Gods of the Earth

We have here, the latter of two releases by Texas doomsters, The Sword. Gods of the Earth was released way back in 2008 and has seen the band reach all sorts of new highs (pun intended). They've seen their music seep into the collective (un)consciousness of video gamers with songs featured in some supposed game called Guitar Hero. You may have heard of it. They have also toured extensively with a band who call themselves Metallica. But let us not hold any of this against them.

Some out there, and they are legion, condemn The Sword as "hipster" metal. Now, I'm not saying there aren't "hipster" trend fuck bands out there latching on to the whole retro metal movement. I'm just saying that The Sword are too good to be lumped with them. If classic Black Sabbath and early Metallica are two sounds you would like see blended together, than these guys are for you.

Gods of the Earth is a more tightly composed album than it's predecessor, although Age of Winters is pretty awesome too, but what is special about The Sword is their ability to take classic metal ingredients, mix them together, and have the result be familiar yet refreshing. Having a couple songs based on Conan stories ("The Frost Giant's Daughter" & "The Black River") never hurts either.

Let the head banging commence.

...enjoy...

Pilgrimage

Om's 2007 album Pilgrimage is an effort of understated beauty. Combining elements of stoner-metal, down-tempo, drone and Buddhist influenced spiritual chants, Om are less of a band and more of an experience. Born from the legendary Sleep, Om have taken the former band's stoner/Sabbath sound and journeyed ever onward into the unexplored realms of mind and soul. No Top 40 hits for you here kids, just unrestrained musical expression. Now dim the lights and turn the volume UP.

...enjoy...

Witchcraft

Originally intended as a tribute band, in honor of cult heroes Pentagram as well as musician Roky Erickson, Witchcraft would redefine themselves as a full fledged 70's-esque stoner/doom band with this, now classic, 2004 album. Recorded in a basement with vintage equipment it has that authentic 70's feel. But you already knew all this, right? If you didn't, you should just pretend you did. Because I am embarrassed for you. These guys really put out something fantastic here. What's with Swedes and the 70's? They just love it. I haven't been to Sweden...but I imagine its' roads are clogged with totally sweet vans with air brushed murals of dragons laying siege to fortresses on martian landscapes. Okay, maybe not. But this album has that cool of a vibe. I really think it's about time you treat it with the respect it deserves. Now excuse me, I'm heading over to Wal-Mart to airbrush wizards on all the vans in the parking lot.

Totally Sweet

Holy Mountain

Crushing and psychedelic doom crusted, this album (if played at the proper volume) just may cause one to implode and revert to a pile of dust, which of course will then be blown away by the sonic vibrations still flowing from your speakers. Although, they are no longer your speakers as you are now dust and dust has no legal claim to ownership of property. I'm just saying...

Anyway, Sleep is legendary. And if you can handle this you will be better for it. They disbanded in the late '90s after a too short career as a result of a disagreement with their record company. But in their short run they influenced scores of musicians. If you are partial to dirges, bass vibrations and rhythmic vocals I...well, I don't see how you don't already have this. A recent announcement has declared them as one of the Friday night acts for ATP NY 2010. They will be performing Holy Mountain in its' entirety. It'll be beyond mind blowing. So polish up the old bong and brace yourself for impact.

the straight dope