The Third Eye

There’s nothing more refreshing than a band that goes against the grain. Nashville-based stoner rockers Dead Runes certainly do. In a city known for country music, Dead Runes makes head-bangable, dynamic, fuzz-drenched rock ‘n roll. They will not get invited to play at The Country Music Hall of Fame anytime soon, but I imagine they can care less.

Dead Runes recently released their debut full-length album, Raidho, on February 7th, and they’ve been busy playing shows and promoting the record. I’ve been in touch with the band lately, as they’re dedicated Third Eye readers, but that’s not the only reason I decided to review their new record. Despite my recent leanings toward ambient and softer stuff, I still have a soft spot for stoner rock.

Dead Runes bring the frantic anxiety of Mastodon mixed with the chill, majestic vibes of The Sword, and they invite us to bang our heads with them on the new album. They’re an independent band with no label and no management, just a few guys who love rock ‘n roll trying to make it work.

“Every dollar you spend with us helps us to tour, record, and continue to put out the heavy fuzz. Thank you for your support!” the band says in their Bandcamp bio. With those words, they sum up the beauty of underground music.

The band initially formed in 2016 but got sidetracked with other projects. They revived Dead Runes in 2022, and they’ve been more serious about making music since then. The new record comes with a vinyl version, and they’re excited to share the tunes with the world.

Despite their love of fuzz, Raidho is a moody album chock full of more subdued vibes to go with the harder-rocking parts. “Secrets of Mountains” is the first track, a gorgeous instrumental that’s heavy despite its cinematic sweep. “Allfathers Path” follows –  a higher-tempo number more in line with what you’d expect from a stoner rock group. “My Freya” is one of the record’s singles, a song that chugs along in a progressive metal style and doesn’t disappoint.

“Iron Song” starts with an excellent contemplative quality before exploding in fits and starts into a higher-energy rocker. It’s probably one of the better-written songs on the album, in my opinion. The title track is the record’s longest song, a moody guitar-driven composition that shows Dead Runes pulling from the well of prog-metal again with technical prowess. “Different Stars” has perhaps the most interesting guitar riffs on the record, with a melodic tone that reminded me of Iron Maiden. “Sea Tripper” ends the album epically, as it barrels on for eight minutes-plus in a sludgy stoner metal march.

Dead Runes’ first album is an excellent debut, and I imagine they’ll be welcomed with open arms in the heavy underground. However, I guess they’ve already gathered a sizable following in Nashville. Fans of All Them Witches, Elder, Down, and Kyuss should enjoy what these stoner rockers offer on Raidho. Enjoy!

Check out Raidho by Dead Runes on Bandcamp here.

Support Dead Runes by finding them on Bandcamp or Instagram.

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