Just gonna put it out there that if people in this country had actually listened to what was being said and maybe voted in an even loosely conscientious manner or otherwise stayed home, it’d be easier for European bands to come here. If you think it’s unrelated, you’re wrong, and you were told ahead of time, so if you’re reading this and you’re shocked that import acts like Black Rainbows and Child (who aren’t Euro, but the point stands) and now Siena Root can’t make the trip to Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII next January in Las Vegas, it’s worth pausing for three-tenths of a second to understand why. Facsism doesn’t want a populace exposed to ‘foreign’ ideas or experiences. Next thing you know people will start believing that paying $8,000 a month for lifesaving medication is somehow immoral. Perish the thought.

Also perish the people who can’t afford that shit. It’s okay. If they were supposed to be alive, they’d be rich. Not sorry at all to say the quiet part out loud on this one.

Pardon the digression. The good news here is that Ohio stalwarts Lo-Pan are stepping in for Siena Root at next year’s PDRW installment. Marking 20 years this year, the even-the-melodies-are-heavy four-piece released their sixth album, Get Well Soon (review here), in 2025 through Magnetic Eye Records, and before they get to Vegas, they’ll be at Emissions from the Monolith X this October in their home state. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen them over the years, but I’ve never walked away after a Lo-Pan feeling anything less than thoroughly asskicked. They are as reliable as reliable gets in a genre full of stoners.

And Siena Root aren’t saying never, they’re just saying not next year. As of right now, they’re the first act announced for PDRW VIII in Jan. 2028.

Planet Desert Rock Weekend curator John Gist sent the following down the PR wire:

Planet Desert Rock Weekend has the great pleasure to announce Lo-Pan has been added to the 2027 lineup! Lo-Pan has been pumping out killer heavy rock since 2006. This Columbus Ohio band features the immense vocals of Jeff Martin along with hard driving riffage and massive drums pushing their sound. The band has shared stage with Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, High on Fire, Fu Manchu, Weedeater, Big Business, Black Cobra, Torche, ASG, Atomic Bitchwax, Red Fang, Whores, The Obsessed, Bongzilla as well as appearances at Psycho Las Vegas, multiple Desertfests, Maryland Doomfest multiple times, Ripplefest Texas and were chosen to be part of the Ozzfest meets Knotfest that featured Monster Magnet, Brant Bjork and Sasquatch. Lo-Pan dropped their 6th release “Get Well Soon” on Magnetic Eye Records in 2025 that landed #5 on the April Doom Charts and on the end of the year list. This is a rare show in the west for Lo-Pan as they will be joining many bands from the past that they have played with over the years.

Siena Root will be postponing their Planet Desert Rock Weekend appearance until 2028 and we are excited to have them as still part of our plans.

Lineup includes Greenleaf (Sweden- 1st west show) , Mothership (Rare show outside of Texas), Sasquatch (debut return show- Special set), Sergeant Thunderhoof (England- Special performance of Muramasa off the epic split on Ripple w/ Howling Giant) , Steak (England- rare USA), ASG (NC-rare west show), Gozu (Boston), REZN (Chicago),
The Cold Stares (Indiana-rare west show), Howling Giant (performing Masamume off Ripple Music Split), Humulus (Italy – Debut USA show), Droids Attack (Wisconsin -rare show), Brimstone Coven (West VA -rare west show), Carousel (only 2nd show in a decade), Carson (Switzerland- USA debut), Sundrifter (Boston-rare west show), Fostermother (Houston- rare west show), Shun (NC/SC-features members of Throttlerod), Florist (Tampa- West debut) and Winds of Neptune (Detroit- West debut)

Tix on Eventbrite including bundle packages and VIP options are still available. We are super honored to have ticket purchasers from 33 states right now as well as well as Canada, United Kingdom and Germany so far. Not only do people travel from far and wide but also many come solo and meet fellow rockers that become friends instantly! Our goal as always is to curate a unique lineup that highlights heavy rock and psych from around the world in a cool casual indoor environment. Sound quality is unrivaled in the fest scene. Sponsored by Ripple Music and Foundry American Pale Ale Beer – https://shop.foundryrocks.com/products/american-pale-ale-beer

