Russian Circles from Chicago stands as a cornerstone in the instrumental post-metal scene, renowned for their masterful fusion of crushing heaviness and hauntingly beautiful atmospherics. The band’s lineup, guitarist Mike Sullivan, bassist Brian Cook, and drummer Dave Turncrantz, crafts music that transcends traditional metal boundaries, weaving complex rhythms, swirling melodies, and immersive textures into cinematic soundscapes. Their albums, including the critically lauded ‘Gnosis’, reveal a band unafraid to explore emotional depths and sonic extremes, blending moments of explosive intensity with passages of subtle introspection. Russian Circles’ live performances are wellkonown for their raw and powerful, showcasing their precision and passion.

Hermano are back and burning brighter than ever! This legendary stoner rock force, led by John Garcia (Kyuss) and company, returned in 2024 with their new album’ When the Moon Was High’, reigniting their signature blend of heavy blues riffs and raw, soulful power. Hermano’s infectious passion and tight chemistry shine through every performance, proving once again why they are a cornerstone of modern stoner rock. After years of periodical activity, they’re gearing up for a high anticipated show during Sonic Whip.

Fueled by driving riffs, swirling atmospheres, and a commanding ’70s-inspired groove, King Buffalo from Rochester, New York channels the heart of heavy psych while boldly venturing into progressive and contemporary territory. Formed in 2013 by vocalist/guitarist Sean McVay, bassist Dan Reynolds, and drummer Scott Donaldson, the band has built a reputation through intense live shows and a prolific discography that includes several full-length albums and EPs. Recent releases, including their pandemic trilogy ‘The Burden of Restlessness’, ‘Acheron’, and ‘Regenerator’, explore themes of struggle and redemption across sprawling journeys of heavy psych and space rock. Listeners are drawn in by immersive soundscapes, emotional intensity, and an unwavering energy that place this band firmly at the forefront of modern psychedelic underground rock, an undeniable force in the genre. Brand new material is underway!

The Sword is a true cornerstone of American stoner rock hailing from Austin, Texas, where they formed in 2003. Their sound merges dense, fuzz-laden riffs and hypnotic grooves with heavy metal’s doom-laden intensity, creating expansive sonic landscapes that immerse listeners in a psychedelic experience. Albums like ‘Age of Winters’ and ‘Warp Riders’ showcase the band’s flair for weaving cosmic and mythological themes through thick, swirling guitars and propulsive rhythms. With a deep respect for classic stoner rock traditions and a progressive edge, The Sword crafts music that is both heavy and atmospheric, delivering intense live performances which transport you into realms of hypnotic, psychedelic riffing and storytelling.

The unstoppable trio from Earthless channels the spirit of classic rock, krautrock, and raw blues into electrifying live shows packed with soaring guitar solos, thunderous rhythms, and boundless energy. The band from San Diego ignite every stage with explosive instrumental jams, unleashing a cosmic storm of psychedelic riffs, deep grooves, and wild improvisation that leave audiences breathless. Plug in and experience Earthless live: pure, unfiltered power for the true seekers of mind-warping sound.Their latest performance during Sonic Whip 2022 was nothing short but brilliant.

Pelican is a pioneering instrumental post-metal band from Chicago, Illinois. Known for their dense, atmospheric soundscapes, Pelican masterfully blends elements of post-rock, stoner rock, and doom metal into extended compositions that are both powerful and evocative. Their music is characterized by intricate melodies, heavy riffs, and dynamic shifts that take listeners on immersive journeys without the use of vocals. With a rich catalog including albums like ‘City of Echoes’ and ‘Nighttime Stories’, Pelican stands out as a cornerstone of the post-metal scene, delivering powerful, thoughtful, and expansive and sonical music that resonates deeply with fans of heavy, atmospheric instrumental rock with a psychedelic touch.

