Posted in Whathaveyou on April 11th, 2018 by JJ Koczan
I remain a sucker for any number of things: Heavy riffs. Dark roast coffee. Cruelty-free baby duck races. Star Trek anything. Also belonging on that list is a well-named tour, and yeah, if you’re headed into Canada, calling your run ‘The Great Northern Expedition’ makes some sense to me. Ripple Music labelmates Ape Machine, Salem’s Bend and High Priestess will head out on this stint together come next month, and all three are pushing new material one way or another. Ape Machine have a new record coming this Fall. Salem’s Bend tentatively in the winter, and High Priestess‘ self-titled will be out next month, just a week before they hit the road. Golly, you’d almost think these things were coordinated ahead of time.
Details for the shows came down the PR wire and looked an awful lot like this:
Ripple Music tour w Ape Machine, Salem’s Bend, High Priestess
The Great Northern Expedition – So named is the psychedelic, stoner-doom and rock n’ roll tour that will be tramping up the West Coast, through Canada and back through the western states, leaving a trail of good vibes and heavy harmonic frequencies in its wake. Ape Machine, Salem’s Bend and High Priestess will bring their tasty sonic goodness to all the aforementioned territories as messengers of the ever-growing Ripple Music collective.
Ape Machine’s new prog-infused LP, Darker Seas, is slated for a Ripple Music September release. Los Angeles based doom trio, High Priestess, will be powering out tunes from their self-titled Ripple release which drops May 18th. Salem’s Bend released their Ripple debut back in 2016 and it has steadily picked up steam and recognition as “the sort of rock and roll statement that comes from a time forgot but wants to push to a bold new future.” The band also is putting the finishing touches on a follow up and hopes for a late 2018 release. All three groups are well known for their searing, energy filled live performances. Dates and Cities below!
Salem’s Bend with High Priestess Fri May 25 – San Francisco, CA – Thee Parkside Sat May 26 – Grants Pass, OR – The Haul Sun May 27 – TBA
Ape Machine, Salem’s Bend and High Priestess Mon May 28 – Portland, OR – Tonic Lounge Tue May 29 – Seattle, WA – Funhouse * (w Slow Season) Wed May 30 – Vancouver, BC – Astoria * (w Slow Season) Thu May 31 – Calgary AB – Palomino Fri June 1 – Edmonton AB – Temple Sat June 2 – Vantopia Festival Sun June 3 – Siksika AB – Siksika Community Centre Mon June 4 – Kalispell, MT – Old School Records
High Priestess Tue June 5 – Spokane, WA – Observatory Wed June 6 – Boise, ID – Shredder Thu June 7 – Reno, NV – Shea’s Tavern Fri June 8 – TBA
Posted in Whathaveyou on March 21st, 2017 by JJ Koczan
As they’re prone to do, Portland, Oregon’s Ape Machine are gearing up to head out on a run of Spring tour dates, and as previously announced, they’ll be hooking up with Boston heavy rockers Gozu along the way. Well, before that happens, the four-piece will head out from the Pacific Northwest into Montana starting on March 31 to sneak in a quick six dates ahead of time. Part of the motivation for doing so might be to get as much stage experience with drummer Steve Hanford (also Poison Idea) before they and he together record the new and awaited Ape Machine long-player, which has been given the foreboding title Skull Under Boot, following the longer West Coast stretch.
Kind of curious to hear how that album plays out, given the title and Hanford‘s pedigree, though now that I look at the PR wire info below, I’m not 100 percent he’ll be playing on the record or if he’s in permanently as their drummer in addition to producing the record. One assumes we’ll hear more as they hit the studio next month, but take a look for yourself and see what you think:
The northwest riffmeisters, Ape Machine, will put the rubber to the asphalt in a can of sweat (aka the tour van) this April, embarking on a western US tour that includes dates with Boston’s Metal Blade affiliated rockers, Gozu. Changing up the lineup on this tour, Ape Machine will include Steve Hanford – AKA Thee Slayer Hippy (Poison Idea) – on drums. Steve will also be producing the band’s upcoming LP, Skull Under Boot, scheduled for recording immediately following the tour.
The name APE MACHINE is a nod to the days of reel-to-reel magnetic tape audio recording; a fitting moniker for the Portland heavy-hitting quartet as the band plays through vintage tube amplifiers and lays down its songs using exclusively throwback quality studio equipment. A true four-piece, the group has been called “a rock and roll band with a finger on the pulse of the 70’s and their asses firmly in the present” and “real heavy-psych for the iPhone generation” that delivers “true guts and glory rock and roll”.
Be sure to catch the exciting new lineups, sweat and vibrations of Ape Machine and Gozu as the bands shred the western territories.
Ape Machine: Friday March 31st – Kalispell, MT – Old School Records Saturday April 1st – Billings, MT – Railyard Sunday April 2nd – Denver, CO – Hi-Dive Monday April 3rd – Oklahoma City, OK – Blue Note Lounge Wednesday April 5th – Austin, TX – Lost Well Thursday April 6th – Dallas, TX – Three Links Friday April 7th – Houston, TX – Rudyard’s Saturday April 8th – San Antonio, TX – Faust Tavern Sunday April 9th – Corpus Christi, TX – Black Monk Tavern Monday April 10th – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace Tuesday April 11th – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar and Billiards
Ape Machine & Gozu: Wednesday April 12th – Los Angeles, CA – Viper Room Thursday April 13th – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar Friday April 14th – Santa Cruz, CA – Blue Lagoon Saturday April 15th – Sacramento, CA – Starlite Lounge Sunday April 16th – San Francisco, CA – Elbo Room Monday April 17th – Fresno, CA – TBA Tuesday April 18th – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theater Wednesday April 19th – Eugene, OR – Old Nick’s Pub Thursday April 20th – Portland, OR – Kenton Club Friday April 21st – Seattle, WA – Funhouse Saturday April 22nd – Bremerton, WA – Manette Saloon
Posted in Whathaveyou on February 17th, 2017 by JJ Koczan
Turns out Gozu‘s upcoming Northeastern run is only half the story. There’s a whole other coast to cover! My understanding is the Boston four-piece are hard at work putting together riffs and structures for a quick-turnaround follow-up for 2016’s Revival (review here) and have plans to hit the studio this summer, but before they get there, they’ll head West in April to join Ape Machine for 11 dates heralding the worthy cause of the latest full-length.
