2026 is here, and here also is my first review of the year. Finally. Now, now – enough with the “late as usual” bants! I’ve been busy doing something. I’m sure I have an excuse somewhere, I’ll get back to you… Anyway, this is an excellent place to start for the new year – the debut album from Occult Doom Rockers, Ritual Arcana.
A new band, but with an impressive pedigree, Ritual Arcana consist of SharLee LuckyFree on bass and vocals (ex Moth), Oakley Munson on Drums (The Black Lips) and underground Stoner/Doom legend, the one and only Scott “Wino” Weinrich (of The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan etc etc) on guitar. Slap all that on a release from Heavy Psych Sounds and you just know something serious is going down.
In the fabled land of Stoner/Doom, The Riff is King. And with Wino on board, the kingdom is in safe hands. The slow, throbbing title track opens the ceremonial space, throbbing with a medieval menace. ‘Occluded’ picks up the pace, a charging head banger that’s more infectious than an outbreak of witchcraft in New England. That guitar tone is absolutely monolithic throughout, witness the crushing ‘Berkana’ for more evidence.
The rest of the band ain’t taking a day off, either. Munson’s drums rattle and crash throughout the ritual with tribal precision, and on ‘Subtle Fruits’ revs up the rhythm to thrilling heights. And of course there’s the formidable presence of cosmic High Priestess LuckyFree, a solid, warm bass player who’s voice genuinely adds character to all the songs here. Taking centre stage with glee and authority, LuckyFree leads the throng and particularly shines on ‘Wake the Goddess’.
“Ritual Arcana” delivers exactly what one would expect, and does it confidently. A little more variety in song writing would’ve propelled this album to even greater heights – some swampy blues? An Iommi style mellow piece? But we can leave that for album number two. For now, this debut weaves reliably thunderous Hard Rock with a gloomy, supernatural air for an enticing experience.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Pentre Fest – it’s no secret that I’m a fan of this two day Metal festival held in a pub/club down the road from me. Organised by the hard working and hard rocking people at North East Wales Metal Productions, it’s a non-stop feast of fine tunes, the very best of underground Metal from around the UK.
Here’s my write up my experiences from this years event. You can read a full account from Team Ever Metal over at their site.
Day 1
Hiraeth
My excitement had been steadily rising for weeks ahead of Pentre Fest. You just can’t beat this mini two-day festival in North Wales, it really is the gig highlight of the year for me. I arrived just in time to catch Hiraeth, a great Black Metal band who originate from not too far away in Wrexham. Taking the Black Metal template and weaving tales of ancient Welsh folklore and history, these sword wielding warriors bring a positive, inclusive vibe with their increasingly accomplished musicality. A great band and a real high point to start with.
Attic Theory
Liverpool’s Attic Theory were up next on the main stage, and though they were new to me, they really made a good impression. Full on, hard hitting alternative rock, Attic Theory ploughed through the room with a big riffs and anthemic vocals. I love me some Grunge and these guys had the power and a magnetic groove. Unfortunately they buggered off home before I could buy their delightful album on sexy vinyl!
Battalions
The band I was most excited to see at this year’s gathering was Battalions, who I’ve developed a bit of a fanboy adoration for. They’re on APF Records so that’s a mark of quality right there. Thankfully, Battalions’ monstrous, doomy, fuzzed out riffs were even more satisfying than their quite brilliant album ‘King of a Dead World’. They warmed my ancient, jaded soul with a sludgy set that really was a Pentre Fest highlight.
Miserable Sinner
Outside, the cold drizzle made viewing the Keymo stage a bit of a challenge – never mind actually playing on it! I did catch Geordie of Bad Earth performing his Miserable Sinner solo acoustic set in defiance of all the mighty Thor could unleash upon him, with AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie” being a particular favourite!
Basement Torture Killings
A brutal, Death Metal Grindcore band of lunatics who’ve watched too may serial killer documentaries, Basement Torture Killings certainly know how to entertain. It was a case of “Netflix and kill”, as they tore through a visceral set and eviscerated a huge cuddly teddy bear. Not my usual type of O Positive, but BTK served up a memorable, blood soaked show. Time for bed.
