Kaiser, the Finnish stoner rock trio with riffs heavy enough to shake the Arctic, returns with their sophomore album, 2nd Sound. Scheduled for release on March 7, 2025, via Majestic Mountain Records, this follow-up to their 2018 debut 1st Sound solidifies their reputation as purveyors of thick, fuzz-drenched grooves and unapologetic power.
Formed in 2013 by guitarist/vocalist Otu and drummer RiQ, Kaiser has been a riff machine since its inception. Joined by bassist Pex, the band’s chemistry has been described as “outstanding supreme”—a fitting phrase for a group whose sound combines the raw intensity of Finnish grit with the heavy grooves of stoner rock legends like Kyuss and Sleep. Live, they’re a force of nature, turning gigs into sweat-drenched, sonic rites of passage.
With 2nd Sound, Kaiser builds on their foundation of stoner rock, doom, and fuzz, delivering an album that feels both ferocious and refined. The opening track, “Brotha,” sets the tone with roaring guitars, a groove-laden rhythm section, and Otu’s soulful, slightly raspy vocals. This is stoner rock at its most primal—immediate, visceral, and impossible to ignore.
“1,5 Dozen” kicks up the tempo with a punkish energy that adds some edge to the album’s midsection, while “Meteorhead” ventures into more atmospheric territory, weaving in dynamic builds that erupt into explosive riffs. On “Oversized Load,” the trio leans into their doomier side, with monolithic riffs that crush like an avalanche.
Kaiser also shows a knack for crafting diverse tracks without losing their core identity. The minimalistic and dark “Stood Still” shifts the album’s pace, embracing a moody atmosphere that highlights Kaiser’s ability to explore introspection amidst their usual riff-driven fury. Stripped back yet hauntingly powerful, it provides a moment of shadowy reflection before the beastly “Awaken Monster” drags you back into the fray. “A Clockwork Green” is an adventurous standout, blending psychedelic textures with Kaiser’s trademark heaviness, while the closer, “Aftershock,” leaves a lasting impression with its cathartic energy and intricate arrangements.
What makes 2nd Sound so compelling is its balance of raw power and musicality. Kaiser doesn’t just play heavy—they play smart, incorporating subtle shifts in tone and tempo that keep listeners engaged throughout the album. It’s a sonic evolution that showcases the band’s growing confidence and creativity.
For fans of Black Sabbath, Kyuss, and High on Fire, Kaiser’s 2nd Sound is a must-listen. This is stoner rock at its finest, where crushing riffs meet unrelenting energy, and the cold Finnish climate is no match for the fire these three summon.
Kaiser
Bandcamp: https://kaiserfuzz.bandcamp.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kaiserfuzz
Majestic Mountain
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