Revival was, as you’ll recall, issued by Ripple Music, and after playing Psycho Las Vegas and touring Europe with Holy Grove in the months following its release Gozu signed a deal to release their next album through Metal Blade imprint Blacklight Media. Momentum is obviously on their side as they get ready to record again, and I’m intrigued to find out whether that push plays into the intensity of the new material itself — Revival wasn’t short on drive. I’ve already nagged them about letting me do an in-studio feature when they go in, so I’ll keep you posted on what I know when I know it.
Here’s the tour announcement for the West Coast run, courtesy of the PR wire:
Gozu announces northeast and west coast USA tour dates
Massachusetts-based rock/metal outfit Gozu has announced a short run of tour dates next week, which will see the band perform in Philadelphia (PA), Brooklyn (NY), Dover (NH), and Portland (ME). Following this northeast trek, Gozu will appear on the west coast in April alongside Ape Machine. See below for all dates!
Gozu tour dates Feb. 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie w/ The Age of Truth, Kingsnake Feb. 23 – Brooklyn, NY – Lucky 13 Saloon w/ Pants Exploder, Eyes of the Sun, Eat Feb. 24 – Dover, NH – The Dover Brickhouse w/ KYOTY, Tar Feb. 25 – Portland, ME – Geno’s Rock Club w/ Sylvia, All Night, Lousy
Gozu tour dates w/ Ape Machine Apr. 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Viper Room Apr. 13 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar Apr. 14 – Santa Cruz, CA – Blue Lagoon Apr. 15 – Sacramento, CA – Starlite Lounge Apr. 16 – San Francisco, CA – Elbo Room Apr. 17 – Fresno, CA – TBA Apr. 18 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theater Apr. 19 – Eugene, OR – Old Nicks Apr. 20 – Portland, OR – Kenton Club Apr. 21 – Seattle, WA – Funhouse Apr. 22 – Bremerton, WA – Manette Saloon
Formed in 2010, Gozu have released one EP and three full-lengths to-date, and are currently writing their fourth studio album, set for a 2017 release via Blacklight Media / Metal Blade Records. Fronted by Marc Gaffney on vocals and guitar, Doug Sherman on guitar, Joe Grotto on bass, and Mike Hubbard on drums, the band’s sound is tailor-made for blasting out the car speakers via international radio airwaves. Having already been aired on national television (USA) via MTV (‘Road Rules’, ‘Dudesons’, ‘Real World’), NBC, and NASCAR, Gozu aims to take their critical and commercial success to new heights on their upcoming debut for Blacklight Media / Metal Blade Records, with worldwide touring to follow. Previously, the group shared the stage with the likes of St. Vitus, Pallbearer, Lo Pan, Storm of Light, Helmet, Elder, Mos Generator, and Fu Manchu in the States, as well as Yob, Church of Misery and Kvelertak in Europe at Roadburn (Netherlands) and DesertFest Berlin (Germany). 2017 will surely see Gozu back on the road again, and at the forefront of the heavy rock and metal world.
Gozu line-up: Marc Gaffney – guitar and vocals Joe Grotto – bass and low end Mike Hubbard – drums and percussion Doug Sherman – lead guitar and sounds
Posted in Features on January 23rd, 2017 by JJ Koczan
Looks like it’s going to be another busy 12 months ahead. It’s been a busy better-part-of-a-month already, so that stands to reason, but you should know that of the several years now that I’ve done these ‘Tomorrow’s Dream’ posts, this is the biggest one yet, with over 150 upcoming releases that — one hopes — will be out between today and the end of 2017.
Actually, at last count, the list tops 180. Do I really expect you to listen to all of them? Nope. Will I? Well, it would be nice. But what I’ve done is gone through and highlighted 35 picks and then built lists off that in order of likelihood of arrival. You’ll note the categories are ‘Gonna Happen and/or Likely Candidates,’ ‘Definitely Could Happen’ and ‘Would be Awfully Nice.’
Beyond that last one, anything else just seems like speculation — one might as well go “new Sabbath this year!” with zero info backing it up. The idea here is that no matter where a given band is placed, there has been some talk of a new release. In some cases, it’s been years, but I think they’re still worth keeping in mind.
Another caveat: You can expect additions to this list over the next week — probably album titles, band names people (fingers crossed) suggest in the comments, and so on — so it will grow. It always does. The idea is to build as complete a document as possible, not to get it all nailed down immediately, so please, if you have something to contribute and you’re able to do so in a non-prickish, “You didn’t include Band X and therefore don’t deserve to breathe the same air as me,” kind of way, please contribute.
Other than that, I think it’s pretty straightforward what’s going on here and I’ll explain the category parameters as we go, so by all means, let’s jump in.
— Tomorrow’s Dream 2017 —
Presented Alphabetically
1. Abrahma, TBA
Late last year, Paris heavy progressives Abrahma announced a new lineup and third full-length in progress. No reason to think it won’t come to fruition, and a follow-up to 2015’s Reflections in the Bowels of a Bird (review here) is an easy pick to look forward to. Even with the shift in personnel, it seems likely the band will continue their creative development, driven as they are by founding guitarist Seb Bismuth.
