn, among so many other highly anticipated releases (Egypt, Moss, Set (Mass.), Sonic Titan, Witchcoven, I could go on and on) that my bank account groans miserably in anticipation, 2013 threatens to be an even better year.  See you on the other side of the fence ...

Hour of Power 12/29/12 (playlist)

Highlights from the week of 12/23/12 - 12/29/12

1. Defecting Grey (The Pretty Things - 7" single) 1967
2. Mr. Evasion (The Pretty Things - 7" single) 1967
3. U-Turn (The Quartet of Woah! - Ultrabomb) 2012
4. Grind It (Lord 13 - 2013) 2011
5. All Too Human (Enos - All Too Human) 2012
6. These Men Are Wolves (The Heavy Eyes - Maera) 2012
7. I Need Soul (The Brimstone Days - On A Monday Too Early To Tell) 2012
8. The Goat of Mendhis (Sonic Mass - Magnetic Electric) 2012
9. Awakened Dream (Palace in Thunderland - Stars, Dreams, Seas) 2012
10. Night of the Dancing Witch [instrumental version] (Talis - GLOT) 2012
11. The Darkest Night (Death SS - The Darkest Night) 2013
12. Talkin About The Good Times (The Pretty Things - 7" single) 1968
13. Walking Through My Dreams (The Pretty Things - 7" single) 1968

Weekly Mailbag for 12/24/12 - 12/28/12

A look at what came in the mail this week with quickie reviews ...

Various Artists - An Apple a Day - The second in the now five volume series of Apple records demos and highlights from RPM records is my favorite in the series.  Terrific entries from Gallagher & Lyle; The Iveys (Badfinger); Turquoise (one of my favorite bands); and the previously unknown The U (Don't) Know Who among more.  I didn't realize when I ordered it that The Cups "Good as Gold" is on this one.  Great song!  Tons of highlights here.  Highlights include "Black & White Rainbows (Iveys)" and "Woodstock (Turquoise)".  Rating 4/5

Blue Oyster Cult - Agents of Fortune - Their fourth album is another solid entry into the band`s discography.  "Sinful Love" is a good song, it's interesting as it brings together an influence of Bob Dylan with hints of disco around the edges.  "Tattoo Vampire" was the rockingest thing they'd done in years.  And of course their big song.  Highlights include "[Don't Fear] The Reaper" and "The Revenge of Vera Gemini".  Rating 4/5

Chains - Of Death - Drone metal from Slovenia, this is one of Chad Davis' (Hour of 13) many bands.  This was a special edition limited to 10 copies (jaw drops).  I got the last one.  It also came with the two track blood-painted demo CD that was also limited to 10 copies.  Not the kind of thing to listen to before bed while reading about sleep paralysis.  Highlights include "Anticosmic Void" and "Necromantic Force".  Rating 4.5/5

Lord 13 - 2013 - This was one of the best stoner rock albums of 2011,  and though no music collection is ever truly complete, certainly no stoner rock collection is complete without this one.  A solid album with a few surprises including the appearance of Ben Ward on "Wicked Thing" and a flute-driven campfire acoustic number in album closer "Walking in Sin".  Highlights include "Grind It" and "Fire".  Rating 4.5/5

the Lord 13 CD came in from Ozium Records and came with the CD below completely free and unannounced.  I didn't want it, I didn't ask for it, but hot damn if I ain't happy they gave it to me!

The Brimstone Days - On a Monday Too Early To Tell - This was a complete surprise.  With their roots firmly planted in the late 60s this band works through 14 tracks of Hendrix or BOC style rock & roll boogie in the vein of Lord Fowl or Captain Crimson.  Phenomenal!  This is truly the Golden Age of Swedish rock and roll.  Highlights include "Same Old Story" and "I Need Soul".  Rating 4.5/5

The Quartet of Woah! - Ultrabomb - This recently reviewed album just came in the mail and it's a package worthy of the epic music found therein.  This is really quite a different album with many surprising moments due to each member's unique set of skills and sensibilities.  There is enough variation and highlight material to draw the listener back for a long time to come.  Highlights include "U Turn" and "The Ultrabomb".  Rating 4/5

Thin Lizzy - Vagabonds of the Western World - This is the best of the first three albums.  It's definitely the most consistently rocking effort of their early career.  The fast songs carry the seeds of "Jailbreak" within them and theslow songs aren't very slow at all.  Every song is excellent and Phil Lynott was beginning to come into his own as a visionary songwriter.  Highlights include "The Rocker" and "The Hero and the Madman".  Rating 5/5

2012 Chronicle (Year in review) part 9 - Best of September

September 1 - Annimal Machine (ST EP)

September 1 - Voltron (Kaventsmann)

September 3 - Alunah (White Hoarhound)

September 4 - GOYA (Demo) - Arizona trio Goya don't do the desert rock thing, they opt for fuzzy doom in the style of Electric Wizard or Windhand.  The compositions and overall sound on their debut release are more highly developed and mature than a lot of demos, at least for the style they play.  Get it here and name your own price.  Highlights include "God Lie" and "Blackfire".  Rating 4.5/5

September 7 - Ice Dragon (Greyblackfalconhawk)

