Imaad Wasif – Superconsciousness

Fire, Rebirth, and the Quietest Heavy Record of His Career

Some albums feel written, and others feel lived. Imaad Wasif’s Superconsciousness is the latter — a record shaped by wildfire displacement, emotional upheaval, and a spiritual reset that pushed him into the most vulnerable territory of his career. It’s not a loud album, but it’s heavy in the way a confession is heavy.

A New Phase in Wasif’s Evolution
If The Voidist mythologized the self and Dzi dissolved it in ritualistic psych, Superconsciousness rebuilds it from the ashes. This is Wasif at his most human — stripped of distortion walls, leaning into space, resonance, and the emotional weight of what’s left unsaid.

Where earlier records reached outward into cosmic symbolism, this one turns inward. The fire outside becomes the fire within.

Track‑by‑Track: The Emotional Map

Echoing

A quiet invocation. Pastoral piano and restrained guitar frame the emotional thesis: grief, memory, and the stillness after catastrophe.

We Are Hunters

A spiritual excavation. Raga‑like guitar lines bloom into a feral climax — one of the few moments where Wasif lets the intensity fully break through.

The Rainbow

The album’s flash of color. Glam‑rock swagger meets mystic undertones, like T‑Rex wandering into a candlelit séance.

The Past Will Catch You

Minimalist and haunted. A meditation on cycles of trauma and the inevitability of facing what you’ve tried to outrun.

Superconsciousness

The philosophical core. Psychedelic folk, Indian classical influence, and a dissolving sense of ego.

Echoes of the Fire

Directly tied to the 2025 Altadena wildfires. Smoky, slow‑burning, and emotionally raw.

The Unseen Path

Sparse, ghostly, and intimate. A moment of surrender to intuition.

Repatterning

The album’s emotional resolution. Not triumphant — but honest. Healing as a slow rewrite of internal code.

Sonic Palette

  • Raga‑influenced guitar lines
  • Gothic folk atmospheres
  • Pastoral acoustic textures
  • Psychedelic undertones
  • Minimalist production with emotional clarity

This is a record where the space between notes matters as much as the notes themselves.

Why This Album Matters

Superconsciousness is a career‑defining moment for Imaad Wasif — not because it’s the biggest or boldest record, he’s made, but because it’s the most vulnerable. It’s a document of survival, renewal, and the strange clarity that comes after everything burns down. For fans of desert‑born introspection, mystical folk, and guitar work that speaks in whispers instead of wails, this is essential listening.

Musicians:

Imaad Wasif – vocals, electric & acoustic guitars, bass, synthesizers, piano, bulbul tarang

Garrett Ray – drums, percussion

Dylan Fujioka – drums on The Rainbow

Mike Bulington – drums on Believe

Noah Guevara – bass on Dark Lord

Lewis Pesacov – bass, synthesizers

Heather McIntosh – cello on Believe, The Rainbow, Dark Lord

Rocco DeLuca – slide guitar on Believe

Nick Zinner – synthesizers on Echoing

Bobb Bruno – demoing, sonic ideations

Onioroshi Unleash Two New Singles and Announce March 2026 European Tour

Onioroshi, the heavy psych force from Italy active since 2019, step into 2026 with a double strike: two new singles and a full European tour. After the release of their second LP Shrine in 2025 through Bitume Productions, the band spent the past year sharpening their live presence across Italy and quietly reshaping their sound in the studio. The result is a pair of new tracks—Wicked Child and Eris—that mark a turning point in their evolution.

A New Sonic Direction

Both singles, released on February 25, 2026, show Onioroshi embracing a more concise, flowing approach without abandoning the noise-driven experimentation that defines their identity. Clocking in at just over five minutes each, Wicked Child (5:04, vocals by Enrico) and Eris (5:21, vocals by Manuel) are the shortest compositions the band has ever released. The shift toward tighter structures brings a new urgency to their sound—leaner, sharper, and more immediate—while still carrying the dense textures and hypnotic heaviness that fans expect.

The release is accompanied by two visually striking videos shot by filmmaker Jacopo Gioacchini, featuring actress and dancer Rebecca Piraccini. Her presence adds a physical, expressive layer to the music, amplifying the tension and movement embedded in the new material.

March 2026 European Tour

To celebrate this new chapter, Onioroshi are hitting the road for a European tour running from March 12 to March 27, 2026. The itinerary spans seven countries and ten shows, bringing the band’s immersive live energy to a mix of underground venues and independent scenes across the continent.