The dynamic two-piece rock band Cardiel formed in Mexico City in 2010 by drummer Samantha Ambrosio and guitarist/vocalist Miguel Fraino, both originally from Valencia, Venezuela. Their fierce sound blends skaterock, fuzz punk, and psychedelic dub, capturing the raw energy of skate culture with heavy riffs and intense rhythms. Known for relentless touring and electrifying live shows, Cardiel thrives on delivering a powerful mix of speed, heavy fuzz, and hypnotic grooves that keep audiences energized and engaged.

If you’re wondering whether there is incredible psychedelic noise rock hailing from Taipei, the answer is a resounding yes. Dope Purple delivers fuzz-drenched guitars, brooding synths, and walls of feedback to forge a sound all their own, one that often erupts into intense, ritualistic live performances. Albums like ‘Grateful End’ and ‘Children in the Darkness’ capture their improvised yet deliberate chaos, distilling the raw energy of their sessions into a visceral experience. Dope Purple transcend language and culture, channeling music as a primal, expressive force that strikes deep with fans of experimental psychrock. Don’t miss them, this band truly comes alive on stage.

The Swiss five-piece of Fomies are known for their fuzzed-out blend of garage punk, surf, and heavy psychedelic rock, channeling wild energy with a distinctive DIY ethos. Their latest album, ‘Liminality’ dives deep into genre-bending jams and hypnotic riffage, forging a sound that’s as raw and unpredictable live as it is in the studio. For fans of krautrock, psych, and explosive performances, Fomies deliver pure lo-fi magic from the Vaud Riviera.

KLÄMP are an ever-evolving, star-studded collective with members spanning the UK and Netherlands, featuring artists from bands like IDLES, Pulled Apart By Horses, Mugstar, and Petbrick. Their sound fuses a wild array of genres delivering unpredictable, high-intensity live performances and textured sonic explorations. From krautrock, breakcore, industrial, post-punk and beyond. Their latest album ‘TOTAAL TECHNIEK’ showcases KLÄMP’s fearless journey into new, raw, and euphoric musical realms, ideal for listeners craving a bold, genre-blurring experience. Definitely a must see!

Ferocious and uncompromising, that’s one way to describe Ronker. Emerging from the heart of Belgium’s swamplands with a sound that blends raw noise rock, post-punk urgency, and ’90s alternative metal grit. Known for their visceral, frantic energy and intense live performances, Ronker delivers music that’s both unpolished and emotionally charged, combining abrasive guitars and pounding rhythms with a DIY ethos. Their debut album ‘FIAFTNSLABB’ captures the band’s bipolar nature merging the reckless abandon of post-punk with the concrete power of alternative noise, creating a unique blend that is both simple and richly textured. Ronker is staking its claim in the European underground with fearless, dynamic rock that refuses to conform. Definitely a band to check out if you’re the adventurous type.

SKLOSS is a space-gaze duo formed in Austin, Texas, with roots stretching to Glasgow. Fronted by drummer Karen Skloss and guitarist Sandy Carson, the pair fuse heavy psych, doom, and shoegaze into a propulsion-filled live experience. Their music rides a tight, pulse-driven rhythm section and soaring guitar textures, creating a immersive cosmos where cosmic melodies crash into jagged riffs. Since debutting, SKLOSS has carved a reputation for explosive, intimate performances. Traveling between continents, SKLOSS retains a raw, kinetic energy that translates exceptionally well to the stage, thus making this one you don’t want to miss!

Smote is the creative project of multi-instrumentalist Daniel Foggin from Newcastle, UK, known for crafting expansive, atmospheric compositions that blend drone, noise, doom, and folk elements into a dark and immersive sonic experience. Since its inception in 2020, Smote has been praised for creating majestic soundscapes that evoke ancient folklore and ritualistic energy, with a powerful emotional depth and a unique blend of heaviness and subtle grace. Their latest album, ‘A Grand Stream’, embodies this philosophy, delivering a raw yet sophisticated journey through massive layers of sound that demand patient, attentive listening. Smote’s music transcends typical genre boundaries, offering a hypnotic, elemental force that stands out in the modern experimental rock scene.