Metalcatto
It always makes me happy when a band is back. As in, MER lived long enough to review it again. So I’m happy to live to see another Stoned Jesus album—not because I’m a diehard fan, but because the name amuses me every time I see it. My real question for Songs to Moon is: would it bring change, or is it going to be consistent? And if it’s the second one, would it be any fun?
The longtime fans can be happy, because this is all more of what you like. Music that makes you have a religious experience—not because you saw God, but because you’ve smoked the whole bong. There are your typical Stoner Metal huge riffs followed by moments of absolute calm that will make you feel lost in a cornfield in summer. So yes, a bit hillbilly, but we could use a bit of that at MER. The grooves are thick, the fuzz is heavy, and the whole thing feels like a slow, hazy drive through nowhere in particular.
Just like before, the album seems to have two main parts. One full of heavy, groovy riffs that almost made me a fan, and quiet acoustic segments that keep telling me these guys aren’t a one-trick pony. It’s a strong contrast, but the band handles it well. It slowly loses speed, so we don’t notice we’ve totally drifted into some rural place where teen pregnancy is skyrocketing. Okay, now what didn’t convince me.
It sucks that I have to say this, but the complaints are almost the same as I had with Songs to Sun. One just wishes for an album that balanced these elements more instead of just fading away into calm territory. Sure, more aggression is nice, but what could really sell me on Stoned Jesus is variation within the track and not so much between the tracks. Hope that was clear. You’ll probably have fun anyway.
More of the same should be a depressing statement in almost any review in this lowlife corner. However, Stoned Jesus offers a vision that, even if you dislike it, you sort of have to respect. If you want a trip without the potential lethal side effects, Songs to Moon is a good option. It’s like YOB, but shorter. That has to be a win for someone. So if you’re in the mood for something heavy, hazy, and familiar, this album will scratch that itch.
Label: Season Of Mist
Release date: October 16th , 2026
Website: http://facebook.com/stonedjesusband
Country: Ukraine
Score: 3.5/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 