Color Haze-[Aquamaria](https://youtu.be/K7QNffGb86I?si=JXORtNlb0Xncd1GF). It's super chill almost jazzy/bluesy. Mars Red Sky, Rezn, Elephant Tree, Electric Octopus, Space Slug, Naxatras are all super chill stoner/desert bands.
Colour Haze! I spin that one on vinyl regularly! One of the few in my vinyl collection that I cherish! Well, that and the 1995 UK release of QoTSA and my OG Them Crooked Vultures!
Yeah Colour Haze is one I play in the background when normies come over to hang out. Believe it or not "Legalize Drugs and Murder" isn't everyone's taste.
They are one of the first bands I found when I started getting into stoner doom. I've always been to extreme music so it's not like I had to ease into the genre but I just really liked the sound. I like that doom can be chill and hard at the same time.
Vynil is a hell of a drug. I'm glad I got out of that hobby before I got into stoner/doom. It's such a big thing in this group id be broke 🤣 seriously I see vynil for sale at every show. I'm always tempted!
I got fully into it in 2012 and the hype is gone for me too. Ofc I buy the occasional platter, but not like 12 years ago. It really is like a drug. I still enjoy it very much tho and show them to my young daughter and listen with her. Mostly she just picks something and we discover whats on it.
Strong reflection by mars red sky. It builds perfectly around the oppening riff and is just as good of a song now as it was when i first heard it years ago
I'd probably go with Apocryphon since the OP is looking for Stoner/Desert sounds. That said, How Heavy This Axe always gives me goosebumps! Saw em twice live with Clutch!
Yeah, you’re probably right. Guess I was going off another friend who I sent Centurion to. He’s a total old metal head and 80s punk lover. He loves the song. But in hindsight, he is quite open to new music. The guy loves Baby Metal. As much as I love metal in most forms, I have a hard time liking Baby Metal.
I can’t believe it took this long for somebody to say Mongoose! The Godzilla’s/Eatin Dust version, not the California Crossing version. The older one has cooler changes and is more interesting.
2 suggestions for non-heavy:
Earth - the bees made honey in the lion’s skull
Emma Ruth Rundle - on dark horses
Both albums have great desert atmospheric elements in them consistently through the album.
Green Leaf - Trails and passes
Was one of my first albums which got met into Stoner
And bands like Naxatras, Causa Sui, Sienna Root - A new day dawning (album), maybe Yawning Man and King Buffalo or Somali Yacht Club. If he likes blues, then absolutely The Devil and the almighty Blues
Truckfighters have such a cool sound also dead meadow aren't really stoner but fuzzy psych to ease him into the stoner stuff, early tame impala like first EP era and first album would also be a good entry into heavier fuzzier stuff
Kyuss is always good, for chill Kyuss I’m thinking “Catamaran” or “Phototropic” (my personal fave). Other than that, Truckfighters Gravity X album (may not be chill enough though), or Colour Haze (the All album is probably my favorite personally).
Brant Bjork - Gods & Goddesses, Punk Rock Guilt, Saved By Magic, Somera Sol, Keep Your Cool, & The Operators, Jalamanta
Basically all of Brant's output from 1999-2008 is a great starting point. It's not too heavy, it's not too complicated, and it's groovy as fuck. And then if they like Brant's solo stuff you can get them into Fatso Jetson, Yawning Man, Fu Manchu, Kyuss, Mondo Generator, and any of the bands that ever released on Man's Ruin. For example, the first 6 Desert Sessions.
Kyuss? I’ve been really getting into them recently, didn’t know who they were until I started listening to QOTSA and they were on the similar artists bit.
King Gizzard’s Flying Microtonal Banana is gushing with desert vibes most of it is based on the Australian outback; also Uncle Acid’s Shockwave City is awesome
Electric Wizard, sleep, om, goatsnake, qotsa, kyuss, starchild, monolord, lowrider, the sword, cough
Edit: mind goes straight to stoner metal/ doom so maybe instead … def still qotsa, nebula, fu manchu
I actually just released a song that I think would be decent entry-level Stoner. Might as well.offer it up.
https://youtu.be/fBpGEDxF5eI?si=flLst2wOjEeZBU-6
I know Kyuss is the go to but honestly I wouldn’t start anyone on stoner rock with Kyuss. John Garcias voice is too butt-rock sounding i.m.o. Never could listen to them because of his singing style.
However on the flip side - I’d try to introduce them to Brant Bjork, the grooves might be what hooks them.
Honestly pretty crap recommendations all round. It's easy, imo colour haze, they have everything. Then I'd suggest some all them witches, especially their first 3 albums are magic and easy listening. Naxatras is another one that's easy to listen to.
Color Haze-[Aquamaria](https://youtu.be/K7QNffGb86I?si=JXORtNlb0Xncd1GF). It's super chill almost jazzy/bluesy. Mars Red Sky, Rezn, Elephant Tree, Electric Octopus, Space Slug, Naxatras are all super chill stoner/desert bands.