2. All Them Witches, Sleeping Through the War
If 2017 ended today, Sleeping Through the War would be my Album of the Year. Of course, there’s a lot of year to go, but for now, Nashville’s All Them Witches have set the standard with their second album for New West Records behind 2015’s Dying Surfer Meets His Maker (review here) and fourth overall outing. They’ve got videos up so far for “3-5-7” (posted here) and “Bruce Lee” (posted here). Both are most definitely worth your time. Out Feb. 24. Full review should be later this week.
3. Alunah, Solennial
Seems like UK forest riffers Alunah are on this list every year. Wishful thinking on my part. Nonetheless, their fourth LP and Svart Records debut, Solennial, is out March 17, and if the tease they gave already with the clip for “Fire of Thornborough Henge” (posted here) is anything to go from, its Chris Fielding-produced expanses might just be Alunah‘s most immersive yet.
4. Arbouretum, TBA
I asked the Baltimore folk fuzzers a while back on Thee Facebooks if they had a new record coming in 2017 and they said yes, so that’s what I’m going on here. The last Arbouretum album was 2013’s Coming out of the Fog (review here), and even with frontman Dave Heumann‘s 2015 solo outing, Here in the Deep (review here), factored in, you’d have to say they’re due. Keep an eye on Thrill Jockey for word and I’ll do the same.
5. Atavismo, Inerte
This is another one that already has a spot reserved for it on my Best-of-2017 year-end list. Spanish heavy psych rockers Atavismo up the progressive bliss level with their second full-length, Inerte, without losing the depth of style that made 2014’s Desintegración (review here) so utterly glorious. It probably won’t have the biggest marketing budget of 2017, but if you let Atavismo fly under your radar, you are 100 percent missing out on something special.
6. Bison Machine, TBA
In addition to the video for new track “Cloak and Bones” that premiered here, when Michigan raucousness-purveyors Bison Machine put out the dates for their fall 2016 tour, they included further hints of new material in progress. As much as I dug their earlier-2016 split with SLO and Wild Savages (review here) and 2015’s Hoarfrost (review here), that’s more than enough for me to include them on this list. Killer next-gen heavy rock.
7. Brothers of the Sonic Cloth, TBA
News of a follow-up to Brothers of the Sonic Cloth‘s 2015 Neurot Recordings self-titled debut (review here) came through in October, and it remains some of the best news I’ve heard about 2017 doings. Took them a while to get the first record out, so we’ll see what happens, but it kind of feels like looking forward to a comet about to smash into the planet and cause a mass extinction, and by that I mean awesome. Can’t get here soon enough.
8. Cloud Catcher, Trails of Kosmic Dust
Okay, so maybe I jumped the gun and did a super-early review of Denver trio Cloud Catcher‘s second long-player and Totem Cat Records debut, Trails of Kosmic Dust, but hell, no regrets. Some albums require an early-warning system. Their 2015 debut, Enlightened Beyond Existence (discussed here), was a gem as well, but this is a band in the process of upping their game on every level, and the songwriting and momentum they hone isn’t to be missed.
9. Colour Haze, TBA
I’ve gotten some details on the upcoming full-length from Colour Haze. They do not include a title, artwork, audio, song titles or general direction. Less details, I guess, than word that the CD version of this answer to 2015’s To the Highest Gods We Know (review here) is set to come out next month, as ever, on Elektrohasch. That puts it out in time for Colour Haze‘s upcoming tour with My Sleeping Karma (announced here). Fingers crossed it happens. Colour Haze are perpetual top-albums candidates in my book.
10. Corrosion of Conformity, TBA
Signed to Nuclear Blast after being rejoined by guitarist/vocalist Pepper Keenan, North Carolina’s C.O.C. have been in the studio since last year. The lineup of Keenan, bassist/vocalist Mike Dean and guitarist Woody Weatherman and Reed Mullin on drums is the stuff of legend and last worked together on 2000’s America’s Volume Dealer, so no question this reunion makes for one of 2017’s most anticipated heavy rock records. They nailed the nostalgia factor on tour. Can they now add to their legacy?
11. Elder, TBA
I was incredibly fortunate about a month ago to visit progressive heavy rockers Elder at Sonelab in Easthampton, MA, during the recording process for their upcoming fourth album. I heard a couple of the tracks, and of course it was all raw form, but the movement forward from 2015’s Lore (review here) was palpable. That LP (on Stickman) brought them to a wider audience, and I expect no less from this one as well, since the farther out Elder go sound-wise, the deeper the level of connection with their listeners they seem to engage.
12. Electric Wizard, TBA
Could happen, could not happen. That’s how it goes. Announced for last Halloween. That date came and went. Word of trouble building their own studio surfaced somewhere along the line. That was the last I heard. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if it showed up tomorrow, if it showed up in 2018, or if the band broke up and never put it out. They’re Electric Wizard. Anything’s possible.
13. John Garcia, The Coyote Who Spoke in Tongues
Out Jan. 28 on Napalm, The Coyote Who Spoke in Tongues (review here) is the first-ever acoustic album from former Kyuss frontman John Garcia, also of Unida, the reunited Slo Burn, Hermano, Vista Chino, Zun, etc. — basically the voice of desert rock. He does a couple Kyuss classics for good measure, but shines as well on the new/original tracks, and while it’s a piece for fans more than newcomers — that is, it helps if you know the original version of “Green Machine” — his presence remains as powerful as ever despite this new context.
14. Goya, Harvester of Bongloads
Riffs, dude. Goya seem to have them to spare. The Arizona-based wizard doomers have set a pretty prolific clip for themselves at this point, with at least two short releases out in 2016, one a 7″ of Nirvana covers (review here), and the The Enemy EP (review here). Set for a March 3 release through their own Opoponax Records imprint, Harvester of Bongloads continues the march into the abyss that 2015’s Obelisk (review here) and 2013’s 777 set in motion, finding the band coming more into their own as well. Creative growth — and bongloads! The best of both worlds.
