Album Review: Desert Storm – Buried Under the Weight of Reason (Heavy Psych Sounds)

UK heavy and melodic sludge metal stalwarts Desert Storm are back with their highly anticipated new album, ‘Buried Under the Weight of Reason’. It’s out on March 6th, 2026, via Heavy Psych Sounds.

I dig the hell out of this band and am so pleased that they’re really getting their dues having signed to a label like Heavy Psych Sounds. They’ve earned this and as if to prove that point even more, they’re about to drop their best album yet. Yep, I’m saying it right at the start of the review. I think this is Desert Storm’s strongest work to date and listen after listen has solidified that opinion. This is a high-powered, energised, and focused Desert Storm who have aimed to solidify their sludgy sound with more groove, more melody, and more experimental aspects than ever before.

The resulting nine-track listen is impressively addictive and up there as one of the best releases of the year.

Why? Because of tracks like Newfound Respect, Shamanic Echoes, and Woodsman. A trio of spectacular efforts that showcase the breadth of Desert Storm’s thinking. This is an evolved band, having developed a deeper musical palette, while not losing what we all love about them. The hefty riffs, deep sludgy groove, punchy percussion, and potent vocal delivery. Heavy head banging noise that has infectious qualities, blended with expressive melodies, and progressive intensity.

The first third of the album will be enough to sell most on just how good it is, and personally, I think Woodsman is the album’s best effort. All because it is so varied and so creative. A melody-laced and riffy groove-monster that naturally flows from laidback dramatics to crunchy heaviness in a startling instant.

Cut Your Teeth, Rot to Ruin Side, and Carry the Weight make up the second part of the album, and here Desert Storm widen their creative depths through force. Force that comes from solid gold riffs, thick and heavy hooks, brawny drumbeats, and girthy vocal lines. All perfectly harmonised with tranquil melodies to create a captivating listening experience that still feels so fresh as the album reaches its twilight stage.

There, you’ll find furiously wild efforts like Dripback, effortlessly groovy efforts like Law Unto Myself, and thrillingly thick endings like Twelve Seasons. Talk about all killer, no filler. This is a record that will get a ton of plays throughout the year ensuring that it stays at the forefront of the mind come the end when it’s time to talk about the best of. It’s a real contender and a proud showcase of just how far this band has come.

Desert Storm – Buried Under the Weight of Reason Track Listing:

1. Newfound Respect
2. Shamanic Echoes
3. Woodsman
4. Cut Your Teeth
5. Rot To Ruin Side
6. Carry The Weight
7. Dripback
8. Law Unto Myself
9. Twelve Seasons

Links

Website⎜Facebook⎜Bandcamp⎜Instagram | Heavy Psych Sounds