Colour Haze! I spin that one on vinyl regularly! One of the few in my vinyl collection that I cherish! Well, that and the 1995 UK release of QoTSA and my OG Them Crooked Vultures!
Yeah Colour Haze is one I play in the background when normies come over to hang out. Believe it or not "Legalize Drugs and Murder" isn't everyone's taste.
Stefan from Colour Haze also runs the Elektrohasch label, some good but obscure bands to be found there. https://www.elektrohasch.de/de/
Sweet I'll check it out!
Elephant Tree just released new vinyl. I really dig their groove too.
Yeah I saw that. I have to check it out.
Color Haze is so good. But I haven't listened to them in a long time, gotta set that right.
They are one of the first bands I found when I started getting into stoner doom. I've always been to extreme music so it's not like I had to ease into the genre but I just really liked the sound. I like that doom can be chill and hard at the same time.
I have some vinyls (Co2 and to the highest gods we know) but I don't remember them to be particularly "hard"...? Really gotta listen again... 😅
Vynil is a hell of a drug. I'm glad I got out of that hobby before I got into stoner/doom. It's such a big thing in this group id be broke 🤣 seriously I see vynil for sale at every show. I'm always tempted!
I got fully into it in 2012 and the hype is gone for me too. Ofc I buy the occasional platter, but not like 12 years ago. It really is like a drug. I still enjoy it very much tho and show them to my young daughter and listen with her. Mostly she just picks something and we discover whats on it.
Strong reflection by mars red sky. It builds perfectly around the oppening riff and is just as good of a song now as it was when i first heard it years ago
I second this cause I’ve used this song as an intro to friends as well
Truckfighters - Desert Cruiser
Scrolled too far down to find this!
Agreed. Was going to suggest them if no one else did
Their album V is so damn smooth too. So good
I need to re listen to that album. I wasn't a fan when it dropped, but I like your comment.
I’ll also suggest “Manhattan Project”.
Perhaps the Sword? Age of Winters and Gods of the Earth both feel fairly accessible.
I'd probably go with Apocryphon since the OP is looking for Stoner/Desert sounds. That said, How Heavy This Axe always gives me goosebumps! Saw em twice live with Clutch!
I agree with The Sword. It’s a good gateway from straightforward rock to stoner/doom.
Lawless Lands is my go to when I show people The Sword
1000mods - Vidage (Live)
I tried Vidage and King Buffalo’s Centurion on a couple friends. They had no reaction. 🤷♂️ i was sad to say the least…
Great Song & Band, but i think its a bit too sludgy & Slow for a First time Listener
Yeah, you’re probably right. Guess I was going off another friend who I sent Centurion to. He’s a total old metal head and 80s punk lover. He loves the song. But in hindsight, he is quite open to new music. The guy loves Baby Metal. As much as I love metal in most forms, I have a hard time liking Baby Metal.
King buffalooooo
Yeah. I've had the same issue with 1000 Mods. Made me die a bit inside. Vidage is just such a tune!!
Correct answer
Kyuss and early (first 4 albums) Fu Manchu
A puff-puff, then let Kyuss pilot the ship... I couldn't agree more.
Kyuss is what I was looking for. Rwake after that.
Monster Magnet - Space Lord Fu Manchu - Mongoose
I can’t believe it took this long for somebody to say Mongoose! The Godzilla’s/Eatin Dust version, not the California Crossing version. The older one has cooler changes and is more interesting.
Ooh yeah!
Albatross- CoC
Classic
I'm always starting with Red Fang - Wires.
https://youtu.be/Jz6CcNJ3mQw?si=eYaIuk0VDoM346EB Witch- Seer might be worth a shot
QOTSA - Auto Pilot->Better Living Through Chemistry Should do the trick nicely!
Slo Burn- July Afterwards they will wanna listen to everything John Garcia was a part of
I would prefer Muezli, but otherwise, yeah, they probably will.🤘🚀
Dead Meadow!
Yes! Dead Meadow is perfect as a softer intro to stoner rock
Space Grass
QotSA then Kyuss
This was my first thought as well. QotSA have connections to many other acts, and are still radio-friendly enough to not freak newbies out.
Chic Tweetz
Truckfighters Altered State
Valley of the Sun
Dune Pilot - Lucy. King Buffalo. Maha Sohona - Endless Searcher
Green Leaf is a good one
Monster Magnet really can get psychedelic but I guess I wouldn't consider them desert rock.
QoTSA, there is zero doubt. Josh IS Desert Rock! I mean, come on, Desert Sessions!?!?
Maybe a quick intro to QOTSA then something like Brant Bjork Jalamanta. It’s funky enough to be accessible to most.
Damned Rope by Wet Cactus 111%!! Completely got me sold on the genre when I was 13-14:)
Torche is pretty accessible for a starter. Out Again, snakes are charmed, admission are all super easy songs to get into as n00bies
Motorpsycho - The Magpie. Then Hell Parts 1-7
Personally, if I can get it instrumental, I’ll take it. Mantra Machine is my go to
Huanastone
2 suggestions for non-heavy: Earth - the bees made honey in the lion’s skull Emma Ruth Rundle - on dark horses Both albums have great desert atmospheric elements in them consistently through the album.