15. Ides of Gemini, TBA
Ides of Gemini are set to record their yet-untitled third album with Sanford Parker early this year, and it will also mark their debut on Rise Above Records upon its release. They’ve also got a new lineup around vocalist Sera Timms and guitarist J. Bennett, so as they look to move forward from 2014’s Old World New Wave (review here), one can’t help but wonder what to expect, but to be honest, not knowing is part of the appeal, especially from a band who so readily specialize in the ethereal.
16. Kind, TBA
Three-fourths of Kind feature elsewhere on this list. Bassist Tom Corino plays in Rozamov. Drummer Matt Couto is in Elder. Vocalist Craig Riggs is in Roadsaw. And for what it’s worth, guitarist Darryl Shepherd has a new band coming together called Test Meat. How likely does that make Kind to release a second LP in 2017? I don’t know, but their 2015 Ripple Music debut, Rocket Science (review here), deserves a follow-up, and I know they’ve demoed some new songs. If it happens, great. If it’s 2018, at least these dudes will be plenty busy besides.
17. Lo-Pan, In Tensions
Yes, Lo-Pan‘s In Tensions (review here) has already been released — CD/LP with an artbook on Aqualamb. It’s out. Limited numbers. You can get it now. Why include it on a list of most anticipated releases? Because that’s how strongly I feel about your need to hear it. The fruit of a shortlived lineup with guitarist Adrian Zambrano, it distinguishes itself from everything they’ve done before in style while still keeping to the core righteousness that one hopes the Ohio outfit will continue to carry forward. It’s more than a stopgap between albums. Listen to it.
18. The Midnight Ghost Train, TBA
It seems to have been a rough ride for hard-boogie specialists The Midnight Ghost Train since their 2015 Napalm debut and third album overall, Cold was the Ground (review here). They’ve never taken it easy on the road or in terms of physicality on stage, and between injuries and who knows what else, their intensity at this point veers toward the directly confrontational. Nonetheless, they’ve been writing for album number four, may or may not have started the recording process, and I expect that confrontationalism to suit them well in their new material.
19. Monster Magnet, TBA
I have it on decent authority that NJ heavy psych innovators Monster Magnet were in the studio this past autumn. I’ve seen no concrete word of a new album in progress from Dave Wyndorf and company, and I wouldn’t necessarily expect to until it was time to start hyping the release, but after their two redux releases, 2015’s Cobras and Fire (review here) and 2014’s Milking the Stars (review here), their range feels broader than ever and I can’t wait to hear what they come up with next.
20. Mothership, High Strangeness
A pivotal moment for Mothership arrives with High Strangeness, and the heavy-touring, heavy-riffing Texas power trio seem to know it. Their third record on Ripple Music pushes into new avenues of expression and keeps the energy of 2014’s Mothership II (review here) and 2012’s Mothership (review here), but thus far into their career, it’s been about their potential and what they might accomplish going forward. 2017 might be the year for Mothership to declare a definitive place in the sphere of American heavy rock.
21. The Obsessed, Sacred
On Halloween 2016, founding The Obsessed guitarist/vocalist and doom icon Scott “Wino” Weinrich announced a new lineup for the band, with his former The Hidden Hand bandmate Bruce Falkinburg on bass/vocals, Sara Seraphim on guitar and Brian Costantino continuing on drums. A genuine surprise. Their first album since 1994, Sacred (due on Relapse) was tracked as the trio of Weinrich, Costantino and bassist/vocalist Dave Sherman, but clearly they’ve moved into a new era already. Wouldn’t even guess what the future holds, but hopefully Sacred still comes out.
22. Orange Goblin, TBA
When it was announced that London’s Orange Goblin were picked up by Spinefarm as part of that label’s acquisition of Candlelight Records last Spring, the subheadline from the PR wire was “Working on Ninth Studio Album.” I haven’t heard much since then, but even as 2014’s Back from the Abyss (review here) pushed them deeper into metallic territory than ever before, their songs retained the character that’s made the band the institution they are. Always look forward to new Orange Goblin.
23. Pallbearer, Heartless
Doomers, this is your whole year right here. I haven’t heard Pallbearer‘s third album, Heartless (out March 24 on Profound Lore), but I have to think even those who haven’t yet been won over by the Arkansas four-piece’s emotive, deep-running style have to be curious about what they’ve come up with this time around. I know I am. These guys have been making a mark on the genre since their 2012 debut, Sorrow and Extinction (review here), and there’s little doubt Heartless will continue that thread upon its arrival.
24. Radio Moscow, TBA
Fact: Radio Moscow stand among the best classic heavy rock live acts in the US. They’re the kind of band you can watch upwards of 15 gigs in a row — I’ve done it — and find them putting on a better show night after night, in defiance of science, logic and sobriety. Word of their signing to Century Media came just this past week and brought with it confirmation of a follow-up to 2014’s stellar Magical Dirt (review here), and for me to say hell yes, I’m absolutely on board, seems like the no-brainer to end all no-brainers. Can’t wait.
25. Roadsaw, TBA
Nearly six full years later, it’s only fair to call Boston scene godfathers Roadsaw due for a follow-up to their 2011 self-titled (review here). Granted, members have been busy in Kind, White Dynomite, and other projects, but still. Their upcoming outing finds them on Ripple Music after years under the banner of Small Stone Records, and though I haven’t seen a solid release date yet, my understanding is they hit Mad Oak Studio in Allston, MA, this past fall to track it, so seems likely for sooner or later. Sooner, preferably.
26. Rozamov, This Mortal Road
Speaking of albums by Boston bands a while in the making, This Mortal Road (out March 3 on Battleground Records and Dullest Records) is the debut full-length from Boston atmospheric extremists Rozamov. Haven’t heard it yet, but I got a taste of some of the material when I visited the band at New Alliance Audio in Aug. 2015, and the bleak expanses of what I heard seem primed to turn heads. I’m a fan of these guys, but in addition, they’ve found a niche for themselves sound-wise and I’m curious to hear how they bring it to fruition.