Preview Playlist – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcsaux-5P1Ld7u5di5WDHm8zD8nI8umXE

Tickets available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planet-desert-rock-weekend-vii-january-28-31-2027-tickets-1983056894554?aff=oddtdtcreator

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/171CqcorKR/

https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/vegasrockrevolution/

Lo-Pan, Get Well Soon (2025)

Some comings and goings in this announcement from Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII, with Australia’s Child and Italy’s Black Rainbows being unable to make the trip to Las Vegas but Rezn, ASG and Fostermother stepping in to fill those gaps. I don’t know the reasons for the dropoffs, but between logistics and visa expenses, time and the rest of the realities of traveling to the US under fascism, I can’t say I don’t get it. Maybe next year. Maybe the year after. Maybe when the regime dies and it doesn’t cost like $10,000 anymore for a band to tour here.

Rezn will bring textures unlike anyone else at PDRW, which will be awesome, and ASG are a rock band through and through, and so make a lot of sense for the long weekender’s mission, and Fostermother slide smoothly into the Ripple showcase lineup for a five-band Friday night that’s absolutely front-to-back. Gonna be a good time. Hope to see you. Wish you were here. All that kind of stuff. In all seriousness, I’ve been looking forward to this since this year’s fest ended. When did you last see Droids Attack? See what I mean?

Fest curator John Gist sent the update down the PR wire:

Planet Desert Rock Weekend has the pleasure of announcing the addition of 3 new bands to the 2027 lineup. Mark your calendars! The dates are January 28-31, 2027 in Las Vegas at The Usual Place. These bands come from 3 different states and 3 different styles within the heavy underground.

ASG has been a band that has been in the scene since 2001 delivering their high octane style of heavy rock. Out of North Carolina they have played many fests over the years and shared bills with lots of the top bands of the underground including Motorhead, Orange Goblin, Fu Manchu, Helmet, CKY, Weedeater, High on Fire, Torche, Graveyard and others. We had the pleasure of catching them at Psycho Las Vegas a time or two as well as Ripplefest Texas recently. The band is on Relapse Records and word has it some new stuff is brewing! Very Rare west coast showing!

Rezn out of Chicago has long been admired by us at Planet Desert Rock so when the opportunity to have them be part of our humble weekender, we were more than happy! Recently they dropped a new album (Cycles in the Infinite Dream) that landed #2 on The Doom Charts by insiders from around the world. They have developed a strong following over the 9 years or so and have very regularly dropped new material. Rezn’s Spotify following is now over 106,000 monthly listeners, which is a sign that their music is resonating so much with fans of the heavy underground and beyond. Their sound is a magnificent blend of heavy psych, doom tones and catchy stoner/heavy rock.

Houston’s Fostermother came on the scene back in 2020 as a vision of frontman Travis Weatherred and immediately caught the attention of the underground rock scene. Their sound is really a unique cornucopia of influences ranging from 90s rock to heavy rock to psych to doom that sit comfortably in darker tones and melancholy at times. All 3 of their releases have been critically acclaimed and fan favorites. Fostermother’s debut album landed #19 in January 2020 , 2nd album at #3 for February 2022 charts and #3 for August 2024 while additionally landing on Doom Charts End of year for multiple years as well. They will be part of the Ripple Music Showcase alongside Mothership (Dallas), Steak (England), Humulus (Italy) and Florist (Tampa) on Friday January 29th.

Sadly we do have to announce that Black Rainbows and Child are unable to make it due to unforeseen circumstances. We have hopes maybe one year they can make it!