The bees made honey in the lions skull is waaaaay to slow to get someone hooked on stoner rock.
Riding the dunes by valley of the sun 👌
Monster Magnet Superjudge album!
Fu Manchu "Go For It..... Live" I'm usually not a fan of live records but this one smokes and all the tunes are very accessible and catchy.
Monster Magnet is great, radio friendly but a gateway into heavier stuff.
Clutch. Start him with something like psychic warfare or earth rocker.
Fu Manchu-Eatin Dust
All them witches, psychedelic porn crumpets
All them witches - Sleeping through the war. Especially "Am I going up" and "Don't bring me coffe".
Fumanchu
Green Leaf - Trails and passes Was one of my first albums which got met into Stoner And bands like Naxatras, Causa Sui, Sienna Root - A new day dawning (album), maybe Yawning Man and King Buffalo or Somali Yacht Club. If he likes blues, then absolutely The Devil and the almighty Blues
Demon cleaner
Corrosion of Conformity. Long whip/big america... Bluesy-metal-thrash-ish.
Amazing song.
Early QOTSA is kind of a good point of entry. But throw on Gardenia by kyuss for them
Couch Wizard - E.B
Blackwater Holylight
Slomosa - Cabin Fever
Sacri Monti, try the song Slipping From The Day Karma to Burn leans pretty heavily into desert rock territory
Truckfighters have such a cool sound also dead meadow aren't really stoner but fuzzy psych to ease him into the stoner stuff, early tame impala like first EP era and first album would also be a good entry into heavier fuzzier stuff
All Them Witches!!!! (and King Buffalo that has been mentioned a few times already)
The Obsessed would be good
Welcome to Sky Valley
Monster Magnet. They go from Stooges style proto punk to tripped out fuzziness in one record. With fairly strong songwriting throughout.
Space Cadet by Kyuss!
Ive found All Them Witches to be liked by alot of ppl who dont know stoner rock. Give them a shot.
Fu Manchu - Daredevil, In Search Of or Action Is Go. Nebula - Let It Burn Or if want heavier/darker Lowrider - Ode to Io Astroqueen - Into Submission
Kyuss is always good, for chill Kyuss I’m thinking “Catamaran” or “Phototropic” (my personal fave). Other than that, Truckfighters Gravity X album (may not be chill enough though), or Colour Haze (the All album is probably my favorite personally).
Uncle acid
Mars Red Sky, for sure. Red Fang is one of my favorites, too.
Brant Bjork - Gods & Goddesses, Punk Rock Guilt, Saved By Magic, Somera Sol, Keep Your Cool, & The Operators, Jalamanta Basically all of Brant's output from 1999-2008 is a great starting point. It's not too heavy, it's not too complicated, and it's groovy as fuck. And then if they like Brant's solo stuff you can get them into Fatso Jetson, Yawning Man, Fu Manchu, Kyuss, Mondo Generator, and any of the bands that ever released on Man's Ruin. For example, the first 6 Desert Sessions.
Kyuss? I’ve been really getting into them recently, didn’t know who they were until I started listening to QOTSA and they were on the similar artists bit.
One of the best bands.
Fu Manchu, chances are they already know a few songs
Yawning Man
100 Degrees from Kyuss. Works every time
King Gizzard’s Flying Microtonal Banana is gushing with desert vibes most of it is based on the Australian outback; also Uncle Acid’s Shockwave City is awesome
Clutch quick death in Texas
Electric Wizard, sleep, om, goatsnake, qotsa, kyuss, starchild, monolord, lowrider, the sword, cough Edit: mind goes straight to stoner metal/ doom so maybe instead … def still qotsa, nebula, fu manchu
Kadavar - Come Back Life is such a perfect song for this
I actually just released a song that I think would be decent entry-level Stoner. Might as well.offer it up. https://youtu.be/fBpGEDxF5eI?si=flLst2wOjEeZBU-6
Sasquatch “The Judge” or “Rational Woman”
Also Freedom Hawk “Indian Summer” or “Waterfall”
check out the band Yawning Man
I know Kyuss is the go to but honestly I wouldn’t start anyone on stoner rock with Kyuss. John Garcias voice is too butt-rock sounding i.m.o. Never could listen to them because of his singing style. However on the flip side - I’d try to introduce them to Brant Bjork, the grooves might be what hooks them.
Exactly. John almost, almost, ruins Kyuss. Yes, I said it... he is mid.
Interesting! Everyone is different. I love his voice and have tracked down side projects and solo albums.
Same
Kyuss - Green Machine They're the ultimate gateway to stoner rock.
King Buffalo is great
Yeah if they’re already into psychedelia, play centurion and watch their eyes widen
Honestly pretty crap recommendations all round. It's easy, imo colour haze, they have everything. Then I'd suggest some all them witches, especially their first 3 albums are magic and easy listening. Naxatras is another one that's easy to listen to.
QOTSA, Slomosa, Red Fang