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High Reeper Premiere Pentagram Cover “Hurricane” from Self-Titled Reissue

Posted in Bootleg Theater on November 24th, 2020 by JJ Koczan

high reeper (photo by drew wiedemann)

High Reeper‘s self-titled debut (review here) will see a re-release through Heavy Psych Sounds on Jan. 11 with two bonus tracks and some stylin’ new cover art. To answer your first question, no, it hasn’t been that long since the label put it out in the first place. After the band self-released in 2017, the Italy-based imprint did the honor in 2018, and as the band set off on the road in Europe twice in 2019, they still managed to find time to issue the follow-up, Higher Reeper (review here), as well. Obviously 2020 has been somewhat lighter in terms of road time owing to blah-blah-blah-if-I-think-about-it-anymore-my-head-is-going-to-explode, so perhaps it’s a good time to revisit High Reeper‘s first LP (they were a five-piece at the time, now four), get it back in print, and for those who like a little something extra, offer it with a new look and a couple more tracks.

One of the cuts in question is a cover of Pentagram‘s “Hurricane.” How do you feel about Bobby Liebling? Dude punched his mom. Dude was at very least accused of sexual harassment on tour. On and on. A pariah among some — many — he may be, but there’s little use denying the force that is Pentagram‘s First Days Here era, those once-lost recordings from the early ’70s that kickstarted a revolution in retro heavy when unearthed for a subsequent generation’s appreciation. All you have to do is listen to High Reeper‘s take on “Hurricane” to realize that — and it’s only two minutes long, so it’s not about to put a dent in your busy day or whatever. The band could’ve covered “Forever My Queen” or “Relentless” or one of those other riffs that launched a thousand ships, but by digging even just a little further, they get to put their stamp on something familiar while making it their own.

I can hardly think of anything more fitting when it comes to their sound as a whole.

Enjoy the track. Quickie band quote and High Reeper reissue preorder link follow:

High Reeper, “Hurricane” official track premiere

High Reeper on “Hurricane”:

“All of us love Pentagram (especially the early stuff) so we thought it would be cool if we did a track from that era. It’s an overlooked track but we all think it rocks.”

Debut album ‘High Reeper’ (reissue w/ 2 bonus tracks + new artwork) out January 11th, 2021 on Heavy Psych Sounds: https://www.heavypsychsounds.com/shop.htm#HPS072v2

High Reeper’s self titled debut is an unapologetic punch to the face for fans of early ’70s proto-metal. Produced, engineered and mixed by bass player Shane Trimble at TTR studios in Philadelphia and at his home studio Delwood sound in Delaware. The production is laced with old school elements while still maintaining the focus of a modern release.

High Reeper is:
Zach Thomas- vocals
Pat Daly- guitar
Justin Di Pinto- drums
Shane Trimble- bass

High Reeper on Thee Facebooks

High Reeper on Bandcamp

Heavy Psych Sounds on Thee Facebooks

Heavy Psych Sounds website

Heavy Psych Sounds on Bandcamp

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High Reeper Announce European Tour Dates

Posted in Whathaveyou on March 29th, 2018 by JJ Koczan

When Philly heavy rockers High Reeper were announced for a slot at Desertfest Berlin last week, I speculated that European tour dates were forthcoming because they’d previously been confirmed for Tube Cult Fest in Italy. Sure enough, a couple hours later, the dates showed up from the PR wire in a newsletter from the band’s label, Heavy Psych Sounds. Does this make me psychic? Nope. Does it even make me a reasonably thoughtful individual, putting two and two together on the notion that the band probably wouldn’t fly internationally for two shows on concurrent weekends?

Nah. Mostly it makes me forgetful, because when High Reeper posted their video for “Die Slow,” they said Euro dates were in the works. So there’s my big brain. Good thing I saw that in the older post though; I almost had a second there of self-congratulation. Obviously we can’t have that. Ever. Also, my pants don’t fit.

