King Buffalo release an epic performance, Live At Burning Man. A little over ten years ago, King Buffalo first came together in Rochester, New York. Laying down complex heavy psych and swayable stoner tracks, King Buffalo has steadily grown its fan base and its renown. Orion (2016) was the first full-length album, followed by three remarkable sequels, my favorite being The Burden Of Restlessness (2021). The band is Sean McVay (guitar, vocals), Dan Reynolds (bass), and Scott Donaldson (drums). As much as I like their studio albums, King Buffalo music is best experienced in person. I saw them l ..read more

Kabbalah’s first full -length album Spectral Ascent gets a new release from Ripple Music. Kabbalah is a doom rock trio from Pamplona, Spain. They released a triplet of EPs in rapid succession beginning in 2013 that established them as a significant force in heavy music. Spectral Ascent was their first long-player, originally released in 2017 by Twin Earth Records. Ripple Music released Kabbalah’s second album, The Omen, through their Rebel Waves Records imprint in 2021. Now Spectral Ascent will be available to the wider audience that has been clamoring for it, especially the physical versions ..read more

Toronto hard psych trio Tumble give us the first glimpse of their music with Lady Cadaver. Tumble got together just last year. The sponsor a retro hard rock sound with a psychedelic purpose. The band is Liam Deak (guitar, vocals), Tarun Dawar (bass), and Will Adams (drums). This EP has two songs, a situation we used call a single in the old days of physical media. “Lady Cadaver” is the feature, and it comes out punching. It is a fuzzy delight. This is an up-tempo airplay single if I ever heard one. The bluesy stoner set-up is joined with Deak’s exemplary rock and roll voice to mingle in synch ..read more

Elder shook the rafters at Black Circle on Cinco de Mayo, capping off an evening of heavy music that included Ruby The Hatchet and Howling Giant. Elder Not only was it Cinco de Mayo, it was also a full moon. It is hard to think of much better circumstances under which to see a metal show. Not just any heavy music show, either: Elder, Ruby The Hatchet, and Howling Giant. Howling Giant took the stage first at the venerable Black Circle, a boutique venue for music in Indianapolis that gains renown with each passing day. Howling Giant is a psychedelic rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, that has ..read more

Photos by Wayne Edwards. © Wayne Edwards Main article about the show: https://flyingfiddlesticks.com/2023/05/13/elder-ruby-the-hatchet-and-howling-giant-at-black-circle-indianapolis-may-05-2023 ..read more

Psychedelic folk rock band Blood Ceremony reveal more secrets on their fifth album, The Old Ways Remain. Blood Ceremony is a psychedelic doom band with acid folk tinges and a unique approach to heavy music. In fact, they are pretty light on the doom and the heavy, instead emphasizing the other aspects. The prominent use of a flute is the first thing you think of, but it is not the only element. The compositions are grand in an understated way – I know that sounds like nonsense, but listen in and maybe you will see what I mean. From their first album in 2018 through to the new one, the origina ..read more

Photos by Wayne Edwards. Main FFMB article: https://flyingfiddlesticks.com/2023/03/26/ruby-the-hatchet-at-the-stone-church-march-17-2023/ © Wayne Edwards ..read more

The new album from Electric Jaguar Baby continues the fuzzed up garage rock trance, Psychic Death Safari. Since 2015, eclectic duo Electric Jaguar Baby from Paris, France has been creating fascinating vibes. Over the course of the intervening years, a trio of EPs and their debut album have left a trail for music lovers to follow that is wickedly diverse and endlessly entertaining. The identity of the central musical pair remains mysterious, but we do know that there are guest appearances on the album by Luca of Go!Zilla on vocals and organ, and Jed of ZigZags on guitar. The band describes the ..read more

Mountain stoner band Wizzerd throw down the fuzz on their third full-length album, Space‽: Issue No.000. I don’t know what I have been doing with my life, but I didn’t hear anything from Wizzerd until the Ripple Music split Turned to Stone Chapter III: Wizzerd vs. Merlin. That one turned my head. Stoner mountain music is a real thing. I mean, I always think first of the desert when fuzztones ring, but this manner of music transcends all environments. Doomchild (2016) was the first, followed in 2019 by the self-titled album. And then there are a couple of demos and a string of EPs from Wizzerd ..read more

San Diego prog rock band Birth issue their debut full-length album, Born. Birth emanated from the band Astra, the latter having released an impressive set of albums, including The Weirding (2009) and The Black Chord (2012). They play progressive rock in a style that might remind you of King Crimson at times, or the deeper moments of Yes. Jazz inlays and ethereal engagements combine with celestial pulses and expeditions featuring ever-present key work and mesmerizing guitars. The band is Conor Riley (keys, acoustic guitar, vocals), Brian Ellis (guitar, keys), Trevor Mast (bass), and Thomas DiB ..read more