Posted in Whathaveyou on May 21st, 2025 by JJ Koczan
You can see the growth happening in real-time. Or at least on a per-announcement basis. Croatia’s Bear Stone Festival last time around added a slew of electronic artists to expand the horizons of campers hanging out late each night, and now the fest has brought in Festival Buke, which is a thing I’d probably have heard of if I was Croatian and into noise rock, to curate a day at the Mill Stage to specifically highlight up and coming Croatian bands. The styles range as you can see below, but each of the four acts listed represents the local underground in a way that Bear Stone is intent on having as part of what it offers to those attending.
The fest is July 3-6 just outside of Slunj, Croatia. And if you’re like, ‘Well I’ve never been to Croatia,’ I hadn’t until last year either and I promise you’re a more competent traveler than I am. You’ll be fine. Sick lineup gets sicker:
Bear Stone Festival & Festival Buke – Amplifying the Future of the Regional Heavy Scene
Bear Stone Festival is proud to announce a collaboration with Festival Buke (Festival of Noise), a program dedicated to supporting the next generation of artists within the alternative and heavy music scenes.
On Saturday, July 05 the Mill Stage will be fully taken over by Festival Buke, bringing a dynamic mix of young, uncompromising bands and seasoned underground veterans all ready to deliver raw, high-energy performances that echo the spirit of the scene.
The aim is simple: to use the opportunity to shine a spotlight on emerging artists, strengthen connections within the regional music community, and offer our festivalgoers a powerful sonic experience.
Join us as we turn up the volume and celebrate the bold voices shaping the future of Heavy music.
LORD DRUNKALOT (CRO)
Lord Drunkalot came out of Zagreb’s “Thrashnjevka” district swinging like a wrecking ball made of molten fuzz and heavy groove. Doom, Thrash and Psychedelia all locked in, dialed up, and aimed straight at your solar plexus. Massive riffs? Check. Epic hooks? Absolutely. A rhythm section that doesn’t let up and vocals that bite. These guys don’t play, they strike.
After leveling stages alongside titans like Ufomammut and 1000mods and dropping their acclaimed LP “Heads & Spirits” in 2021, they’re now locking in the crosshairs for their next release and you’ll hear it live. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
SHELL (CRO)
Shell are a three-piece band from Zagreb, Croatia and they ain’t here to play nice. They mix Post-Hardcore and Sludge like it’s a secret family recipe, then sprinkle in some Noise, Post-Metal, and Math Rock just to keep your ears guessing.
Their sound? Heavy. Dynamic. Unpredictable. Like a sermon that starts soft, then lights the whole room on fire. They released their debut EP “Throes” in 2023. And now? They’re cookin’ up a full-length album that’s gonna shake the ground you walk on.
10KRE (CRO)
10KRE are a Stoner-Sludge trio from Zagreb. They formed in the summer of 2023, just a bunch of guys getting together and jamming, nothing fancy. But what came out of it was something solid, heavy, and raw.
Their sound? Think Heavy Blues with grit and aggression. Riffs that hit you like a ton of bricks, vocals that demand your attention. They get up on stage, and it’s not just a show. It’s an experience. You feel the energy, you remember it.
EXTROFT (CRO)
Extroft are a young Alt-Metal band from Valpovo, Croatia. They don’t play games, they bring the energy. Their sound? It’s a mix of Groove, Psychedelia, Grunge, and Classic Heavy Metal. You put those together, you get something that punches through the noise.
Since they formed in 2020, they’ve been taking over big stages and festivals across the region. Places like InMusic, Tvornica Kulture, and Vintage Industrial Bar. They dropped their debut EP, and now they’re working on something even bigger, building their name, one track at a time.
LINEUP UPDATE
Unfortunately for reasons beyond our control, El Perro is forced to cancel their performance at Bear Stone Festival. Introducing legendary Italian Doom giants TONS as their replacement.
TONS, the Italian Doom Metal band, are on a mission to crush everything in their path with riffs that hit like a sledgehammer. From their debut album to their upcoming work, these guys have a signature sound that is heavy, thick, and oozes atmosphere like a cloud of smoke. When they take the stage, they bring the heat, and their raw energy leaves a mark you won’t forget.
Posted in Whathaveyou on April 23rd, 2025 by JJ Koczan
I’m not going to lie to you, there have been many times in the months since I left Croatia that my mind has wandered back to the misty banks of the Mrežnica River, where Bear Stone Festival has come to be held. I was there for the first time in 2024 and am very much hoping to be back this summer (I need space on the credit card to book a flight; it’s a whole thing but if I can make it happen I want to), not the least because they seem to be growing and that’s cool to witness.