Day 2
Firefly
Running late as per usual, I actually wasn’t punished too badly this time as apparently Edd Case had declined his opening slot! Instead I arrived just in time to see Firefly, who had only just started their set. An amazing start to the festivities, Firefly brought their own brand of Industrial Goth Metal to give everyone a big wake up call. Like a mix of Rammstein, NIN, Gary Numan and Sisters of Mercy with the smoky vocals of Marianne Faithful (like what Mare said), this was pretty damn unmissable. Check ‘em out!
Victim of Damp
Opening proceedings on the outdoor stage was Victim of Damp, alias Pentre Fest die hard Frank Williams. His amalgamation of gentle covers and humorous originals improves with confidence every time. A free shot of the old alcohol helped warm us all up too!
Losing Light
This band sounded like an interesting premise, and indeed they were. Four guys from fairly close by, they have plenty of experience but are a relatively new proposition as Losing Light. Usually, their set would include a couple of covers, but these were dropped for this first Pentre appearance. Very confident and excellent musicians, their own self written songs were more than capable – Losing Light gave us an electric performance. Let’s hope they return soon.
Oliver Carins
Quick, no time to put your feet up – get out to the Keymo stage! Oliver Carins, usually part of Scarfoot (who are a hell of a band anyway) gave us a superb acoustic set with fine vocals and masterful guitar skills. Folky and warm, the songs still had that signature epic Scarfoot edge.
The Raging Mabels
Sadly, Any Given Reason were unable to play this afternoon, so the daring Raging Mabels parachuted in to save the day. And boy did they rage! A set of powerful yet tuneful rockers, the Mabels played an energetic non-stop set that rattled by like a rocket riding coyote chasing a roadrunner. Equally at home playing for fans of Motorhead or the Ramones, it’s no secret that this pretend rock journo is a mega fanboy – the Mabels are pure joy! And they (finally) brought some merch!!!
Chain of Survival
Theigns and Thrawls did a brilliant acoustic set oustide next, but more about them later. Let’s skip forward a little to Chain of Survival. Another Liverpool based band, this time we have a Hardocre Thrash Punk four piece who are utterly uncompromising. If you ever played DRI or Sick of It All casettes from a boombox while skateboarding in a local supermarket carpark (as I still do) then you’ll love COS too.
Fallen North
These guys have played McLeans gigs before, but they showed up in full force – this was not a dress rehearsal! Full on, no apologies modern metal with crunchy riffs and soaring vocals, Fallen North soon had the crowd won over. They stepped down from the stage to join a fan on the dancefloor, still playing, and giving one of the most heartwarming moments of the weekend. Well played all round.
Kevin Plant (Cry For Mercy)
Blues rock royalty Cry For Mercy weren’t playing this weekend, but vocalist/bass maestro Kev Plant braved the elements outside on the acoustic stage for a solo performance. Great playing augmented with Kev’s trademark soulful, Paul Rogers like voice was an oasis of calm. It takes some cojones to tackle Chris Cornell’s vocals, but Kev’s version of Audioslaves ‘I Am The Highway’ was respectful and stirring.
Ogun
The world needs more authentic Thrash Metal. Thankfully Liverpool’s Ogun delivered a rousing set of the genuine article at Pentre Fest. Not dated or old fashioned in anyway, just modern thrash in the spirit of Testament, Exodus and even Slayer. Speed but without compromising on songcraft or melody, there’s plenty to enjoy in Ogun’s set. Not their first time here and hopefully not their last either.
Bad Earth
OK, so I’ve seen Bad Earth before – but they’re always exciting. And loud! Playing their own, patented Rockcore (TM), this three piece always seem to be ready to decimate wherever they play. It’s dirty biker rock dialled to eleven and kept up way past it’s bedtime, as Geordie, Karl and Ben assault their instruments like they’ve insulted their mothers. Always a pleasure to be in the crowd for a Bad Earth gig!
