Weed Demon’s latest release is a slow-burning, heavy-hitting dive into the depths of stoner and doom metal. If this is what they consider the Scroll of Doom, I can only imagine what the Scroll of Heaven would sound like, because this album was an absolute breeze to sink into. Their approach to the genre feels natural yet refreshing, blending doom, groove metal, and blues in a way that keeps things interesting from start to finish.
Instrumentally, this album is led by thick, powerful bass lines, which carry most of the tracks with deep, rumbling tones and a well-layered mix. Songs like “Tower of Smoke” and “Coma Dose” thrive on this low-end dominance, giving the music a sense of weight and presence that really defines its sound. The production does a great job of balancing clarity with the dense, smoky atmosphere that doom metal thrives on. Interludes like “Acid Dungeon” and “Dead Planet Blues” take full advantage of this, creating eerie, immersive moments that contrast beautifully with the heavier tracks.
The riffs in the early parts of the album, particularly on “Tower of Smoke,” feel a bit rigid at first, but as the album progresses, they become groovier and more dynamic. By the time “Coma Dose” kicks in, the distortion is thicker, the guitar work is more fluid, and the overall vibe leans further into that classic doom sound, with massive, crushing tones pulling everything together. The drumming also plays a key role in shaping the album’s impact. On “Tower of Smoke,” the cymbals cut through the mix nicely, while tracks like “Roasting The Sacred Bones” feature a more muffled but still powerful drum tone, adding to the swampy heaviness of the record.
Vocally, Weed Demon strikes a great balance between gritty, guttural growls and light, haunting screams. The band doesn’t overuse the vocals, which makes their presence feel even more significant when they do appear. When the growls hit, they add an extra layer of intensity, while the ghostly screams enhance the eerie, atmospheric sections of the album. This dynamic gives the songs an unpredictable and engaging quality that makes repeat listens even more rewarding.
“Acid Dungeon” sets the mood right from the start with spooky, medieval-style organ playing that builds a dark and ominous atmosphere. The deep, bass-heavy keys add to the anticipation, making it the perfect lead-in for the heavier tracks to come. “Tower of Smoke” follows with slow, sludge-soaked bass lines, harsh and gritty riffs, and powerful drum work. The song’s structure is simple but effective, using an ebb-and-flow approach where the full band crashes in, then pulls back, creating dynamic shifts that keep things engaging. The production ensures that the bass is massive in the mix, giving it a strong presence throughout the track.
“Coma Dose” takes a different approach, shifting into a more laid-back, almost beach-like vibe at first. The clean, soft guitar strums and reduced distortion create a moment of calm before the inevitable heaviness kicks back in. When the deep, distorted bass finally enters, it brings a crushing weight to the song. The introduction of vocals is a welcome surprise—soft, eerie, and haunting at first before transitioning into deep, growling intensity. The gradual slide into full stoner doom mode feels perfectly paced, and by the end, the song delivers some of the nastiest riffs on the album, making for a truly satisfying climax.
“Roasting The Sacred Bones” introduces acoustic elements, adding another layer to the album’s journey. The clean guitar work at the beginning provides a moment of reflection before the band brings in a sludgy, crushing heaviness reminiscent of Crowbar. The vocals are massive, the riffs hit hard, and the drumwork, while occasionally muffled, delivers a powerful, driving force. The way Weed Demon incorporates different vocal styles throughout the album proves to be one of their strongest assets, creating contrast and depth in their sound.
Closing out the record, “Dead Planet Blues” leans fully into its blues influence, with hypnotic, repetitive guitar lines layered beautifully over a well-produced mix. The lead guitars stand out with clarity, while the background instrumentation keeps a steady, immersive groove. The result is a song that feels both raw and refined, capturing the essence of bluesy doom in a way that few bands manage to execute so well.
Overall, this album is a cohesive, gritty, and groove-heavy trip that hits all the right spots for fans of stoner and doom metal. The combination of deep, sludgy bass, well-crafted production, and dynamic songwriting makes it an album worth spinning more than once. Weed Demon has delivered a smoky, intoxicating listen—one that pairs perfectly with some good weed and a heavy set of speakers.
Score: 7.5/10
RATING: 8.5/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Tower of Smoke
Coma Dose