If you’ve already been, you don’t need me to tell you to go. If not yet, then go ahead and consider this encouragement. Nestled into its wooded riverside corner, a gorgeous setting with stages large and small, able to be correspondingly relaxing and intense, Bear Stone Festival 2026 has unveiled the first names for its lineup for next July. At the risk of getting personal, I was more than a bit heartbroken to miss the fest this year after attending in 2024, and with a lineup that includes Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Elder, My Sleeping Karma, Planet of Zeus, Travo, Ungraven, Saint Karloff, Ungraven, and more, including the continuing commitment to showcase homegrown Croatian acts, the four-dayer’s bill already highlights the growth underway for the festival itself. Progression, both in terms of stylistic outreach and getting bigger names. The art, the people, the sound, the lights, the place. I sincerely hope I get to go back.

Check out the 2025 aftermovie at the bottom of the post. It’s very much like that, only not slow motion. Here’s the announcement from the PR wire:

Bear Stone Festival 2026 – First Lineup Announcement

Bear Stone Festival proudly unveils the first wave of its 2026 lineup, showcasing a bold spectrum of heavy music and beyond.

From the occult-tinged psychedelia of Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats and the progressive power of Elder, to the meditative soundscapes of My Sleeping Karma, the high-voltage rock of Planet of Zeus, and the raw underground energy of acts like TRAVO, ŽEN, Otrovna Kristina, Wyatt E., and many more, the bill perfectly reflects Bear Stone Festival’s commitment to musical diversity.

This year’s lineup brings a rich palette of genres such as Doom, Psych, Stoner, Punk, Garage, Experimental Noise, and many more, all set to erupt across the three stages nestled in Bear Stone’s unique natural landscape.

Festival ticket link: https://eventix.shop/4zqx5eg8

UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS (UK)
[Psychedelic Rock/Doom Metal]

The brainchild of Kevin Starrs, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats have been crafting extraordinary music since 2009. Emerging from the British underground, they reshaped hard rock and downer blues with a deeply psychedelic and idiosyncratic edge. Fusing the playful melodies and harmonies of psychedelic pop with the dark thunder of proto-metal, Starrs conjures a sound that feels both eerily familiar and entirely new.

Resolutely individualist, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats channel the spirit of heavy music’s past while remaining one of the most unique and electrifying live acts today.

ELDER (USA)
[Progressive Rock/Space Rock]

Elder are a genre-defying rock band blending heavy psychedelia, progressive intricacy, and expansive soundscapes into long-form compositions that push the boundaries of modern rock. Over the course of six albums and numerous EPs, they’ve evolved from the stoner/doom underground into one of the most distinctive voices in heavy, exploratory music.

In 2024, Elder brought their powerful live show to arenas across the U.S. as the main support for Tool, marking a milestone moment in their journey ahead of their next album in 2025.

MY SLEEPING KARMA (DE)
[Psychedelic Rock/Post-Rock]

My Sleeping Karma are a German instrumental quartet weaving psychedelic rock, stoner grooves, and post-rock atmospheres into cinematic sound journeys. After the tragic passing of longtime drummer Steffen Weigand in 2022, the band faced an uncertain future but ultimately found strength in continuing their path.

Their revival has reaffirmed them as one of Europe’s most powerful live acts, guiding audiences through immersive and emotional sonic explorations.

PLANET OF ZEUS (GR)
[Stoner Rock/Stoner Metal]

Planet of Zeus, hailing from Athens, Greece, deliver heavy rock thunder that fuses raw riff-driven power with melodic exploration and bluesy dynamics. Since their formation in 2000, they’ve built a reputation for intense, sincere, and ever-evolving live performances, earning a loyal following at home and abroad.

With their latest album Afterlife (2024), the band continue to push their sound forward while cementing their place as one of Europe’s most vital underground rock acts.

TRAVO (POR)
[Heavy Psych/Neo-Psych Rock]

TRAVO, from Braga, Portugal, are a four-piece force of heavy psych and garage rock, delivering a raw, high-octane sound that thrives on intensity and experimentation.

