Tag Archives: psych rock

Confusion Master – Gig Review

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Confusion Master + Endure + Warlockhunt

Tuesday 15th September 2026

G21 at The Saddle, Chester

Luckily for me, I’d already booked the week off work to indulge in some skateboarding and record crate-digging, so a Tuesday night out wasn’t automatically dismissed. Instead of staying in on a school night, I was free for another evening at The Saddle in Chester for some crushingly heavy Doom Metal.

First up were gig organisers Mark and Lorraine and their band Warlockhunt. The new line-up is gelling really well – those post punk, tribal beats both drier and warmer – laying down a crisp foundation for the twin-bass assault. The contrast between sombre melody and the gloomiest, doomiest of bass guitar lines is working better than ever – Warlockhunt seemed confident and overjoyed to be out playing.

Endure were on next, and despite consisting of another trio, this was a very different approach. They created epic, soundtrack-like pieces with the use of keyboards, though the harsh, growled vocals kept them grounded in Metal. I think there were two songs performed (maybe three?), it was hard to tell as the music blended from one to another like one huge, experimental symphony. Occasional furious guitar riffs punctuated the atmosphere, keeping the audience on their toes. Endure gave us cerebral yet brutal music that was fierce and enlightening.

Confusion Master hail from Germany, and are over in the UK on a short tour, spreading their gospel of fuzzed out, sludgy Doom. With songs ranging from mammoth, occult driven skull crushers to faster, nimble rock-outs, the set impressed with its variety of pace and texture. Featuring vocal samples and psychedelic excursions, Confusion Master’s songs cover a number of styles, resembling a mash up of Electric Wizard and Saint Vitus, but drenched in their own grand character.

That was a real treat for a Tuesday school night – all three bands left us feeling that we’d been very lucky to be in attendance. And I hadn’t even done my homework. Told the teacher Cthulhu ate it.

Confusion Master on Facebook.

Endure on Facebook.

Warlockhunt on Facebook.

Brown Acid: The Twenty-First Trip – Album Review

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Various Artists – Brown Acid: The Twenty-First Trip 

RidingEasy Records 

Release date: 31/10/2026 

Review by: Alun Jones 

7.5/10 

Verily, pilgrims, ‘tis time for another feast of forgotten Rock’n’Roll fun, curated by the esteemed veterans at RidingEasy Records.  This is the twenty-first edition of their Brown Acid series (in case you didn’t read the headline) – a series that continues to run and run.  As with previous albums, herein lie ten hard rock songs that despite their brilliance, never blossomed into the classics they could-a (should-a) been.  The RidiingEasy boffins have dug ‘em up and are now re-presenting these tracks for our shared enjoyment. 

There’s a wide range of styles on display this time round, probably more so than usual.  We get things rolling with Opus Est and ‘Maggie Johnsons’, a short and furious proto punk number that has some ‘Communication Breakdown’ in its DNA.  A brief but great way to start.  Freedom North feature some very welcome female vocals on their song ‘Losing You’, a thumping psychedelic rocker with a deadly lead guitar.  ‘Friendly Stranger’ by Accents has a galloping rhythm, fuzzy guitar and brash organ that resembles Steppenwolf.   

And what’s this?  The Rolling Stones on a Brown Acid comp??  No, it’s Brother Love with ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’ – though that fuzzy riff sounds very like a certain legendary song by Mick, Keith and the other three.  Still, it’s a fun tune with decent lyrics and a catchy chorus.  Side One rounds out with ‘Bike Writer’ by River Styx, a solid, fast paced acid rock song with squealing lead. 

Some nice wah-wah warms up Side Two and we’re off again, this time with Maxx.  Their song ‘200 Years’ has a Stooges-like groove.  Pump are next, and despite that terrible band name, their ‘Kinda Like’ is a highlight of this collection – featuring more skronky organ and fierce guitar.  29.9 (much better band name) then unleash their version of ‘You Got Me Floating’, which despite being an authentic rendition, is still only a cover of a Hendrix tune that most people forget. 

