Stoke-on-Trent doom mongers Mushroom Beard are ready to unleash their debut album on an unsuspecting public. Their monster riffs and groove-based noise are a revelation. I knew they would be something special as they hail from the all-powerful Pail Wizard camp.
Mushroom Beard – Mushroom Beard
Release Date: 30 October 2026
Words: Kenny Kendrick
The album is a concept album taking us on a journey laced with mystical beings, cosmic layers and full-on psychedelia. I get glimpses of Mastodon, Sabbath, Cathedral and COC. I fully immersed myself in the experience of Mushroom Beard, headphones on, candles lit, and incense burning. The album is a trip without actually ingesting the shrooms. I found myself transported to another plane. Absolutely glorious.
The band were formed by three members of Quiet The Thief, and they set out to make heavier sounds. We get six tracks of world class doom that needs to be heard.
The album opens with the epic March Of The Shroom Elephant, and I feel like I am transported to another realm of consciousness. The spoken word intro gives way to a gargantuan riff of Iomminess. The production is perfect. You FEEL everything. Wondrous.
Elden Beard begins with a gut-wrenching bass riff and melancholy chords before we are lifted to a melodic state of heaviness. The track clocks in at a colossal ten minutes and 34 seconds, but it feels like the track is still over too quickly.
Bringer utilises some Hammond organ to spectacular effect. Mushroom Beard feels like a band that has been around for a long time. They have found their niche and should now stick to it like glue. Guitarist/vocalist Stig Chell plays an absolute blinder throughout the six tracks of the album. His playing is top class, and his vocal style fits perfectly.
Speech Of The Leaf And Beard features a guest appearance by Dan Flitcroft from Sergeant Thunderhoof, one of my favourite bands. His vocals are a welcome addition to the sound of Mushroom Beard. The track chugs along nicely. Drummer Norbert Hussey plays wonderfully throughout the album. He accents the riffs beautifully.
Fungal Haze is my favourite track on the album. I feel like I am floating on a giant mushroom in a rainforest. I am not joking! The ethereal feelings I get from Mushroom Beard are otherworldly.
Trust me, when you listen in the right setting, you will see what I mean. The beautiful album artwork by Vic Silverchild is amazing. It fits the music perfectly.
The album closes with the instrumental Khala – Shai, which is another epically long track. More superb bass work from Gareth Harding helps build the track to a huge, crushing riff from Chell. Layer after layer of awesome sounds drift through my headphones before the track floats away.
Mushroom Beard have accomplished something special here. Do not take my word for it. Go and find your new favourite band.
I know it is mushroom season at the moment, but if you cannot get your hands on any, the Mushroom Beard album is a damn good substitute.
Mushroom Beard is released on 30 October 2026. For more details, visit the band at Bandcamp.