Preview Playlist – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcsaux-5P1Ld7u5di5WDHm8zD8nI8umXE

Tickets available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planet-desert-rock-weekend-vii-january-28-31-2027-tickets-1983056894554?aff=oddtdtcreator

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/171CqcorKR/

https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/vegasrockrevolution/

Rezn, Cycles in the Infinite Dream (2026)

The vinyl for the new split LP between Freepoint, Illinois’ Erosions and Las Vegas’ Psalm is due in October as the first release through new Denver-based imprint Space Goat Records. The LP, manageable at 33 minutes and maybe a little punk for the shorter runtime, does not shy away from its sense of worship, whether that’s Erosions dug into the slow-rolling weedolatry of “Homegrown” or Psalm taking on Trouble‘s “Psalm 9,” and both bands seem to know of what they speak in terms of style and riff-conjured groove, the former feeling like a blowout on opener “Deep Creep” but gradually acclimating the listener to the brashness of their sound ahead of the actual blowout at the end of “Homegrown,” and the latter prefacing their cover that draws down the album with the poised crunch of “Pain” (premiering below), finding the line between stoner riffs and doomed clarity and accordingly stomping all over it as one might.

On some level, it is a showcase piece for two bands, and I think part of the mission on the part of Space Goat Records — for whom this marks release 001 — is setting up the split and in working with multiple acts comes from a place of sharing, as if to say, “this is cool stuff we’ve found in the heavy underground, check it out,” and sure enough, it’s a format that works for that. Each band features three songs on its respective side. Erosions are rawer on a production level, but that makes the density of their fuzz and the wash of crash a that-much-noisier jaunt as the gutted-out vocals cut through, a willful cacophony that hits into a break in its midsection, echoes of guitar holding the song’s place until the hi-hat comes back and the build moves to an even thicker, and yes, blown-out, crescendo. A sample, about drugs, tops the ending noise and another starts “Too Many Deaths,” which reminds of turn-of-the-century era sludge rock, a bit more strut in its riff than “Deep Creep,” but no real posturing around that, the refrain, “Too many deaths/We’re all gonna die,” inarguable in concept or the audio.

The aforementioned “Homegrown” follows and is the longest track on the record at 8:13, slower and more reveling in its nod. There’s a break here too, after the first couple minutes as the song side-A-capper shifts into stonerly noodling before the riff starts again in rolling earnest, setting up the procession for the remainder of the track while leaving Erosions room to drop a hook on their way. From the fadeout, Psalm‘s “Asunder” picks up with an immediately darker feel. Their recording is a bit more elaborate, but one wouldn’t say either band is overly ‘produced,’ even as the acoustic guitar is layered into the full tonal brunt of “Asunder,” which continues its slower roll and establishes the clear, largely-effects-free vocals carrying the emergent penchant for melody in Psalm‘s sound. A late kick of tempo makes the slower part prior and the figurative thud at the start of “Pain” feel that much heavier, and the chug that arises therefrom is enough to make you wonder if they might cover Trouble next, which, again, yes, they do.

“Pain” is the shortest cut on the split and its chorus boasts some intangible post-grunge melody, ’90s-style but less directly placeable than some for that, but for sure doomed as hell. The band’s stoners-play-doom vibes were writ large across 2025’s In Darkness… Have Mercy EP (review here) as well, and the seamlessness with which they shift into “Psalm 9” underscores the notion of traditional doom metal influence on what they’re doing, even as they pull it in their own direction. Of course, “Psalm 9” is among the most christian of Trouble‘s Jesus-y lyrics, and that continues to be a debate in metal some 42 years later, but the song has not gotten any less vital for it, and more, it fits Psalm enough to make me wonder if they named the band after it. Whether they did or not, its inclusion is confirmation that traditional doom is a big part of Psalm‘s affect, and that as they move forward, something that will hopefully continue to be manifest in their approach.

It should be noted that neither band here has an album out. Psalm have two prior EPs and Erosions have one, so neither of them should be considered a closed book in terms of aesthetic, but this too seems purposeful on the part of Space Goat Records, to not only find something right-on to share, but to highlight up and coming presences in the heavy underground. As the label’s stated mission leans them toward splits — some folks just love logistical complication — they set themselves out with a clarion of a first release, calling to those heads always seeking the new, the next and the loud from out of the ether of the ‘scene.’ Three parties to follow here, then, and the split is that much richer a listen for the potential it heralds on all sides.