27. Samsara Blues Experiment, TBA
It’s been a pleasure over the last couple months to watch a resurgence of Berlin heavy psych trio Samsara Blues Experiment take shape, first with the announcement of a fourth album in October, then with subsequent confirmations for Desertfest, Riff Ritual in Barcelona, and a South American tour. Reportedly due in Spring, which fits with the timing on shows, etc., the record will follow 2013’s righteous Waiting for the Flood (review here) and as much as I’m looking forward to hearing it, I’m kind of just glad to have these guys back.
28. Seedy Jeezus, TBA
Work finished earlier this month on Melbourne trio Seedy Jeezus‘ second full-length. As with their 2015 self-titled debut, the band brought Tony Reed of Mos Generator to Australia to produce, and after their blissed-out 2016 collaboration with Earthless guitarist Isaiah Mitchell, Tranquonauts (review here), it’s hard not to wonder what experimentalist tendencies might show in the trio’s style this time out, and likewise difficult not to anticipate what guitarist Lex “Mr. Frumpy” Wattereus comes up with for the cover art.
29. Shroud Eater, Strike the Sun
Not to spoil the surprise, but Feb. 1 I’ll host a track premiere from Florida’s Shroud Eater that finds them working in a different context from everything we’ve heard from them to this point in their rightly-celebrated tenure. They also recently had a split out with Dead Hand, and their second long-player, Strike the Sun, will be their debut through STB Records. It’s been since 2011’s ThunderNoise (review here) that we last got a Shroud Eater album, so you bet your ass I’m dying to know what the last six years have wrought.
30. Sleep, TBA
If Sleep were any other band, they’d probably be in the “Would be Awfully Nice” category. But they’re Sleep, so even the thought of a new record is enough to put them here. The lords of all things coated in THC are reissuing their 2014 single, The Clarity (review here), on Southern Lord next month, but rumors have been swirling about a proper album, which of course would be their first since the now-legendary Dopesmoker. If it happens, it’ll automatically be a heavy underground landmark for 2017, but it’s one I’m going to have in my ears before I really believe it.
31. Stoned Jesus, TBA
Even as they tour playing their second album, 2012’s Seven Thunders Roar (review here), to mark its fifth anniversary and continued impact, Ukrainian trio Stoned Jesus are forging ahead with a fourth record behind 2015’s The Harvest (review here). The capital-‘q’ Question is whether or not looking back at Seven Thunders Roar and engaging that big-riffing side of their sound will have an impact on the new material, and if so, how it will meld with the push of The Harvest. Won’t speculate, but look forward to finding out.
32. Stubb, TBA
Since reveling in the soul of 2015’s Cry of the Ocean (review here) on Ripple, London trio Stubb have swapped out bassists, and they were in Skyhammer Studio this month recording a single that may be an extended psychedelic jam. I’ll take that happily, but I’m even more intrigued at the prospect of a third LP and what guitarist/vocalist Jack Dickinson, bassist/vocalist Tom Hobson and drummer Tom Fyfe might have in store as the band moves forward on multiple levels. Might be 2017, might not.
33. Sun Blood Stories, It Runs Around the Room with Us
It Runs around the Room with Us seems to find peace in its resonant experimentalist drones, loops, open, subdued spaces, but there’s always some underlying sense of foreboding to its drift, as if Boise’s Sun Blood Stories could anticipate the moment before it happened. Toward the end of the follow-up to 2015’s Twilight Midnight Morning (review here), they execute the 90-second assault “Burn” and turn serenity to ash. Look for it in April and look for it again on my best of 2017 list in December.
34. Ufomammut, TBA
Any new offering from the Italian cosmic doom magnates is worth looking forward to, and while Ufomammut have left the 15-year mark behind, they’ve never stopped progressing in style and form. To wit, 2015’s Ecate (review here) was a stunner after 2012’s two-part LP, Oro (review here and review here), tightening the approach but assuring the vibe was no less expansive than ever. They started recording last summer, finished mixing in November, so I’m hoping for word of a release date soon.
35. Vokonis, The Sunken Djinn
Born out of Creedsmen Arise, whose 2015 demo, Temple (review here), offered formative thrills, Swedish trio Vokonis debuted with last year’s Olde One Ascending (review here) and proved there’s still life in post-Sleep riffing when it’s wielded properly. They signed to Ripple in November and confirmed the title of their sophomore effort as The Sunken Djinn, as well as a reissue for the first album, which will probably arrive first. I don’t know how that will affect the timing on this one, but keep an eye out anyway.
—
Gonna Happen and/or Likely Candidates
Obviously some of these are more likely than others. Some have solidified, announced release dates — Dopelord‘s out this month, Demon Head‘s out in April, etc. — and others come from social media posts of bands in studios and hints at upcoming releases and so on. A big tell is whether or not a band has an album title with their listing, but even some of those without have their new albums done, like Atala and Royal Thunder, so it’s not necessarily absolute.