Oh look, I made myself sad. Better cut my losses and head to the PR wire. Let’s do this thing:

high reeper tour

Formed in 2016, High Reeper is made up of Zach Thomas, Napz Mosley, Andrew Price, Pat Daly and Shane Trimble. Originally started as just a studio band, it rapidly became apparent that these songs were meant to be heard live and loud. The band made their debut in the Philly/DE stoner rock scene in early 2017 with success which was followed up by the recording of their self-titled debut in May. With a sound deeply rooted in modern stoner rock while still giving a nod to the earliest Sabbath records, High Reeper’s first offering is driven by pounding rhythms, thick guitars and soaring, screeching vocals.

The band has signed with Heavy Psych Sounds Records and released the self-titled debut album in march 2018. The sound of the record is running from uptempo straight ahead rock, to slowed down, heavy, early doom. With a rhythm section throwing down grooves that are deeper than the darkest abyss and guitars big enough to put a hole in your chest.
High Reeper is meant to be played loud and to be played often!!!

***HIGH REEPER EUROPEAN TOUR 2018***
26.04.2018 IT Roma-Let It Beer
27.04.2018 IT Pescara-Tube Cult Fest
28.04.2018 IT Castelfidardo-On Stage
29.04.2018 IT Castelnuovo del Garda-Secret Show
30.04.2018 IT Zerobranco-Altroquando
01.05.2018 IT Livorno-Secret Show
02.05.2018 IT Torino-Blah Blah
03.05.2018 CH Olten-Coq D’Or
04.05.2018 CH Kreuzlingen-Horst
05.05.2018 DE Berlin-Desertfest
07.05.2018 DE Leipzig-Black Label
08.05.2018 DE Dresden-Chemo w/ Alunha
09.05.2018 DE Erfurt-Tiko
10.05.2018 DE Chemnitz-Zukunft
11.05.2018 DE Mannheim-7er
12.05.2018 DE Frankfurt-Dkk
13.05.2018 looking for show****
14.05.2018 AT Graz
15.05.2018 AT Salzburg-Rockhouse
16.05.2018 CH Basel-Hirschneck
17.05.2018 looking for show****
18.05.2018 IT Parma-Titty Twister
19.05.2018 IT Toscana TBA

HIGH REEPER are:
Shane Trimble-bass
Zach Thomas-vocals
Pat Daly-guitar
Andrew Price-guitar
Napz Mosley-drums

https://www.facebook.com/HIGHREEPER/
https://highreeper.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HEAVYPSYCHSOUNDS/
http://www.heavypsychsounds.com/
https://heavypsychsoundsrecords.bandcamp.com/

High Reeper, “Chrome Hammer” official video

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High Reeper Premiere “Chrome Hammer” Video

Posted in Bootleg Theater on February 14th, 2018 by JJ Koczan

high reeper

High Reeper mark their first release on Heavy Psych Sounds March 16. Their self-titled debut (review here) was given a sneaky self-release last year, but if you by any chance were feeling crazy and wanted to get a preview of what’s to come with the Heavy Psych Sounds version of the offering, it wouldn’t take anything more than checking out the five-piece’s previous video for “Die Slow” (posted here) and the one below for “Chrome Hammer,” because it just so happens that’s the one-two punch that starts off the album.

And a considerable punch it is. The Philly outfit made it clear with the record the first time around that they weren’t screwing around, and yeah, that very much continues to be the case. Even before they get to the drum-sol0-laden eponymous “High Reeper” or the later riff-worship of “Weed and Speed” and “Black Leather (Chose Us),” which would straddle the line between doom, classic metal and heavy rock were it not so busy using its legs to meter out the rhythmic stomp driving all of it, “Die Slow” and “Chrome Hammer” together set up the “Why’s it gotta be NWOBHM or thrash?” central question High Reeper is asking, backing up its argument with a firm reminder that, indeed, Black Sabbath still kicks everyone’s ass.

