“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe.

Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.

I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate.

All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.

Time to die.”

(Roy Batty, Bladerunner)

But before that, maybe take the time to listen to the albums featured in the March countdown. These are not randomly picked statistics but pieces of music that have moved us, made the day seem a bit brighter, rescued us from “just another day at work” or just simply made us stomp our feet and nod our head.

The Doom Charts represent some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio and podcasters, and album reviewers from the doom-stoner-heavy underground around the globe. Each month, our critics submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge metal, stoner-psychedelic and heavy rock albums. The results are compiled and tabulated into the chart below. This is a one-stop shop for the best new albums in the world…

25. GREEN LUNG – FREE THE WITCH

(London, UK)

“Free The Witch” sees Green Lung considerably upping their game and adding to their armoury a deeper, fuller dynamic. If the band’s demo “Green Man Rising” whetted your appetites for their brand of classy, fuzz drenched intelligent occult rock then “Free The Witch” is gonna blow you taste buds to smithereens.Breath in the heady aroma of exotic smelling smoke, spin these grooves of fuzz drenched refrains and get yourself some Green Lung! Full review here

~Frazer Jones (Desert Psychlist)

GET IT HERE

24. FUNGUS HILL – COSMIC CONSTRUCTION ON PROXIMA B / NEW!

(Umeå, Sweden)

Fungus Hill bring the concept album bang up to date with their latest release , the band mixing touches of Hawkwind style space rock together with Santana -esque Latin rhythms, 60’s garage rock and psychedelia and tying them altogether with clever sampled and original narrative to create a sprawling opus telling of migration to and settlement on a distant planet way beyond the stars, a sort of rock opera for the now generation.

~Frazer Jones (Desert Psychlist)

GET IT HERE

23. SUNNATA – OUTLANDS / NEW!

(Warsaw, Poland)

Sunnata’s new album sees the band expand their Psychedelic Sludge, Doom and Grunge sound. It’s a very complex sounding album and you may not like on your very first listen. The album that demands your full attention as the band create complex rhythms that have a certain YOB-esque quality around them. The album also sees the band channel early-era Alice In Chains on certain parts… A lot of people have high expectations for this album and I can say they will be rewarded with a deeply complex and heavy progressive album that you will be listening to over and over again…. Outlands is their most challenging and complete album to date.

~Steve Howe (Outlaws of the Sun)

GET IT HERE

22. CRYPT TRIP – ROOTSTOCK

(San Marcos, Texas)

The blues is at the root of all of the rock music we listen to today be it crushing black metal, classic rock, heavily fuzzed stoner or swirling psych. If you take the time to look hard enough you will find it, sometimes glaringly obvious, sometimes hidden under a tsunami of heavy riffage. but its always there. Some bands celebrate their bluesy influences others prefer to deny them and some bands like Crypt Trip take them and use them as a launchpad into newer waters, twisting the blues around and around like an old flannel wringing out their essence to add to a melting pot full of other essences to create something new and exciting that although rooted to the past is not defined by it. “Rootstock” is an album born from that melting pot

~Frazer Jones (Desert Psychlist)

GET IT HERE

21. PYRAWEED – GREEN JINN

(Baku, Azerbaijan)

Pyraweed from Azerbaijan have been prolific and consistent, delivering 6 damn solid studio albums as well as a live album since forming in 2015. Across their latest release ‘Green Jinn’ you’ll hear elements of Sleep, Melvins, and Om amongst the heavy bass and drum rhythms. The lineup and setup of Pyraweed has changed pretty much on every album, with multi-instrumentalist Nijat Hasanzadeh being the mainstay throughout. Green Jinn is their first outing stripped back to heavy bass and drums (and some samples), and it feels slower, lower and all round heavier than anything they’ve done to this point. Brilliant album which made me listen back to their previous albums and buy the entire discography without hesitation. Stoner doom gold right here folks.

~Clint (Hand of Doom Radio)

LISTEN HERE

20. MAIDAVALE – MADNESS IS TOO PURE / NEW!

(Fårösund, Sverige)

The ladies of MaidaVale managed to make a giant leap with their second album that has a deceptive feeling of retro rock from the late 60’s and early 70’s mixed with som postpunk and new wave. And the result is nothing less than stunning and sensational. A new breed of heavy underground rock is born.