Tour stops include:

  • Peyrelevade (FR)
  • Uzerche (FR)
  • Geneva (CH)
  • Subotica (SRB)
  • Budapest (HU)
  • Bratislava (SK)
  • Vienna (AT)
  • Osijek (CR)

Across these dates, Onioroshi will share the stage with a wide range of local and independent acts, reinforcing their commitment to grassroots collaboration and the DIY spirit that has fueled their growth since 2019.

Looking Ahead

With Shrine still resonating, two new singles expanding their sonic palette, and a European tour underway, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Onioroshi. The band’s shift toward more streamlined compositions hints at a new era—one that keeps their experimental core intact while opening the door to fresh creative territory.

 

Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows – Inexorable Opposites

A Dark, Psychedelic Western Rock Odyssey from Australia’s Heavy Underground

Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows return with their fourth full‑length album, Inexorable Opposites, delivering their most dynamic and emotionally resonant release yet. Known for their atmospheric blend of psychedelic western rock, stoner fuzz, and doom‑tinged desert vibes, the Australian quartet pushes their sound into deeper, more human territory.

This is a record built for fans of heavy, cinematic storytelling — and for anyone who loves their riffs dust‑covered, sun‑scorched, and dripping with mood.

A Bold Evolution in Sound

One of the most significant shifts on Inexorable Opposites is the introduction of drummer Brayden Becher, whose explosive performance injects new life into the band’s sonic identity. For the first time, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows brought in an outside engineer — Lewis Noke‑Edwards — to track drums, stepping beyond their traditional DIY workflow.

The payoff is immediate:

  • Bigger dynamics
  • Heavier peaks
  • Softer, more vulnerable lows
  • A wider emotional and sonic palette

Lyrics Rooted in Real‑World Duality

While the fictional sci‑fi western outlaw Jack Harlon still casts a long shadow, vocalist Tim Coutts‑Smith shifts toward more personal and contemporary themes. Influenced by lived experiences and his work in mental health, the lyrics explore the contradictions of modern life — the tension between light and dark, hope and despair, creation and destruction.

The album title, Inexorable Opposites, draws inspiration from Carl Jung’s Man and His Symbols, emphasizing the idea that human existence is defined by opposing forces. This philosophical backbone gives the record a depth that sets it apart from typical stoner‑rock fare.

A Sound That Connects Australia to the American Desert

Even though the band hails from Australia, their music feels spiritually connected to the American Southwest. Fans of desert rock, spaghetti‑western soundscapes, and lo‑fi fuzz will feel right at home.

Their signature blend includes:

  • Psychedelic Western rock
  • Stoner rock & fuzz
  • Blues‑infused grit
  • Doom metal undertones
  • Cinematic Western ambience

It’s a uniquely atmospheric style that bridges the Outback and the Mojave.

From Side Project to Heavy Underground Mainstay

Formed around 2015 as a side project for Coutts‑Smith, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows have grown into one of Australia’s most compelling underground heavy acts. Their DIY ethos has shaped everything from recording to visual art, and their live presence has earned them stages alongside Greenleaf, Sasquatch, Wo Fat, and Whores.

A Mature, Expansive Fourth Album

Inexorable Opposites showcases a band fully in command of their craft. The record balances introspection with crushing heaviness, offering a refined yet adventurous take on their signature sound. It’s a meditation on the contradictions of life — delivered through titanic riffs, haunting melodies, and cinematic atmosphere.

For fans of psychedelic western rock, stoner metal, and heavy desert soundscapes, this album is essential listening.

Album Details

Tracklist

  1. Moss
  2. Venomous
  3. Mt. Macedon
  4. Dave Is Done
  5. Junior Fiction
  6. Seer
  7. On the Overwhelm
  8. To Die

Line‑up

  • Tim Coutts‑Smith – vocals, guitar
  • Jordan Richardson – guitar
  • Brayden Becher – drums
  • Liam Barry – bass

2025 Top 10 Stoner Rock & Heavy Psych Albums

10. Low Pan – Get Well Soon

Columbus, Ohio

If you’re a guitar player, this album immediately grabs you. The guitar tone is excellent, and the overall mix is dialed in perfectly. Bass, drums, and vocals all sit where they should, which makes a massive difference for heavy music.

Vocally, Jeff Barton delivers strong, on-key performances, and Tool fans will likely notice a faint Maynard-style familiarity without it feeling derivative.

Standout tracks:

  • The Good Fight

  • Wormwood (killer chugging riffs)

A strong, well-produced record that rewards careful listening.


9. Desert Smoke – Desert Smoke

Lisbon, Portugal

This self-titled release comes from a psychedelic stoner instrumental band that will resonate with fans of Yawning Man and reverb-soaked desert rock.

