Stone Nomads – Empires of Stone
Release Date: 21st November 2025
Label: Ripple Music
Bandcamp
Genre: Doom, Sludge, Progressive.
FFO: Crowbar, Pantera, High on Fire, Obituary.
Review By: Hillary Wisniewski
Stone Nomads, a trio hailing from Houston, Texas, formed in 2021 and quickly established themselves within the heavy music scene. Empires of Stone marks their third full-length album, showcasing the band’s commitment to their crushing roots while also venturing into more progressive territory. Drawing inspiration from personal tragedy, the album delves into themes of mortality and fear, reflecting the emotional weight behind their songwriting. Stone Nomads channel the essence of classic doom metal bands like Black Sabbath and Trouble, and further enrich their sound with influences from acts such as Obituary, Crowbar, and Pantera, resulting in a powerful and multifaceted musical experience.
These gents deliver an album that blends thunderous, heavy hitting sounds with a touch of progressive sentiments. The majority of tracks boast hefty, sludgy, and grooving riffs which, at times, are drawn-out in the typical styles of doom, creating a dense and immersive atmosphere. Throughout the record, listeners are treated to flashy guitar solos that pay homage to the legendary Dimebag Darrell, adding a layer of technical flair that stands out. The low end is anchored by a Mastodon-inspired heaviness, particularly reminiscent of Troy Sanders’ bass work, while the percussion is solid and provides a strong backbone, balancing the album’s rich textures. Melodic guitar lines frequently cut through the sludge, ensuring the music remains dynamic and avoids becoming monotonous. Transitions between songs are generally smooth and well-executed, maintaining cohesion and preventing the album from feeling messy. Having said that, though, there is a short filler track that doesn’t connect the preceding and following songs effectively. Vocally, the album occasionally stumbles, with moments where the vocals seem out of place in the mix, detracting from the overall experience. Some may disagree on this point, but the vocals just weren’t my cup of tea as a whole.
In general, this is solid work that will appeal to many folks. It isn’t treading into experimental territory, but rather serves the purpose of combining some tried and true sounds into a package that is delivered with gusto. If you are looking to go back to some metal roots, then Stone Nomads will help you find your way.
(3.5 / 5)