Renowned for volcanic live performances that blur the line between chaos and ecstasy, TRAVO stand as one of the most visceral and authentic voices in today’s psych rock scene.

WYATT E. (BE)
[Drone-Ambient/Antique Doom]

Wyatt E. are a boundary-pushing force in the modern doom scene, blending massive riffs with layered instrumentation and a fearless approach to sonic experimentation. Their music weaves heavy psychedelia, progressive structures, and eclectic influences into immersive compositions that balance crushing weight with cinematic detail.

With acclaimed albums, extensive touring, and a reputation for powerful live performances, they continue to redefine what doom can sound like on a global scale.

UNGRAVEN (UK)
[Doom Metal/Sludge Metal]

Ungraven is the brainchild of guitarist Jon Davis, now joined by David Perry on synths, organ, and piano, reshaping the project into a force of haunting, ambient heaviness. Abandoning the traditional rock-band setup, the duo crafts bleak and expansive soundscapes where slabs of crushing guitar collide with swirling synths in a sickening sonic duet.

Their music is both pummeling and introspective, channeling influences from Tangerine Dream to doom metal, forging a new chapter in their evolving tome of tone.

SAINT KARLOFF (NOR)
[Stoner Rock/Heavy Psych]

Saint Karloff are a Norwegian power trio channeling the spirit of 70’s heavy rock through fuzz-soaked riffs, doom-laden grooves, and psychedelic fire.

With albums like All Heed the Black God (2024) and the monolithic Interstellar Voodoo (2019), they’ve carved out a place in the stoner/doom underground as one of its most electrifying and uncompromising voices.

ŽEN (CRO)
[Indie-Psych/Shoegaze]

ŽEN are a Croatian trio weaving dreamy shoegaze, math-rock complexity, and psychedelic textures into an immersive and urgent sound.

Since forming in Zagreb in 2010, they’ve become a vital voice in Europe’s underground, carrying a strong feminist and DIY ethos that fuels both their music and their boundary-pushing live performances.

OTROVNA KRISTINA (CRO)
[Sonic-Psych Rock/Hard Rock]

Otrovna Kristina are a Croatian hard rock trio fusing Anglo-Saxon riff traditions with the raw energy of the Balkans, laced with psychedelic excursions and soaring harmonies.

In their decade-long journey, they positioned themselves as guardians of volume, groove, and wild underground rock ’n’ roll.

DRONE HUNTER (CRO)
[Stoner Rock/Groove Rock]

Drone Hunter are a Croatian instrumental trio delivering high-octane stoner rock driven by crushing riffs, heavy grooves, and relentless energy.

Since forming in 2012, they’ve built a reputation for powerful live performances and a raw, riff-worshipping sound that speaks louder than words.

GODZILLA WAS TOO DRUNK TO DESTROY TOKYO (ITA)
[Acid Rock/Doom Rock]

Godzilla Was Too Drunk to Destroy Tokyo are a chaotic, genre-smashing outfit blending sludge, noise, punk, and doom into an unpredictable wall of sound.

With unhinged energy and a tongue-in-cheek attitude, they deliver crushing riffs and anarchic live shows that feel as wild as their name suggests.

HRMULJA (CRO)
[Heavy Psych/Stoner Rock]

Hrmülja are a Croatian heavy psych/stoner rock band weaving fuzzed-out riffs, swirling grooves, and hypnotic atmospheres into their sonic brew.

They channel the spirit of the underground into thunderous and immersive live performances with raw energy and a taste for psychedelic exploration.

SUNTAN CLUB (AT)
[Neo-Psychedelic Surf/Garage Rock]

Suntan Club are a four-piece from Vienna blending neo-psychedelic surf and garage rock into sun-drenched, fuzz-heavy soundscapes that radiate warmth and hazy euphoria.

With their latest EP Too Much Fuzz, they’ve expanded their sound into something louder, richer, and hypnotic, pairing it with ecstatic and immersive live performances that pull audiences under like a tidal wave.