Enjoy “Pain” on the player below. LP preorder and more links follow:

Psalm, “Pain” track premiere

Space Goat Records is proud to announce the preorder launch of its very first release: Erosions / Psalm, a limited-edition split LP featuring Erosions on Side A and Psalm on Side B. Created for fans of the heavy underground, this collector-quality vinyl marks the beginning of a new label dedicated to premium, limited-run releases with exceptional packaging. The album is $35 plus shipping, and preorders began Friday exclusively at spacegoatrecords.com. Don’t miss your chance to own the inaugural release from Space Goat Records and help us launch something truly special.

Tracklisting:
Side A – Erosions
1. Deep Creep 5:55
2. Too Many Deaths 4:53
3. Homegrown 8:13
Side B – Psalm
4. Asunder 5:56
5. Pain 3:53
6. Psalm 9 5:08

Erosions on Bandcamp

Erosions on Instagram

Erosions on Facebook

Psalm on Bandcamp

Psalm on Instagram

Psalm on Facebook

Space Goat Records website

Space Goat Records on Bandcamp

Space Goat Records on Facebook

I pieced together the following release info for the new split from Illinois’ Erosions and Las Vegas’ Psalms from the website of Space Goat Records, which is a new imprint the background of which you can read below. Of note, obviously, is that the label’s concept is around putting out splits and nothing else. No albums. Like, “Hey man, that record’s only got one band on it? Get it outta here!” I can’t think of another imprint to give that approach a shot, and it’s interesting. I wonder if, as time goes on, they’ll be able to resist the full-LP temptation.

Psalms and Erosions both had releases out last year and you’ll find them below. I don’t have a release date for the split as yet, but preorders are up now through Space Goat Records, and there’s a bit of a manifesto on their site as well if you’re up for digging further. The cover art and preliminaries follow. As a text note, I changed one “begin” to “began” because, you know, cruel passage of time and all that:

Preorders Are Live for Erosions / Psalm!

Space Goat Records is proud to announce the preorder launch of its very first release: Erosions / Psalm, a limited-edition split LP featuring Erosions on Side A and Psalm on Side B. Created for fans of the heavy underground, this collector-quality vinyl marks the beginning of a new label dedicated to premium, limited-run releases with exceptional packaging. The album is $35 plus shipping, and preorders began Friday exclusively at spacegoatrecords.com. Don’t miss your chance to own the inaugural release from Space Goat Records and help us launch something truly special.

Space Goat Records is a new independent record label forged in the molten heart of the heavy underground. Founded by Jason Doome of Grand Rapids Doomfest and Sean Brooks of The Heavy Underground Farm Report and HUFR FEST, Space Goat Records exists to celebrate collaboration, community, and raw creative force that defines doom, stoner, sludge, psych, and all corners of the riff-driven underground. Space Goat Records is dedicated to limited-edition split vinyl releases. Premium packaging, collector-quality pressings, and unforgettable riffs unite exceptional bands from the doom, stoner, sludge, and psychedelic underground—one exclusive release at a time.

This is not about mass production. This is about meaningful production.

https://erosions1.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/erosions_the_band

https://psalm666.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/psalmdoom/
https://www.facebook.com/PsalmDoom/

https://www.spacegoatrecords.com/
https://spacegoatrecords1.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589756274088

Psalm, In Darkness… Have Mercy (2025)

Erosions, Harvest Session (2025)

In case you missed the news Monday that beloved heavy rockers Sasquatch were returning to activity in 2027, Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII is here to underscore the point of the trio joining their lineup for Jan. 28-31 in Las Vegas. And you’ll note with a quickie poster count that they’re the 20th band to be added to the four-day bill, which means that fest curator John Gist is likely pretty close to having announced the full thing. Planet Desert Rock VI, which I was lucky enough to attend earlier this year, had 21, and Gist says 21 again, so yeah, it’s nearly complete.

But as I noted yesterday, throwing Sasquatch in this mix only makes a killer lineup better. Front-to-back here, it’s pretty high quality, and thinking of Sasquatch alongside Texas’ Mothership — who are also kind of still getting their feet under them as a ‘returning’ act — and as veterans of having played PDRW in the past, it’s another thing to look forward to and another storyline for a weekend that you already know is going to have a few running across its course.

