Best of 2011 - Biggest Surprises From The Underground

Wiht - The Harrowing Of The North (Self-released)

An epic instrumental masterpiece in a thoughtful conceptual package (telling the story of William the Conqueror). Taking influence from post-, stoner, doom & atmopsheric rock. Mighty fine 2-track album from one of the most promising instrumental bands I layed my ears on this year.


Felipe Arcazas - Induction To The Subconscious EP (Self-released)
 

Pure, uncompromised desert worshipping psychedelic rock. Brant Bjork meets Hawkwind. Amazing EP from solo artist Felipe Arcazas, who just came outta nowhere with the most groovy laid-back tunes...



Het Droste Effect - Het Droste Effect (Self-released)

Dutch psychedelic/ fuzz rock that takes us back to the wet sounds of 35007, Gomer Pyle & 7Zuma7. Refreshing, dynamic & trippy.





Thorun - Chorus of Giants EP (Self-released)

Thorun's "Chorus Of Giants" could be described as a deadly instrumental mix of Karma To Burn & High On Fire. A big step forward from their previous work/ EP. Essential for all you ten ton riff addicts out there.



Herder - Herder (Self-released/ Reflections Records)

"These guys play some rough stoner/doom drenched in a pool of unholy hatred & sludge. Think Goatsnake, Eyehategod & High On Fire. Downtuned, angry and heavy as fuck." No need to say more...



The Heavy Eyes - The Heavy Eyes (Self-released)

One of the most solid underground albums of 2011. Bluesy 70's hard rock like it should be. A distinct sound, somewhere between Graveyard & Clutch. Vocals are spot on, grooves are killer. God, I love these guys.



Thorr-Axe - Wall Of Spears (Self-released)

This young band made quite a name for itself with their first EP & their crazy simple, but awesome video clip. 2011 marks the return of Thorr-Axe with "Wall Of Spears". A great, although not flawless album with deadly riffs & a high dose of raw energy. 


Mars Red Sky - Mars Red Sky (Emergence Music)

Clear, psychedelic vibes from France. A mix of stoner, fuzz, 60's & 70's rock with some surprisingly different, but highly enjoyable vocals. Superb newcomer, see them at Roadburn 2012. 



RMFTM - Intergalactic Dada & Space Trombones (Self-released)

Odd, intergalactic psychedelic/ space rock with a dirty, raw side. Just like 'Het Droste Effect', this band takes us back to the old days of those distinct trippy jams from the 90's & beginning of 2000. From 35007 to Gomer Pyle & Monkey3, a sound that I adore like no other... 


Belzebong - Sonic Scapes & Weedy Grooves (Self-released)

The Polish answer to Bongzilla. Absolutely fantastic instrumental stoner jams, nothing more, nothing less. Light one up & obey the riffs. 




Without God - Lambs To The Slaughter (RAIG Records)

Utterly thick 'n heavy stoner/ doom grooves from Russia, currently on the wonderful R.A.I.G records (Ahkmed, Mountain of Judgement, The Grand Astoria).




Dopethrone - Dark Foil (Self-released)

A solid stoner-sludge band labeled too quickly by their obvious name. Actually there's much more to it; The tracks are well-written & the overall sound is everything what you could wish for. I didn't really got into 'Demonsmoke', the band's previous album. But I do believe Dark Foil is a silent underground classic that everyone should hear on unholy volumes.

Witch Mountain - South Of Salem (Self-released)

Loud, soulful female vocals & thick doomy riffage. A daring combination indeed. 'South of Salem' nails it, and brings us another original record in the genre. The band recently signed with Profound Lore Records.



Umber - Morning's Pass EP (Self-released)

One of the most pure, simple & beautiful ambient tunes that I rested my ears on. Really mellow, folkish ambient post-rock. Another promising solo artist to bookmark.




Demonic Death Judge - The Descent (Inverse Records)

Punishing sludge metal from Finland that isn't afraid to experiment with a sea of psychedelica. Their third full-length is a winner!





Zodiac - Demo (Self-released)

Zodiac recently surprised me with their Demo from last month. Heavy & accessible stoner/ blues rock. From the first to the last track, classic.




Decaying - Devastate (Hellthrasher Productions)

Decaying, addicted to all things Bolt Thrower & Asphyx, made it's own statement with 'Devastate'. A highly impressive record for this young three-man band. The production could use a crunchy kick in the ass, but the tracks on here are nostalgic old school death/ doom classics. Some stunning riffs & great songwriting on here.