If it seems like a surprise that Bear Stone‘s interest in heavy of more traditional and rocking styles would extend to outfits like ABOP, who cross over into more electronic and techo-based ideas, I’ll note that Bear Stone shares a team and locale with the acid techno festival MO:DEM, and so seems like fair enough ground for crossover and some uniting of worlds. Those shows will be late — they’re calling it ‘The Ripple’; no relation to Ripple Music — but it’s perfect for those camping out, and I don’t know if that was most attendees last year or not, but it was definitely a lot of people. A significant portion of the crowd.
There are also pre-made tent options linked below to facilitate camping if, like me, you’re way more into hanging out indoors and talking to yourself while you type out words on your laptop than you are ‘rugged’ in any sense of the word, but perhaps want to be adventurous. Or, if you’re traveling and don’t want to take a tent on a plane/train/etc., it’s one to think about.
From the PR wire:
New Festival Segment: The Ripple + Festival Timetable
Just as objects of all shapes and sizes create the same ripples when thrown into water, The Ripple at Bear Stone Festival embodies the diverse styles of music that share the same powerful energy, no matter how different.
From psychedelic tones to high-energy beats, each performance sends waves of intensity that resonate with the crowd, creating an electrifying experience that flows through the night.
Following the final echoes from the Stone Stage, The Ripple takes over the Jam Stage as an after-dark surge of sound curated with handpicked acts. Different waves, but the same current flowing deep into the night.
ABOP (CRO)
ABOP (After is Better than the Party) is a Croatian electronic band known for transforming the dancefloor into a full-blown rave without a DJ. Blending acid house, techno, electro, and live instrumentation, the band delivers high-energy performances driven by dual drummers on a single kit, analog synths, and immersive visuals.
Critically acclaimed and award-winning, ABOP has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in the region and beyond.
OIL X GAS (LV)
OIL X GAS is a synth-rock duo known for their explosive blend of roaring synths and thunderous drums, fusing the intensity of a rock show with the pulse of a techno club. Their commanding live energy turns every stage into a high-voltage experience, captivating audiences with raw power and precision.
In their breakout year, they released a trio of live videos, including sessions at Joe Barresi’s legendary LA studio and Third Man Records’ iconic Blue Basement in London.
BAMWISE (CRO)
Bamwise is a six-piece electronic dub band from Zagreb blending live instruments, heavy bass, and rich synth textures with immersive visual projections. Rooted in Jamaican dub and reggae, their sound fuses analog warmth with modern electronic influences, inspired by UK and French dub scenes.
Known for their powerful live shows, they released their debut album “Soundproof” via PDV records and are currently working on their next release.
ISKRA (MK)
ISKRA is a Skopje-based audiovisual collective blending music and animation to deliver a futuristic narrative set in the year 2088/89. With a sound and vision forged from a “decoded chip from the future”, the four members creatively explore themes of dystopia, resistance, and digital rebellion.
Their genre-bending project has earned acclaim through striking live performances and two concept albums, most recently “Mother Earth Mother Board” released via Diehard Records.
BEAR STONE FESTIVAL TIMETABLE
Presenting the festival timetable for our 2025 edition.
Over 40 bands will take the stages of Bear Stone Festival from July 03 to 06. The festival kicks off on Thursday with performances on the Mill and Jam Stages, giving early arrivals plenty of time to settle in.
On Friday and Saturday, all three stages will run without any overlapping sets, so you won’t miss a single act.
Sunday offers a more relaxed finale, with four bands alternating between the Mill and Jam Stages, peaking with the thunderous Lazarvs set in the afternoon.
Those that need to head home early can still make it back in time, while those that want to enjoy one last riverside evening can wind down with the soothing sounds of the Mrežnica river.
PRE-PITCHED TENTS AND AIRPORT SHUTTLE
Don’t forget that our limited-time offer for the shuttle between Zagreb Airport and Bear Stone Festival, as well as pre-pitched tents and camping accessories, is available only until May 01!
Posted in Whathaveyou on February 12th, 2025 by JJ Koczan
There are a few acts down toward the bottom here that I’ve never heard before, and I like that a lot. Always up for a challenging round of googling, I looked up Monica and found who I’m assuming are the right band, from Belgrade, Serbia. The release I put below came out last Fall — it’s a three-songer and is raw as nails until it spaces way out before you realize it. Cool vibe. How on earth I might go about finding D. is a mystery, but this isn’t my first day on the internet so I’ll get there.
