Mongrel Records

15/04/2025

We Kill Cowboys have just dropped the gripping new video for their latest single Dead End, taken from their upcoming EP Back From The Dead. Known for fusing, punk, grunge, stoner and post-hardcore into an exciting live experience, We Kill Cowboys deliver their most emotionally charged and visually visceral work to date. The band—formed by tattoo artist and singer-songwriter Alex Muller—has never shied away from confronting difficult truths, and “Dead End” is no exception.

Watch the video - https://youtu.be/aVEjNDMrvUk?si=1R5Kbk6jJva_ndBB

Buy / Stream Dead End - https://orcd.co/dead-end

Alex Muller’s haunting vocals cut through the track’s heavy instrumentation, telling a story that explores both male and female perspectives on abuse, trauma, and the desperate longing for escape. “‘Dead End’ is a powerful and poignant anthem,” Alex explains, “With unflinching honesty, the song weaves together male and female perspectives, illuminating the darkest corners of trauma and the desperate quest for escapism… to be seen, to be loved, and to find a way out of the darkness that can feel like a dead end.”

Adding to the sonic intensity, the band has welcomed long-time friend and producer Floris Le Roux on second guitar. His dynamic guitar work now complements Mornay’s gritty riffs, while Andrew Middelkoop’s thunderous drums and Miggs’ distorted basslines provide a relentless foundation that surges through every track.

The video follows a protagonist haunted by a masked figure, chased through Cape Town’s gritty streets in an adrenaline-fueled escape that collides—literally—with the band and crew, culminating at the shoreline where reality and delusion blur in a powerful, unsettling ending.

The concept for the “Dead End” music video was developed by drummer Andrew Middelkoop, who envisioned a cinematic reflection of the song’s emotional core. “The central concept revolves around trauma and escapism,” Andrew says. “It’s about running from your problems and constantly hitting dead ends. We wanted to visually capture that tension—there’s a moment of false calm in the middle, but it’s all in her head.”

🔗 https://orcd.co/dead-endCape Town’s genre-defying rock rebels We Kill Cowboys return with “Dead End”, a blistering single from their upcoming EP Back From...

11/04/2025

Following the success of their first EP, A Million Ways to Die —a collaboration between Rob Mc Lennan and Dave De Vetta—returns with their highly anticipated second release, WHAT LIES BENEATH.

Buy / Stream the album - https://orcd.co/lies-beneath

Rob and Dave, both originally from the legendary South African band No Friends of Harry, found a way to reignite their musical partnership despite living on opposite sides of the world. With Rob based in Johannesburg and Dave in Edinburgh, their creative process evolved through remote collaboration, leveraging modern technology to compose, record, and produce music together from their respective home studios. Their weekly Zoom sessions—often fuelled by a bottle of tequila—became the cornerstone of their creative synergy, allowing them to craft a fresh and innovative sound while staying true to their roots.

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07/04/2025

"Filthy Hippies never release the same record twice and that makes them a true original act in my mind and firmly keep their reputation as one of South Africa’s best musical exports currently out there. "
Excellent and Highly Recommended." - Thank you Outlaws Of The Sun for the brilliant review of A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy from Filthy Hippies

Read the full review here -

Ex-The Sludgelord Founder Now Doing A New Blog. Expect Reviews, News and Interviews from The Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal World.

04/04/2025

04/04/2025

Happy release day to Filthy Hippies!
Their epic new album "A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy" is exactly that as vocalist Andrew Paine explains, " It's a vibrant yet introspective journey through the highs and lows of life. It’s just reflections on everyday experiences and emotions. A journey through a slightly jaded mind.”

Buy / Stream the album - https://orcd.co/trip-melancholy

The album embraces a message of presence and acceptance, reminding listeners to cherish fleeting moments. “Enjoy every moment as it happens,” says Paine. “Things fade away far too quickly, and life moves in very definite cycles.”