From the PR wire:

Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII – Sasquatch

Planet Desert Rock Weekend – Las Vegas – January 28-31, 2027 at The Usual Place

Planet Desert Rock is so happy to have Sasquatch back in the loop and ready to start things back up at PDRW! The dates are January 28-31, 2027. Back in 2018 when Vegas Rock Revolution decided to do the 1st PDRW, Sasquatch was one of the first couple bands we reached out to. Sasquatch played a very cold night at the now defunct Beauty Bar alongside Wo-Fat, Freedom Hawk, Powered Wig Machine, Blackwulf, Red Desert and Strange Mistress. This power trio always has fun on stage and has a massively strong catalog of playable killer songs. They will be playing a very special set at PDRW that will be chunky as part of the Planet Desert Rock tradition. Super pumped to have them back for the 3rd time!!

We are down to likely just 1 more band to announce and it will be a Ripple Music band. Ripple has been an amazing early sponsor for us, and we started the Ripple Music Showcase a few years back in 2025 when we had Fireball Ministry, JIRM, Valley of the Sun, Fire Down Below and Godzillionaire. Todd Severin (head honcho) and Ripple have proven year in and year out to be one of the absolutely strongest labels in the heavy rock underground as they regularly put out over 23 albums each year. Their recent album by Tidal Wave out of Sweden landed #1 on the June Doom Charts.

Also nightly lineups are nearly completed as well so hold on tight! For those not familiar with Planet Desert Rock Weekend….. 21 bands from all over the world spread out over 4 evening only events so out travelers can enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer such as cool museums like The Punk Rock Museum, Mob Museum, Atomic Museum along with Pinball Hall of Fame and other fun sightseeing. The last couple years the weather has been mid 60s to mid 70s during the day so many are going hiking at some of the really nice national parks. All bands play minimum of 45 minute sets and it’s all in the comforts of The Usual Place which is located on the lower end of Fremont Street. Many stay at the El Cortez where you can walk to the venue or stay at super good valued spots like The Sahara and The Stratosphere which are less than 10 min Uber.

Our goal is to provide a cool casual party vibe that accents on very good sound as we celebrate the dynamic output from this specially curated lineup. Backline and sound engineer are specially chosen to ensure you get the best sound you can get at a festival. Just one stage with no overlapping and between sets a specially setup playlist for each evening to keep you rocking. And hey if you didn’t know….. weed is legal so for you smokers you can easily keep the buzz going. Also we are easy to get ahold of in case you have any questions or need advice on local stuff via Facebook, Instagram or Eventbrite!

We can’t wait to see all of our friends and meet lots of new ones!

Preview Playlist – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcsaux-5P1Ld7u5di5WDHm8zD8nI8umXE

Tickets available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planet-desert-rock-weekend-vii-january-28-31-2027-tickets-1983056894554?aff=oddtdtcreator

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/171CqcorKR/

https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/vegasrockrevolution/

Sasquatch, Fever Fantasy (2022)

The latest word from the impending Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII — set for the end of January in the Las Vegas arts district — is that Indiana Southern-style heavy rockers The Cold Stares and reunited Pittsburghian classicists Carousel have joined the party. They’ll be in the esteemed ranks with Gozu, Greenleaf, Black Rainbows, Howling Giant, Mothership and a slew of others as you can see on the much-more-crowded-than-it-was-before-all-these-names-were-announced poster, and fest honcho/curator John Gist sent an update down the PR wire with the confirmations.

I’ve never seen The Cold Stares, but I was lucky enough to catch Carousel‘s recent first show back at Tee Pee Records‘ two-dayer Cosmic Sonic Rendezvous (review here) in Brooklyn, and I mean, they’ve still got it. Provided everything holds in the months between now and then, the PDRW crowd will be in for a treat whether they know it or not. In addition to The Cold Stares‘ whiskey-dudely 2024 outing, The Southern, Carousel‘s 2015 outing, 2113 (review here) is streaming in its entirety at the bottom of this post.

