We are still wrapping up all the goodness of 2022 with some fun guest posts. Check out this list from Merlock! The Stoner Doom/Psych band from The Pacific Northwest has a new record, Onward Strides Colossus, releasing soon on February 24th, 2023; so stay tuned for new music here. In the meantime, check out Merlock’s list of Top Releases from fellow Tru Z0inked Warriors:
We’ve been fortunate enough to play / know some really rad folks around the PNW and West Coast and beyond. These musicians, who are our brothers and sisters in arms, can’t quite be ranked in the same way I would rank other musicians, since there’s always a personal connection to the music. Here’s some records, in no particular order, from our fellow tru z0inked warriors that came out in 2022.
Wizzerd – Space? Issue No.001
Filled with crunchy riffs and rich vocal hooks, this spaced-out Wizzerd album demonstrates years of dedication by the young Kalispell band. A rigorous international touring schedule and midwestern sensibility (both in terms of manners and work ethic) sets Wizzerd far above many other bands in the broader doom genre. If you missed this record, you fucked up. Note: do not hit their 6 foot bong.
Kadabra – Ultra
With a cooler-than you aesthetic, wicked smart business mindset, and tasty-fuzzed out riffs, Kadabra was a huge surprise left-hook to the PNW stoner scene. A group of lifelong friends and bandmates, fellow Spokanites Kadabra have launched themselves into the makings of a brilliant career this year. With a rigorous touring schedule and recent Psycho Las Vegas, I’m sure you’ll get a chance to see these guys soon.
Ealdor Bealu – Psychic Forms
Forlorn and psychedelic, Ealdor Bealu’s Psychic Forms captures the spirit of wandering a cold and barren mountain. Adjacent to softer Mastodon and Pink Floyd, the Boise 4-piece is another group of long-time collaborators who live and breathe their craft together. Whether psyching-out Treefort or touring the West Coast and weathering the heart-breaking theft of belloved gear, Ealdor Bealu is a mighty force out of Boise. They also have excellent choice in album art.
Twin Void – Free From Hard Times:
Another Spokane band that’s put in some serious time on the road, Twin Void is a family-based stoner-punk band. Their debut record “Free From Hard Times” reminds me of a more punk influenced Baroness. From opening for Judas Priest at Warlando to landing several national spots, Twin Void had a massive 2022. Make sure you check them out, because they aren’t going anywhere.
LaGoon – Bury Me Where I Drop:
Stoned but still kinda angry, LaGoon are skate rockers from Portland. With fuzzy, catchy riffs that harken back to early rock n’ roll, LaGoon demonstrates a wealthy emotional range, from the ballad-esque “Bury Me” to the grunge-ridden “I See the Hate in You.” They’re also fucka chill to hang with and their bass player knows a formidable amount about Thin Lizzy.
Cavernlight – As I Cast Ruin . . . :
Crushing, ambient funeral doom from my hometown Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Cavernlight (along with Attalla) introduced me to the raw power of amplification and long-form songwriting. This punishing and introspective record is sonically massive and features more conciseness from the (purposely) wandering “As We Cup Our Hands” (2017). It also features a Songs:Ohia cover, and honestly not enough doom bands are aware of Jason Molina in my opinion, so they’re doing the good work. I’m not sure what these dudes have lined up for the future, but I’m sure Scott Burns has something beefy brewing.
16 – Into Dust:
We had the honor of playing with these heavyweights on home turf this year. Seasoned doom-scene vets, these dudes are still super chill to hang with and put on one hell of a live-performance that lead to one of our members falling on their ass, another member getting karate chopped in the throat, and another getting so mad they had to go get chicken fried steak. That might say more about the state of Spokane’s hardcore kids not knowing how to respect spaces that aren’t directly worshiping toxic masculinity. Either way, these dudes put out a massive album this year and you should definitely check it out.
Behold! The Monolith – From the Fathomless Deep:
Behold! the Monolith has been one of the few bands Merlock can all agree on. I think the list above them includes Black Sabbath and Sleep. They’re even vaguely referenced on our upcoming record. This is their first new record in 7 years and it’s filled with tasty riffs, a Burton-esque bass sensibility, and a rad Lovecraftian bent. It was an honor to catch these guys in Missoula this year. This is definitely a record to light one up to and go on a journey.
Faetooth – Remnants of The Vessel
An all-femme / non-binary sludge band out of LA, I found Faetooth on TikTok. In my opinion, they’re a breath of fresh air in the traditionally-male dominated doom/sludge space. They might call themselves “faery doom” but don’t get it twisted: they have truly brutal riffs, an extensive knowledge of doom-gear, and harrowing vocals. This is perhaps the most forward-thinking group on this list, and I’m really stoked for what they’ll do for this occasionally stagnant-feeling genre. We haven’t gotten to play with them, but I’d certainly consider them honorary tru z0inked warriors.
Greenseeker – The Wish:
I haven’t gotten to catch these folks live yet, but I’ve met several members when we’ve played Portland and that’s how I found out about them. If you’re into more Zeppelin-focused doom Greenseeker has a classically magical sound and excels at long-form songwriting. Make sure to check out “The Wish.”
At The Heart of the World – Paroxysm:
“`
Part Pretty Hate Machine, part Night at the Roxbury (don’t worry I told them this joke), At The Heart of the World is an Industrial band out of Portland and is another band who is willing to tour rigorously. If you wish Trent Reznor never got into body-building, this record is for you. They just went on a pretty extensive US tour and do so every year or so, so make sure you catch them next time they’re around.