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03/04/2025

Huge thanks to our friends at Outlaws Of The Sun for the worldwide exclusive premiere of Shuggah’s debut single & video, "Amas Veritas"

Taken from her upcoming album, Her Chrysalis, this instrumental post-metal masterpiece drops tomorrow, but you can experience it first—only on Outlaws Of The Sun!

🔗 Watch now: https://outlawsofthesun.blogspot.com/2025/04/exclusive-premiere-of-post-rockpost.html

Ex-The Sludgelord Founder Now Doing A New Blog. Expect Reviews, News and Interviews from The Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal World.

01/04/2025

Here’s the full video for PRETTY LIFE, a track from A Million Ways to Die’s upcoming album, WHAT LIES BENEATH. 🎶🔥

Shot by the incredible Luke Johnstone, known for his raw and unfiltered take on Joburg’s creative underground. This one hits deep—something we’ve all felt before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ue-xUeTAnc

Pre-order What Lies Beneath - https://orcd.co/lies-beneath

https://orcd.co/lies-beneath'Pretty Life' is the second single taken from A Million Ways To Die's forthcoming album 'What Lies Beneath'. Pre Add now. A Milli...

14/03/2025

Cape Town’s psychedelic alternative shoegaze unit, Filthy Hippies, are back with a brand-new single, Get Out Of My Way, a track that encapsulates the frustration and disillusionment of a confrontational experience.

Buy / Stream the track - https://orcd.co/out-of-my-way
Watch the video - https://youtu.be/4B0jhkTvGgE

This new release is taken from their latest album, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy out April 4th. The album marks the band’s final collaboration with longtime comrade Mark Van Zyl before he emigrated to New Zealand at the end of February 2025. His intense creativity will be deeply missed, but the band is grateful for one last sonic deep dive with him.

Inspired by the overwhelming feeling of having just had enough, Get Out Of My Way delivers a passive-aggressive gut punch of fuzzed-out guitars, hypnotic rhythms, and ethereal, layered vocals.

ADD ➤ https://orcd.co/out-of-my-wayDrawing inspiration from the British and American shoegaze era 'Get Out Of My Way' delivers a fresh sound that showcases t...

05/03/2025

Thanks to the mighty Metal Hammer for the 8/10 review for Scatterling Empire from Acid Magus!

28/02/2025

Happy release day to the legendary Plum!
The band is making a triumphant return with their brand-new single, Don’t Stop Believing. This marks their first release since 2005 and signals a bold new era for the iconic group, who have been at the forefront of South Africa’s alternative music scene since 1996.

Buy / Stream Don't Stop Believing - https://orcd.co/dont-stop-believing

Originally formed by seasoned musicians Kevin Leicher, Troy Dougans, and Waz Leicher, Plum quickly established themselves as pioneers of an eclectic sound, blending trip-hop, acid rock, nu-metal, drum n bass, and alternative funk. Following the release of their last album, All and Nothing, the band members pursued other musical ventures, collaborating with South African greats such as Arno Carstens, Chris Chameleon, Josie Fields, and Wonderboom. Now, original members Kevin and Waz have reunited, joined by new drummer Ryan Greenwood and longtime sound expert Stevie G, rekindling their unmistakable chemistry and passion for performance.

Don’t Stop Believing is a powerful anthem of hope and self-belief, crafted through the band’s dynamic signature approach to songwriting. “The inspiration came from the excitement of writing new material again, particularly after a few live performances,” says Kevin. “While we never stopped writing individually, collaborating again—especially for Waz and myself—felt both natural and creatively fulfilling. The spark to reignite Plum with a new single, the first of many, has been an exhilarating journey.”

The single carries a deeply resonant message: “It’s about owning where you are today. Each thought generates energy, that energy drives action, and those actions shape the decisions and realities we live in, explains Waz. “It’s easy to get lost in the negativity of unintended outcomes. The message is to stay humble, show up even when imperfect, and hold onto the hope that belief can inspire—because, ultimately, everything will be okay.”

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21/02/2025

Grit, rebellion, and raw emotion collide as unveils their latest single, Dark Shades of Light, a track that delves into the depths of human struggle and introspection. Hailing from the bustling Pretorian metropolis and the unforgiving streets of Germiston, this five-piece punk powerhouse is ready to shake the scene with their unrelenting energy and evocative storytelling.

