The Lasting Dose Fest 2026
The Lasting Dose Records has announced a showcase festival for several bands involved with the label, to be held later this week in Hamburg and Berlin.
The Hamburg show will be taking place at MS Stubnitz on Friday the 16th (tickets and more information here), and will feature performances by Daevar, GRIN, Ultrablut, and Earthbong.
Then, in Berlin at Neue Zukunft on Saturday the 17th (tickets/info here), with GRIN, Ultrablut, Earthbong, Sarkh, and Blacksmoker.
So if you find yourself in northern Germany on those dates, or if you’re anywhere within driving/train/whatever distance of the country’s two largest cities and feeling adventurous, it’s highly recommended that you go check out what TLD has to offer.
But if you need a bit more encouragement — or for those of us who find ourselves on the wrong side of the planet, but who would like a little something to listen to at home in order to live vicariously — let’s check out Acid Gods which was released last year by one of the bands who’ll be gracing both nights of the fest with their presence: GRIN.
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GRIN – Acid Gods (The Lasting Dose Records, 30 May 2025)
Berliner bass+drums duo GRIN has been pumping out the stoner/sludge jams for at least the better part of the past decade — in fact, their 2018 debut LP was just re-released on vinyl last month by TLD, so after we’re done here if you feel hungry for more, by all means please go check that out as well!
Their ten-track album Acid Gods tends to be pretty bass-heavy most of the way through, which is not surprising. Stomping basslines filtered through a chain of pedals which each have a knob labeled “Crunch” which are all cranked to the maximum setting. That’s complemented with a huge driving drum sound and layered Eyehategod-y vocals; but then the sonic space is augmented with plenty of other sounds and noise.
It becomes more prevalent and noticeable as we roll along, but some of the elements sound like increasingly distorted synth-organ textures that follow and augment the foundations laid down by the bass. So sort of bringing Ufomammut-ish psychedelic vibes to the otherwise heavy-sludge party.
You can preview Acid Gods using the Bandcamp widget below, then grab it on CD or vinyl from the band or record label, or if you prefer, find the digital edition here
Valley of Steel 