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Released: 2026 Genre: Sludge, Post-doom Sounds Like: YOB, ISIS, Neurosis Homeland: Slovenia What makes AYD elite and sit atop OHMs Peak? AYD is a monumental album filled with Post-metal, sludge, and doom. It might be one of the most diverse sludge albums to enrich our rotation in quite a while. The four songs are deeply engaging and draw you into their spiraling sludge world. For a debut album, AYD shows impressive patience, skillfully balancing the contrast between the most intense moments and the quietest sections. Track Listing: The Giant 11:56 God Flesh 9:11 Somniferum 15:56 Al' Araf 22:07 Dive deeper into AYD with our Q&A with the band. OHMs Peak: AYD is a relatively new name, but the three of you sound like a band with years of shared instincts. How did this trio come together, and what shaped the early identity of AYD? AYD: Yes, with AYD we only recently released our first full length, but we've been making music together since 2020. When we first started out, our intention was to make nasty, slow and heavy music, which we're all huge fans of. Jan and Tarik talked about making this kind of band since they were in college, because they both played in different bands before, with different musical backgrounds (Tarik played in a few punk bands and Jan is still playing in a dm/deathcore band) and saw doom metal as a golden middle ground. We met Gabrijel in 2020 and we quickly came to a conclusion that we all want to make this kind of music. Soon after we started jamming at Gabrijel's home and the rest just came together naturally. The shared instinct was there from the beginning, which really surprised and motivated us. OHMs Peak: “Somniferum” is the album’s towering centerpiece — a slow‑burning, suffocating, almost ritualistic track. What were the inner workings behind how this song came about? AYD: As a doom metal band, we felt it was appropriate to pay homage to the godfathers, Black Sabbath, with one of our songs. The first idea of a song started with the main riff of the song, and then slowly started taking shape into what is the final version. In making of this song we also applied the philosophy of Matt Pyke, which goes something in the lines of: ' If the riff is good, you can play it as long as you want'...or something like that. OHMs Peak: The album art for AYD is stark and ominous — a monochrome, high‑contrast image that feels like a relic pulled from a forgotten industrial archive. Who created the image and what atmosphere were you aiming for with this visual identity? AYD: So the image is actually a real natural shape that resembles a face in a mountain slope of Prisojnik near the Vrsic pass in the Triglav national park. The face is called Ajdovska deklica (roughly translated Pagan/Giant Maiden), who is part of Slovenian mythology/folklore. The image was taken by Nusa (Tarik's girlfriend) while they were on a holiday trip. We then slightly altered the image to our liking. OHMs Peak: Outside your genre, what band do you feel would most complement your sound in a live setting? AYD: Hmm, this is a bit tough. If we go outside our genre, it would be bands like Pink Floyd, Korn and Bohren & der Club of Gore. The picks are from each member, respectively. OHMs Peak: Each of you has a history in other bands and projects before AYD. Can you tell us more about your prior projects and how did those past experiences shape what you’re doing now? AYD: Tarik started playing in a punk band with his brothers at age 13. In 12 years the band split into two bands, and in the end just one stayed together. In the end he felt that the band was not creative enough for his needs, also the fast paced, linear music and lifestyle didn't suit him anymore. He felt that he can express his creativity much more with AYD. Gabrijel also has a history of playing in different bands, different genres, different instruments and was also a DJ for a while. In the end, he simply found out that this kind of music suits him the most. Jan first started playing in a dm/deathcore band Dethrone the Corrupted but eventually wanted to have a project that is slower and less technically demanding. So you could say that we each had our share of experience of playing in a band and how a band functions in general and so on, AYD is simply a common point of our musical interests, an awesome stress reliever and fun creative outlet. OHMs Peak: AYD is stranded on an island with only a solar‑powered record player. As a band, collectively, what single album are you bringing with you? AYD: Hali Gali Halid – Hajde Da Se Drogiramo! Follow AYD: Instagram / Facebook Grab some AYD Merch Music (vinyl, CDs, digital, shirts, etc.)