Buy / Stream Dark Shades Of Light - https://orcd.co/shades-light

Dark Shades of Light is an anthemic exploration of life’s grey areas—the inescapable complexities that lie beneath the surface. With searing vocals leading the charge, the song captures a feeling of hopelessness and disillusionment, wrapped in The Cavalier’s signature blend of classic punk rock grit and modern sonic intensity.

“There was a lot going on in my personal life at the time,” shares vocalist Jay. “I felt broken, and so did many of those close to me. There was this abyss of powerlessness, and rather than bottling it up, I let it out rhythmically, melodically, and lyrically.”

Written in the band’s shared house, Dark Shades of Light began as an ambient, brooding demo by founding bassist Pete Kelemen. What started with a simple MIDI drum beat and bass line evolved into a deeply introspective anthem as the band transformed Pete’s electronic melodies into a fierce and unfiltered punk rock statement.

Described as mercurial, introspective, hopeless, jaded, and bitter, Dark Shades of Light is not just a song—it’s an emotional reckoning, a rallying cry for those who’ve ever felt trapped in the weight of their own thoughts.

Don your leather jacket, grab your glitter, and get ready—The Cavalier is here to remind you that music is more than just sound; it’s a movement.

21/02/2025

Grit, rebellion, and raw emotion collide as The Cavalier unveils their latest single, Dark Shades of Light, a track that delves into the depths of human struggle and introspection. Hailing from the bustling Pretorian metropolis and the unforgiving streets of Germiston, this five-piece punk powerhouse is ready to shake the scene with their unrelenting energy and evocative storytelling.

Buy / Stream the track - https://orcd.co/shades-light

Dark Shades of Light is an anthemic exploration of life’s grey areas—the inescapable complexities that lie beneath the surface. With searing vocals leading the charge, the song captures a feeling of hopelessness and disillusionment, wrapped in The Cavalier’s signature blend of classic punk rock grit and modern sonic intensity.

“There was a lot going on in my personal life at the time,” shares vocalist Jay. “I felt broken, and so did many of those close to me. There was this abyss of powerlessness, and rather than bottling it up, I let it out rhythmically, melodically, and lyrically.”

Written in the band’s shared house, Dark Shades of Light began as an ambient, brooding demo by founding bassist Pete Kelemen. What started with a simple MIDI drum beat and bass line evolved into a deeply introspective anthem as the band transformed Pete’s electronic melodies into a fierce and unfiltered punk rock statement.

Described as mercurial, introspective, hopeless, jaded, and bitter, Dark Shades of Light is not just a song—it’s an emotional reckoning, a rallying cry for those who’ve ever felt trapped in the weight of their own thoughts.

Don your leather jacket, grab your glitter, and get ready—The Cavalier is here to remind you that music is more than just sound; it’s a movement.

Choose your preferred music service

21/02/2025

In the liminal space where dreams flirt with reality and light dissolves into shadow, Acid Magus, Pretoria’s own experimental rock mavericks, emerge with Scatterling Empire, a monumental ode to defiance, culture, and the unrelenting spirit of resistance. The album is an intricate tapestry of sound, philosophy, and storytelling—a psychedelic journey through the fragmented pieces of history and humanity.

Buy / Stream the album - https://orcd.co/scatterling-empire

The inspiration for Scatterling Empire is deeply rooted in the complexities of human history, particularly the devastation wrought by colonial conquest. “We all feel oppressed at times. That feeling resonates with the stories of conquest throughout human history,” the band reflects. “Colonialism and its unquenchable thirst to conquer culture and uniqueness has threatened the very fibre of what makes us who we are. These musings quickly led to the beginnings of a fantastical tale suited to a psychedelic doom soundtrack.”

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19/02/2025

"From the first track to the last, Acid Magus deliver an utterly gripping listen. One that showcases their power in unforgettable fashion." Thank you Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life for the amazing review of Scatterling Empire, the new album from Acid Magus out on Friday 21st Feb.