What makes this album special is the range. You move from slow-building, atmospheric passages straight into full-on guitar shredding. The players can absolutely rip, which adds a dynamic edge to the otherwise spacey sound.

Standout tracks:

  • Gravity Absence

  • 49th Steambox (the heaviest track on the record)


8. Borracho – Ouroboros

Washington, D.C.

Borracho proves once again how massive a trio can sound. Rooted in Sabbath-style riff worship, this band knows how to pound a groove and drive it home.

What elevates this album is the subtle use of synths, adding atmosphere without softening the heaviness. The result is thick, riff-forward stoner rock with extra dimension.

Standout tracks:

  • Vegas Baby

  • Lord of Suffering (a seven-minute burner)


7. Dax Riggs – Seven Songs for Spiders

This release stands apart from much of the list. Recorded in Riggs’ home studio in Louisiana, it’s more introspective and less polished, but that’s exactly its strength.

There’s a singer-songwriter quality here, with hints of Kurt Vile and occasional shades of Chris Cornell in the vocal delivery. It’s heavy in mood rather than pure riff assault, and it’s not what I expected in the best way.

Standout tracks:

  • Deceiver

  • Pagan Moon


6. Yawning Man – Pavement Ends

The godfathers of desert psychedelic rock return, and if you’re a fan, you already know the deal.

Yawning Man’s guitar work remains one of the most unique sounds in heavy music. Cavernous reverb, swirling textures, and a picking style that feels like heat waves rising off desert pavement. The guitars feel alive, constantly shifting and breathing.

Standout tracks:

  • Bomba Negra

  • A Bad Time to Be Alive

Close your eyes and picture Joshua trees under a fading sun. This is that soundtrack.


5. Margarita Witch Cult – Strung Out in Hell

Birmingham, UK

This one completely blindsided me. Rooted in stoner doom, the band brings unexpected twists that keep the album feeling fresh.

Mars Rover leans into a sci-fi doom vibe, while The Fool introduces baritone sax and trumpet. Yes, horns on a stoner doom record, and somehow it works. They even cover Billy Idol’s White Wedding.

Unpredictable, strange, and genuinely unique.


4. Year of the Cobra – Year of the Cobra

A duo that hits like a full band. Bass-driven heaviness leads the charge, with Amy Tung Barrysmith delivering soaring vocals over distorted low-end and solid drumming.

Despite using a Rickenbacker bass, the tone is massive thanks to effects and distortion. The stripped-down lineup allows the rhythm, melody, and vocals to shine without distraction.

Standout tracks:

  • Wardrop

  • Sleep

This album came out of nowhere and quickly became a favorite.


3. Stoned Jesus – Songs to Sun

Ukraine

This record nails dynamics. The band shifts effortlessly from atmospheric, synth-tinged passages to absolute riff bludgeoning.

Low delivers punishing drums and crushing heaviness, while New Dawn opens the album with a more expansive, melodic approach. Acoustic guitar, synths, and massive riffs all coexist beautifully.

Standout tracks:

  • Low

  • New Dawn

Heavy when it needs to be, expansive when it wants to breathe.


2. Howling Giant – Crucible and Ruin

This album blends stoner rock, progressive elements, and fantasy-leaning themes into something cohesive and powerful.

The twin guitar attack shines, but the vocals truly elevate the record. With both the lead guitarist and drummer contributing vocals, there’s depth and strength rarely found in the genre.

Standout tracks:

  • Hunter’s Mark

  • Scepter and Scythe

A creative genre fusion that feels fully realized. I also had the chance to interview drummer Zach Wheeler, and it’s worth checking out if you enjoyed this release.


1. Kal-El – Astral Voyager Vol. I

Norway

No surprises here. This is stoner rock excellence firing on all cylinders.

Heavy riffs, pounding drums, soaring leads, and long-form songwriting dominate the album. These are not three-minute tracks. These are eight-minute voyages meant to crush and transport at the same time.

Standout tracks:

  • B.T.D.S.C.

  • Cosmic Sailor

If space rock and stoner riffs are your fuel, this album is the engine. Volume II is expected in 2026, and expectations are already sky-high.


Final Thoughts

What did I miss? What would you add? And what releases are you most excited about heading into 2026?

Desert Spotlight: Yawning Man – Pavement Ends

When you talk about “Desert Rock,” you eventually end up talking about Yawning Man. For nearly four decades, the trio has been the sonic architects of the generator party scene, influencing everyone from Kyuss to various stoner rock bands throughout the world. Where their 2023 release, Long Walk of the Navajo, felt like a spiritual drifting across open sands, their latest offering, Pavement Ends, feels like the sun going down and the temperature dropping across the desert landscape.