Info follows:

Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII – The Cold Stares & Carousel

Planet Desert Rock Weekend – Las Vegas – January 28-31, 2027 at The Usual Place

Planet Desert Rock Weekend has built a reputation for curating pure rock and roll lineups that give a nod to the foundation laid by blues, 60’s and 70’s rock styles and we do not take it lightly. So, when the opportunity to get The Cold Stares transpired, we were more than happy to make this happen. The Cold Stares started as a 2 piece back in the early 2010s and even released a few albums on the renown underground label Small Stone but have added a 3rd member along the way. Fronted by Chris Tapp whose songwriting is anchored in storytelling, real life, blues drenched and guitar driven rock with clear lyrics have been steadily growing over the years with the help of consistently putting great songs together and the likes of blues rocker Joe Bonamassa started recognizing the band. They have shared the stages with Rival Sons, Reignwolf, Grand Funk Railroad and many more. Their recently released album “Texas” on Mascot Records landed #1 on Amazon’s Blues rock charts as well as Apple/I-tunes along with garnering over 210,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. The Cold Stares also have had songs on commercials for Chevy and Dodge as well as TV shows Animal Kingdom and Sex Education. Even video games got in on the action with placements in Cyberpunk 2077 and UFL. We can’t wait to have the guys back to Vegas for Planet Desert Rock!

The recently re-ignited Carousel will be joining the Planet Desert Rock lineup for 2027 as well. This Pittsburgh band launched back in 2010 and released 2 very good albums on TeePee Records. Their style really harkens to the days of Thin Lizzy, early Kiss and a plethora of other 70s and 80s rock influences and some NWOBM. Their dual guitar action fuels their tracks along with the strong vocals of Dave Wheeler who also fronts Limousine Beach. Metallica’s James Hetfield listed Carousel track “Jeweler’s Daughter” as one of his top 10 favorite tracks and even has expanded his love for it on podcasts etc.

They have shared the stage with Pentagram, Elder, Crowbar, Corrosion of Conformity, Mothership, Black Rainbows, Wolfmother, Spirit Caravan, Radio Moscow and many more! Also played fests like Roadburn, Kristonfest, Desertfest London, Scion Rock Fest and recently Cosmic Rendezvous. Fired up to the guys play and hey who knows maybe James Hetfield will show up as Metallica is playing that weekend in Las Vegas at The Sphere…..

Also from Dave Wheeler of Carousel “We had to cancel our Psycho Las Vegas appearance in 2016 so it will be great to finally make it out there. We should have some new tunes for everyone by then! I have bantered back and forth with John for years about setting up a show in Vegas and the stars finally aligned. I’ve heard great things about the previous iterations of this fest and am stoked to be a part of it.”

We have just have two remaining bands to announce to add to what we think is a super solid lineup that includes Greenleaf, Mothership, Black Rainbows, Siena Root, Child, Steak, Sergeant Thunderhoof, Brimstone Coven and more! We want to thank so much all who have supported PDRW and snagged tickets! We will cap the amount of ticket presales in order to allow some walkup, single day tickets and we want to maintain a comfort level in the venue. Grab your tix while you can and have something super to look forward in late January 2027!

Preview Playlist – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcsaux-5P1Ld7u5di5WDHm8zD8nI8umXE

Tickets available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planet-desert-rock-weekend-vii-january-28-31-2027-tickets-1983056894554?aff=oddtdtcreator

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/171CqcorKR/

https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/vegasrockrevolution/

The Cold Stares, The Southern (2024)

Carousel, 2113 (2015)

Gozu are currently on tour co-headlining with Restless Spirit, and those dates are here. I would encourage you to see them if you can, not the least for their newly-released album, VI (review here), which from what I hear is featuring deservedly in the setlist. In January, the Boston-based heroes of shove and melody will travel west to take part in Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII in Las Vegas, which as with this year will be held at The Usual Place. I have every intention of being there and would encourage you to read each name on the poster and come to the same conclusion that it’s a thing you need to see. Note there isn’t a bummer in the bunch.

Can you dig it? Almost certainly. Here’s what the fest had to say, as per the PR wire:

Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII – Gozu

Planet Desert Rock proudly presents our next band for Planet Desert Rock Weekend in 2027 in Las Vegas! Gozu has been a big part of the heavy underground scene since 2008 and has consistently delivered heavy rock at a high level. Gozu made a huge impression early on along with bands like Sasquatch and Freedom Hawk who all created rock music that felt accessible without trying to be radio friendly. Led by the massive force of frontman (6’5) Marc Gaffney, this band cranks out 2 guitar heavy riff action with melodic versatile vocals.