LINIJA 109 (CRO)
[Post-Rock/Shoegaze]

Linija 109 are a young all-girl band from Zagreb, formed in 2022, crafting original songs rooted in alt rock with influences of post-rock, shoegaze, and indie.

Through explosive live shows and an unapologetic youthful rebellion they managed to build a loyal underground following in a very short time.

In case you were wondering how our previous edition felt like, check out our official 2025 aftermovie.

Bear Stone Festival 2025 aftermovie

As my grandmother always said, “It’s not a music video till somebody gets it over the head with a shovel.” Kudos to Croatian heavy rockers Tight Grips on embodying this noble standard with their new clip for “Welcome to the Waterfall.” Yes, violence ensues, apparently on-theme with the lyrics to the track, which is taken from the Karlovac trio’s upcoming third album, Endless Gifts for Me, Myself and I. No specific issue date, but it’s due sometime between October and November, and certainly with the release of a video that’s more cinema than band-in-room, the promo process would seem to have begun.

There’s an underlying burl to the proceedings in the song itself, never mind the dudes grappling in the clip. Layers of acoustic guitar give a Western feel (something the video also taps into) and low-in-the-mouth vocals add to this as well. I was lucky enough to see the band at Bear Stone Festival 2024 (review here), and based on that experience, I’m willing to speculate that “Welcome to the Waterfall” represents some, not all of Endless Gifts for Me, Myself and I‘s reach, rather than summarizing the entire album. Still, it’s a rocker, so have at it. Player’s at the bottom of the post, like always.

From the PR wire:

Tight Grips announces the release of their third album, Endless Gifts for Me, Myself and I, with the video clip Welcome to the Waterfall.

Tight Grips is a power trio that came to be in the summer of 2014. So far, the band has released two albums: “Storyline” and “Move Along” and they have recently announced their third release titled “Endless Gifts for me, myself and I”.

Thanks to the mentioned releases, the band managed to play several major festivals – Bear Stone Festival, INmusic Festival to name a few. Alongside those festivals, the band has also embarked on a mini tour in Great Britain and in the more recent time they have shared the stage with the almighty Villagers of Ioannina City.

From one release to the other they have changed their approach to music and with that said the upcoming album is by far the heaviest and the most progressive – inspired by the grunge movement of the nineties as well as with more recent stoner rock and prog rock releases.

The new single Welcome To The Waterfall has been released on Geenger Records. First single & video from the new album “Endless Gifts for Me, Myself and I.”

Streaming link: https://geenger.link/tightgripswaterfall

Video credits:
Director of Photography: Marko Kekić
Editor: Marko Turkalj
Color: Marko Kekić
Set design: Dominik Hrgić, Marko Kekić, Ivan Ćurić
Dancers: Tomislav Ðudarić, Krešimir Ćurić
Special thanks to: Patricija Šipić

Album credits:
Produced by Leonard Klaić
Recorded by Leonard Klaić and Krešimir Ćurić
Mixed and mastered by Leonard Klaić
Music by Tight Grips
Lyrics by Krešimir Ćurić

Tight Grips:
Drums: Dominik Hrgić
Bass & Synth: Matija Petrunić
Guitar & Vocal: Krešimir Ćurić
Saxophone: Boris Kolarić

https://tightgrips.band/
https://tightgrips.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tightgrips/
https://www.facebook.com/tightgrips/

https://www.geengerrecords.com/
https://geengerrecords.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/geengerrecords/
https://www.facebook.com/geengerrecords

Tight Grips, “Welcome to the Waterfall” official video

Zagreb-based sludge metal four-piece A Gram Trip have set a Nov. 20 release for their second album, Bud Ends and Glass Bottoms. The title immediately gives a sense of the point of view under which the album is working — that is to say, negative — and the lead single/lead track “Flesh and Wires” is streaming now. I’d say it hits like an elbow to the side of the head, but honestly, it’s thicker than that, so really it’s more like a knee, though one hesitates to think of sludgers as jumping up to kick skulls like something out of Mortal Kombat. Either way, you might to duck. Or not.

