Monthly Archives: May 2026

Syncolima – Move Mountains Album Review

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Syncolima – Move Mountains

Self-released

Release date: 05/09/2025

Running time: 38 mins

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10

OK kids: listen up, and listen up good. There’s a new release from those revved up, lightning charged Derbyshire hell-riders known as Syncolima, and we need to talk business. The three piece, consisting of Josh on guitar/vocals, Stoff on bass duties and drums courtesy of he-who-shall-be-known-as Harry, have gone full warp speed ahead and dropped their third full album release. I’ve been checking it out like an eager little monkey and here’s what I have to share.

“Move Mountains” plays to Syncolima’s considerable strengths, and delivers a tasty, chewy platter that’s a step up from previous. Launching with the furious and interestingly titled ‘Gluten Free Toast’, there’s an immediate declaration of Metal intent. Loaded with a sneering disdain, this full-on rocker sets the tone for the album in uncompromising fashion. ‘Shipwrecked’ bounces out of the speakers like a runaway galleon on a stormy sea, and ‘Kill All the Billionaires’ bursts at the seams with obvious contempt. If they put this song title on a t-shirt, I’ll be front of the queue for one.

Aggression isn’t the only trick in the bag though, as Syncolima nimbly intertwine other shades and shifts in pace. This is particularly evident in what I consider the album highlight, ‘Mistakes Were Made’. Here, the band meld angst driven riffs, mellow sections and a blinding melody. ‘Ouroboros’ also delves into the band’s Grunge influences with an ear friendly marriage of tuneful musicality and chugging Rock.

Syncolima’s exploration of different genres, from groovy Stoner to nasty Metal and on to gritty Grunge helps to elevate their songcraft to higher levels. Rather than cherry pick in an obvious manner, they’re mature and clever enough to absorb influences rather than merely ape them. Which is why songs like ‘The House We Build’ can stand on their own, rather than sound derivative. And it’s why “Move Mountains” is more than a satisfying release, it’s essential. Quality of a very high order.

Check out Syncolima on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

North West Doom Fest III 

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North West Doom Fest III 

10th – 11th April 2026 

G21 at The Saddle, Chester 

And lo, there shall come a time when the barbarians shall storm the gates of the fortress city, and congregate within its ancient walls in search of enlightenment.  Great would be the merry making, for the barbarians will come not with weapons of war, but with musical instruments and tales of hard-won valour.   

That time came, and it was known as:  North West Doom Fest III. 

Yes, after the runaway success of previous events, Chester’s premier/only Rock pub The Saddle was host to another weekend of the heaviest, the Doomiest, the Sludgiest of bands from around the UK.  Such was the demand, the event was sold out well in advance.  Personally, I was really looking forward to NWD Fest and very thankful to be there! 

Friday 10th April 2026 

The first band of the entire weekend was Ghozer, who are a four piece band from the Midlands.  Sadly, they don’t appear to be Ghostbusters fans, as that Gozer is spelt differently.  They are, however, a mighty and hugely impressive Alternative Metal band, with solid, catchy riffs and crazy, psychedelic lead guitar working nimbly through captivating, proggy epics.  They reminded me of a sludgy High On Fire with wild Hendrix lead.  A perfect start to the weekend, I was massively impressed.    

https://www.facebook.com/GhozerUK

Up next were Bristol’s Froglord, one of my personal favourites and a band I was excited to see again.  I’d seen these guys previously at the same venue, for the Warlockhunt album launch gig.  I immediately fell in love with their swampy, psyche Doom with its perfect riffs and incessant grooves.  Froglord really put on a show too, there’s nothing in their approach that hasn’t been meticulously prepared – swamp noises between songs?  Masks?  These amphibious Dark Masters are a true revelation, and I seriously urge readers to check them out soon! 

https://www.facebook.com/Froglordband

Friday night’s headliners were Cardiff based Atmospheric Doom band, Pantheist.  This band enraptured the audience with an almost symphonic take on Doom, complete with ethereal, operatic female vocals.  They’re obviously exquisite musicians and put on a great performance.  However, it was too symphonic and operatic for my tastes – like Katherine Jenkins singing along to Ghost in her bedroom.  What do I know, though?!  Everyone else – and I mean absolutely everyone else – loved Pantheist, so you should ignore me and check them out. 

https://www.facebook.com/Pantheistuk

Saturday 11th April 2026 

Some of us kind of over did it on Friday night, socialising with other North West Doom Fest attendees and enjoying the karaoke in the main bar of the Saddle.  Well, it was Frank’s (from North East Wales Metal Productions) birthday, so no excuses needed.  Happily, I managed to make it back for the start of Day Two of the fest on time and with no trouble, which is highly unusual. 

Warming things up for Day Two were Warlockhunt, festival organisers Mark and Lorraine’s Doom Pop band.  Their dual lead bass sound was now augmented with a new drummer, who had the unenviable task of filling out the sound with apocalyptic, post punk tribal rhythms.  Drums are front and centre in this band, right up there with the bass and dreamy vocals – so there’s nowhere to hide.  The sound was meticulous, no need to worry – an accomplished start to the day’s proceedings. 

https://www.facebook.com/warlockhunt/?locale=en_GB

One of the amazing things about this festival is the sheer variety of music evident within the genre of Doom.  Cruel Mother was a great example: they looked at first like people LARPing Robin of Sherwood, but they delivered a magnificent set of Doom based on Olde English (and Scottish) folk songs.  Brilliantly performed and utterly captivating.  I would’ve loved a lyric sheet to read along and explore the stories and themes!  They’re London based, if Cruel Mother are playing near you – go see them and enjoy the magick.  The outfits were cool, by the way. 