~Magnus Tannergren (Into The Void Radio)

GET IT HERE

19. BLACKWULF – SINISTER SIDES

(Oakland, CA)

Pure Vintage Rock and Roll. Blackwulf’s new album is packed full of classic style riffing and hooks to keep you indulged for many future streams, spins, or whatever have you. Moments of this banger are straight up Stoner infused Doom, but Blackwulf managed to nail the vibes of several variations of rock and roll that can’t be pinpointed to just one band. Sinister Sides is a powerful collection of tracks that is probably considered their best release yet. Consider this a “must have” for Riff lovers!

Jason Roach (Indy Metal Vault)

GET IT HERE

18. SUNDRIFTER – VISITATIONS

(Boston, Massachusetts)

This one steals your soul straight out of the gate. At Name Your Price you’d be a fool not to add this to your collection. The fuzz tones shine, the Doom-born vocals haunt, and the riffs circulate like a dust devil through stoner-baked sand.

~Bucky Brown (The Ripple Effect)

GET IT HERE

17. KILLER BOOGIE – ACID CREAM / NEW!

(Rome, Italy)

Killer Boogie sure live up to their name . They play Killer blues bases Boogie hard rock . The sound is circa 1974 and is reminiscent of Allman Brothers, Uriah Heep, etc. They cannot be pigeonholed to any one band.

~‘Papa’ Paul Rote (Doomed & Stoned)

GET IT HERE

16. CHILD – I / NEW!

(Melbourne, Australia)

Recently on my podcast and on other social media formats, I have referred to Child as “an inspiration” and “one of the best blues bands ever”. This latest EP solidifies those lofty accolades and firmly places Child among the pantheon of one of the greatest power trios of the modern era. Whenever I think they’ve hit their apex, they come back and push themselves even farther. I fell in love with their first album, then “Dirty Woman” off of 2016’s Blueside made me fall for them all over again. This time, it’s “The Other Song” that sends chills up my spine and makes me want to run for the hills in a fit of blues induced madness. Although only a 3 song EP, this release will surely be hailed as one of my favorite albums of the year. Seriously, these guys continue to blow me away at every turn. Heavy fucking blues, man… Dig it!

~Pat Harrington (Electric Beard Of Doom)

GET IT HERE

15. GREEN DRUID – ASHEN BLOOD / NEW!

(Denver, Colorado)

It can be simply stated that Ashen Blood is a powerhouse. It’s clear who their influences are, but there is something oddly unique in what this album has to offer. The sound is massive and there is no absence of grooves to transport you to the riff-filled land. The psychedelic nature of this album is well performed and the sludge punches you in the face. It’s clear as to why Earache Records decided to join the Druid, as this is probably going to resonate well with the hardcore Stoner/Sludge Community.

~Jason Roach (Indy Metal Vault)

GET IT HERE

14. RIVER CULT – HALCYON DAZE

(Brooklyn, New York)

River Cult have produced a monstrously heavy sounding album that starts off in the deserts and then blasts off into outer space. Sounding like free-flowing jams but with the precision of a well drilled unit, these guys give you fat massive tones, songs that shift from drifting to crushing, a killer fuzz sound and riffs born in space that end up crashing in the swamps which combine to give you the feeling of losing yourself in the music.

~Tony Maim (Black Insect Laughter, Stoner HiVe)

GET IT HERE

13. HIGH REEPER – HIGH REEPER / NEW!

High Reeper should come with a Warning. Totally addictive seventies proto-metal that keeps you coming back for more, then you’ll search your collection for bands with a similar vibe, such as Orchid.

~‘Papa’ Paul Rote (Doomed & Stoned)

GET IT HERE

12. MERLIN – THE WIZARD

(Kansas City, Missouri)

Kansas City riff conjurers Merlin have gifted us with yet another new record, ‘The Wizard’ (2018). If you think this is just doom as usual, think again. In fact, give this a listen right now. The first thing you’ll notice is the prominence of the saxophone, something Merlin have been experimenting with off and on for some time, but now have incorporated into their compositions in a way I find quite convincing.