Note the album art here, an oil on glass piece by Croatian artist Ivan Vecenaj. Is it weird, dark, oddly fitting with the downer chug of “Flesh and Wires.” I was lucky enough to see these guys play at Bear Stone Festival 2024 (review here), and the vibe was obviously different in the sun by the Croatian riverside, but even there they were heavy as hell, and I’m glad to hear that translate to the new track too.

I’ll hope to have more to come on this one, but here’s the announce for now:

A Gram Trip announce new album titled “Bud Ends And Glass Bottoms”, first single out now!

Preorder link: https://agramtrip.bandcamp.com/album/bud-ends-and-glass-bottoms

A Gram Trip is a four-piece stoner metal band from Zagreb, Croatia. Founded in 2019, they released their debut album titled “Long Overdue” in 2023, followed up by a three song EP titled “If We Leaf Tomorrow” in 2024.

This year, they are putting out their second album titled “Bud Ends And Glass Bottoms”, set to release on Vinyl on November 20th. The album was recorded in Studio Depth, Zagreb over a three-day weekend at the end of May 2025. Mixing and mastering was done by Filip Sertic.

“From the early days of the band there was always an idea to have Croatian Naive art to grace an album cover. Luckily, we stumbled upon Ivan Vecenaj and his work. We jumped in a car and went to his museum. Getting to talk to his son Mladen, and getting to know his life and work, we realised there is a lot we have in common! He was self-taught with a diy mindset. ”

Ivan Vecenaj (1920-2013) was a Croatian Naive painter, writer and poet born in Gola. His painting “Our Future”, which graces the cover of this album, was created in 1975 using oil paints to glass.

The first single from the album titled “Flesh and Wires” is available now via Youtube and on all major streaming platforms. You can pre order the full album on 12” black or turquoise vinyl via the band’s Bandcamp: https://agramtrip.bandcamp.com/album/bud-ends-and-glass-bottoms

Tracklisting:
1. Flesh And Wires
2. Dope Palace
3. Morphine
4. Next Station: Devastation
5. Pepeliaris
6. Drunk On A Camel
7. Via Dolorosa

A Gram Trip Are:
Vanja, Boki, Kes, Karlo

https://agramtrip.bandcamp.com/
https://instagram.com/agramtrip
https://www.facebook.com/agramtrip/

A Gram Trip, Bud Ends and Glass Bottoms (2025)

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.

Click the link to explore the options and lock in your comfort: https://bearstonefestival.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bearstonefestival
https://www.facebook.com/bearstonefestival
http://www.bearstonefestival.com

Lord Drunkalot, Heads and Spirits (2020)

Bear Stone Festival 2024 aftermovie

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!

Click the link to explore the options and lock in your comfort: https://bearstonefestival.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bearstonefestival
https://www.facebook.com/bearstonefestival
http://www.bearstonefestival.com

Bear Stone Festival 2024 aftermovie

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.

Tickets available at bearstonefestival.com or through our ticketing shop: https://eventix.shop/yr63t398

A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS

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.

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Monica, Desert Daze (2024)

Bear Stone Festival 2024 aftermovie

It’s been almost too easy, this week. Like, I was running a little later yesterday than I had the day before and I’m pretty sure it was only a big deal because — well, I was busy and distracted, to be fair — but mostly because the rest of the week to compare it against has been so gosh darn smooth. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. This is the last day. The music’s awesome. Barring actual disaster, like a car accident between now and then or some such, I’ll finish this one with minimal loss of breath.

Set against the last two Quarterly Reviews, one of which went 10 days, the other one 11, this five-dayer has been mellow and fun. As always, good music helps with that, and as has been the case since Monday, there’s plenty of it here. Not one day has gone by that I didn’t add something from the batch of 50 releases to my year-end list, which, again, barring disaster, should be out next week.