September 11 - ALTAR OF OBLIVION (Grand Gesture of Defiance) - Danish five piece epic doomers Altar of Oblivion scored a pair of number one songs on the Doom Charts by crafting incredibly catchy hooks sung epicly and memorably by vocalist Mik “Meister der Töne” Mentor.  Get it here.  Highlights include "Where Darkness Is Light" and "The Graveyard Of Broken Dreams".  Rating 4/5

September 11 - Beastwars (ST)

September 11 - THE GRAVIATORS (Evil Deeds) - Swedish four-piece The Graviators play at just the right tempo and hit all the right notes on their second album.  The band energetically crunch and bash their way through 10 memorable songs with great big hooks.  Get it here.  Highlights include "A Different Moon" and "Morning Star".  Rating 4.5/5

September 11 - Orchid (Heretic EP)

September 12 - THE BRIMSTONE DAYS (On A Monday Too Early To Tell) - Malmo, Sweden based three-piece The Brimstone Days are a high energy, no-nonsense, back-to-basics rock & roll band.  On their second album they bang off 14 killer songs in 48 satisfying minutes with hardly a detour into ballad country.  These guys get straight to the point and stay on track.  Find it here.  Highlights include "Same Old Story" and "I Need Soul".  Rating 4.5/5

September 13 - Saint Vitus (Scion AV Presents: Saint Vitus Live)

September 14 - SEREMONIA (ST) - Finnish quartet Seremonia's debut album is a short but super creepy collection of 10 tracks, sung hauntingly and mysteriously (to non-Finnish speakers) by vocalist Noora Federley in the band's native language.  It's the soundtrack to a human sacrifice conducted by children with eyes that are unsettlingly knowing, world-weary and wise.  Get it here. Highlights include "Rock'n'rollin Maailma" and "Uhrijuhla".  Rating 4.5/5

September 18 - DOWN (Down IV Part I: The Purple EP) - Superstar NOLA-based southern rockers Down returned after a five year absence and unleashed their most different sounding release to date.  Six songs of crushing traditional doom.  Obviously, it got a lot of mixed reviews, but I like it, I think all six songs are good.  Get it here. Highlights include "The Misfortune Teller" and "Witchtripper".  Rating 4.5/5

September 18 - El Yeti (ST Demo)

September 18 - Ufomammut (ORO - Opus Alter)

September 21 - Spectral Haze (Demo)

September 23 - BLUE ASIDE (The Moles of a Dying Race) - Boston proggers Blue Aside released maybe my favorite prog album of 2012.  It's an album that I like more and more with each subsequent listen.  Cold landscapes and an ever-present feeling of paranoia pervade this album.  Read my review.  Get it here.  Highlights include "The Ice Mammoth" and "The Moles of a Dying Race, Part I".  Rating 4.5/5

September 24 - Garuda (Labyrinths in Stone)

September 25 - SKANSKA MORD (Paths to Charon) - What can be said about this album.  For my money, it's the best thing put out by Small Stone this year.  Just a stupendously solid album, each song has its own feel and is incredibly hooky.  This is the second album by this Swedish quintet who seem to take the Seattle grunge sound of the 90s and dip it into the waters of 70s hard rock all while remaining individualistic and true to their own vision.  No matter how much time passes by (mind, it's only been a couple months), I find myself going back to this album over and over again.  Get it here.  Highlights include "Lord of Space and Time" and "Dark Caves Of Our Mind".  Rating 4.5/5

September 25 - WITCHCRAFT (Legend) - After jettisoning most of the band Magnus Pelander and Witchcraft returned after a five year absence of their own.  The album featured a much different sound than that which made the Swedes legends in the 'retro rock' genre.  It featured an updated take on the sound, and it was for this reason that it took fans a while to finally catch on to the merits of this album.  There are so many highlights on this album they can't all be mentioned, but like Graveyard's latest offering, among others, it's an often politically charged, angrier album.  Get it here.  Highlights include "It's Not Because Of You" and "An Alternative To Freedom".  Rating 4.5/5

September 28 - Bloody Hammers (ST)

September 28 - HEAT (Old Sparky) - This five-piece German super group have one of the most authentically 70s sounds out there.  One could easily play "Warhead" and convince a gullible friend that is, in fact, one of the best songs from the 70s.  Which it kind of is.  Read my original review of this album.  Get the album here.  Also, check this out, pretty cool, no?  Highlights include "Warhead" and "Old Sparky".  Rating 5/5

September 28 - MAMONT (Passing Through the Mastery Door) - This is one of those albums that I like more each time I listen to it.  This stomping, psychedelic stoner four-piece from Sweden have a very unique sound that only becomes more addictive with each subsequent listen.  Read my review here.  Get the album here.  Highlights include "The Secret of the Owl" and "Satans Fasoner".  Rating 4/5

September 28 - Wizard Smoke (The Tickler)

September 29 - MOUNT FUJI (ST) - If you've been following this blog for a while, it's obvious by now that I'm a huge fan of Mount Fuji and their perfect blend of  grunge rock and Pantera style groove metal.  This German quartet's debut full-length release is just one highlight song after another.  Honest, heavy, at times funky and always jaw dropping.  It turns out they have personality to match the music.  Read my recent interview with the band here.  Read my review of Mount Fuji here.  Pay what you want on Bandcamp here.  Visit them on Facebook.  Highlights include "Colossus" and "Head on Fire".  Rating 4.5/5

Best Album From September 2012:
'Paths To Charon' by SKANSKA MORD

Best Song From September 2012:
"Warhead" by HEAT