“It’s been four long years since Merlin’s last conceptual album, ‘Christ Killer’, was released,” frontman Jordan Knorr tells us. “In that time of chaos, band members have come and gone, the cast has changed, equipment has broken, alliances were created, and a whole lot of rituals have been performed…Merlin have twisted our sound even further into the realms of the mystic unknown and unfamiliar territory.” All things considered, ‘The Wizard’ is a joyous celebration of doom, psychedelia, and magick.

~Billy Goate (Doomed & Stoned)

GET IT HERE

11. LONELY KAMEL – DEATH’S HEAD HAWKMOTH / NEW!

(Oslo, Norway)

Lonely Kamel have released one hell of a magnificent album, regardless of the album cover, which is ironically fitting. Combining an absolute crushing volume of riffs in line with High on Fire with a ballsy energy of Clutch and bluesy swagger of label mates Spidergawd, Deaths-Head Hawkmoth will melt your mind and your back porch light bulb. Turn this shit up and prepare for heavy rock metamorphosis.

~Bucky Brown (The Ripple Effect)

GET IT HERE

10. WOLFTOOTH – WOLFTOOTH



(Richmond, Indiana)

On their debut full-length, Wolftooth borrows nothing but the best from their musical idols and leaves the rest on the cutting room floor. Strong song writing, bluesy grooves, thrashy riffs, and southern harmonies make this one a real winner. Whether it’s the bouncing mid-tempo beat of “Aegaeon” or the slower paced rocker “Season of the Witch,” there’s a lot here to enjoy. I recommend listening while LARPing with your friends in an open field, or maybe something more low-key like an imaginary battle with your six-year-old son in the comfort of your living room.

~Bryan Coffey (Indy Metal Vault)

GET IT HERE

9. THE WATCHERS – BLACK ABYSS

(San Francisco, CA)

Heavy metal thunder! That’s the only way to describe the first full length effort from these Bay Area metal warriors. With the mindset of early 80’s metal and the soul of Seattle in the 90’s The Watchers forges a new breed of steel made heavy with great riffs and howling vocals. Get your spikes, bullet belts, denim and leather and lets bang these heads people!

~Magnus Tannergren (Into The Void Radio)

LISTEN HERE

8. WEEDPECKER – III

(Warszawa, Poland)

III takes the already amazing elements and effects of earlier albums and augments them to an unbelievable state of tranquil psychedelic euphoria. With an incredible influx of more progressive flavoring, what results here is nothing short of musically miraculous. The listener is immersed within these streams and rivers of otherworldly liquidity as their soul is awash with the lysergic baptism of WEEDPECKER ‘III’.

~Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker (Riff Relevant)

GET IT HERE

7. FREEDOM HAWK – BEAST REMAINS / NEW!

(Virginia Beach, Virginia)

The modern day answer to good, clean rock n roll. The Beast Remains heavy on the guitar driven hooks, Ozzy inspired vocals, and undeniable rhythm. “Like a drug I’m addicted to the madness” This band is Solid Gold!

~Bucky Brown (The Ripple Effect)

GET IT HERE

6. FU MANCHU – CLONE OF THE UNIVERSE

(San Clemente, CA)

Fu Manchu has consistently played to their strengths on this album. While the album is rocking and fun on one hand it is a little dark and pessimistic in spots, kind of like a good monster movie. The record hits on all the sweet spots of classic Fu Manchu, astral planes, monsters, speed and a little bit of paranoia (not sure what would be causing that…..)

~Steve Howe (Outlaws of the Sun)

GET IT HERE

5. JIRM – SURGE EX MONUMENTIS / NEW!

(Sweden)

Formerly Jeremy Irons and the Ratgang Malibus, JIRM has erupted with a new 2LP ‘Surge •Ex•Monumentis, slagging its way into frontrunner position of 2018 heavy rock. Melting with magma blazing psych meets progressive tempered spirit rock, the frantic vocals moan over blistering riffs and charring atmospheric bliss.

~Bucky Brown (The Ripple Effect)

GET IT HERE

4. DEATHBELL – WITH THE BEYOND

(Toulouse, France)

Holy goat! Doom is back, baby! I don’t mean an adulterated mix of doomed this or that, I’m talking the real thing: slow, low, and damning. Meet DEATHBELL, a fantastic fem-fronted foursome from France! Toulouse, to be exact. How many ways can I say this? I LOVE THIS BAND…. For fans of Cough, Windhand, and those in similar vein.

