THE LOUDER STUFF
BELL WITCH & AERIAL RUIN – Stygian Bough: Volume II
The kind of doom metal that makes Candlemass sound like Blink-182. It only includes four songs, but each one has a runtime of two days or something. (8)
DIE SPITZ – Something To Consume
I somehow missed this when it came out a few months ago. It starts out all grungy but then on the third track takes a sharp metal turn, and it’s four baddies that look like they’re still in their teens, and it’s on Third Man Records, so a lot to like here. (8)
FUCKED UP – Grass Can Move Stones Part 1: Year of The Goat
First part of a triple album (Part 2 expected in April 2026, Part 3 in October 2026) that will close their epic “Zodiac” cycle of releases. It’s the awesome prog/hardcore hybrid you’ve grown to expect from these guys who never release anything getting a grade below (8).
GLUECIFER – Same Drug New High
When The Hellacopters returned a made a wish for a Gluecifer comeback, and apparently Santa Claus is real because this is what I got for Xmas. (8)
SOEN – Reliance
A groovier Katatonia. (8)
ZU – Ferrum Sidereum
If you ever wondered would happen if Tool replaced vocalist James Maynard Keenan with saxophonist Colin Stetson, here’s your answer. (8)
THE OTHER STUFF
THE BLUES BROTHERS – The Lost Recordings
Live recording from 1978, released to support a Blues Brothers graphic novel. Doesn’t add much to the myth, and the sound quality is rather poor. (6)
DRY CLEANING – Secret Love
Even though the whole “Brit talk-sing post punk” thing seems to have deflated, Dry Cleaning managed to release the first good album of 2026. (8)
MELODY’S ECHO CHAMBER – Unclouded
An interesting combination – essentially psychedelic rock, but laced with Yé-yé and 60’s French pop elements. Elegant but with a bite. (8)
SLEAFORD MODS – The Demise Of Planet X
By now everyone should know what they’re getting with a Mods album, their aggro electro-punk usually quite witty and amusing. It’s not for everyone but the faithful will enjoy this. (8)
MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES – Space Junk
This one came out several months ago during Record Shop Day 2025 but I just got my hands on it – I’ve been into this fabulous country band for a few years now and they’ve even made The List, but this is their first instrumental album and it’s… surf rock??? Dick Dale would be proud, and so would The Ventures. (8)
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