Edd Case
Closing the Keymo stage outside, this wasn’t the first I’d seen of Edd this Fest. He’d already played a blinder the day before, and this time gave us a very welcome rendition of ‘Mother’ (note to bands everywhere: play more Danzig) amongst some select covers. Original material also got an airing, including the magnificent ‘Letters Back Home’, a moving and sadly still relevant masterpiece. Edd, you truly are a poet.
Theigns and Thralls
Earlier in the day, I witnessed an eye opening and refreshing performance by Theigns and Thralls on the outside acoustic stage. I always enjoy a trip into different genres at Pentre Fest and this folk set was a definite highlight. In the evening, they plugged in fully to give us a real taste of Folk Metal, the energy of which had the audience jumping and dancing around. Glorious fun for all!
Fury
This year’s esteemed headline act, there was a fair buzz around the venue for Fury’s set. And to be fair, they were worth waiting for. Specialising in the unrecycled, sheer joy of Heavy Metal in all its Iron Maiden/Judas Priest glory, these guys were undoubtedly on top form. The dual female/male lead vocals of Nyah and Julian help the band transcend any Hard Rock cliches with an outstanding, individual sound. Fury are undoubtedly excellent musicians, and have the performance and songcraft to back up their reputation. I can’t really think of a bone to pick with them. Other than if they don’t make a return visit one day, we’ll all be very upset.
And that’s it: the end of another Pentre Fest. A wonderful weekend of fine music and great company, I’m already counting down to next year. I’ve definitely got post Pentre Fest blues.
The wild and wonderful world of Spider Kitten: a place, a frame of mind, an attitude – there is nowhere else like it. Both welcoming and confrontational at the same time, this band follow their own desires and to hell with the consequences. There are no rules in this lawless land, just an exploration of whatever realm of consciousness the band happen to be channelling at any one point. But it all makes perfect sense.
APF records have released this latest album by Spider Kitten, entitled “The Truth is Caustic to Love”. Within its sonic walls are a myriad of styles and journeys, encompassing everything from the gloomiest of doom, sludgy grunge, magnificent acoustic ballads and Spaghetti Westerns. Plus everything else you can think of.
Now that’s probably the most pretentious intro to a review I’ve ever written, so I’d better back it up with some serious wordology. The menacing crawl of ‘13 of 6’ is our first destination, its crushing heavy sections contrasted with sparse ambient passages, tense with expectation. First single ‘The Dose’ is next, coming on like a Death Metal Melvins; followed by the delightful acoustic guitars and Mexican sunset of ‘Sueño’. Then it’s back to the heavy, with ‘The Spoiler’ sounding like Alice in Chains on a major comedown.
This contrast in light and dark isn’t necessarily a new idea, but with Spider Kitten, the experimental, melodic and melancholy moments seem more extreme.
‘Three Shots’ is a central track here, and a personal favourite, with its moody, dusty Ennio Morricone soundtrack vibe. ‘Woe Betide Me’ and the closer, ‘Guilty’, both have a weeping blues feel and offer some calmer moments. These songs are surrounded by noisier relations, such as ‘Revelation #9’, ‘Crying Towel’, and ‘Wretched Evergreen’, all of which are gloriously abrasive and aggressive.
Surprisingly, it doesn’t take multiple listens to appreciate “The Truth is Caustic to Love”. This is because the heavy is beguilingly heavy and the mellower moments shine in the murk, and together it’s a fascinating smorgasbord of sounds and ideas. Spider Kitten are beyond easy prediction, best just enjoy wherever they take us.
This is a tough review to write. It’s tough, because I need to write around 400 words about this release – but all I need to say, really, is something like “do not miss this awesome new album by Master Charger, it’s great”. There’s nothing else that needs to be said. So, let’s see if I can pad that out for another few hundred words, shall we?
