1968 Royal Bastards CD Review
I first discovered the UK Stoner Metal band 1968 when they self-released their debut album “Ballads of the Godless” back in 2018. At the time, I was knee-deep in the Doom/Stoner scene, running with a crew that kept my ears full and my wallet empty. I rarely miss anything, but I’m also a total snob when it comes to this kind of music, I’m tough as hell to impress.
But 1968 broke through my defenses immediately. Their debut wasn’t just RIFFS, it ripped. The songs were tight, the musicianship next-level, and the energy was off the charts. It was one of those rare records that made me go, “Okay, these dudes get it.”
Sadly, like many great bands in niche scenes, they didn’t get the love they deserved. Sometimes the Stoner/Doom crowd can be a little too cool for their own good, but I won’t climb that soapbox. Just know that while others slept, I was all in. I snagged everything I could, vinyl, digital (even though I hate digital), whatever. My crown jewel, the band’s debut LP, one of the first 100 pressings. I also nabbed their “Live in Los Angeles EP” recorded at the Whisky during their first U.S. tour, another must-have if you're even pretending to be into this genre.
A while back, the band announced vocalist Jimi would be stepping down, and Andrew Valiant (of Flamebearer, and previously, Oak) would take his place. I hadn’t heard of him, couldn’t find much to sample, and decided to wait for 1968 to drop something new.
Well, the wait is finally over. Their latest album, “Royal Bastards”, arrives June 19 via No Profit Recordings, and let me tell you, it rips harder than I ever thought possible.
The moment the album hit my inbox, I dove in expecting to get my shit rocked, and that’s exactly what happened. 1968 does not disappoint. No shade to Jimi, but Andrew’s arrival has injected a fresh, ferocious edge into the band. Where Jimi flowed within the groove, Andrew snarls, screams, and charges against it. His vocals are meaner, grittier, turning the fuzzed-out riff worship into something more volatile and more aggressive. It’s not just about the volume and tone anymore; it’s about destruction and devastation.
Imagine a younger, rowdier Corrosion of Conformity crossed with nastier version of Red Wizard, and you’ll be getting close.
Their first single, “Endless Game”, wastes no time unleashing HELL. Andrew's vocals absolutely soar, shifting from clean tones to throat-shredding screams without losing an ounce of energy. It’s jarring, sure, but never dull. It fits the band’s evolving mystique perfectly. And those riffs, straight-up guitar wizardry. This is a masterclass in how to riff hard and rip with precision.
Next up: “Jawmelter.” And yes, that title is accurate, it’s a bone-breaker. It starts with a funky, heavy groove that builds and explodes like a warhead. The guitar tone has a vintage Cream vibe, think “Strange Brew” on steroids.
Then there’s “Scorched Earth”, which leans into the band’s doomier instincts: tuned low, played slow, and absolutely crushing. Andrew shines again, his vocals cutting through like a preacher delivering fire and brimstone.
The band dials it back a bit with “Softly Spoken”, which has a cosmic, Pink Floyd-esque feel while keeping that 1968 flavor. It's a perfect track to appreciate the richness and timbre of Andrew’s clean vocals. Finally, the album closes with “Merlin”, an epic that opens with some mystical flute work, yes, flute, and somehow makes it work. I usually don’t vibe with that stuff, but here? It’s voodoo witch magic. Yes, there a few more tracks to be dealt with, but I didn’t want to give every single piece of the album away – go have a listen!
To be honest, I was worried about how the band would sound after the lineup change. But “Royal Bastards” isn’t a step sideways, it’s a leap forward. 1968 sounds like a band that’s fully grown into its skin. They’re not chasing trends or trying to fit in; they're kicking the damned door down!
Don’t sleep on this record. “Royal Bastards” is essential. RIFFS, rage, soul, and sonic destruction, 1968 is back, and they mean business.