Either way, while I’m spending your money, you might want to look into:
36. Against the Grain
37. Amenra
38. Atala
39. Attalla, Glacial Rule
40. Ayahuasca Dark Trip, II
41. Beastmaker
42. Beaten Back to Pure
43. Blackout
44. Bretus
45. Buried Feather, Mind of the Swarm
46. The Clamps
47. Cold Stares
48. Coltsblood, Ascending into the Shimmering Darkness
49. Come to Grief, The Worst of Times EP
50. Cortez
51. Cruthu, The Angle of Eternity
52. The Dead-End Alley Band, Storms
53. Dead Witches, Dead Witches
54. Dealer
55. Death Alley, Live at Roadburn
56. Demon Head, Thunder on the Fields
57. The Devil and the Almighty Blues, II
58. Devil Electric
59. Doctor Cyclops, Local Dogs
60. Dool, Here Now There Then
61. Dopelord, Children of the Haze
62. Doublestone, Devil’s Own/Djævlens Egn
63. Dread Sovereign, For Doom the Bell Tolls
64. Drive by Wire
65. Elbrus, Elbrus
66. Electric Age
67. Electric Moon, Stardust Rituals
68. Endless Floods, II
69. Five Horse Johnson
70. Forming the Void, Relic
71. Funeral Horse
72. Greenbeard
73. Green Desert Water
74. Greenleaf
75. Grifter / Suns of Thunder, Split
76. Hair of the Dog, This World Turns
77. Heavy Temple, Chassit
78. Here Lies Man, Here Lies Man
79. Hollow Leg, Murder EP
80. Holy Mount, The Drought
81. Hooded Menace
82. Horisont, About Time
83. Hymn, Perish
84. Lecherous Gaze
85. Magnet, Feel Your Fire
86. Mastodon
87. Merlin, The Wizard
88. Merchant
89. Mindkult, Lucifer’s Dream
90. Mirror Queen
91. Moonbow, War Bear
92. Mos Generator
93. The Moth
94. MotherSloth
95. Mouth, Vortex
96. My Sleeping Karma, Mela Ananda – Live
97. Orango
98. Papir
99. PH, Eternal Hayden
100. Psychedelic Witchcraft, Magick Rites and Spells
101. Royal Thunder
102. Saturn, Beyond Spectra
103. Season of Arrows, Give it to the Mountain
104. Siena Root
105. Six Organs of Admittance, Burning the Threshold
106. Six Sigma, Tuxedo Brown
107. Sólstafir
108. The Sonic Dawn, Into the Long Night
109. Spelljammer
110. Spidergawd, IV
111. Steak
112. Stinking Lizaveta, Journey to the Underworld
113. Sula Bassana, Organ Accumulator
114. Summoner
115. Sun Voyager, Sun Voyager
116. Sweat Lodge, Tokens for Hell EP
117. Thera Roya, Stone and Skin
118. Toke
119. Troubled Horse, Revelation on Repeat
120. VA, Brown Acid The Third Trip
121. Weedpecker
122. Youngblood Supercult, The Great American Death Rattle
—
Definitely Could Happen
Maybe a recording process is upcoming (Gozu, Cities of Mars, YOB), or a band is looking for a label (The Flying Eyes), or they’ve said new stuff is in the works but the circumstances of an actual release aren’t known (Arc of Ascent, Dead Meadow, High on Fire), or I’ve just seen rumors of their hitting the studio (Freedom Hawk, La Chinga, Ruby the Hatchet). We’ve entered the realm of the entirely possible but not 100 percent.
So, you know, life.
Dig it:
123. The Age of Truth
124. Ape Machine
125. Arc of Ascent
126. At Devil Dirt
127. Bantoriak
128. Bask
129. BCAD
130. BoneHawk
131. La Chinga
132. Chubby Thunderous Bad Kush Masters
133. Cities of Mars
134. Crypt Sermon
135. Dead Meadow
136. Death Alley (Studio LP)
137. Dee Calhoun
138. Destroyer of Light
139. Devil
140. Devil Worshipper
141. Duel
142. Dustrider
143. Egypt
144. Electric Moon
145. Elephant Tree
146. Farflung
147. The Flying Eyes
148. Freedom Hawk
149. Gozu
150. The Great Electric Quest
151. Green Meteor, Consumed by a Dying Sun
152. High on Fire
153. Horrendous
154. Insect Ark
155. In the Company of Serpents
156. Iron Monkey
157. Jeremy Irons and the Ratgang Malibus
158. The Judge
159. Killer Boogie
160. King Dead
161. The Kings of Frog Island
162. Lords of Beacon House, Recreational Sorcery
163. Mangoo
164. Mondo Drag
165. Monolord
166. Mountain God
167. The Munsens
168. Naxatras
169. Never Got Caught
170. Ommadon
171. Orchid
172. Ordos
173. Pilgrim
174. Poseidon
175. Purple Hill Witch
176. Ruby the Hatchet
177. Sasquatch
178. Satan’s Satyrs
179. Serpents of Secrecy
180. Shabda
181. Shooting Guns
182. Sleepy Sun
183. Slow Season
184. Snowy Dunes, Atlantis
185. Spectral Haze
186. The Sweet Heat
187. Switchblade Jesus
188. Superchief
189. Tÿburn
190. YOB
191. Zone Six
—
Would be Awfully Nice
This last category is basically as close as I’m willing to come to rampant speculation. Endless Boogie have hinted at new material, and Queens of the Stone Age have talked about hitting the studio for the last two years. There were rumors about Om, and though Kings Destroy just put out an EP, they have new songs as well, though I doubt we’ll hear them before the end of 2017. I’ll admit that Across Tundras, Fever Dog, Lord Fowl, Lowrider and Hour of 13 are just wishful thinking on my part. A boy can hope:
192. Across Tundras
193. Eggnogg
194. Elephant Tree
195. Endless Boogie
196. Fever Dog
197. Fu Manchu
198. Halfway to Gone
199. Hour of 13
200. Kadavar
201. Kings Destroy
202. Lord Fowl
203. Lowrider
204. Masters of Reality
205. Om
206. Orodruin
207. Queens of the Stone Age
—
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. Whatever this year brings, I hope it’s been great so far for you and I hope it continues to be so as we proceed inexorably to 2018 and all the also-futuristic-sounding numbers thereafter. At least we know we’ll have plenty of good music to keep us company on that voyage.