Released earlier this month via Heavy Psych Sounds, Pavement Ends sees the legendary lineup of Gary Arce (guitar), Mario Lalli (bass), and Bill Stinson (drums) returning to the studio with a darker, heavier, and more cinematic intent. It is arguably their most “shoegaze” record to date—bleak, beautiful, and drenched in a tension that rarely resolves the way you expect.

The Sound of the End of the Road

The album opens with “Burrito Power,” a track that immediately signals a shift in tone. Stinson’s drums are muscular and punchy here, driving a doom-laden riff that feels surprisingly heavy for a band known for airy, reverb-soaked jams. It’s a grounded, gritty start that contrasts sharply with the ethereal floating of their past work.

However, the signature Yawning Man shimmer isn’t gone; it has just evolved. On “Gestapo Pop,” Arce’s guitar work takes center stage. It is less about the “surf” vibe this time and more about creating a melancholic, starry atmosphere. The interplay between Lalli’s deep, grooving bass and Arce’s shimmering delay creates a hypnotic loop that feels like watching a time-lapse of a desert night.

Emotional Undertow

The emotional core of the record sits in the middle with “Bomba Negra.” This track is a masterclass in tension and release. It digs deep into an emotional undertow, trading the “jam band” feel for something more composed and cinematic. It’s atmospheric, moody, and arguably one of the most beautiful pieces of music the band has released in years.

“Dust Suppression” lightens the mood slightly with a leisurely cosmic swagger, but it serves mostly as a bridge to the album’s massive finale.

The Final Stretch

The album closes with a one-two punch that might be the best sequence in their discography. The title track, “Pavement Ends,” stretches toward the ten-minute mark. It is pure desert hypnosis—a mid-tempo drive into nowhere that feels infinite. It captures that specific feeling of running out of road, where the physical world stops and the psychological landscape begins.

Finally, “Bad Time To Be Alive” wraps up the experience. Despite the cynical title, the track is strangely uplifting—a melancholic, introspective piece that feels like an acknowledgment of the world’s chaos, processed through the band’s meditative filter. It’s a poignant closer that leaves you staring at the horizon long after the needle lifts.

The Verdict

Pavement Ends is not just “another Yawning Man album.” It is a focused, disciplined, and emotionally resonant evolution of their sound. Arce, Lalli, and Stinson sound locked in, not just jamming, but conversing through their instruments.

If you are a fan of instrumental rock, this is essential listening. The pavement might end here, but Yawning Man proves they still have plenty of new territory to explore.

SUPERCHAINED – Symbolic

Superchained is a solo musical project by Hugo Lanvin, launched in 2017. As its sole member, Hugo composes and records all tracks independently. After a period of sonic exploration, he released the first EP, The 0,00$ EP, in 2019, followed by the debut album Strangekind in 2022. These releases laid the foundation for the new project and helped define his unique musical identity.

Following Strangekind, the future of Superchained was uncertain. A second album had never been part of the original plan—the intent was to release a single, ten-track album that fully captured the essence of the project. This led Hugo to a pivotal question: “Should I continue this project or move on to something else?”

In confronting this dilemma, he experienced a mix of doubt and introspection, but also a renewed drive to create another album—one that would further solidify Superchained’s identity. The goal was not to replicate Strangekind, but to evolve naturally: staying true to the project’s roots while venturing into musical styles he had long admired.

Genre-bending grit meets emotional depth in Hugo Lanvin’s latest solo release

If you haven’t heard of Superchained yet, now’s the time to tune in. The one-man project helmed by Hugo Lanvin returns with Symbolic, a bold follow-up that refuses to play it safe. This isn’t just another alt-rock record—it’s a layered, genre-hopping exploration of identity, emotion, and sonic evolution.

🎶 Sound & Style
Symbolic blends grunge-rooted riffs with alternative rock textures, but that’s just the foundation. Lanvin throws in ballads, funk grooves, fusion flourishes, indie punk energy, and even flashes of metal. It’s a melting pot of influences that somehow never feels scattered. Think Alice in Chains meets Smashing Pumpkins but filtered through a deeply personal lens.

The production is tight without being sterile. Lanvin aimed for a modern, balanced mix—each instrument has its space, and nothing feels over-polished. It’s raw where it needs to be, refined where it counts.

🧠 Themes & Emotion
This album is introspective to its core. Drawing from lived experiences, Lanvin explores themes of doubt, identity, and artistic purpose. It’s the kind of record that invites repeat listens—not just for the sound, but for the emotional layers tucked beneath.

🎸 DIY Spirit
What makes Symbolic even more impressive? Hugo Lanvin did it all. Electric and bass guitars, piano, drums, vocals—every note is his. That DIY ethos pulses through the album, giving it a sense of urgency and authenticity that’s hard to fake.