Yes indeed, the new release from Midlands, UK based Doom Lords, the one and only Master Charger. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this to drop, as I became a convert to their cause when I saw these filth hounds live at Pentre Fest a while back. Superb band. An unholy amalgamation of Sludgey Doom and fuzzy Stoner with a heart-warming affection for Blues based Rock’n’Roll, I’m proud to wear the T-shirt and be an advocate for this three-piece from hell.
We start with the rumbling, echoey drums of ‘Thy Kingdom Polluted’, which is quickly adorned by dirty, fuzzy guitars and trippy wah-wah lead. The riifs have groove and it’s easy to get dragged along and nod that head. ‘Only My Eyes See, Empires Rust’ follows this with a colossal doom riff that fries your brain, then it’s off on a ten minute plus odyssey with the title track. Passing through different sections, this monster is the evil offspring of Sabbath and Cathedral.
After all that full on Doom Metal savagery, even I could do with a little break. And that respite is gifted to us in the form of ‘Fallen Angel Painted Doll’, an instrumental track that begins with some quite beautiful acoustic guitar. Starting just like those genius Tony Iommi mellow moments on the early Sabbath albums, though this grows into full band folky ramble complete with harmonica. Perfect.
Before long we’re back in real business though: ‘When Hell Rode In’ and ‘Head Into The Sun’ sound like a Satanic ZZ Top jamming Venom songs. Freaky acid tipped wah-wah heralds the start of ‘The Awakening’, which grows into another filthy groover. ‘Mass Produced Mass Destroyed’ keeps on bringing the heavy, a brutal track that conjures ideas of both legendary Black bands, Sabbath and Flag.
Finally, ‘Upon Roads Less Travelled’ cools things down – a short but classy instrumental that is the calm after the storm. “Posthumous Resurrection” reaches its finale, and what a ride it’s been. Visceral, muscley Doom Metal with outrageous riffs, thoughtfully composed variations – all the promises are delivered on, tenfold. The only slight issue here is the lack of a vinyl release, which is patently criminal with an album this good. But Master Charger have given us a killer album – another one for the end of year Best Of list. Go buy it, NOW.
There you go, over 500 words – no problem. Reviews are easy when the music is this good.
Well 2025 certainly delivered the goods for new music. As in previous years, Ever Metal asked me to compile a list of my Top Ten albums from the worlds of Rock and Metal, so I did. The list has already been published over on EM, but I’ve reproduced it here for anyone who missed it…
You know what? It would be easier to pick my All Time Top 20 Albums than a Top 10 for the year. I know I say this every year, but 2025 has been a really strong one for new releases. Whatever the genre, there have been some beauties. So here are ten of my favourites, listed from one to ten, but to be honest – the ranking between these exemplary specimens doesn’t mean that much.
Admittedly, I was late on the bandwagon with this band, but I don’t care. Pigs x7 dropped this Stoner Metal monster and I shamelessly joined the admiring throng. “Death Hilarious” is crazy riffage for a good time.
This album of dreamy Doom Pop has been played relentlessly chez moi since its release. Mournful bass, crashing drums and reflective vocals create an otherworldly tapestry.
A beguiling soundtrack for a strange world, Spider Kitten knit the heaviest of sludgy riffs, avant garde Doom and Spaghetti Western music into something truly original and unforgettable.
I saw Froglord live and immediately fell in love with their sludgy, amphibious grooves. “Metamorphosis” is a masterclass in swampy riffage and it has constantly cheered me up since it oozed into my possession.
This band go from strength to strength, and their “Move Mountains” album became one of my most played albums of the year. A full-on Stoner Rock, Grunge and Metal hybrid that always drags you back for another listen.
The second album from King Kraken builds on the triumphs of its predecessor, but adds an even tougher, uncompromising Metal edge and daring new textures.
The absolute Overlords of fuzzy Doom Boogie, Master Charger’s 2025 masterpiece delivers everything that you could ask for, plus more. Extremely infectious in every good way. Essential!
Right from the first spin, I knew this glorious album would be a contender for the best of the year list. A stunning album that isn’t afraid to branch out in new directions, whilst staying true to the core of what 1968 do.