Released: 2026 Genre: Stoner rock Sounds Like: Los Natas, Demonauta, Mermaid Homeland: Spain What makes MLAD elite and sit atop OHMs Peak? MLAD is a beautifully crafted stoner rock album loaded with plenty of jams and heavy psych. The music transitions smoothly through different stoner blues phases, featuring authentic deep fuzz that holds our attention. The production is flawless without being overly polished, presenting an impressive and rich sound that is best experienced on vinyl. Track Listing: Huellas y rumores 08:41 Cruz de Benalfil 01:30 Los hijos perdidos de Umrica 07:54 Cruz del Tajo 01:54 El camino silencioso 08:01 La ley del cuarto ¿Quién es el 67? 11:46 Cruz de la Viñuela 03:03 Dive deeper into MLAD with our Q&A with Mientras las abejas duermen. OHMs Peak: MLAD is the perfect combination of heavy psych and stoner. You sound like a band that’s been together for 20 years; with relaxed vocals and plenty of jamming, you guys have come up with a refreshing sound for the genre. What musical or non‑musical influences guided the band’s creative direction during the making of this record? MLAD: The truth is, this project didn't start with any deep intentions, quite the opposite. It all came about organically and naturally, without any expectations of ourselves or what might emerge. We're three friends who have been playing in different projects of varying styles for many years, and a couple of years ago we wanted to do something of our own, but as we've already mentioned, without any grand ambitions. So we decided to hold some jam sessions in our rehearsal space and record them, just to see what would come out. From those long sessions emerged the backbone of the project, both its approach and its sound: a blend of all our influences and interests, from the most mellow psychedelia to the heaviest touches of sludge/doom. OHMs Peak: The track "El camino silencioso" has such great rhythm, we love the heavy buildup at the end, it makes us want more. Can you provide some insight to the writing of this song. MLAD: "El camino silencioso" was born almost entirely during the sessions we mentioned earlier. If you listen closely, it's just a couple of riffs. The song's punch and catchiness come more from the dynamics. We wanted to differentiate two clear parts: the first, full of questions and unknowns, and the second, more chaotic, full of unresolved issues. Nothing could be closer to life itself: the flow of living without certainties. OHMs Peak: The production on this album is spot on. It never feels overproduced and still carries that raw DIY spirit. Who handled the production, mixing, and mastering for the album, and what was the vision behind achieving that balance? MLAD: The recording and production of the album was handled by our great friend and colleague Rafael Camisón of El Bisonte Estudio. We entrusted him with every decision made in the studio: from the choice of microphones, amplifiers, and effects, to the most subtle production touches, as we had complete confidence in him and his judgment. We are more than happy to have worked with him and to have followed his guidance and advice. As for the mastering, the great Mario G. Alberni of Kadifornia Mastering was in charge. When he heard the LP, he knew exactly how to take Rafael's mix to the next level. He managed to give it more power and bring order to all the chaos we were trying to capture. OHMs Peak: What band NOT in the heavy psych/stoner genre would you love to tour with that would most compliment your sound? MLAD: If we're dreaming big, it would be incredible to share the stage with the Hermanos Gutiérrez. Their way of creating atmospheres and emotional landscapes has influenced us greatly, and I think our styles would mesh well. OHMs Peak: The album art is very intriguing and reflects the music very well. Who is the artist and is there any meaning behind the artwork? MLAD: The artwork was done by our friend Alberto Oliva (aov.es), a great artist from our hometown of Ubrique. We've known each other for years, and one day when we were starting the project, he overheard us talking and decided to capture what we were doing in a drawing—it was that simple. There were no guidelines or recommendations. He perfectly understood the essence of it. OHMs Peak: MLAD is stranded on an island with only a solar powered turntable and majestic powered solar blue tooth speakers. The band collectively can only choose one album. Which album to you agree to? MLAD: We'd probably choose Pink Floyd's Animals. A magnificent concept with infinite depth. We've probably listened to it a million times, and yet there's always something new to discover with each listen. I definitely think it would be an excellent choice. Follow Mientras las abejas duermen: Instagram / Facebook Grab some Mientras las abejas duermen Merch Music (vinyl, CDs, digital, shirts, etc.)