Quarterly Review #41-50:

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Cosmic Fall, Back Where the Fire Flows

After setting a high standard of prolific releases across 2017 and 2018 to much celebration and social media ballyhooing, Berlin jammers Cosmic Fall issued their single “Lackland” (review here) in mid-2019, and Back Where the Fire Flows is their first offering since. The apparently-reinvigorated lineup of the band includes bassist Klaus Friedrich and drummer Daniel Sax alongside new guitarist Leonardo Caprioli, and if there was any concern they might’ve lost the floating resonance that typified their earlier material, 13-minute opener and longest track (immediate points) “Lucid Skies Above Mars” allays it fluidly. The more straightforwardly riffed “Magma Rising” (4:31) and the tense shuffler “Under the Influence of Gravity” (4:38) follow that leadoff, with a blowout and feedback finish for the latter that eases the shift back into spacious-jammy mode for “Chant of the Lizards” (12:26) — perhaps titled in honor of the likeness the central guitar figure carries to The Doors — with “Drive the Kraut” (10:34) closing with the plotted sensibility of Earthless by building to a fervent head and crashing out quick as they might, and one hopes will, on stage. A welcome return and hopefully a preface to more.

Cosmic Fall on Facebook

Cosmic Fall on Bandcamp

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Weather Systems, Ocean Without a Shore

It doesn’t seem inappropriate to think of Weather Systems as a successor to Anathema, which until they broke up in 2020 was multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Daniel Cavanagh‘s main outlet of 30 years’ standing. Teamed here with Anathema drummer/producer Daniel Cardoso and producer Tony Doogan, who helmed Anathema‘s 2017 album, The Optimist (review here), Cavanagh is for sure in conversation with his former outfit. There are nuances like the glitchy synth in “Ocean Without a Shore” or the post-punk urgency in the rush of highlight cut “Ghost in the Machine,” and for those who felt the Anathema story was incomplete, “Are You There? Pt. 2” and “Untouchable Pt. 3” are direct sequels to songs from that band, so the messaging of Weather Systems picking up where Anathema left of is clear, and Cavanagh unsurprisingly sounds at home in such a context. Performing most of the instruments himself and welcoming a few guests on vocals, he leads the project to a place where listening can feel like an act of emotional labor, but with songs that undeniably sooth and offer space for comfort, which is their stated intention. Curious to hear how Weather Systems develops.

Weather Systems on Facebook

Mascot Label Group website

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Legions of Doom, The Skull 3

Assembled by bassist Ron Holzner and his The Skull bandmate, guitarist Lothar Keller, Legions of Doom are something of a doom metal supergroup with Henry Vasquez (Saint Vitus, Blood of the Sun) on drums, Scott Little (Leadfoot) on guitar alongside Keller, and vocalists Scott Reagers (Saint Vitus) and Karl Agell (Leadfoot, Lie Heavy, C.O.C.‘s Blind LP) sharing frontman duties. Perhaps the best compliment one can give The Skull 3 — which sources its material in part from the final The Skull session prior to the death of vocalist Eric Wagner — is that it lives up to the pedigree of those who made it. No great shocker the music is in the style of The Skull since that’s the point. The question is how the band build on songs like “All Good Things” and “Between Darkness and Dawn” and the ripping “Insectiside” (sic), but this initial look proves the concept and is ready and willing to school the listener across its eight tracks on how classic doom got to be that way.

Legions of Doom on Facebook

Tee Pee Records store

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Myriad’s Veil, Pendant

The first offering from Netherlands mellow psych-folk two-piece Myriad’s Veil brims with sweet melody and a subtly expansive atmosphere, bringing together Utrecht singer-songwriter Ismena, who has several albums out as a solo artist, and guitarist Ivy van der Meer, also of Amsterdam cosmic rockers Temple Fang for a collection of eight songs running 44 minutes of patiently-crafted, thoughtfully melodic and graceful performance. Ismena is no stranger to melancholia and the layers of “When the Leaves Start Falling” with the backing line of classical guitar and Mellotron give a neo-Canterbury impression without losing their own expressive edge. Most pieces stand between five and six minutes each, which is enough time for atmospheres to blossom and flourish for a while, and though the arrangements vary, the songs are united around acoustic guitar and voice, and so the underpinning is traditional no matter where Pendant goes. The foundation is a strength rather than a hindrance, and Ismena and van der Meer greet listeners with serenity and a lush but organic character of sound.