Apparently, there was once a band called Wakefield, if you can believe that.  I can, ‘cos their song ‘Here I Am’ is on this compilation.  These guys seem to have Prog aspirations, with time changes and different sections, finishing with a glorious, melodic pop sing along for the last minute and a half.  But that’s not all folks – our last track is the psyche swamp blues of ‘Lazy River Blues’ by Peacepipe – a melancholy, sinister sail down the bayou. 

Volume Twenty-One of Brown Acid is another solid collection.  Not all the songs work, but they’re honestly all worthwhile – ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’ seems like a blatant rip off at first, but develops its own charm and style.  I felt a little short changed with a cover being included, but the overall quality doesn’t really suffer.  There’s still tons of acid-roasted, psychedelic fuzz on offer, and more variety than we’ve had previously. 

Next time, remind me to tell you the real story behind why the cover of “Beggars Banquet” was banned.  Clue: Mick still won’t speak to me and every Christmas, Keith sends me a gold toilet brush.

Visit the RidingEasy Records website here.

This review is presented 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           

Brown Acid: The Twentieth Trip – Album Review

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Various Artists – Brown Acid: The Twentieth Trip 

RidingEasy Records 

Release date: 20/04/2025 

Running time: 

Review by: Alun Jones 

8/10 

Aw, man!  Another deadline missed.  What’s this album?  The latest Brown Acid comp from RidingEasy Records, OK.  And when was it released?  The twentieth of April??!!  Oh right, yeah.  Released on 4/20, of course.  Very apt.  Now I don’t even smoke the Devil’s Lettuce, but maybe I can use that as an excuse for my tardiness?  Whaddya think?  Sounds better than “the dog ate the review” or “I fell off my skateboard”.  Yeah, that’s it.  I must’ve been higher than Godzilla’s toupee and forgot to write this thing. 

Let’s crack on.  The Brown Acid series are compilations of sadly long lost and forgotten songs from the late 60’s and 70’s, each the less successful step sibling of the major rock acts of the time.  The songs are garage rock, proto heavy metal would-be classics that fell through the cracks.  Until, that is, RidingEasy Records unearthed them and saved from obscurity. 

So what’s up first on this latest release?  It’s Afterflash with the psychedelic fuzz of ‘Cookbook’, where the band implore us to “feed our mind”.  Good fun of the sort you can imagine Scooby Doo and the gang listening to in their van, but not the strongest song on this comp.  Polvo are next with ‘Have You Ever Been There?” – I haven’t but I’d like to, it’s great early Hard Rock with a killer lead guitar solo.  ‘Darkened Passage’ is gifted to us by Hot Candy, a Zeppelin-like rocker that has a feel of ‘Communication Breakdown’.  A highlight of the album and a genuine righteous moment. 

The Brown Acid template widens again with Banana Bros ‘Suck You in’, a winning song with a super infectious funk driven rhythm.  Side One concludes with ‘Thank You For The Ride’ from another familiarly monikered troupe, The Jordan Brothers.  This romping number is definitely the ear-worm of the set, with a chorus that’ll stick in your head for days. 

Side Two opens with the crashing drums of Osage Lute.  Their track ‘Watch ‘Em Shine’ has an electrifying sound not dissimilar to Mountain, catchy riff and mind-expanding mellow section included.  Sandy Torano & The Nimo Spliff have the wildest name on this selection, and a wild fuzz guitar intro on their song ‘A Year Ago Today’.   

Lazy Day employ some skronky organ a la early Purple or Steppenwolf on ‘Don’t Dance In My Song’, but you’ll be hard pressed to stay still here!  No idea what a ‘Hot and Tot Woman’ is, but Flavor do – and they throw in a Stooges-ish proto metal riff that you could proto-headbang to!  Bringing things to a close this time around is Frozen Sun, with the funky, desert rock of ‘Jamm Part 1’.  Ideal for watching the sun set whilst you definitely don’t inhale any of the herb. 