And there you go, ten superb albums that I’ve loved this year. Honourable mentions go to Supersuckers, Melvins, Toranaga and Jonathan Hultén for releasing top quality music that nearly made the cut.
Happy New Year all – here’s to the new sounds of 2026!
Don’t forget to keep visiting Ever Metal – and Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub – for the best music!
By now, you’ll know my love of Mclean’s Pub in Pentre, Deeside, North Wales – from all the Pentre Fest gigs and so on I’ve covered from there. Thankfully, rather than make us all wait till February 2026 for the next full weekend festival, North East Wales Metal Productions have set up some “All Dayer” gigs at the same, friendly venue to keep us going. Plus, even more live events at XS, Wrexham.
Sadly, two bands had to drop out of this particular event. But no matter: the show would go on! And first up was our valiant comrade, Steve AKA Geordie from Bad Earth, performing a solo set in his Miserable Sinner guise. Now Bad Earth have been regulars at Mcleans for aeons, and it’s always great to welcome them back – or at least, one of them! Much merriment was had as the Sinner launched the afternoon’s proceedings. Key songs were covers of Billy Idol and Foo Fighters tracks that successfully got the crowd moving. Plus, a couple of older, now sadly retired Bad Earth tracks – ‘120 on the 55’ receiving a much appreciated airing!
Up next, a new band on my radar, Fallen North. These boys have had a couple of new guitarists join recently, and if anything, they all seem really energised by the injection of new blood. Fallen North’s sound is a crunchy, riff laden heavy rock/metal creation, with pounding rhythm section, exemplary guitars and off-the-charts vocals. Very professional, yet still crazy good fun, these guys gave us a stunning set and even threw in a couple of cheeky covers (like RATM’s ‘Killing In The Name Of…’). This approach gave Fallen North the chance to enjoy themselves as much as the audience did!
HollowKin had travelled all the way up from the South West England area to play this gig, and it was a trip well worth it. These guys have had an EMQs featured on Ever Metal, so it was nice to actually catch them in the flesh. HollowKin gave us a set of utterly uncompromising, metalcore fury. Part speedy thrash, part bludgeoning, cold riffs and guttural vocals, the band haven’t been together all that long, but you’d never guess. An assured performance and solid musicianship.
“Some Good Riffs” is an album title by our next band, Melted Messiah. Somewhat amusingly, they took this title from an Ever Metal review a couple of years back. It’s not often I get called out at these gigs, but I did. Luckily, I escaped unscathed! Melted Messiah are in fact a very, very cool blend of Stoner, Doom and Black Metal, and they belched out a brilliantly furious set with tongue firmly in cheek. Their sludgy thrash had many “good riffs” indeed and I became an instant fan of this two-piece of Scottish nutters. They travelled far to be with us, I really hope they come back!
Our final band of the evening was Syncolima, headlining the show – and justifiably so. They played at Pentre Fest a couple of years ago and I loved them then – seeing Syncolima agaiin, it’s easy to understand why. A superb blend of stoner rock, grunge and chugging metal, they had powerful riffs and catchy melodies. Heavy music with depth, performed by excellent musicians, means you can’t really go wrong with this Mansfield, Notts three piece. Magnificent stuff, no complaints from me! They’re on tour and come highly recommended by moi.
That’s almost it – but I nearly forgot to mentioned the well intentioned N.E.W. Metal Prod Ozzy tribute that the guys threw in the middle of the evening. With the Prince of Darkness sadly departing this mortal recently, a memorial to the great Oz was nicely timed. Our mates from Fallen North led the tribute, with ‘Crazy Train’ and ‘Mr Crowley’ before a group sing along to ‘War Pigs’. I made sure I got up front for that one, hoping it would be my moment to be discovered, but sadly it never happened. No one asked me to join a band, despite my fantastic performance. Oh, well…
Despite this insult, I had a thoroughly enjoyable time and came away with several new favourite bands. So a good result, regardless. Well done to Fozzy and Beany (and Frank and Kelly!), plus the Mclean’s staff, for putting this show on. More gigs soon – BE THERE!
