Rickter scale of doom

Thrasher Magazine, April, 2004

Well of Souls (s/t CD / Brainticket Records)--Long-anticipated debut from this Texas doom phenomenon. This album (produced by John Perez-Solitude Aeturnus) is spleen-rupturing, yet evolves from their classic doom roots with progressively powerful metal elements. JC's clean vocals with crushing twin guitars create bliss of doomlignt and define their brand of dark metal ...

Big Elf (Hex/Eastwest)--The gem of all gems recently; third full-length from this heavily '60s/'70s retro inspired trio. There are doomy (think Sabbath) moments, but cut with tasty Deed Purple riffs drenched obviously in Pink Floyd progressive nectar and mixed with psyche-enriched Beatle-juice ...

Grand Magus (Monument/Rise Above)--Features JB on guitar/vocals, of Spiritual Beggars fame. This is their second outing, which flows soul and blues-infected doom. Outstanding lead guitar work with no frills. A severely underrated outfit ...

Khanate (Things Viral/Southern Lord)--Thy most bludgeoningly evil, pain-drenched doomstruction. And that's putting it mildly. Not for the nervous, but rather for those who miss Burning Witch. Features members of Sunn O, OLD and Atomsmasher ...

Ramesses/Negativa Reaction (split CD / PsycheDOOMelic)--Mark and Tim from Electric Wizard give their take on volumized cosmic-driven blues doom. NR still delivers the Sab-sludge doomcore they trademarked ...

Starchild (s/t/12th Records)--Best damn spaced-out drug doom I've lent an ear to lately, believe it. YOB fans will be mesmerized, Sabbath/Sleep heads in awe ...

For info on the stoner, doom, psych and heavy stuff I'm into, contact: rick@trashermagazine.com