The Twentieth Trip has managed to offer a little more variety yet again, as the Brown Acid series goes from strength to strength.  A genuinely good time listen and very worthwhile exploring for any retro heads out there.  Plus, listeners can gain kudos points for being familiar with ultra rare, underground rock that their friends won’t have a clue about! 

Visit the RidingEasy Records website here.

This review is presented by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

The Death Wheelers – Album Review

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The Death Wheelers – Ecstasy of Möld 

RidingEasy Records 

Release date: 07/03/2025 

Running time: 30 mins approx 

Review by: Alun Jones 

8.75/10 

Mold is a small, quaint market town in the north east region of Wales.  Typical of settlements in this Celtic country, it has roots going back may hundreds of years.  Nowadays, there are numerous good pubs and restaurants and a really good record shop (among many other businesses).  Though why The Death Wheelers decided to write an album dedicated to the town, I have no idea.  Mold is, however, only the English name – in Welsh it is Yr Wyddgrug, which sounds much more metal. 

“Ecstasy of Möld” is a new album by The Death Wheelers, their fourth for RidingEasy Records.  They originate from Quebec, and if you’re not familiar with the band, they create hard rockin’ instrumentals that sound like a soundtrack for a long lost, scuzzy grindhouse flick about zombie bikers. 

Following  the short first track ‘Loud Pipes Take Lives’, which sets out the style template succinctly, we have ‘Homicycle Maniacs’.  It’s a full on, throttle revving gas guzzler not a million miles away from Motorhead or even Entombed.  Other tracks such as ‘Hella Hammered’ and ‘Blood, Bikes and Barbiturates’ are variations on the same inspirations, interjected with samples from obscure motorcycle exploitation movies. 

It’s all very cool, and the instrumental nature of the songs adds a whole different layer of gonzoid escapism.  Some different avenues are explored at points, such as the title track’s outro which shimmers with a surf guitar sound.  ‘The Heretic Rites of Count Choppula’ slows to rumbling doom metal, and the last song ‘Get Laid… To Rest’ ends on a more sombre, mellow note. 

With Ecstasy of Möld, The Death Wheelers have delivered an album that roars along the highway and easily retains the listener’s attention, vocals be damned.  ‘Cos let’s be honest, the singer is always the least important member of any band.  This album has a sleezy charm and plenty of fuel in the tank, I suggest you take it for a spin. 

Check out The Death Wheelers on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and Bandcamp.

This review is presented by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

Yawning Balch – Album Review

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Yawning Balch – Volume Three

Heavy Psych Sounds

Release date: 21/02/2025

Running time: 35 mins

Review by: Alun Jones

9.5/10

Dear old Jimbo Morrison, he was a clueless fool indeed. Many times, I used to drive Jim out to the desert so he could commune with shamanistic spirits in the sun-baked wilderness. Jimbo would spend hours out of his gourd, murmuring into the ether. Of course, what I used to do, was stop at a truck stop and load up on whiskey and other supplies on the way. Then when we got into the desert, ply Jimbo with the booze and feed him leaves of spinach out of a tin, telling him it was “good gear”. I’d wear a kid’s Native American fancy dress costume and mumble nonsense. Morrison never did wise up to it.

If you’re planning on a mind-expanding trip into the remote wastelands, you’d be much better off with this new album from Yawning Balch for company. The band is comprised of Fu Manchu’s Bob Balch on guitar, together with stoner rock legends Yawning Man, here consisting of Gary Arce (guitar), Mario Lalli (bass) and Bill Stinson (drums). This is volume three of a series of experiments that these gentlemen have produced, released by Heavy Psych Sounds.

Truth be told, this is a tough review to write. This is an instrumental album, consisting of just two songs. Both tracks are formed from experimental jam sessions, expansive psychedelic explorations that meander along like the Silver Surfer exploring a vast, distant galaxy. This is not an album of incendiary riffs and barking vocals.

First track ‘The Taos Hum’ is just over twenty minutes long. It will take you on an interstellar journey of shimmering guitars and rumbling percussion, resulting in a mesmerising encounter. The lack of vocals, or even a standard verse-chorus structure, doesn’t matter at all. Same story with ‘Winter Widow’, the second track: slightly shorter at 14 minutes, this is all about the journey and getting lost along the way.