Pentagram are a band that refuse to die. With roots going back some fifty years, and every kind of catastrophe from band splits, arrests and hard drug addiction, it’s some feat that we’re here to discuss a new album at all. Like a bizarre hybrid of 80s slasher movie antagonists, Pentagram keep coming back to life. Now, with “Lightning in a Bottle”, the band are back: the life support has been thrown on, this time by mad scientists Heavy Psych Sounds.
The band’s only constant member is founder/frontman/vocalist Bobby Liebling, a complex and controversial character. On this excursion, he’s joined by a new bunch of musicians who are venturing to keep the name and legacy of Pentagram alive. Tony Reed is on guitar and production duties, Henry Vasquez on drums and Scooter Haslip handles bass. All three have sturdy pedigrees earned from other bands, and their contributions here make them light years past being mere hired hands.
Liebling’s story is both chaotic and scandalous, but this isn’t the time or place to cast stones. Interestingly, on the track ‘Lady Heroin’, the singer explores the theme of his addiction in a mournful, self-torturing manner. There’s no bravado here, with Liebling openly pondering on the destruction that addiction has wrought. Musically, the song marries a solid riff with a forlorn middle section.
‘I’ll Certainly See You in Hell’ follows this track, with a strutting pace and Liebling wailing like a deranged preacher. After that we get ‘Thundercrest’ with its ruthless, pounding riff – forming a triumvirate of the best songs in the middle of the album. Not that the rest of “Lightning…” is lacking: whether its aptly titled opener ‘Live Again’ with its head nodding urgency or the crawling doom fest of ‘Walk the Sociopath’, Pentagram have all bases covered.
The biggest fear was always going to be Pentagram pissing on their legacy. They are, after all, one of the great Doom Metal bands that are responsible for the development of the sub-genre. Absolutely no fear of that here, though: “Lightning in a Bottle” sees this version of Pentagram releasing a reassuringly strong album. The musical reputation of Pentagram continues to thrive.
Following a blinder of an evening’s entertainment for Day the First of North West Doom Fest, I was rested and ready to go for Saturday. Beginning at an earlier time in the afternoon, I unfortunately missed the first band of the bill, Hand of Omega, who played while I was still travelling into town. Sincere apolgies for this to all, I must catch them again sometime.
Arriving at the Saddle, the festivities were well and truly underway already. A decent sized crowd were in attendance in the rear courtyard, cradling beers and nursing themselves back to full health. There was no downer atmos that I could discern at all however, everyone seemed amped for the music ahead.
Moss Valley were the first band of the day that I actually got to see, and they were pretty damn good. This three piece straddled a retro seventies vibe with added desert rock Kyuss stylings. Great riffs and warm female vocals adding to the melodies, Moss Valley really made a huge impression. It’s tough to pick favourites at an event like this, but MV were definitely contenders.
Up next we had a visit from the Pagan lords of the north, Sabbat Wolf. This Leeds based band featured exemplary musicianship, again with a commanding female vocalist. What I enjoyed here were the Sabbath worshipping riffs augmented by beautifully tuneful, mellow passages that reminded me of Pink Floyd. Sabbat Wolf really stood out with these psychedelic flourishes and their unashamed occult theme – their song ‘Pagan Bloody Pagan’ tells you all you need to know!
Warpstormer had travelled up from Londonium to the ancient, walled city of Chester. These guys mix full throttle Metal with their Doom, think Orange Goblin rocking out at their trippiest. It’s a Stoner Metal attack that could have been related somewhere to Entombed or Motorhead, but had enough power and groove to fit in perfectly at this gig. Warpstomer were real crowd pleasers and also really nice guys.
Get your flat caps on and forget your fear of heights, it’s time for Shred Dibnah! The world’s premier Steeple Jack Rock band graced the stage of NW Doom Fest, amid clouds of smoke and a pummelling performance. With a portable chimney on stage belching out clouds, Shred Dibnah demolished the audience with roaming riffs and contrasting mellow sections that added to the hypnotic drill.
