I haven’t seen a lyric sheet, but the lines I can pick up from the new track “Weed Machine 2023” are gold. “I never leave this house/My brain is numb/Only difference is, boy, my opposable thumbs.” I could go on. The track originally appeared on Ironrat‘s 2015 debut, Monument, and the doom rockers give it a refresh with Chris Fielding (Conan, etc.) producing, rolling out a clarion riff and stoner-bluesy psychedelic midsection amid the lumbering heft of the riffier parts. “And you’ll see me vanish in a cloud of smoke…” leads to the ending section of solo and riffing, and in the crashout, frontman Chris Flear informs, “there is no fucking hope.” Well yeah, dude. Why do you think we’re here in the first place?

The forthcoming second Ironrat LP is titled Beneath it All and I don’t know if “Weed Machine 2023” (2024?) will feature on it when it releases next year, but I do know the record’s coming out through Argonauta, because why on earth would the PR wire lie about that kind of thing? I mean, really. Would just be mean.

Info and the song follow for your perusal and hopeful enjoyment:

UK Doomsters IRONRAT Sign With Argonauta Records, Unveil New Version of Band Old Classic Song

UK doom heavyweights, IRONRAT, proudly announce the signing record deal with Argonauta Records.

Drawing influences from the likes of Red Fang, Alice In Chains, Corrosion Of Conformity, and Mastodon, IRONRAT is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated album, “Beneath It All,” scheduled to drop in 2024. This marks the band’s return after their impactful debut, “Monument,” in 2015.

In celebration of this partnership, the band is excited to unveil the re-release of an old classic, providing fans with a taste of their upcoming musical direction.

While the band faced a temporary setback with the departure of vocalist Chris due to health reasons, IRONRAT utilized this time to regroup and revitalize. The result is a strengthened and revamped lineup that is now more than ready to make a powerful comeback with their upcoming record.

Despite the hiatus, IRONRAT remained active on the gig scene, sharing stages with renowned acts such as Orange Goblin, Phil Campbell, OHHMS, Kal-El, Psychlona, Desert Storm, and more. Their memorable performances at events like Bloodstock, SOPHIE Fest, and Manor Fest have solidified their status in the heavy music landscape.

Recorded at Foel Studio with Chris Fielding of Conan at the production helm, the new album captures the essence of IRONRAT’s signature sound with massive riffs and unparalleled heavy tones. A notable transformation in the vocal approach brings a fresh sense of melodicism and emotional weight to the core of their sound, allowing the band to expand their songwriting.

“We feel that this new record offers an exciting blend of sludge, doom and grunge influences,” says the band. “We’re super happy to be signing with Argonauta. They have some incredible artists on the roster (past and present) and we’re honoured to be part of that family. We’ve recorded an album that we’re really proud of and we’re extremely grateful to Argonauta for giving us the opportunity to share it with the world.”

IRONRAT’s collaboration with Argonauta Records signifies a union of musical forces that is poised to elevate their unique sound to new heights. Stay tuned for the release of “Beneath It All” as IRONRAT embarks on a thrilling chapter in their musical journey.

https://www.facebook.com/ironrattheband
https://www.youtube.com/user/Ironrattheband
https://ironrattheband.bandcamp.com/

www.instagram.com/argonautarecords
www.facebook.com/argonuatarecords
www.argonautarecords.com/shop

Ironrat, “Weed Machine 2023”

Solid bill. More than solid, actually. I don’t think I need to argue in favor of Ruination Festival 2023’s headliners in Slomatics and Fatso Jetson, but check out the US/UK blend at the pre-show as well with Thunder Horse and Great Electric Quest with Old Horn Tooth and Oakenthrone and Gandalf the Green. That’s a good time even before you get to Sergeant Thunderhoof and Mastiff and Trevor’s Head and Ritual King and Goblinsmoker et al welcoming High Desert Queen and the aforementioned Fatso Jetson to England’s green and pleasant land.

Of course, the elephant in the room here, fest-wise, is Desertfest London, but there are arguments to be made here for the concise all-dayer/pre-show format, and if you want a curated sample of some of the best up and coming UK acts with some more established names on top, it’s a good way to go and a situation without the rampant timing conflicts that inherently happen at larger festivals. Even with two stages going, this seems doable to me and like a good way to pack in seeing a bunch of bands and not having to miss out on something you want to see.

The fest is a collaboration between Iron Boar Bookings and Riffolution Promotions, and you can see the full lineup and

RUINATION FESTIVAL

Ruination Festival is a joint event from Iron Boar Bookings and Riffolution Promotions. Taking place on the 13th of May across 2 stages, The Underground and Als Juke Bar!

Tickets are £15.

Make sure to RVSP to stay up to date with announcements. With some of the best stoner, doom & psych on the scene, from both UK and US.

(#127482#)(#127480#)
Fatso Jetson
Great Electric Quest
High Desert Queen
Thunder Horse

(#127468#)(#127463#)
Slomatics, Sergeant Thunderhoof, Mastiff, Grave Lines, Trevors Head, Ritual King, Son of Boar, Everest Queen, Goblinsmoker, Boach, Swamp Coffin, Ironrat, Old Horn Tooth, Gandalf the Green, Oakenthrone

Tickets: https://skiddle.com/e/36191054

Event: https://fb.me/e/28SVc4C19

https://www.facebook.com/RiffolutionPromotions
https://www.facebook.com/ironboarbookings

Slomatics, Live at Doomcember Festival, Reykjavik, 2022