More to the point, Bear Stone Festival looks so god damned good. A Place to Bury Strangers are gonna wreck up the place, to be sure, and whatever’s left will be Monolord‘s to flatten. I am very, very much hoping to be in the crowd for this one — remember hat, remember water, remember… the alamo — and if you see me by that riverside, please be sure to say hey. I gotta get that flight confirmed. Too much daydreaming, but can you blame me?
From the PR wire:
Bear Stone Festival 2025: Second Lineup Announcement
The long awaited second lineup announcement for Bear Stone Festival 2025 is finally here!
Below you will find brand new 16 bands which brings the total number of bands that have been announced so far to 33. We still have 8 more surprises for you that we’ll announce as we get closer to the festival.
A Place To Bury Strangers, led by Oliver Ackermann, has been pushing sonic boundaries for nearly two decades, fusing Post-Punk, Noise-Rock, Shoegaze, and Psychedelia into an electrifying and unpredictable experience.
With a refreshed lineup featuring John and Sandra Fedowitz and their own label, Dedstrange, the band continues to evolve, delivering their most dynamic and melodically daring work yet. With their latest album, “Synthesizer” (2024), the band continues to explore different fusions on a wide array of genres confirming once again their legendary status in the underground scene.
MONOLORD
Swedish trio Monolord have carved out a dominant place in the Doom Metal scene with their crushingly heavy riffs, hypnotic grooves, and haunting melodies. Since their 2014 debut “Empress Rising”, they have continued to push the boundaries of modern doom, blending psychedelic textures with bone-rattling low-end.
With a reputation for thunderous live performances and critically acclaimed releases like “No Comfort” (2019) and “Your Time to Shine” (2021), Monolord remains a powerhouse of immersive, slow-burning heaviness.
BRANT BJORK TRIO
Brant Bjork Trio is the latest project led by the legendary Brant Bjork, a pioneer of Desert Rock and a founding member of Kyuss and Fu Manchu. Joined by musicians Mario Lalli and Mike Amster, the trio delivers a raw, groove-heavy blend of Stoner Rock, Funk, and Psychedelic sounds. Known for their dynamic live performances and Brant’s signature laid-back vibe, the trio continues to push the boundaries of the Desert Rock genre.
MAIDAVALE
Swedish Psych Rock band MaidaVale captivates audiences for over a decade with their spirited energy and eclectic blend of Neo-Psychedelia, Krautrock, and influences from Post-Punk, Funkadelia, and North African Blues. Their acclaimed debut album “Tales of the Wicked West” (2016) established them on major European rock stages, while their sophomore release “Madness is Too Pure” (2018) solidified their place in the Psych Rock scene with its bold, experimental sound. MaidaVale continues to push boundaries with their latest album “Sun Dog” earning recognition as one of Europe’s most innovative Psych Rock acts.
CIŚNIENIE
Founded in 2017, Ciśnienie (Polish for “pressure”) combines Post-Rock, orchestral music, and Jazz to create intense, mind-bending musical climaxes. Drawing inspiration from Swans, Fire! Orchestra, Mogwai, Arvo Pärt, and H.M. Górecki, their sound blends baritone sax, violin, and piano with distorted bass and frantic drumming, producing dynamic soundscapes ranging from Ambient Psychedelia to rhythm-driven walls of sound. Having performed over 100 concerts across Europe, the band released their latest live-recorded album, “Zwierzakom” in late 2023.
WEDGE
Wedge, a Berlin-based trio, has been a driving force in the European underground Rock scene since 2014, blending Classic Rock, Kraut Rock, 60’s Garage, and Heavy Psychedelia into their high-energy “Fuzz ‘N’ Roll” sound. Known for their dynamic live performances, they’ve played over 350 shows across Europe, gaining a solid reputation and critical acclaim for albums like “Killing Tongue” (2018) and “Like No Tomorrow” (2021).
ACID ROW
Acid Row is a Prague-based Stoner Rock trio known for fusing Punk energy with elements of Doom Metal, Psychedelic Rock, Noise Rock, and ’90s Grunge. Since their formation in 2012, they have undergone several lineup changes but have stayed true to their rebellious spirit. Inspired by the haunting Blues roots of legends like Robert Johnson, Acid Row carries the torch of Rock and Heavy Metal legacies with raw intensity.