Gozu joined forces in 2018 with the record label Blacklight Media who is owned by Celebrity Chef Chris Santos and is part of Metal Blade Records . Gozu recently dropped their 6th album titled VI. Known as an amazing live band and for their funny name titles we can’t wait to finally them as part of PDRW! They are currently touring with Restless Spirit that will take them coast to coast!

We are down to our final 3 spots to announce for our 7th version of Planet Desert Rock Weekend. Our lineup has 9 international bands including Greenleaf (Sweden), Black Rainbows (Italy), Siena Root (Sweden- USA Debut), Child (Australia – USA Debut), Sergeant Thunderhoof (U.K.), Cowboys & Aliens (Belgium- USA Debut), Steak (U.K.). Humulus (Italy-USA Debut) and Carson (Switzerland-USA Debut) as well as American acts Mothership, Howling Giant (Special Set including their side of Ripple Split with Sergeant Thunderhoof) , Brimstone Coven (West Debut), Droids Attack (Rare Show) , Sundrifter (rare west show), Shun (West Debut), Florist (West Debut) and Winds of Neptune (West Debut). We wanted to thank our killer fanbase that seemingly grows each year and gives us such positive feedback about the curation, sound and atmosphere!

Tickets available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planet-desert-rock-weekend-vii-january-28-31-2027-tickets-1983056894554?aff=oddtdtcreator

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/171CqcorKR/

https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/vegasrockrevolution/

Gozu, VI (2026)

Gozu, “Banacek” official video

Well, in Belgium’s Cowboys & Aliens, you have one of 2026’s best records — they released Finis Temporum (review forthcoming) in March — and in Howling Giant, you have my pick for what was the best album of 2025, Crucible & Ruin (review here). Putting them all on the bill for Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII next Jan. in Las Vegas, is two for two. No letup here.

The lineup already includes Greenleaf, Mothership, Steak, Siena Root, Black Rainbows, Child, Droids Attack, Shun, Sundrifter, Sergeant Thunderhoof, Carson, Humulus, Brimstone Coven and Winds of Neptune. Packed, right? Adding these two to that mix means a total of nine-so-far international acts — Child are from Australia, the rest are EU and UK — and while frankly that’s insane given the cost of anything and everything in this day and age, thank your lucky stars it’s also part of the reality you’re living in. I don’t know how much you do or don’t have to look forward to between now and the start of 2027, but this for sure is on my list. Unbefuckinglievable.

Announcement came down the PR wire from fest honcho/mad genius John Gist as follows:

Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII – Cowboys & Aliens & Howling Giant

Vegas Rock Revolution has the pleasure of announcing two very good bands to the Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII 2027 in Las Vegas lineup!

Howling Giant will finally be joining us and wow is it going to be special!! They will be playing their side of the Ripple Music split that they did with fellow PDRW players Sergeant Thunderhoof “Turned to Stone Chapter 2: Masamune & Muramasa”. This will be the 1st time ever!!

As a band Howling Giant has continuously put out excellent releases including their recent album “Crucible & Ruin” that landed #1 on The Doom Charts for October 2025. And oh will we be hearing …. “Rooster” ???

Cowboys & Aliens a will be beaming over for the first time to the USA!! This Belgian band has been rocking since the late 90s and recently dropped a killer release “Finis Temporum” on Polderrecorders that landed #11 on the March Doom Charts as voted on my worldwide insiders. As a long time part of the heavy underground we are super honored to have these gents join us for our annual rock and roll party in Sin City!!

We have multiple ticket options for PDRW VII and even a few early bird options on some of them so make your plans while they last! It’s always an amazing time with super cool rockers from around the globe and a uniquely curated event like no other. Remember it’s evening only sets so you can enjoy Las Vegas during the day!

Tickets available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planet-desert-rock-weekend-vii-january-28-31-2027-tickets-1983056894554?aff=oddtdtcreator

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/171CqcorKR/

https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/vegasrockrevolution/

Planet Desert Rock Weekend VII Playlist