Read the full review - https://www.gbhbl.com/album-review-acid-magus-scatterling-empire-mongrel-records/

Pre-order now - https://orcd.co/scatterling-empire

Acid Magus, Pretoria’s own experimental rock mavericks, emerge with Scatterling Empire, a monumental ode to defiance, culture, and the unrelenting spirit of resistance. Set to release on 21st February 2025 via Mongrel Records

14/02/2025

Cape Town’s alternative-psychedelic devotees, Filthy Hippies are back with a brand-new single, Wilt, offering a first taste of their eagerly awaited album, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy, set for release on the 4th of April.

Look out for the video which is premiering on Monday 17th February via The Obelisk

Buy / Stream Wilt - https://orcd.co/-wilt

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13/02/2025

Thank you to Outlaws Of The Sun for the incredible review of Scatterling Empire, the new album from Acid Magus out on the 21st February.

Read the review - https://outlawsofthesun.blogspot.com/2025/02/acid-magus-scatterling-empire-album.html

Pre-save the album - https://orcd.co/scatterling-empire

Ex-The Sludgelord Founder Now Doing A New Blog. Expect Reviews, News and Interviews from The Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal World.

07/02/2025

Self-doubt and disillusion – the calling cards of many artists who tread the fragile tightrope of creativity. For Kathryn Georgina Music , a classically trained pianist and singer, it is the weight of these very feelings that has driven her to share her debut album, Formative.

A heartfelt tribute to the music that shaped her, Formative reimagines hardcore, screamo, and post-hardcore anthems from the 2000s in a strikingly emotive, piano-driven format. From the haunting intensity of Alexisonfire’s Accidents to the ethereal melancholy of Poison the Well’s Pieces of You in Me, Kathryn breathes new life into songs that have long been celebrated for their raw power, revealing the poignant beauty beneath the noise.

Buy / Stream Formative - https://orcd.co/formative
Listen to Formative - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPbNg50ve7U

“Music shapes us all,” says Kathryn. “As an entry point, it makes sense to share the influences that speak volumes, bringing new life to classics but also showcasing the melody in lesser-known genres.”

Inspired by the piano cover albums of Christopher O’Riley (Radiohead, Elliott Smith), Formative is both a personal exploration and a gift to listeners, offering a glimpse into the alternative music scene through Kathryn’s interpretive lens.

“The message of the album is that there is beauty in everything,” Kathryn shares. “The beauty I hear in some of the heaviest tracks, not commonly recognized as beautiful, is translated into lyrical piano music. I feel I have maintained the integrity of the tracks but just painted them with different colours, so to speak.”

The album's creation was as raw as its inspirations. Recorded at home on her electric piano, with her partner Ashley engineering between life’s daily interruptions, Kathryn channeled emotion, frustration, and perseverance into every note. “Even listening to it now is such a love/hate thing,” she admits. “But I’m trying to have grace for myself!”

For fans of emotive, reflective, and transformative music, Kathryn Georgina’s Formative promises to be an experience that is as nostalgic as it is inspiring – a testament to the beauty in every chord and every scream.

07/02/2025

Cape Town’s heavy rock powerhouse, We Kill Cowboys, have released their latest single, "Sweat and Blood," accompanied by a striking music video. The track offers a raw and emotional glimpse into the band’s upcoming album, Back from the Dead, slated for release later this year.

Watch the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYbF2deGi3g

Buy / Stream the track - https://orcd.co/sweat-blood

Front and center, Alex Muller’s powerful, gravel-edged vocals breathe life into thought-provoking and anti-establishment themes. "Sweat and Blood" is no exception. Speaking about the song, Alex shares, “The song is about our own internal, mental struggle. Being in that negative mind loop where you feel disconnected from reality, from yourself. It can be a scary place to go through situations that leave you distrusting yourself. The chorus brings it back—back to letting that s**t go and loving yourself. Trusting yourself by letting go of the thoughts and behaviours that don’t serve your highest good. We’re always searching for that internal peace of mind.”