Howling Giant and Sergeant Thunderhoof - Crucible & Ruin [Olive]

Prepare for liftoff—Crucible & Ruin is a heavy psych triumph with bite, brains, and bone-rattling riffs. Howling Giant level up on their third full-length, now a quartet with the addition of Adrian Lee Zambrano on guitar and synths, and the result is nothing short of seismic.

This olive-colored vinyl edition isn't just eye candy—it houses a sound that's raw, electrifying, and emotionally charged. Tracks like “Siren Call” and “Sunken City” showcase the band’s tighter-than-ever chemistry, leaning into live takes to channel pure room energy. There’s a palpable edge here, a more aggressive spirit than on 2023’s Glass Future, yet the cosmic grooves and soaring melodies still hit just right.

Zambrano’s late-stage entry into the writing process doesn’t slow things down—he adds atmospheric textures and depth that elevate the band’s fuzz-drenched sound. Whether it's the pummeling “Hunter’s Moon” or the hypnotic “Divine Interruption,” the riffs hit hard and stay stuck in your head long after the needle lifts.

Born in Nashville but clearly playing from another dimension, Howling Giant push boundaries without losing that classic rock soul. Crucible & Ruin is bold, blistering, and beautifully put together. Olive vinyl has never sounded so alive—spin it loud and let the riffs reign.

Tracklist

1. Canyons
2. Hunter's Mark
3. Archon
4. Lesser Gods
5. Beholder I: Downfall
6. Archivist
7. Scepter and Scythe
8. Melchor's Bones
9. The Observatory
10. Beholder II: Labyrinth