EARTH TONGUE
Earth Tongue is a New Zealand-based duo consisting of guitarist/vocalist Gussie Larkin and drummer/vocalist Ezra Simons, known for their raw, fuzz-drenched sound and unconventional song structures. Drawing inspiration from early Psychedelic Rock and Heavy Garage, their music blends heavy riffs, dual vocal harmonies, and a DIY aesthetic that captures the spirit of 70’s Sci-Fi. With captivating live performances and releases like their debut album “Floating Being” (2019), Earth Tongue has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting acts in the underground Psych scene.
SAUTRUS
Sautrus, formed in 2010 in northern Poland, is a Heavy Psychedelic Rock band known for their unique blend of Psychedelic, Stoner Rock, and ritualistic trance, evoking the sound of the 1970’s. With six releases to their name, including the upcoming album “Lazarus Dilemma” (2024), they have performed at numerous festivals and shared stages with iconic acts like Uriah Heep and Wishbone Ash.
WOLVES OF SATURN
Wolves Of Saturn from Dresden, Germany, are a Desert Rock band known for their immersive sound, featuring fuzz-laden guitars and an array of effects like Plasma Coil and Wahs. Their debut LP, “The Deserts Echo and the Peyote Delusion”, born during the pandemic in a WWII bunker, was released on April 01, 2023 and captures the essence of their unique creative process, blending themes of isolation and freedom into a mesmerising sonic journey.
IAH
IAH is an Instrumental Rock band formed in 2016 in Córdoba, Argentina, consisting of guitarist Mauricio Condon, bassist Juan Pablo Lucco Borlera, and drummer José Landín. Blending atmospheric Post-Rock with the heavy, hypnotic riffs of Post-Metal, their versatile sound defies genre categorization, and they have released five studio albums, including their latest, “V” (2023).
THE FLUKES OF SENDINGTON
All the way from Byron Bay, Australia, The Flukes of Sendington deliver a visceral and cathartic blend of Garage Rock, Funk, Psych, and Indie sounds. Formed in 2024, the band quickly gained momentum with a successful DIY European tour, captivating audiences at festivals like Vierdaagsefeesten Nijmegen and Munich Summer Sessions. With their debut album set for release in 2025 and another tour on the horizon, The Flukes of Sendington are a rising force of unforgettable energy.
FROM ANOTHER MOTHER
Blending Prog Rock, Punk Fusion, and Post-Hardcore, this energetic trio creates total madness at their gigs, blurring the line between audience and band in a whirlwind of controlled chaos. With over 200 live shows and a month-long Balkan tour in 2023, they’ve been spreading love and joy across Europe for more than a decade. Their discography includes two EPs and two albums: “Bratebra”, “Epileptir”, “ATATOA” (Kapitän Platte), and “Zest” (Jeboton).
UMOR
Umor emerges from the depths with low tunings, diminished keys, and a sound steeped in sonic doom, crafting a haunting blend of heavy, atmospheric music. Their music resonates like an apocalyptic hymn, weaving verses of despair, salvation, and inevitable darkness into crushing soundscapes. Umor invites listeners into their realm, where The Sound becomes a cleansing force, vibrating through the core and slowing the beat to an otherworldly stillness.
D.
D. is a three-piece band from Zagreb formed in 2022. Their music blends influences from various eras and genres, ranging from 1950’s Jazz to modern acts like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. Their energetic live performances are characterized by spontaneous jam sessions, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere.
MONICA
Monica is a band that captures the raw, emotional essence of desert landscapes, blending the sound of a dying engine with moments of unexpected speed and steady rhythm. Their music evokes the melancholic beauty of a desert rainstorm, where moments of dryness are interrupted by a cloud that brings refreshing, lively change. With their unique blend of melancholic and energetic sounds, Monica creates an immersive experience that resonates with both the harshness and serenity of nature’s unpredictable rhythms.
Posted in Whathaveyou on November 6th, 2024 by JJ Koczan
I swear to you that as I stood in front of the main stage at this past summer’s Bear Stone Festival, I had the actual thought-in-my-brain, “King Buffalo would be incredible here.” And so they will. The Rochester forerunners of US heavy psych join Graveyard, Motorpsycho, The Vintage Caravan, El Perro and a cast of others in the first lineup for Bear Stone 2025, which will be held July 3-6. I don’t have a flight yet or anything, but it’s very much on my calendar in fingers-crossed-golly-I-hope-this-happens fashion, and if you want to take that as a recommendation for a place to try to put yourself if you can, do. This was an unhindered highlight of my 2024, and the 2025 edition already looks like it’s going to be even bigger.