Myriad’s Veil on Facebook

Myriad’s Veil on Bandcamp

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Michael Rudolph Cummings, Money

Never short on attitude, “I Only Play 4 Money” — “If you take my picture/Your camera’s smashed/You write me fan mail/I don’t write back,” etc. — leads off Michael Rudolph Cummings‘ latest solo EP, the four-track Money with a fleshed out arrangement not unlike one might’ve found on 2022’s You Know How I Get (review here), released by Ripple Music. From there, the erstwhile Backwoods Payback frontman, Boozewa anti-frontman and grown-up punk/grunge troubadour embarks on the more stripped down, guy-and-guitar strums and contemplations of “Deny the World” and “Easier to Leave,” the latter with more than a hint of Americana, and “Denver,” which returns to the full band, classic-style lead guitar flourish, layered vocals and drums, and perhaps even more crucially, bass. It’s somewhere around 13 minutes of music, all told, but that’s more than enough time for Cummings to showcase mastery in multiple forms of his craft and the engaging nature of what’s gradually becoming his “solo sound.”

Michael Rudolph Cummings on Instagram

Michael Rudolph Cummings on Bandcamp

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Moon Destroys, The Nearness of June

Basking in a heavygaze float with the lead guitar while the markedly-terrestrial riff chugs and echoes out below, Moon Destroy‘s “The Nearness of June” is three and a half minutes long and the first single the Atlanta outfit founded by guitarist Juan Montoya (MonstrO, ex-Torche, etc.) and drummer Evan Diprima (also bass and synth, ex-Royal Thunder) have had since guitarist/vocalist/synthesist Charlie Suárez joined the band. Set across a forward linear build that quickly gets intense behind Suárez‘s chanting intertwining vocal lines, delivered mellow with a low-in-mouth melody, it’s a tension that slams into a slowdown in the second half of the song but holds over into the solo and fadeout march of the second half as well as it builds back up, the three-piece giving a quick glimpse of what a debut full-length might hopefully bring in terms of aural largesse, depth of mix and atmospheric soundscaping. I have no idea when, where or how such a thing would or will arrive, but that album will be a thing to look forward to.

Moon Destroys on Facebook

Moon Destroys on Bandcamp

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Coltaine, Forgotten Ways

Billed as Coltaine‘s debut LP — the history of the band is a bit more complex if I recall — Forgotten Ways is nonetheless a point of arrival for the Karlsruhe, Germany, four-piece. It is genuinely post-metallic in the spirit of being over genre completely, and as Julia Frasch makes the first harsh/clean vocal switch late in opener “Mogila,” with drummer Amin Bouzeghaia, bassist Benedikt Berg and guitarist Moritz Berg building the procession behind the soar, the band use their longest/opening track (immediate points) to establish the world in which the songs that follow take place. The cinematic drone of “Himmelwärts” and echoing goth metal of “Dans un Nouveau Monde” follow, leading the way into the wind-and-vocal minimalism of “Cloud Forest” at the presumed end of side A only to renew the opener’s crush in the side B leadoff title-track. Also the centerpiece of the album, “Cloud Forest” has room to touch on German-language folk before resuming its Obituary-meets-Amenra roll, and does not get less expansive from that initial two minutes or so. As striking as the two longest pieces are, Forgotten Ways is bolstered by the guitar ambience of “Ableben,” which leads into the pair of “Grace” and “Tales of Southern Lands,” both of which move from quieter outsets into explosive heft, each with their own path, the latter in half the time, and the riff-and-thud-then-go 77 seconds of “Aren” caps because why the hell not at that point. With a Jan Oberg mix adding to the breadth, Coltaine‘s declared-first LP brims with scope and progressive purpose. It is among the best debuts I’ve heard in 2024, easily.