Released: 2026 Genre: Noise rock, Punk Sounds Like: Chat Pile, Jesus Lizard, Pissed Jeans Homeland: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania What makes Let's Give The Land Back To The Animals elite and sit atop OHMs Peak? Bitter Branches returns with one of this year's leading noise rock/punk albums to hit our speakers. The album is heavily influenced by 90s noise rock, yet it distinctly bears their unique mark on the genre. The music flows effortlessly through various impeccable transitions, with genuine angst that keeps us captivated. The production is flawless without being overdone, perfectly suited to the rock style. This album features an impressive and deep sound that is a must-hear on vinyl. Track Listing: Rat Poison 2:30 Cave Dwellers 3:01 Pity Party 2:26 Basic Karate 2:52 Posture Contest 3:31 Everything Must Go 3:58 High Street 2:24 7-11 3:19 Fine Powder 4:00 Here Comes The Chisel 5:20 Dive deeper into Let's Give The Land Back To The Animals with our Q&A with Bitter Branches. OHMs Peak: Bitter Branches has roots in some of the most influential 90s hardcore, math-rock and noise rock bands. The BB team has years of amazing different projects. How did this lineup come together, and what made the chemistry feel right for a new project? Bitter Branches: Philadelphia is home to so many musicians that it was only a matter of time that we bump into each other. As "veterans" of 90s hardcore scene, I think we all share a musical shorthand and an itch to explore certain lanes and see what happens when it’s the five of us attacking that kind of songwriting. OHMs Peak: “Everything Must Go” stands out as one of the album’s most psychologically revealing tracks. What were the inner workings behind how this song came about? Bitter Branches: That’s basically me talking to myself and trying to muster the strength and will to march on as the world seems to be headed for that iceberg and we’ve been failing to turn the ship. It’s a bit of a self-critique of myself and people in general. We clearly aren’t making the world a better place. Every smile seems fake to me. Meanwhile, enjoy your capitalism and get back to work. OHMs Peak: The album art for ‘Let’s Give the Land Back to the Animals’ is striking …a dark, surreal scene with a giant hand lowering a tiny tricycle‑riding figure by a string. What was the visual concept behind this artwork and who created it? Bitter Branches: That would be me. There are a few meanings there I suppose. I like to leave it open to interpretation, but it’s definitely about large forces pulling the strings while we are entertained and sometimes blissfully ignorant. It’s also about childhood and innocence and trust being ripped away and taken advantage of. OHMs Peak: Many songs on the album feel like character studies or emotional autopsies. Do you have a preferred setting as you create and formulate the tracks? Would love to hear more about your process. Bitter Branches: I spend way too much time inside my head and wonder how people seem oblivious to the smoke and fire that surround us. We are easily distracted by shiny objects and we seem to have very little collective will to do the right thing. We live in an age where we have the means and intelligence to solve the world’s problems, but we create billionaires and divisive labels instead. Empathy is in short supply — for people and animals. OHMs Peak: How did the name Bitter Branches come about? Bitter Branches: It’s the title of a PJ Harvey song. Just sounds cool. No deep meaning. OHMs Peak: If you could play with any band NOT in your genre who would it be and why would it complement your live performances? Bitter Branches: Hmmm. I would play with just about anyone. I love bills that mix it up. OHMs Peak: Bitter Branches is stranded on an island with only a solar‑powered record player. As a band — collectively — what single album are you bringing with you? Bitter Branches: Tough one. Maybe The Clash’s London Calling or Radiohead’s Kid A. Bitter Branches are: Jeff Tirabassi, Dan Yemin Matt Ryan Kevin Sommerville Tim Singer Follow Bitter Branches: Instagram / Facebook Grab some Desert Collider Merch Music (vinyl, CDs, digital, shirts, etc.)