I had the same thought about Ufomammut, by the way…
As with last year’s bill, the 2025 Bear Stone Festival pays particular attention to the regional underground. Representing Croatia are Killed a Fox, Peglica i Komandos, Portman, Bizon and Dark Tree Bark, while Lazarvs come from neighboring Hungary, Marcel Gidote’s Holy Crab are from the Czech Republic, and Savanah are from Austria. There’s also French psych rockers Karkara, and Atomic Mold and Oreyeon from Italy, and US garage rockers The Darts. Don’t worry Germany, I’m sure you’ll get a band in there soon.
It’s an impressive assemblage already and this is probably… a third? of the acts who’ll comprise the final lineup. Here’s official word from the PR wire:
Bear Stone Festival 2025: First Lineup Announced + Early Bear Tickets Now on Sale!
Bear Stone Festival 2025 marks a bold step forward in expanding the diverse range of genres we celebrate. While we remain rooted in the classics—Stoner Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Doom Metal, along with everything in between—our 2024 edition teased an exciting exploration of modern subgenres that are oriented towards a modern fusion of Neo-Psychedelia dipped in Acid Rock that we’ll continue to explore in the future. Join us in our ever-lasting quest of musical exploration.
Even though we’re not big on statistics, we are particularly proud that 12 out of 17 bands that are forming the first part of our lineup were formed after 2012 and 8 out of 12 foreign bands will be coming to Croatia for the very first time!
Without further ado, we’re introducing the first 17 bands that will grace our stages in the upcoming edition.
Since forming in 2006 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Graveyard has carved out a distinct niche in the rock world with their gritty blend of Hard Rock, Psychedelia, and Blues, led by the powerful vocals and guitar of Joakim Nilsson. Rising to prominence after their self-titled debut in 2007, they quickly earned a reputation for raw, authentic rock with a dark, soulful edge.
After five acclaimed records and years of relentless touring, Graveyard’s latest album, “6”, continues their journey, adding introspective depth to their already renowned, riff-heavy sound.
KING BUFFALO (USA)
King Buffalo is a Rochester, New York-based Heavy Psych trio consisting of Sean McVay (vocals/guitar), Dan Reynolds (bass), and Scott Donaldson (drums). Since forming in 2013, they have earned recognition through numerous releases and extensive touring with bands like Clutch, Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, and Elder.
Their latest album, “Regenerator” (September 2nd, 2022), is the third in their pandemic trilogy and further solidifies their sonic identity, establishing them as one of the brightest lights in underground Rock today.
MOTORPSYCHO (NOR)
Motorpsycho is a Norwegian band that fuses elements of Grunge, Heavy Metal, and Indie Rock with experimental, progressive soundscapes. Known for their genre-defying approach, they continuously push the boundaries of modern Rock with complex arrangements and sonic exploration.
THE VINTAGE CARAVAN (ISL)
The Vintage Caravan is an Icelandic trio that blends modern Prog Rock with Classic Rock influences, known for their energetic performances and skilled musicianship. Their latest album “Monuments” (2021) showcases their unique fusion of ’70s-inspired guitar work with fresh, Psychedelic, and Progressive Rock elements, solidifying their place as one of Europe’s standout rock acts.
LAZARVS (HU)
Budapest-based Lazarvs is a three-piece heavy rock band fronted by guitarist and songwriter Aron Andras, known for their raw energy and aggressive live performances. With a strong presence in Hungary and beyond, they have shared the stage with legends like Saint Vitus and Crowbar, and in 2023, they released their 5th studio album Blackest, showcasing their darkest and most refined sound yet, which they will continue to promote on their upcoming 2024 European and UK tour.
KARKARA (FR)
Karkara, a Psychedelic Rock trio from Toulouse, France, was formed in 2019 by Karim Rihani (guitar/vocals), Hugo Olive (bass/synth), and Maxime Marouani (drums/vocals). Drawing influence from bands like The Oh Sees, King Gizzard, and Black Sabbath, their sound is a hypnotic blend of Psych Rock, Stoner, and Krautrock, infused with Mediterranean elements. Known for their explosive live shows, they returned in 2024 with their third album, “All Is Dust”, a post-apocalyptic concept record.