💭 Final Thoughts
For fans of emotionally charged rock with a fearless approach to genre, Symbolic is a must-listen. It’s not just an album—it’s a statement of artistic resilience and evolution.

Tracklist:

1. Born Again

2. Let’s Make Something

3. New Sensation

4. 9:17

5. Falling Down

6. The Trip

7. All About the Money

8. Runaway

9. The Narcissist

10. Prosthetic Head

For more information on Superchained
👉 https://linktr.ee/superchained

Symbolic is available now on CD digipack and streaming via Bitume Prods label.

Igarka – Dopamine Ocean

Igarka’s Dopamine Ocean isn’t just an EP—it’s a sonic detonation.

Released October 10, 2025, this Italian quintet has unleashed a genre-bending, emotionally charged debut that’s turning heads and melting minds. Formed in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Igarka is part of a vibrant underground Italian music scene. While bands such as Karnivool, TesseracT, and My Bloody Valentine are not explicitly mentioned by the band as influences, there are sonic elements that call these bands to mind when listening to their EP. The band does mention an affinity for Deftones and Baroness and while Igarka does not explicitly sound similar, there are certain soundscapes and sonic dimensions they share with these influences.

Sound Explosion

Imagine shoegaze colliding with grunge, melodic hardcore, and power metal—all wrapped in a dreamy haze. That’s Igarka. Their sound is heavy, hypnotic, and wildly unpredictable. The dynamic shifts are wild: quiet introspection explodes into chaotic breakdowns. The layering of shoegaze textures with aggressive rhythms often creates a sound that’s both dreamy and devastating. Every track is a mood swing you’ll want to ride.

Vocals That Haunt & Heal

Aisja Baglioni’s voice floats, sings, and soars. From the surreal forest of “Hider” to the shimmering shoegaze of “Follow for More,” her delivery is pure magic. Aisja’s vocals shift from whispery vulnerability to full-throttle fury.

🔥 Tracklist

  • “Hider” – ethereal and eerie
  • “Follow for More” – shoegaze shimmer
  • “Sabotage” – raw and relentless
  • “Self-Similar” – mathy and mesmerizing
  • “Expiration Mark” – emotional gut-punch
  • “Sammarinese Brainrot Animals” – chaotic brilliance
  • “End Well” – a haunting farewell

Lineup:

  • Aisja Baglioni – lead vocals
  • Luca Pasini – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, mixing
  • Simone Succi – guitar, mastering
  • Elisabetta Paglierani – bass, artwork
  • Giorgio Puzzarini – drums

Unwound at the Teragram Ballroom (Los Angeles, Sept 13, 2025)

On September 13, 2025, Unwound returned to Los Angeles for a sold-out show at the Teragram Ballroom, marking a powerful stop on their “30 Years of The Future of What” tour. For longtime fans and curious newcomers alike, the night was more than a nostalgia trip—it was a visceral reminder of why Unwound remains a cornerstone of post-hardcore, noise rock, and experimental sound.

The Venue & Vibe

Teragram Ballroom, with its intimate 600-person capacity and general admission setup, was the perfect crucible for Unwound’s sonic intensity. The crowd leaned in—literally and emotionally. From the front rows to the edges, people swayed, surged, and occasionally moshed, feeding off the band’s energy. While the acoustics weren’t flawless throughout the venue, the sound hit hard and clean where it mattered most.

Opening the night was lowercase, whose own version of noise rock with post-hardcore elements offered a precursor of noise that set the stage for what was to come. Imaad Wasif was in fine form with angsty almost screamed vocals at points with Brian Girgus’s hard hitting drums driving each song forward, along with Tiber Scheer’s propulsive bass lines holding down the low end. At certain points the dynamics of the songs would have benefitted by an additional boost to Wasif’s guitar level in the live mix.

Setlist Deep Dive

Unwound’s set leaned heavily into The Future of What, with over a dozen tracks from the album anchoring the performance. But they didn’t stop there—gems from Fake Train and Repetition surfaced, giving the show a layered emotional arc.

Highlights included:

  • “New Energy” as the opener: taut, confrontational, and instantly immersive.
  • “Demolished,” “Natural Disasters,” “Re-Enact the Crime”: balancing noise and nuance, these tracks showcased the band’s dynamic range.
  • “Kantina,” “Valentine Card,” “Were Are and Was or Is”: early fan favorites that landed with raw emotional force.
  • A mid-set taped interlude with “Pardon My French” added unexpected texture, breaking the live momentum in a way that felt intentional and atmospheric.