https://cruelmother.bandcamp.com/music

Helve were up next – a five piece from Leeds who unleashed a set of very heavy, sludgy Doom metal.  The performance was intense and unforgiving, with harsh, growled vocals over crushing riffs and huge soundscapes.  They reminded me a little of last year’s headliners (and one of my fanboy faves), Son of Boar.  Absolutely no complaints from me, a winning set from a great band. 

https://www.facebook.com/Helveband

I had no expectations at all regarding Sleeping Mountain, and so I was very pleasantly surprised to witness a superb band that I can add to the favourites list!  They’re a three piece, London based, and extremely effective at creating enormous Stoner Rock grooves with psychedelic and progressive overtones.  There’s some classic 70s inspiration here, with a foot planted firmly in the now, as well.  Like a grinding, cinematic early Monster Magnet.  I loved them, and made sure I picked up a copy of their excellent self-titled album on vinyl. 

https://www.facebook.com/sleepingmountainband

When Goat Major were announced on this bill, I practically shit my shoes off in excitement.  I’m already a massive fan, having reviewed their debut album, “Ritual”, for Ever Metal a while back – awarding it a solid 9/10 score.  Getting the chance to see them live was a big draw for me in attending NW Doom Fest.  And Goat Major did not disappoint, their awesome Occult Doom dripped thunderous and powerful riffage with eerie, spectral undercurrents.  Absolutely unmissable and a true highlight of the weekend! 

https://www.facebook.com/goatmajorband/?locale=en_GB

And then we had Goblin Smoker, another band I was really enthused to experience firsthand!  With releases on Sludgelord and APF Records, these guys have a quality pedigree.  Their music is classic Sabbath based Doom, with raspy, Death Metal vocals that set them apart from other bands this weekend.  This was an epic, brutalising set, taking the intensity of Death Metal into slower and fuzzier realms.  I’m just glad I was there. 

https://www.facebook.com/Goblinsmoker

Mage are a band I’ve seen live previously, they played Pentre Fest a while back.  They were amazing last time I saw them and they were even better this time around.  Seriously, Mage are the perfect Stoner/Doom Metal band, as far as I’m concerned: they cover it all, from in-you-face rockers to tripped out psyche-athons.  They remind me of a British Corrosion of Conformity, and I can think of no higher praise than that.  Their performance was riveting, even in the restricted space of the G21.  If you’re not following this band like a hungry dog, you need to be. 

https://www.facebook.com/Mageband/?locale=en_GB

And finally, then – our Saturday headliners, Old Horn Tooth: a three piece proudly representing the London Doom Collective.  Musically, this power trio deliver slow and heavy yet mesmerising Doom metal, unhurried in their approach they create something not far removed from a soundtrack to a supernatural, occult thriller.  When the riffs crash in, they are utterly devastating – and the whole experience is pulverising, yet hypnotic.  Thrilling stuff and a fitting end to a weekend of pure, definitive Doom Metal.    

https://www.facebook.com/oldhorntooth/?locale=en_GB

Well done to Lorraine and Mark, and thanks to the staff of G21/The Saddle for a spectacular festival.  There’s a one dayer planned for this summer, so keep your eyes peeled – otherwise, I’ll see you at Noth West Doom Fest IV!   

https://www.facebook.com/Thesaddleinnchester/?locale=en_GB           

Liverpool Comic Con 2026

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Liverpool Comic Con

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2026

Exhibition Centre, King’s Docks, Liverpool

Last year, I only made it to one Comic Con, which was of course this fabulous event in Liverpool. 2026 was a no-brainer in terms of attending again, so we made a family day trip out of it. Here’s a brief over view of our time at the convention, with a bunch of photos to give it some flavour.

On a personal note, this was a big event for me: it was the first time that I actually dressed up as a character. Yes, I made my Cosplaying debut (if you don’t count that time I went to Wales Comic Con dressed like Tony Stark).

And what was my choice of character? Well, after seeing them live recently, and acquiring some of their gear – what else could I go as, but a member of The Aquabats??!!

It was good fun dressed as an Aquabat all day. I thought the outfit was a bit niche and no one would know who I was, but quite a few people “recognised” me, and even asked for a photo! I was very happy – and honoured – to oblige. After all, it was kind of nice, in a way, to repay all the photos of Cosplayers I’ve taken in the past.

I wasn’t as popular as Daughtertron, however: she was dressed as Applejack (from My Little Pony) and she had many more photo requests than me!

There were plenty of other people attending the Con in fantastic and extremely clever costumes, some of which I managed to photo and include here. There were many I glimpsed but missed the opportunity to ask for a photo, as well. Far too many. If you posed for a pic, thank you!

Great to see lots of Star Wars outfits too, with May 4th the very next day!

Other than that, there were many celebrity guests on site, though I didn’t get any autographs etc this time. There were quite a few interesting guests, but no one I wanted to splash the cash for. I did get some pics of several of the props, vehicles and so on that were on display, however. Some great photo ops there.

The rest of the time was all about perusing the many stalls, reviewing the merch and spending money. There were several stalls selling comic books, so I was able to fill some gaps in my Marvel collection. The only let down was a distinct lack of action figures – gone are the days when I could increase my vast Star Wars collection with convention purchases.

The day was a great success, and we all had a great time. I think we’ll try and attend more conventions this year – maybe including the next Liverpool event later in the year.

The question is – do I dress as one of The Aquabats again…?