As always, comments section is open if there’s anything I’ve left out. I’m happy to add, adjust, etc., as need be, so really, have at it, and thanks in advance.
Posted in Whathaveyou on November 1st, 2016 by JJ Koczan
Well yeah, it’s been a few months, so seems like it’s about time again for Ape Machine to announce a string of tour dates. The Portland, Oregon, four-piece will head out to shut the door on Spring 2016’s Coalition of the Unwilling (review here), which they released via Heavy Psych Sounds, and move ahead with road-testing new songs as they make ready to record a fourth long-player. Presumably that’ll be out sometime early next year, though whether through Heavy Psych Sounds or Ripple Music, which handled their prior full-length, 2013’s Mangled by the Machine (review here), remains to be seen. And by that I mean I don’t know. Just being honest, folks. Gotta stay humble.
The band sent the dates down the PR wire:
Ape Machine West Coast tour
Ape Machine is planning for one more run of dates before the year’s up. We’re basically wanting to try out some new material and have some studio time booked to start working on the next (fourth) full-length. We figured we might as well go rock a few shows while we’re at it!
November 9th: Starlite Lounge – Sacramento, CA November 10th: Frank’s Place – Fresno, CA November 11th: Til Two Club – San Diego, CA November 12th: Pier View Pub – Oceanside, CA November 13th: Silverlake Lounge – Los Angeles, CA November 16th: Dante’s – Portland, OR November 17th: Funhouse – Seattle, WA
The name APE MACHINE is a nod to the days of reel-to-reel magnetic tape audio recording; a fitting moniker for the Portland heavy-hitting quartet as the band plays through vintage tube amplifiers and lays down its songs using exclusively throwback quality studio equipment.
With a heady mix of animal aggression and technical precision, APE MACHINE’s music carries an organic depth and warmth rarely heard since the time of rock’s glorious early years (or your Dad’s bad ass record collection) infused with an exceptional modern sensibility. When the mystical lyrics of vocalist Caleb Heinze lock in with the band’s stone-cold groove, the band demonstrates an earth-shaking ability to rock. A true four-piece, the group has been called “a rock and roll band with a finger on the pulse of the 70’s and their asses firmly in the present” and “real heavy-psych for the iPhone generation” that delivers “true guts and glory rock and roll”.
APE MACHINE IS Caleb Heinze – Vocals Ian Watts – Guitar Brian True – Bass Damon De La Paz – Drums
Posted in Whathaveyou on June 6th, 2016 by JJ Koczan
There’s a good chance that, at any given point, Oregonian heavy rockers Ape Machine are either announcing a tour, actually on said tour, just off touring, or getting ready for their next tour. They went to Europe last fall to herald the arrival of Spring 2016’s Coalition of the Unwilling (review here) on Heavy Psych Sounds, and they’ve been on the road steadily for the last several years. To wit, the run that starts June 15 through the Midwest and West Coast, which includes a stop at Crucialfest 6 in Salt Lake City, will be their second US stint of 2016 after one in March around the latest release, and it only seems fair to speculate that it won’t be the last time they get out this year. Some acts do it the hard way, and Ape Machine seem to prefer delivering rock and roll personally. So be it.
Dates follow here, as sent down the PR wire:
Rock’n’roll ain’t dead! Portland rockers APE MACHINE announce more US tour dates this summer.
Rock’n’roll has never been so alive, as Portland’s most exciting and hard-hitting riff merchants APE MACHINE are set to make heads turn again, with the release of their fourth album, on Heavy Psych Sounds. “Coalition Of The Unwilling” landed in March in all good record stores, followed by Southern US tour dates. The psychedelic apes bring the riffs to the Mid-West this summer with dates starting in June and an appearance at the highly regarded stoner-rock fest – Crucialfest – in Salt Lake City.
The name APE MACHINE is a nod to the days of reel-to-reel magnetic tape audio recording; a fitting moniker for the Portland heavy-hitting quartet as the band plays through vintage tube amplifiers and lays down its songs using exclusively throwback quality studio equipment.
With a heady mix of animal aggression and technical precision, APE MACHINE’s music carries an organic depth and warmth rarely heard since the time of rock’s glorious early years (or your Dad’s bad ass record collection) infused with an exceptional modern sensibility. When the mystical lyrics of vocalist Caleb Heinze lock in with the band’s stone-cold groove, the band demonstrates an earth-shaking ability to rock. A true four-piece, the group has been called “a rock and roll band with a finger on the pulse of the 70’s and their asses firmly in the present” and “real heavy-psych for the iPhone generation” that delivers “true guts and glory rock and roll”.
Summer Tour Dates: Wednesday June 15: Shredder, Boise ID Thursday June 16: Crucialfest, Salt Lake City (Metro Bar) Friday June 17: Larimer Lounge, Denver CO Saturday June 18: Replay Lounge, Lawrence KS Sunday June 19: Reggie’s, Chicago IL Monday June 20: Fubar, St. Louis MO Tuesday June 21: Melody Inn, Indianapolis IN Wednesday June 22: The Roxy, Overland Park KS Thursday June 23: Blue Note Lounge, Oklahoma City OK Friday June 24: Leftwoods, Amarillo TX Saturday June 25: Deadhorse Saloon, San Angelo TX Sunday June 26: Lowbrow Palace, El Paso TX Monday June 27: Casbah, San Diego CA Tuesday June 28: Blue Lamp, Sacramento CA
APE MACHINE IS Caleb Heinze – Vocals Ian Watts – Guitar Brian True – Bass Damon De La Paz – Drums
Posted in Whathaveyou on March 10th, 2016 by JJ Koczan
Fucking a, Crucialfest 6. You win this round.