Musicianship & Dynamics

Unwound’s performance was tight, deliberate, and emotionally charged. The band navigated chaos and calm with precision, never letting one overwhelm the other.

  • Sara Lund’s drumming was a standout: aggressive yet controlled, anchoring the band while injecting bursts of disruption.
  • Guitar and noise elements were masterfully balanced—abrasive when needed, ambient when the moment called for it. The twin guitar attack of Justin Trosper and Scott Seckington provided a sonic blast of dissonance and distortion and gave many of the most familiar tracks an extra heaviness.
  • Bass work Jared Warren (Big Business, Melvins) held the low end with clarity and weight, supporting the mix without muddying it. Filling the massive shoes of Vern Rumsey is not easy to do and Warren was more than capable.

The transitions between songs felt seamless, with tension building and releasing in waves. It was a set that demanded attention and rewarded it.

What Worked / ⚠️ What Could’ve Been Better

What Worked:

  • A clear thematic focus on The Future of What gave the show cohesion.
  • Smart pacing and dynamic contrasts kept the hour-long set compelling.
  • The mix of old and new material satisfied both diehard fans and curious newcomers.

Could’ve Been Better:

  • Vocals occasionally got buried under guitar layers, especially in louder moments.
  • A couple of quieter songs in succession slightly dulled momentum.
  • Another track or two from the “Repetition” album might have provided a more balanced set.

Final Thoughts

Unwound’s performance at Teragram Ballroom was a masterclass in tension, texture, and emotional resonance. Thirty years on, The Future of What still feels urgent—and Unwound still knows how to make it hit. The show wasn’t just a look back; it was a statement of continued relevance.

Rating: 8.5/10 For fans, it was a cathartic celebration. For newcomers, a compelling initiation.

 

SOLACE – Further (2025 Reissue)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Further first dropped in 2000, it marked the arrival of Solace as one of the East Coast’s most punishing and inventive stoner doom outfits. Twenty-five years later, Magnetic Eye Records has given the record a new lease on life, remastering the band’s debut and pairing it with a treasure trove of bonus material. Sadly, this reissue doubles as an unintended tribute to original frontman Jason L., who passed away earlier this year. His presence looms large across the record—raw, feral, and commanding—and this edition ensures his voice will continue to rattle speakers for years to come.

If Further were released as a brand-new album today, it would still feel like a major statement. The remaster sharpens its edges without sanding down the grit, giving the riffs more bite and the low end more weight.

The album’s opening run of songs sets the tone brilliantly:

“Man Dog” erupts with chugging riffs and Jason’s throat-tearing vocals, a track that feels halfway between Motörhead’s reckless charge and Sabbath’s oppressive stomp. It’s the kind of opener that makes a mission statement loud and clear.

“Black Unholy Ground” follows with a darker, more lumbering feel. The riffs here are suffocating, crushing down like concrete slabs, while Jason’s vocal delivery leans into apocalyptic sermon territory.

“Followed” drags things into the swamp. The tempo sinks, the distortion thickens, and the song oozes menace—perfect for fans who prefer their doom with an extra layer of grime.

“Whistle Pig” kicks the energy back up, riding a surging groove with a riff that borders on classic rock swagger, though twisted through Solace’s dirt-metal filter. It’s one of the album’s more driving tracks.

“Hungry Mother” pivots again, starting with a slow, foreboding build before exploding into one of the record’s heaviest climaxes. The song embodies Solace’s signature push-and-pull between sludge and fury.

This pendulum swing between ferocity and sludge, between heavy rock swagger and doom-laden crawl, is what keeps Further gripping even as it stretches past the hour mark.

Highlights from the remainder of the set include “Suspicious Towers,” which slips in a spoken-word lift from the cult sci-fi flick The Creation of Humanoids. Normally a gimmick, here it lands with eerie effectiveness, a perfect prelude to the song’s lurching menace.

The reissue doesn’t stop at polishing the core album. Six bonus tracks expand the picture, including covers of Iron Maiden (“Another Life”), Lynyrd Skynyrd (“On the Hunt”), Misfits (“We Bite”), and James Gang (“Funk #49,” captured live in Tokyo back in ’98). Far from throwaways, these renditions showcase Solace’s ability to bend other genres into their own brand of what they once called “dirt metal”—part doom, part hardcore muscle, part Jersey grit.

The remastered Further clocks in at over 90 minutes, but it never feels bloated. Instead, it plays like a reminder of just how vital this band was at the turn of the millennium—and how much Jason L.’s guttural roar defined their sound. This reissue doesn’t just honor an album; it honors a legacy.

