Diaries of Doom

Press release : "We live, we die" is the theme that Birmingham progressive rockers Netherhall have chosen to discuss for their first new piece of music since 2020. ‘Process’ was released on Friday 24th March 2023 and is accompanied by a picturesque music video shot in the Peak District. Formed in late 2015, Netherhall are a Midlands-based alternative metal band who draw influence from multiple genres; notable influences include Karnivool, Deftones & Toska. As the band began searching for their sound, they debuted their first EP ‘Imacular’ in 2017 and in the same year entered the Metal 2 The Masses competition to play at Bloodstock Festival, winning the competition. Netherhall spent 2018 as an instrumental 3-piece, highlighted with supporting The Contortionist. 2018 also saw Netherhall perform at a private function at Aston Villa FC for Tony Iommi & Geezer Butler honouring Butler’s induction into the Birmingham Walk of Stars. In 2019, Netherhall released their ...

Since its release around a month ago, I've been listening to the new record from Bradford doomsters Wolves in Winter quite a lot, released via Argonauta Records . An epic, melodic offering, with a bit of a progressive tinge to the music, it's exceptionally cohesive and well-executed for a debut - though there is a wealth of experience from UK doom and sludge within, with current members of Ironrat and Lazarus Blackstar in their ranks. This shines through, helping to create a focussed and powerful album. Upon seeing them live when I was on tour some months ago, I was amazed at the huge, muscular overall sound coming from the amps. This has been captured very well in the studio - the record sounds huge. A mournful, melodic sound emanates straight after the first few seconds of 'The Cords That Ends The Pain'. The guitar tone is as thick as treacle and there's a lovely, soulful baritone lead vocal guiding the song - and indeed the album. Their tempo and key changes feel...

Based across Derby and Nottingham, Replica Jesus have begun to make their name with an energetic, fuzzy take on stoner rock over the last seven years, finally culminating in the release of their debut full-length 'Echoes from the Expanse'. Live music enthusiasts will have seen them crop up on more and more lineups, especially after Covid - I'd assumed that this was at least their second album for that reason! 'Echoes from the Expanse' is a glorious rock album, with plenty of punk, psych and grunge elements lurking within. The groovy opening riff of Everything Rots opens proceedings before they bring the atmosphere right down to an almost trance-like psychedelic calmness. It makes the head-bobbing, mid-tempo riff so much cooler when it finally drops. Its grungy chorus is really catchy and well-done; it really does start the album off strongly. Professional Liar , first released as a single shortly into the first 2020 lockdown, is a fun, uptempo banger with a pounding...

It was only around four days before Masters of the Riff II  when I made the decision to take myself down to London and go see a truly stacked roster of bands in the doom, sludge and stoner genres. Would be silly not to, I guess. It was a great way to spend a Saturday (couldn't make the other two days, unfortunately, so had to miss out on Goblinsmoker, Josiah, Gnome , etc). I cidn't go with anyone, but at no point did I feel on my own, with so many friendly faces on the bill and in the audience. The sense of community you get at these grassroots events is just unparalleled and very open, warm and welcoming.  It's my first time in Hackney, let alone at Oslo. After sorting my wristband and eyeing up the bar I stumble upstairs to a mind-altering wall of noise coming from an act I'm not yet familiar with. Troy the Band  are absolutely worth making that acquaintance. Their music is just mesmerising. Mixing heavy psych, shoegazey post-metal and stoner doom, they remind me a li...