The Salt Lake City-based festival has announced its 2016 lineup, and it’s both all over the place stylistically and awesome, so kudos all around. My understanding is early-bird tickets are on their way to being sold out, and with the likes of Russian Circles, SubRosa, Mos Generator, Form of Rocket, CHRCH, Mammoth Salmon and a slew of others I both have and haven’t heard of, I can’t say it’ll be a surprise when they’re gone. Hell, Ape Machine are gonna be there. You know it’s a party when they show up.
I’m not sure if this is the full roster of bands or if Crucialfest 6 will be adding more, but it’s a killer assemblage as it is, as the PR wire can confirm:
Crucialfest 6 lineup announced
Salt Lake City, UT
Russian Circles, Helms Alee, SubRosa, Wizard Rifle, Mos Generator, Theories to headline Crucialfest 6 with historic reunion sets from SLC natives Form of Rocket, Ether, The New Transit Direction
When: June 15-18, 2016 Where: The Urban Lounge, Metro Bar, Kilby Court, The Art Garden Web:Crucialfest.com Tickets:bit.ly/1QLqLPN-Early bird discount wristbands still available
Crucialfest announces its most incredible lineup to date with Crucialfest 6! This June 15-18th CF6 brings the heavies to downtown Salt Lake City. Hosting 10 showcases and 50+ bands over 4 days (plus a warm up show June 11th), CF6 promises to deliver high-energy live performances from local and national bands alike, and a memorable experience for all. Crucialfest aims to heat up the local rock/metal scene & the touring environment for Utah bands by putting them on the stage with internationally recognized bands. It revitalizes the local scene with reunion sets from some of Salt Lake’s most influential bands. Info and tickets at:www.crucialfest.com
Confirmed Lineup: Russian Circles, Form of Rocket, The New Transit Direction, Ether, Helms Alee, SubRosa, Wizard Rifle, Mos Generator, Theories, Gaytheist, INVDRS, The Drip, InAeona, Immortal Bird, Ape Machine, Greg Bennick, CHRCH, Colombian Necktie, Baby Gurl, Elephant Rifle, Heartless Breakers, Fuzz Evil, Mammoth Salmon, Throes, Oxcross, Worst Friends, Mercy Ties, Muscle Beach, Sol, Bereft, Die Off, Handicapitalist, Thunderfist, I Buried The Box with your Name, MKNG FK, Donner Party House, Discoid A, Exes, Moon of Delirium, Turbo Chugg, Cicadas, Wulf Blitzer, Yeti Warlord, Former Tides, The Future of the Ghost, Scary Uncle Steve, Turtle Neck Wedding Dress, Cactus Pharm
Back in November, as underappreciated Portland, Oregon, heavy rockers Ape Machine were getting ready to offer up their new release, Coalition of the Unwilling, on Heavy Psych Sounds, they marked the occasion with a 20-date tour, and as they make ready for the domestic release on March 11, it seems only fair to do about the same amount of road time. Just wouldn’t be Ape Machine if they didn’t. To-date, their career is marked out by quality songcraft, righteousness of performance and a readiness to hand-deliver their rock to just about any audience that will have them. Their last album, 2013’s Mangled by the Machine (review here), further cemented their approach, and though it’s somewhere between an EP and an LP in length, the six-track, 25-minute Coalition of the Unwilling makes a fitting answer in terms of their classic-style chemistry, from the fading-in guitar solo of opener “Crushed from Within” through the “Ape’n’Stein” take on The Edgar Winter Group‘s “Frankenstein” and into the subdued, vocal-led closer “Never My Way.”
Through all six cuts, Ape Machine‘s take doesn’t ask much of the listener except maybe to come along for the ride, and what it delivers in return is engaging bounce and a partially Led Zep-inspired, crisply-presented vibe that holds true throughout “Crushed from Within” and the swaying “Disband,” vocalist Caleb Heinze very much at a frontman’s position ahead of the guitar of Ian Watts, Brian True‘s bass and Damon de la Paz‘s drumming. With a singer of such ability, it would be easy for Ape Machine to lose balance, but they never have and they don’t on Coalition of the Unwilling, either, which moves through the shuffling “Give What You Get” into the more instrumentally-minded fare “Under this Face” and “Ape’n’Stein” — the latter of which actually is instrumental — before unfurling the minimalist guitar and cymbal washes that start the more brooding finale “Never My Way,” which does bring Heinze‘s vocals back into bluesy focus, but with a corresponding change of context, less upbeat initially and moving through a heavier apex with some choice soloing by Watts before they roll the track to its ending.
Like I said at the outset, Coalition of the Unwilling was issued last Fall by Heavy Psych Sounds, so I wouldn’t call this a premiere or anything, but I’m happy to feature it nonetheless leading up to the domestic release, for the quality of Ape Machine‘s output, its total lack of pretense and the work the band have put in supporting it already and which they’ll continue to put in on their upcoming US tour. The dates for that run, coincidentally, can be found under the player below, on which you can stream Coalition of the Unwilling in its entirety.
Please enjoy:
APE MACHINE LIVE: 03/11 Seattle, WA @ Highline 03/12 Eugene, OR @ Luckey’s 03/13 Fresno, CA @ Audie’s 03/14 Los Angeles, CA @ Los Globos 03/15 San Diego, CA @ The Merrow 03/16 Tucson, AZ @ Congress Club 03/17 El Paso, TX @ Mesa Music Hall 03/18 Austin, TX @ Peckerhead’s – SXSW 03/19 Ft Worth, TX @ Lola’s Saloon – Fuzzed Out Fest 03/20 Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone 03/21 Birmingham, AL @ The Nick 03/22 Chattanooga, TN @ Ziggy’s 03/24 Mobile, AL @ Blind Mule 03/25 Gruene, TX @ Gruene Harley Davidson – Giddy Up Rally Pre-Party 03/26 Houston, TX @ Satellite Bar 03/28 Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock 03/29 Long Beach, CA @ The Prospector 03/30 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill 03/31 Portland, OR @ Star Theater