“Volume Three” is a cinematic soundtrack for any road you’re on. Mellow and cerebral, this album by Yawning Balch grabbed me from the start, this is the first recording of 2025 that has captivated my senses and will be a Top Ten of the year contender. Magical and highly recommended.

Find out more about Yawning Balch on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and Bandcamp.

This review is presented by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

Jonathan Hultén – Album Review

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Jonathan Hultén – Eyes of the Living Night 

Kscope Records 

Release date: 31st January 2025 

Running time: 43 mins approx 

Review by: Alun Jones 

9/10 

WARNING: This is NOT a Heavy Metal album.  If you’re the type of listener that only wants to hear the loudest of pummelling riffs and ear slashing vocal roars, this may not be for you.  And that’s fine.  We all like to rage like Satan with a stubbed toe.  This is Ever METAL, after all.  If, on the other hand, you’re the kind of discerning listener who likes to temper the ferocity with atmosphere and introspection, take a seat. 

Jonathan Hultén is a Swedish singer-songwriter who first arrived on my radar as the support act for The Cult on their 84/24 tour last year.  Hultén was not what I anticipated at all for a major rock show: his music, performed solo, is a dark yet beautiful expression of acoustic, gothic melody and ethereal charm.   

This second album, “Eyes of the Living Night”, takes the listener on another fairy tale like walk in enchanted woods.  Beginning with ‘The Saga and the Storm’, the music is more soundtrack for a folk horror movie than a typical rock album.  This opening track is like a lost Morricone classic and builds to a gloriously uplifting finale.  Just wait for that mid song moment when your neck hairs will raise to the sky. 

First single ‘Afterlife’ features swirling keyboards and angelic vocals, while ‘Riverflame’ has the plaintive ambience of a Nine Inch Nails/Alice in Chains mash up.  The dreamy folk of ‘The Dream was the Cure’ offers a widescreen Scandinavian epic of reflection, and is a highlight of the album.  Weaving genres further, ‘Through the Fog, Into the Sky’ is a wonderful classical piano piece whilst ‘Vast Tapestry’ sees Hultén n the role of gentle folk troubadour. 

The concluding track, ‘Starbather’, works more like a rock ballad and bookends the album with a final flourish of bright optimism.   

“Eyes of the Living Night” won’t destroy your speakers, but it will take you to a mystical and unforgettable place.  With its layers of gothic ambience and mood elevating nuance, this album deserves to be a part of the Ever Metal community’s world.  The music of Jonathan Hultén will be there for you when you need to reach inside yourself, to heal and unwind.  Or to transport your mind to another world.  I genuinely love this album and heartily recommend it, I hope you’ll give it a chance. 

Find out more about Jonathan Hultén on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, YouTube and Bandcamp.

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

Pentagram – Lightning in a Bottle Album Review

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Pentagram – Lightning in a Bottle 

Heavy Psych Sounds Records 

Release date: 31/01/2025 

Running time: 49 minutes  

Review by: Alun Jones 

8.75/10 

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. 

Check out Pentagram on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify or their website.

This review is presented by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

North West Doom Fest – Part 2

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North West Doom Fest 

4th – 5th April 2025 

The Saddle, Chester 

Saturday 5th April 

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/mossvalleyband/

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! 

https://www.facebook.com/sabbatwolf/

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/Warpstormer/

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. 

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

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/boreheadofficial/

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/DeathFiend1/?locale=en_GB

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/killthewitchband/

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. 

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

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.            

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

North West Doom Fest – Part 1

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North West Doom Fest 

4th – 5th April 2025 

The Saddle, Chester 

Friday 4th April 

Friday 4th April 

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.. 

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

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/warlockhunt/

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/tumanduumband/

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.      

https://www.facebook.com/SonOBoar/

That’s it for Day One. Stay tuned for Day 2 – which will follow very soon!

The Saddle is on Facebook.