THE DARTS (USA)
The Darts, an all-female Garage Rock band formed in 2016, blend Vintage Punk energy with modern Garage Rock grit. Known for their high-energy performances and bold sound, they’ve toured extensively across the US and Europe, earning praise from fans and media alike, with their latest album “Snake Oil” (2023) receiving rave reviews and sold-out shows.
KILLED A FOX (CRO)
Formed in 2006 in Zagreb, Croatia, Killed a Fox is a band known for blending heavy, rhythmic grooves with Psychedelic Rock influences and an electrifying live presence. With three albums under their belt, including the acclaimed “Crown Shyness” from 2019, they’ve become a fixture in the Croatian underground scene, sharing stages with bands like Alice in Chains and Orange Goblin. Currently, the band is working on their highly anticipated fourth album, slated for release in 2025.
EL PERRO (USA)
El Perro, led by Parker Griggs (Radio Moscow) and former Blues Pills guitarist Dorian Sorriaux, is a Heavy Psych supergroup blending Psychedelic Funk Rock with elements of Latin Rock, Soul, and Psych. Their fresh sound showcases blistering guitar work and high-energy Rock, while retaining the signature cranked guitar energy fans know from Griggs’ previous work.
PEGLICA I KOMANDOS (CRO)
Peglica i Komandos is a rock band from Zagreb, Croatia, that emerged from the Jeboton collective in 2014. Known for their psychedelic, progressive, and humour-laced Blues Rock, they’ve released two studio albums and one live album, captivating audiences with introspective yet often humorous lyrics and extended instrumental solos that make their live shows particularly engaging.
PORTMAN (CRO)
Portman is an instrumental band formed in 2004, known for blending Post-Rock with elements of Math Rock and ambient passages to create airy, atmospheric soundscapes. After releasing their debut “Pereskesije” in 2009 and “The Man Who Carries a Light” in 2013, the band has toured extensively and released their latest album, “Stamina” in July 2024.
OREYEON (ITA)
Formed in 2014 by members of bands like Woodwall and Mexican Mud, Oreyeon quickly made a mark on the Heavy Rock scene with their debut album “Builders of Cosmos” (2016). Drawing inspiration from the heavy music genre, especially Black Sabbath and Stoner Rock icons like The Sword, they deliver monolithic guitars, powerful bass, and intricate vocals that captivate fans of Classic and Stoner Rock alike.
SAVANAH (AT)
Hailing from Graz, Austria, Savanah is a Heavy Rock band that burst onto the scene in 2015 with their acclaimed debut “Deep Shades”. Known for their intricate improvisation and progressive sound, they deliver powerful riffs and mesmerising melodies, as showcased in their latest album “Olympus Mons” (2021), which reflects their evolution as musicians and has earned widespread acclaim.
BIZON (CRO)
Bizon is an instrumental rock duo from Split, Croatia, formed in 2012 by guitarist Luka Krstulović and drummer Dragan Ðokić. Known for their complex rhythms, distorted guitar riffs, and powerful soundscapes, Bizon released their latest album “Garnizon” on vinyl in 2023, drawing listeners into intense, looping sonic journeys filled with dissonant climaxes and expertly crafted effects.
MARCEL GIDOTE’S HOLY CRAB (CZ)
Established in 2019, Marcel Gidote’s Holy Crab is a Czech Psychedelic band known for their unique blend of Rock, Kraut, and Jazz influences, characterised by a modern sound. They gained recognition with their debut EP “Bay Of Roots” in 2020 and their self-produced album “Humidity Breaking Limits” in 2021, showcasing a more complex musical expression. Their latest album, “Farm Alarm”, highlights vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation while addressing the climate crisis, solidifying their status as one of the most progressive Psychedelic acts in the Czech Republic.
DARK TREE BARK (CRO)
Dark Tree Bark is a five-piece band from Zagreb, founded by guitarist and vocalist Josip Šustić, who gathered the current lineup in 2023. Blending Progressive Rock with elements of Post-Rock, Math Rock, Krautrock, and Jazz Rock, their debut album “Kameni spavač”, released in 2024, on Geenger Records, uses analog equipment to craft a rich, conceptual narrative that invites listener interpretation.
ATOMIC MOLD (ITA)
Atomic Mold, formed in 2014 in Italy, is a powerful instrumental band blending Psychedelic Stoner and Doom elements. Known for their visceral soundscapes and intense live performances, they’ve released several albums, including “Hybrid Slow Flood” and a split with Chilean band Arteaga, all while evolving through lineup changes and expanding their musical horizons.