Borehead were the next band of the day, and again a different take on the Doom template. In contrast to other bands, these Londoners were largely instrumental – except for some weird and wonderful samples – with slow, fuzzy riffs more spaced out than Buck Rogers on a Venusian hookah pipe. Cerebral stuff that you’d assume would be better appreciated on headphones with some refreshment, but it went over very well.
I was already familiar with the mighty Deathfiend – I caught them live a while back, and was happily smashed to pieces with their ferocious onslaught. With elements of Death Metal and even Hardcore Punk in the Deathfiend sound, I wasn’t sure if they’d be too damn nasty for this festival, but they slotted right in neatly. Outrageously heavy Doom riffs delivered with a fiery intensity, this band are a force to be reckoned with.
You know how sometimes you see a band that looks so cool, you want to join up? Kill The Witch were that band at NW Doom Fest. These guys meld together the Sludgiest of Stoner and Doom Metal, traversing varying tempos and styles but always remaining true to The Riff. Roaring vocals top off a faster, more furious Sabbath sound that’s not without its clever invention and serpent-like surprises, throwing in some brutal hardcore along the way.
Finishing off NW Doom Fest 2025 were the mighty Amon Acid. Another Yorkshire based band, their distorted Doom Metal was part Electric Wizard style occult Metal, with hypnotic, psychedelic passages added for kicks. Yet again a different take on Doom with Hawkwind Space Rock and amazing Middle Eastern sounding passages seeping through the acid drenched fuzzy guitar, Amon Acid were a thoroughly entertaining musical experience, finishing the event in style.
And that, kids, was your lot. Everything was wrapped up in a timely fashion so that the punters could make buses and trains home, all of us with beaming, happy faces – gorged on the joy of The Riff. North West Doom Fest was a resounding success and I have to say I enjoyed every band I saw. All of them had their own unique identities, whichever winding track they took from the original concept of Doom. Cool venue, too. Now I feel really stupid for not going last year.
The Saddle is the number one – and surely only – Rock based pub in the City of Chester. A town more famed for drunken shenanigans and expensive outfits for the Races, this is the playground of the Cheshire Set and the wannabes. A home of Metal it is not. Not usually, anyway – except for the welcoming haven of The Saddle.
And for one weekend in April, the tiny G21 venue at the back of the pub hosted the second North West Doom Fest: two days of the heaviest, doomiest metal in the land. Absolutely fan-fucking-tabulous!
The evening began with Druid’s Cross, from not far away at all Liverpool. I’ve seen this band before, and knew they would be ideal to commence the festivities. Harsh vocals lead relentless, dynamic riffs with a traditional metal feel as well as a slow, doomy pace. There’s a dark, gothic edge to the music as well, resulting in a compelling sound that grabbed everyone’s attention from the start..
Festival organisers Lorraine and Mark were up next, with their amazing three-piece band, Warlockhunt. I’d also seen this band before, and I’m always amazed by the complexity of their dual bass and tribal drums sound. The other worldly female vocals have led to this band being described as Doom Pop (I coined that phrase, actually, thank you very much) and it’s easy to see why. Always different and always captivating.
Grim skeletal figures flanking the stage, inverted crosses and a duo wearing dark cloaks: Tumanduumband aren’t exactly shy of revelling in their ominous personas. What they are, is a West Midlands based Satanic Doom band, and their music is both atmospheric and heavy as hell itself. Fuzzed out, crushing riffs mean that the visuals aren’t inappropriate – this band is growing a cult based on their own dark riff-tuals.
Headlining tonight, and admittedly one of my favourite bands out there these days, the mighty Son of Boar rightfully took their place at the top of the bill. I became a big fan after seeing them play Pentre Fest some years ago. Bass wrangler Gaz is also an Ever Metal scribe, not that I’m biased at all, honest! Son of Boar played a set that was tight and forceful, with ear-worm riffs and thundering rhythms. Tusks up! The boys brought the HEH-VEEE, then slept the night on the floor of the venue, ‘cos they rock that hard.
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 