~Billy Goate (Doomed & Stoned)

GET IT HERE

3. MONSTER MAGNET – MINDFUCKER / NEW!

(New Jersey)

New Jersey’s rockin’-est trade in their space suits for leather jackets and get all Punk AF on their 11th studio full-length. These stoner rock pioneers return to their roots and show the old school and new why Monster Magnet is a household name the whole world over…with a no-nonsense record devoid of BS and polish.. ‘Mindfucker’ is Rock ‘N Roll psychotherapy for the music loving masses”

~Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker (Riff Relevant)

GET IT HERE

2. APOSTLE OF SOLITUDE – FROM GOLD TO ASH

(Indianapolis, Indiana)

After four years, Apostle of Solitude is back with new music for the downtrodden and broken people of the world. From Gold to Ash is their heaviest and most somber outing to date, and you won’t find any up-tempo songs like on their previous efforts. What you will find are slow burning, complex songs with intricate vocal harmonies courtesy of Chuck Brown and Steve Janiak. The seven tracks perfectly encapsulate the feelings of being trapped beneath the cloud covered grey skies of Indianapolis during the dreary winter months. Highlights include the sleepy melodies of “Autumn Moon” and the solemn heartfelt vibes of “My Heart is Leaving Here.” Highly recommended!

~Bryan Coffey (Indy Metal Vault)

GET IT HERE

1. EARTHLESS – BLACK HEAVEN / NEW!

(California)

Earthless are back and this time with a twist – vocals! But never fear, faithful fanatics, the sonic madness and mind bending riffing are still here but with a sense of purpose …… sometimes I felt previous songs could be interchanged with any album – after all, jam based freak-outs can kinda sound the same. But now with vocals circa early 70’s, each song gains its own identity. Nothing has really changed that much – just tighter, freakier and much head nodding moments. Embrace the changes …. You might like it!

~Tony Maim (Black Insect Laughter, Stoner HiVe)

LISTEN HERE

GET IT HERE

Special thanks to the ongoing contributors to the monthly Doom Chart. You folks help give voice to the heavy underground:

A.S. Van Dorston (Fast n’ Bulbous); Bryan Coffey (Indy Metal Vault); Bill Goodman (The Evil Engineer); Billy Goate (Doomed & Stoned); Brandon Collins (Super Dank Metal Jams); Bryan Coffey (Indy Metal Vault); Bucky Brown (The Ripple Effect); Clint (Hand of Doom Radio); Chris Latta (Indy Metal Vault); Doktor420 (Stoner HiVe); Doombeard (DoomBeardZine); Frazer Jones (Desert Psychlist); Gram ‘Son of Sam’ Pola (Dirty Denim); Hugo Hulleman (Metalfan.nl); Ken Elliott (Heavy Planet); Leanne Ridgeway (Riff Relevant); Lucas ‘LK Ultra’ Klaukein (Stoner HiVe, You May Be Dead & Dreaming); Jason Roach (Indy Metal Vault); Joop Konraad (Stoner HiVe); Lyk (Phantasmagoria); Magnus Tannergren (Into The Void Radio); Mari Knox Knox (Doomed & Stoned); Mark Partin (Trendkill Radio);Martin Petrov (Rawk’n’Roll); Matthew Thomas (Taste Nation); Matheus Jacques (October Doom); Mathieu Van Der Hert (Dutch European Stoner Rock); Melissa Marie (Doomed & Stoned); Melissa Spence, (Stoner Witch Radio); Pat Harrington (Electric Beard Of Doom); Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker (Riff Relevant); ‘Papa’ Paul Rote (Doomed & Stoned); Roberto Fuentes (La Habitación 235); Rod Reinhardt (Captain Beyond Zen); Samir Asfahani (Super Dank Metal Jams); Skip (The Burning Beard); Steve Howe (Outlaws of the Sun); Steve Miller (Vertical Chamber Apparatus); Steve Woodier (Shrieks From Below); Tanguy ‘Mr Fuzz’ Dupré (More Fuzz); Tony Maim (Black Insect Laughter, Stoner HiVe).

Feel free to send in your albums to stonerdoomcharts@gmail.com where they’ll be delegated to the crew above to determine their thoughts and gather the votes at the end of the month.

This March 2018 edition of the Doom Chart was tallied and edited by Bucky Brown. Intro blurb by Tony Maim.