The Reviewer As Gatekeeper in the Heavy Undergroud
05/05/26 10:33:30AM
I’ve come to realize that Fans are not only the first level of Gatekeeping, but potentially the most toxic and destructive. I’m a Gatekeeper Events have conspired to make me think about and come to terms with one inescapable truth: I’m a Gatekeeper It’s unavoidable. The very nature of writing about bands and music in […]

My Pivot to Headphones: The “Stonerphile” Vision
04/08/26 09:46:05AM
The blog "Clean and Sober Stoner" is transitioning to focus more on headphones while maintaining its musical essence. The author shares personal experiences with audio obsession, recovery, and the need to appreciate music over gear. The mission now includes highlighting high-quality recordings in the stoner doom and heavy rock genres.

bear: a lesson in the healing power of nostalgia from Friendship Commanders
11/24/25 11:12:33AM
Friendship Commanders' newest album hits all the nostalgic nerves for a few generations of listeners. From grungy guitar to no-nonsense drums and pristine vocals, they offer up an easy-to-digest meal that has something for everyone at the table.

The Top 12 Heavy Rock Albums of September ’25
10/02/25 06:42:15PM
This Top 12 Heavy Rock albums is the hardest list I've ever written. Doom. Post Rock. Heavy Metal. Sludge. I believe each of these albums could become iconic, and ranking them just seems wrong on so many levels.

Faetooth: Labyrinthine Is the Perfect Soundtrack for a ‘Soul-Crushing’ Time
09/16/25 10:03:52AM
Faetooth: A Sign of the Times It’s been an absolute crap show of a year, hasn’t it? With political turmoil and a general sense of unease hanging in the air, it’s easy to feel like we’re all spiraling. After the political (or more precisely: cultural) assassination, I’ve seen people I love and respect giving in […]