Multi-instrumentalist Craig Williamson’s Dead Shrine project released one of the most captivating albums of 2023. The Eightfold Path, a blend of bluesy heavy psych and doomed riffs, appeared on many end-of-year lists, including my top twenty albums of 2023. Dig in to his list of influential albums, dust off a couple of these albums (The Cult!!), then put The Eightfold Path on heavy repeat!
Stoned Guitar
The Human Instinct
The original New Zealand power-trio from 1970, where it all begins. The wailing extended solos of Billy TK, the solid as hell Bass lines of Neil Edwards holding it all together, and the unique – playing-standing-up, all over the place drumming and bluesy vocals of the legendary Maurice Geer… the fuzz tones, the delayed out leads, the songs mostly written by the equally legendary Jesse Harper. Just amazing.
Growers of Mushroom
Leaf Hound
From 1971, and a stone cold classic. Every song is just just amazing. Pete French’s vocals on this one are so inspiring too, a big influence.
The Ethereal Mirror
Cathedral
When this came out I freaked… the groove, the Sabbath influence, Lee Dorrians weird-ass-fuck vocal delivery, a great album
Manic Frustration
Trouble
This is their master piece in my opinion! Rick Rubin produced, and total killer album from start to finish, Eric Wagner in top form, as is the whole band really. Channelling some sort of hippie, Sabbath, Doors, Zeppelin vibe. One of the big influences getting started this one.
Superjudge
Monster Magnet
When I first heard this one I was blown away, and still am. The crusty Space-Psych-Stooges thing they bring is totally unique. I know most would probably choose “Dopes to Infinity” over this one, but for me it’s the early MM vibe that wins out. Dave Wyndorf at his acid-fried best.
Sonic Temple
The Cult
Everyone knows this one, and I bet they’d agree it’s their best by far. Ian Astbury’s bluesy vocal with Billy Duffy’s wailing guitar work is so inspiring, great songs all the way through, and a big big influence on all of us in the 90s.
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
This is where things changed, especially for Brent and I when we started Datura in August 1992… fed up with a lot of the “new” rock and metal music coming out at the time, this album was a complete salvation for us. The vibe, the tortured vocals, the lead-bass, the blues, it’s all here… This album, and Stoned Guitar started the direction that I’m still on today.