Verdict: A powerhouse debut given new fire, Further (2025) is both a fitting tribute and a record that still competes with the best of the genre today. Pour one out for Jason, crank this loud, and let Solace’s dirt metal thunder roll.

Tracklist
1. Man Dog (2025 Remaster)
2. Black Unholy Ground (2025 Remaster)
3. Followed (2025 Remaster)
4. Whistle Pig (2025 Remaster)
5. Hungry Mother (2025 Remaster)
6. Angels Dreaming (2025 Remaster)
7. Suspicious Tower (2025 Remaster)
8. Heavy Birth/2-Fisted (2025 Remaster)
9. Another Life
10. We Bite
11. On the Hunt
12. Heavy Birth/2-Fisted (Distanced from Reality version)
13. Dirt
14. Funk #49 (Live in Tokyo ’98)

Recording line-up
Jason – voice, lyrics
Tommy Southard – guitars
Bill “Bixby” Belford – drums
Rob Hultz – bass

GAUPA’s FYR: Where Doom Rock Meets Swedish Psychedelia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since releasing their self-titled EP in 2018, GAUPA has continuously broken new ground within the Swedish psych rock and stoner rock communities. Their unique blend of doom metal and groove rock has earned them significant recognition, with their track ‘Exoskeleton’ surpassing one million Spotify streams and their EP accumulating over 4 million streams to date. Following the release of their 2022 album “Myriad,” the band delivered unforgettable performances at major festivals including Sweden Rock, Hellfest, Wacken, Mystic, and Desert Fest. Set for release on July 4th via Nuclear Blast Records, FYR promises to take listeners on a genre-bending journey through enthralling psychedelia and heavy prog metal.

The Band’s Evolution Leading to FYR

From Underground Sensation to Genre-Bending Force

GAUPA’s musical journey has been anything but conventional. The Uppsala-based quintet first emerged on the Swedish underground scene with their self-titled debut EP in 2018, immediately capturing attention with their distinctive sound. This initial release showcased the band’s knack for blending heavy riffs with ethereal vocals, establishing a foundation for their evolving musical identity.

After their impressive debut, the band continued refining their unique approach to doom the rock genre. Their sophomore release, 2020’s “Feberdröm,” marked a significant step forward in their sonic exploration. During this period, GAUPA began incorporating more experimental elements into their music, further distinguishing themselves from contemporaries in the Swedish psych rock scene.

The release of “Myriad” in 2022 represented a watershed moment for the band. This full-length album demonstrated remarkable growth in both songwriting and production quality. Throughout this evolutionary phase, vocalist Emma Näslund’s haunting, versatile voice became increasingly central to GAUPA’s sonic signature – weaving between delicate whispers and powerful wails over the band’s groove rock foundation.

Recent months have brought significant changes to GAUPA’s lineup. The departure of guitarist Erik Sävström created both challenges and opportunities for the remaining members. Rather than viewing this shift as a setback, the band channeled the transition into creative energy for their upcoming EP. This period of adjustment allowed them to reassess their sound and push into even more adventurous territory.

“FYR” emerges as the culmination of this creative evolution. The four-track EP represents both a continuation of GAUPA’s established sound and a bold step into new realms of doom metal experimentation. Interestingly, the band opted for a shorter format following their full-length release, allowing them to create a more concentrated and focused artistic statement.

Over time, GAUPA has masterfully balanced accessibility with avant-garde sensibilities. While maintaining the core elements that first attracted their fanbase, they’ve consistently pushed against genre boundaries. This willingness to evolve while honoring their roots has positioned them as one of the most intriguing bands in modern stoner rock.

Inside FYR: Sound, Style, and Production

A Heavier Sonic Landscape Emerges

Taking a dramatic sonic shift, GAUPA’s “FYR” stands as their heaviest material to date. This transformation didn’t happen by accident — the band enlisted new mixing engineer Karl Daniel Lidén, who gave the tracks a significantly grittier, more aggressive sound compared to their previous releases. Gone is the slick, bright production of earlier works, replaced by a rawer, dirtier sonic palette that intensifies their doom the rock foundations.

Despite downsizing to a four-piece following guitarist Daniel Nygren’s 2024 departure to focus on family life, the band sounds anything but diminished on this mini-album. Recorded in autumn 2024 across two locations — Svenska Grammofonstudion in Göteborg and Estethuset studios in Falun — the EP retains GAUPA’s core elements while pushing into new territory.