A fluid ranking of this year's best heavy albums enabled by editors, fan feedback and sheer musical prowess. OHMs Top 10 Elite A fluid ranking of this year's best heavy albums enabled by editors, fan feedback and sheer musical prowess. July 2026 #1 Plaindrifter Gestalt Heavy psyche, Stoner rock #2 Bitter Branches Let's Give The Land Back To The Animals Noise rock, Hardcore #3 Elder Through Zero Psychedelic rock, Space rock, Stoner rock #4 Unverkalt Héréditaire Post-metal, Black metal #5 Firefriend Redshift Psychedelic rock #6 The Prestige Isthmos Post-metal, Punk #7 All Them Witches House of Mirrors Psychedelic rock, Stoner rock #8 AYD AYD Sludge, Doom #9 Orbital Dust Mantras Stoner rock, Psychedelic #10 Abrams Loon Heavy rock, Alternative Black Metal (6) 6 posts Black metal (1) 1 post Death Metal (3) 3 posts Doom (35) 35 posts Experimental (2) 2 posts Garage Rock (5) 5 posts Grunge (3) 3 posts Hard Rock (16) 16 posts Hardcore (17) 17 posts Heavy Metal (1) 1 post Heavy Rock (18) 18 posts Math Rock (12) 12 posts Metal (11) 11 posts Noise Rock (5) 5 posts Noise rock (5) 5 posts Post Hardcore (1) 1 post Post Metal (21) 21 posts Post Rock (4) 4 posts Power Metal (1) 1 post Progressive Metal (7) 7 posts Progressive Rock (7) 7 posts Psychedelic rock (33) 33 posts Punk (20) 20 posts Shoegaze (2) 2 posts Sludge (34) 34 posts Space Rock (6) 6 posts Stoner Rock (69) 69 posts metalcore (1) 1 post

OHMs Peak brings you artists and their work in the rock music community. See inspiring album covers and posters in heavy metal, stoner rock, doom, etc. OHMmage to the Artist Artist: Cauê Piloto (Brazil) Inspiration: Bruegel, Hieronymus Bosch, John Martin, Turner, Beksinski Artist: Nicolas Fantoni (Brazil) Inspiration: SYoshitaka Amano, Yoji Shinkawa, Ayami Kojima Artist: Timon Kokott Art Work (Germany) Inspiration: Dan Seagrave, René Magritte, Caspar David Friendrich and H.R. Giger Artist: Soares Illustration & Design (Portugal) Inspiration: Salvador Dali, William Morris, Wes Wilson and Ken Taylor Artist: Bloodyspirit (France) Inspiration: GODMACHINE, Defame and Mark Riddick AlexEckmanLawn (USA) Inspiration: Dave Mckean, Katsuhiro Otomo and Moebius Darren Grealish (USA) Inspir ation: Andy Warhol and Marc Rude Nouvo Creative (United Kingdom) Inspiration: Frances Macdonald MacNa ir and Alphonse Mucha Threadbare Artwork (Belgium) Inspiration: Sarah Moon an d Kyle Cooper Alexander Hettel Artwork (Germany) Inspiration: Salvador Dali, H.R. Giger and John Dyer Baizley Jesse DeNobrega Inspiration: Brian Chippendale, used CD stores, Yoko Ono, Love Love Hill Lex Percepied (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Inspiration: Dali, Drugs, Psilocybe, Spacerock Mihai Manescu Illustrations Inspiration: Al. Durer, H.R. Giger, Zbigniew M. Bielak, Ken Taylor Ghost Ghost Teeth (California) Inspiration: My daughter Missfelidae Illustration (Linz, Austria) Inspiration: Jean Giraud Moebius, Caw Cooper and Moki Mioke Nikita Kaun (Russia) ZONUMENT - Artworks (United Kingdom) Inspiration: 2000AD Artists, John Hicklenton and Simon Bisley Jo Riou (France) Inspira tion: Art Nouveau, Heavy metal artists from 70's, 80's Miodeus (Poland) Inspiration: Old horror and sci-fi movie posters Khoa Le (Vietnam) Inspiration: Myself Irrwisch Art Design (Austria) Inspira tion: LP cover artworks from Dad Vasco Duarte (Portugal) Inspiration: Victo Ngai, Moebius, Sergi