LASER DRACUL
"Hin Hale Blues" (Majestic Mountain Records; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"Hin Hale Blues" is another punishing slab of fuzzy, down-tuned bass destruction from the Swedish doomer/stoners, their first since 2020's "Hagridden." It's six tracks, each with running times of five minutes or more, and it's bulging with Black Sabbath fuzz, droning guitars, and a sludgy rhythm section.
And, although it's eminently listenable if you're into this type of music, it's also a little disappointing that "Hin Hale Blues" sounds so much like "Hagridden" that I don't think I could tell them apart. Now, in the band's defense, I haven't listened to "Hagridden" since it was originally released, and I can't find my digital copy, so maybe I'm just mis-remembering. But, from where I sit today, these two albums are very, very similar.
For example, you could take my "Hagridden" review (below) and copy-and-paste it to "Hin Hale Blues" and it would apply to the new album as well as the 2020 album.
Is that a bad thing? Not really. I'm enjoying "Hin Hale Blues" for the third time as this is being written. It's got the crushing bass, the stoner guitars, the ghostly vocals, the eerie atmomphere. All the stuff I liked before. So there's that. But it all sounds so familiar.
I guess I'll find "Hagridden" and give it another listen. Maybe I'm wrong about the albums sounding the same. Hey, it wouldn't be the first time.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/laserdracul/.
"Hagridden" (Majestic Mountain Records; 2020)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Before you listen to Laser Dracul's "Hagridden," I recommend you set your bass settings to low. Because this album is so heavy that if you start of play it at your regular settings, you're likely to destroy your speakers.
Like most bands of this type, the Black Sabbath influence is obvious throughout: fuzzy guitars, down-tuned instruments and lumbering paces. "Hagridden," is eight lengthy tracks (the shortest runs 5:15m) of pulverizing doom that sucks you into the band's world of dark, foggy atmospheres and swaying rhythms. The music is absolutely crushing, while the vocals are eerie and ghost-like, something that you might expect in a graveyard late at night (or during an old horror movie).
"Hagridden" is a great listen when you're in the mood for something slow, super-heavy and haunting. But, again, be wary of possible bass destruction.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/laserdracul/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