The swedish psych rock outfit describes “FYR” as a “patchwork of parts” where each member contributes equally. This collaborative approach yields impressive results across the four tracks. Opening with “Lion’s Thorn” (7:37), the album immediately establishes its credentials with mesmerizing bagpipes that introduce spacious, tripped-out verses before waves of hard stoner rock riffs crash through. “Heavy Lord” (3:58) delivers one of 2025’s most hypnotic choruses, while “Ten Of Twelve” (4:21) dazzles with astounding guitar work and weighty percussion.

Perhaps most impressive is closer “Elastic Sleep” (8:10), a genre-flipping masterpiece where enthralling psychedelia swells into crests of ripping djent metal and cosmic doom. Throughout these tracks, the band maintains their signature elements: enchanting intricacy, trippy verses, and a steady stream of groove rock sensibility.

The title itself carries multiple meanings in Swedish — “four” (this being their fourth release), “lighthouse,” “beacon,” and “fire” — all fitting the musical and lyrical content in various ways. This multi-layered approach extends to the sound itself, where doom metal heaviness coexists alongside surreal lyricism and atmospheric passages, creating a seamless blend that feels both cohesive and exploratory.

Themes and Surrealism in the Lyrics

Dreamscapes and Reality Blur in GAUPA’s Poetic Universe

At the heart of GAUPA’s entrancing doom metal soundscape lies vocalist Emma Näslund’s playfully perplexing and surreal lyricism. Throughout “FYR,” the band loosely explores the concept of time alongside the fundamental question of “what is real, what is not, and what is a dream”. This philosophical approach perfectly complements the swedish psych rock instrumentals that define their sonic identity.

Inspired largely by Ursula K. Le Guin’s award-winning science fiction novel “The Word for World Is Forest,” the EP draws from themes of anti-colonialism and environmentalism. Näslund’s lyrics often contemplate mankind’s destructive relationship with the environment, yet she maintains an intentionally abstract approach to her writing.

“I want people to use their fantasy and imagination,” Näslund explains about her cryptic writing style. “You need to go through the lyrics, and you need to think, what does it mean to you?”. This deliberate ambiguity invites listeners to discover personal meaning behind her dreamlike poetry instead of being handed explicit interpretations.

The band’s fascination with animal imagery continues throughout “FYR,” most notably in “Ten Of Twelve,” which references the rooster’s position as the 10th animal in the Chinese zodiac. Näslund playfully subverts folklore by transforming the traditionally lucky rooster into “a bad luck rooster instead of a lucky charm”.

GAUPA’s enthralling psychedelia extends beyond musical elements into their lyrical approach. Näslund’s writing process varies considerably – sometimes lines spontaneously emerge, while others require careful crafting. She draws inspiration from diverse literary sources including sci-fi, dystopian fiction, magic realism, and poetry.

The surreal quality of groove rock is enhanced by lyrics that maintain a certain mystique. “I don’t enjoy lyrics when it’s obvious,” Näslund notes. “The lyrics that speak to me the most are lyrics that I can choose to think are for me”. This approach creates a stoner rock experience where listeners can find themselves within the music’s intentionally nebulous narrative landscape.

Conclusion

FYR: A Defining Chapter in GAUPA’s Sonic Evolution

GAUPA stands poised to deliver something truly special with “FYR” on July 4th via Nuclear Blast Records. Throughout their journey from underground sensation to recognized force within the doom rock scene, this Swedish outfit has consistently defied genre expectations. Certainly, the departure of their guitarist could have derailed lesser bands, yet GAUPA has transformed this challenge into creative fuel for their heaviest material to date.

What makes “FYR” particularly compelling lies in its perfect balance between accessibility and artistic exploration. The four tracks showcase a band comfortable with their identity while still pushing boundaries – heavier production alongside dreamlike verses, surreal lyrics paired with crushing riffs. Furthermore, Emma Näslund’s enigmatic vocal approach adds another layer of mystery, allowing us as listeners to find our own meaning within their musical universe.

The multi-layered meaning behind the EP’s title – representing both their fourth release and concepts of fire, light, and guidance – perfectly encapsulates GAUPA’s artistic approach. Similarly, their willingness to blend Swedish psych rock elements with heavier doom metal textures creates something genuinely fresh in today’s music landscape.

Despite functioning as a four-piece now, GAUPA sounds more potent than ever before. The collaborative spirit evident throughout “FYR” demonstrates a band hitting their creative stride rather than struggling with transition. Subsequently, tracks like “Elastic Sleep” and “Lion’s Thorn” reveal a group unafraid to experiment while maintaining the core elements that first attracted their growing fanbase.

For fans of enthralling psychedelia, groove rock, or innovative metal, “FYR” promises to be an essential listening experience of 2025. Though only four tracks long, this mini-album appears ready to cement GAUPA’s place as one of the most intriguing bands emerging from Sweden’s fertile rock scene today.