Brosa, Alphonse Much a Roberto Toderico (Italy) Inspira tion: Simon Bisley, Roger Dean, Gustave Dore Burning Moon (Belgium) Inspiration: Zoé and Nicolas SkullCult Inspiration: HR Giger, Aubrey Beard sley, Albrecht Dürer Jared Nichols (US) Inspiration: My Alexander Calder, David Gilmour, Frank Zappa Eliran Kantor (Berlin, Germany) Inspiration: John Kricfalusi, Terry Gilliam Antoine Defarges (France) Inspiration: Alphonse Mucha Chris Panatier (USA) Inspiration: Jeremy Geddes, Mucha, John Baizley Marie Bergeron (Montreal, Canada) Inspiratio n: Sam Spratt, Olly Moss, Erik Jones, Kim Jung Gi Barbara Ana Gomez (London) Inspiration: Alphonse Mucha, Yuko Shimizu, Paul X. Johnson Distorted Designs (Berlin,Germany) Inspiration: Pierre-Alain D. and Nekr Merrilee Challiss (Birmingham, Alabama) Inspiration: Gustav Klimt, African & Aboriginal art Sgraffito Art Illustrations (Iceland) Inspiration: Early 20th Century Illustration Dominic Sohor (Bolton, UK) Inspiration: Tony Hart Dale Simpson (England) Inspiration: Rick Griffin Art is the gateway to see and feel what a band represents. When seeking out artists, what draws you in, the album cover? Well, there’s no better feeling than discovering that heavy gem with terrific artistry and music to match. See our favorite artists and their work here. Artist: Eeviac (Brazil) Inspiration: Storm Thorgerson, Winston Smith, Frank Kozik Black Metal (6) 6 posts Black metal (1) 1 post Death Metal (3) 3 posts Doom (35) 35 posts Experimental (2) 2 posts Garage Rock (5) 5 posts Grunge (3) 3 posts Hard Rock (16) 16 posts Hardcore (17) 17 posts Heavy Metal (1) 1 post Heavy Rock (18) 18 posts Math Rock (12) 12 posts Metal (11) 11 posts Noise Rock (5) 5 posts Noise rock (5) 5 posts Post Hardcore (1) 1 post Post Metal (21) 21 posts Post Rock (4) 4 posts Power Metal (1) 1 post Progressive Metal (7) 7 posts Progressive Rock (7) 7 posts Psychedelic rock (33) 33 posts Punk (20) 20 posts Shoegaze (2) 2 posts Sludge (34) 34 posts Space Rock (6) 6 posts Stoner Rock (69) 69 posts metalcore (1) 1 post

Rotation11.com is committed to expanding your heavy rock and metal music collection by introducing you to bands who fly under the radar and more importantly expose talent that would otherwise go unnoticed. Embark on a journey to explore the elite in heavy music. Covering Doom, Stoner, Psychedelic and all heavy sub-genres. Our goal is to bring fourth the heavy albums that hit majestic heights. How does an album reach OHM's Peak? Our Rigorous Screening Process (RSP) searches through vast landscapes to bring you the finest in elite heavy music. We do the work, you enjoy the majestic sonic vista. Contact us via email at info@ohmspeak.com or message us on Social . About OHM's Peak Black Metal (6) 6 posts Black metal (1) 1 post Death Metal (3) 3 posts Doom (35) 35 posts Experimental (2) 2 posts Garage Rock (5) 5 posts Grunge (3) 3 posts Hard Rock (16) 16 posts Hardcore (17) 17 posts Heavy Metal (1) 1 post Heavy Rock (18) 18 posts Math Rock (12) 12 posts Metal (11) 11 posts Noise Rock (5) 5 posts Noise rock (5) 5 posts Post Hardcore (1) 1 post Post Metal (21) 21 posts Post Rock (4) 4 posts Power Metal (1) 1 post Progressive Metal (7) 7 posts Progressive Rock (7) 7 posts Psychedelic rock (33) 33 posts Punk (20) 20 posts Shoegaze (2) 2 posts Sludge (34) 34 posts Space Rock (6) 6 posts Stoner Rock (69) 69 posts metalcore (1) 1 post