Coltaine on Facebook

Lay Bare Recordings website

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Stonebride, Smiles Revolutionary

Zagreb-based veteran heavy rockers Stonebride — the four-piece of vocalist/guitarist Siniša Krneta, bassist/vocalist Matija Ljevar, guitarist Tješimir Mendaš and drummer Stjepan Kolobarić — give a strong argument for maturity of songwriting from the outset of Smiles Revolutionary, their fourth long-player. The ease with which they let the melody carry “In Presence,” knowing that the song doesn’t need to be as heavy as possible at all times since it still has presence, or the way the organ laces into the mix in the instrumental rush that brings the subsequent “Turn Back” to a finish before the early-QOTSA/bangin’-on-stuff crunch of “Closing Distance” tops old desert tones with harmonies worthy of Alice in Chains leading, inexorably, to a massive, lumbering nod of a payoff — they’re not written to be anything other than what they are, and in part because of that they stand testament to the long-standing progression of Stonebride. “Shine Hard” starts with a mosh riff given its due in crash early and late with a less-shove-minded jam between, part noise rock, answered by the progressive start-stop build of “March on the Heart” and closer “Time and Tide,” which dares a little funk in its outreach and leaves off with a nodding crescendo and smooth comedown, having come in and ultimately going out on a swell of vocals. Not particularly long, but substantial.

Stonebride on Facebook

Stonebride on Bandcamp

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Toad Venom, Jag Har Inga Problen Osv…​

Toad Venom will acknowledge their new mini-album, Jag Har Inga Problen Osv…, was mixed and mastered by Kalle Lilja of Welfare Sounds studio and label, but beyond that, the Swedish weirdo joy psych rock transcendentalists offer no clue as to who’s actually involved in the band. By the time they get down to “Dogs!” doing a reverse-POV of The Stooges‘ “I Wanna Be Your Dog” in classic soul style, they’ve already celebrated in the rushing bliss and Beatles-y Mellotron break of opener “Jag har verkligen inga problem (så det måste vara du),” taken “One Day You Will Be Perfect” from manic boogie to sunny Californian psych/folk rock, underscoring its chorus with a riff that could easily otherwise be black metal, dwelled in the organ and keyboard dramaturge amid the rolling “Mon Amour” — the keys win the day in the end and are classy about it afterward, but it’s guitar that ends it — and found a post-punk gothy shuffle for “Time Lapse,” poppish but not without the threat of bite. So yes, half an album, as they state it, but quite a half if you’re going by scope and aesthetic. I don’t know how much of a ‘band’ Toad Venom set out to be, but they’ve hit on a sound that draws from sources as familiar as 1960s psychedelia and manages to create a fresh approach from it. To me, that speaks of their being onto something special in these songs. Can’t help but wonder what’s in store for the second half.

Toad Venom on Facebook

Toad Venom on Bandcamp

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Sacred Buzz, Radio Radiation

Following up on the organ-and-fuzz molten flow of “Radio Radiation” with the more emotive, Rolling Stones-y-until-it-gets-heavy storytelling of “Antihero,” Berlin’s Sacred Buzz carve out their own niche in weighted garage rock, taking in elements of psychedelia without ever pushing entirely over into something shroomy sounding — to wit, the proto-punk tension of quirky delivery of “Revolution” — staying grounded in structure and honoring dirt-coated traditionalism with dynamic performances, “No Wings” coming off sleazy in its groove without actually being sleaze, “Make it Go Wrong” revealing a proggy shimmer that turns careening and twists to a finish led by the keys and guitar, and “Rebel Machine” blowing it out at the end because, yeah, I mean, duh. Radio Radiation is Sacred Buzz‘s first EP (it’s more if you get the bonus track), and it seems to effortlessly buck the expectations of genre without sounding like it’s trying to push those same limits. Maybe attitude and the punk-born casual cool that overrides it all has something to do with that impression — a swagger that’s earned by the time they’re done, to be sure — but the songs are right there to back that up. The short format suits them, and they make it flow like an album. A strong initial showing.

Sacred Buzz on Facebook

Sacred Buzz on Bandcamp

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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.

Tickets available at bearstonefestival.com or through our ticketing shop: https://eventix.shop/wqjuaykt

GRAVEYARD (SWE)

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.

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Bear Stone Festival 2024 aftermovie