You can see their classic-minded aesthetic on display in the clip for “Chrome Hammer” below, which I’m thrilled to be able to premiere today. You’ll note the citrus hue of the amplification through which the guitars and bass come, and the occasional upside-down shot here and there as well. All good fun, and plenty of heavy boogie to go with it, so by all means, dive in.

Some comment from the band and PR wire info follows.

Please enjoy:

High Reeper, “Chrome Hammer” official video premiere

High Reeper on “Chrome Hammer”:

When we wrote Chrome Hammer we just had the title as the idea for the song and then we filled in the lyrics and music around the title. When we decided to make the video we wanted something that didn’t relate to the song in a literal way but still captured the idea and then feeling of not just the song but also the band. We gave the director (Dan Dome) free reign to do whatever he wanted and we feel like he fucking nailed it.

High Reeper’s self titled debut is an unapologetic punch to the face for fans of early ‘70s proto-metal. The sound and smell of leather, weed, boozing, gambling and death permeate the record from start to finish. Nine tracks that run from uptempo straight ahead rock, to slowed down, heavy, early doom. With a rhythm section throwing down grooves that are deeper than the darkest abyss and guitars big enough to put a hole in your chest, the record’s finale hits just as hard as its opening track. Vocals that soar above the guitars with laser like precision, while delivering a direct hit to your soul.

Produced, engineered and mixed by bass player Shane Trimble at TTR studios in Philadelphia and at his home studio Delwood sound in Delaware. The production is laced with old school elements while still maintaining the focus of a modern release.

Recorded in the fall of 2017, HIGH REEPER IS MEANT TO BE PLAYED LOUD AND TO BE PLAYED OFTEN.

High Reeper is:
Pat Daly
Zach Thomas
Andrew Price
Napz Mosley
Shane Trimble

High Reeper on Thee Facebooks

High Reeper on Bandcamp

Heavy Psych Sounds on Thee Facebooks

Heavy Psych Sounds website

Heavy Psych Sounds on Bandcamp

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High Reeper Post “Die Slow” Video; European Tour Dates Coming Soon

Posted in Bootleg Theater on December 28th, 2017 by JJ Koczan

high reeper

As Philly’s heavy scene expands, it’s cool to see bands coming up with a variety of sounds. Alongside psych rock acts like Ruby the Hatchet and Ecstatic Vision, High Reeper cast a gritty impression born of proto-doom riffing but presented with a modern edge in its production. The band, who self-released their self-titled debut (review here) earlier this year, signed to Heavy Psych Sounds to give it a wider/official pressing, and as has been known to happen in the best of cases, High Reeper have linked up with the label’s booking arm as well and will tour Europe this Spring. Right in the thick of festival season, as it happens. Funny how these things work out sometimes.

For many, the clip below for “Die Slow” will be their first exposure to High Reeper‘s Sabbath-fueled stylings, and with the five-piece headbanging away on stage, it’s just as light on BS visually as it is in structure — a good sense of what it’s all about and a propensity for following the riff? These are not things with which to argue. As the dates are announced, I’ll be interested to see particularly who they wind up hitting the road with — whether it’s a native European act or American compatriots. The label’s roster offers plenty of sound company to keep, of course, and whether it’s the likes of Killer Boogie, who also have a new record coming, or Texas rockers Duel, who’ve been abroad a couple times already — or hell, both — it seems like there’s a cool opportunity to put a killer package together.

Speculation on my part, of course. I haven’t heard anything or anything. When I do, I’ll post the dates, of course. Till then, you can check out the “Die Slow” clip below, followed as ever by more info from the PR wire.

Enjoy:

High Reeper, “Die Slow” official video

Die Slow is the first official music video of the upcoming High Reeper’s album !!!

The self-titled album will be released via Heavy Psych Sounds on March 16th

The US based rockers will tour Europe from 26th of April to 19th of May 2018 !!!

High Reeper’s self titled debut is an unapologetic punch to the face for fans of early ‘70s proto-metal. The sound and smell of leather, weed, boozing, gambling and death permeate the record from start to finish. Nine tracks that run from uptempo straight ahead rock, to slowed down, heavy, early doom. With a rhythm section throwing down grooves that are deeper than the darkest abyss and guitars big enough to put a hole in your chest, the record’s finale hits just as hard as its opening track. Vocals that soar above the guitars with laser like precision, while delivering a direct hit to your soul. Produced, engineered and mixed by bass player Shane Trimble at TTR studios in Philadelphia and at his home studio Delwood sound in Delaware. The production is laced with old school elements while still maintaining the focus of a modern release. Recorded in the fall of 2017, High Reeper is meant to be played loud and to be played often.

AVAILABLE IN:
LIMITED ORANGE TRANSPARENT VINYL
BLACK VINYL
DIGIPAK / DIGITAL

High Reeper is:
Pat Daly
Zach Thomas
Andrew Price
Napz Mosley
Shane Trimble

High Reeper on Thee Facebooks

High Reeper on Bandcamp

Heavy Psych Sounds on Thee Facebooks

Heavy Psych Sounds website

Heavy Psych Sounds on Bandcamp

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High Reeper Announce Self-Titled LP Details; Preorders Now Available

Posted in Whathaveyou on December 8th, 2017 by JJ Koczan

high reeper

March 16 will serve as the official issue date for High Reeper‘s self-titled debut album through Heavy Psych Sounds. Initially self-released, the nine-track High Reeper (review here) has been given new cover art and preorders are available as of today for those who like to be ahead of the game. March is a while out yet, so there’s still no audio made public from the outing — it was up on Bandcamp for the initial release, of course, but has been removed in advance of this new incarnation — but you can pretty much expect that will come soon, and I’ll be interested to see if High Reeper end up touring at home or abroad, what with Heavy Psych Sounds‘ booking arm so often active and whatnot.

Album details from the PR wire:

high reeper high reeper

Philly stoner rockers HIGH REEPER unveil details for debut album “High Reeper” on Heavy Psych Sounds!

Philly-based stoner rockers HIGH REEPER have announced the release of their self-titled debut album on March 16th via Heavy Psych Sounds.

HIGH REEPER’s self titled debut is an unapologetic punch in the face for fans of early ‘70s proto-metal. The sound and smell of leather, weed, boozing, gambling and death permeate the record from start to finish. Nine tracks that run from uptempo straight-ahead rock, to slowed down, heavy, early doom. With a rhythm section throwing down grooves that are deeper than the darkest abyss and guitars big enough to put a hole in your chest, the record’s final hits just as hard as its opening track. Vocals soar above guitars with laser-like precision, while delivering a direct hit to your soul. Produced, engineered and mixed by bass player Shane Trimble at TTR studios in Philadelphia as well as his home studio Delwood sound in Delaware, the sound is laced with old school elements while still maintaining the focus of a modern-sounding release. Recorded in the fall of 2017, “High Reeper” is meant to be played loud and to be played often!

HIGH REEPER debut album “High Reeper”
Out March 16th on Heavy Psych Sounds
Presale start December 8th here

TRACKLIST :
1. Die Slow
2. Chrome Hammer
3. Soul Taker
4. High Reeper
5. Reeper Deadly Reeper
6. Weed & Speed
7. Double Down And Let It Ride
8. Black Leather (Chose Us)
9. Friend Of Death

High Reeper is:
Pat Daly
Zach Thomas
Andrew Price
Napz Mosley
Shane Trimble

https://www.facebook.com/HIGHREEPER/
https://highreeper.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HEAVYPSYCHSOUNDS/
http://www.heavypsychsounds.com/
https://heavypsychsoundsrecords.bandcamp.com/

High Reeper, “Soul Taker” live at Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia

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