#diamodhead — Public Fediverse posts

Junior year tends to make or break a band. No one expects too much from freshmen, but Professor Druhm1 recognized potential in doomsters Early Moods, awarding their self-titled debut (2022) an enthusiastic B+. We didn’t cover it, but the band’s follow-up fell victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, albeit modestly. A Sinner’s Past (2024) continued proving Early Moods to be attentive students of classic doom and NWOBHM, but at 50 minutes, mistakes quantity for quality. Returning from summer vacation, this LA quintet excitedly arrives on campus with their third full-length, Ready for the Grave. As their new headmaster, I’m hoping Early Moods will crack the books and return to (or even exceed) their marks from freshman year. Subsequently, I urge them to avoid excessive extracurriculars, as well as temptation by those extra extracurriculars (down by the bushes outside campus).

Influenced as they are by the classics, Early Moods do not come off as plagiarists. Guitarists Oscar Hernandez and Eddie Andrade channel Black Sabbath and Trouble in their proclivity for huge riffs and wah-wah’d solos, while the likes of Iron Maiden and Diamond Head show up by way of epic harmonies and middle-gear chuggery. The eponymous opener perfectly exemplifies the band’s mixing of doom and NWOBHM. “Ready for the Grave” kicks off with a simple, snakey, and slow riff that quickly turns into a driving force. Early Moods are not in want of riffs, as demonstrated by the dark, doomy goodness littered throughout “Inquisition” (an album highlight). Rhythm section Elix Felciano (bass) and Chris Flores (drums) are no slouches, invigorating these songs via changes in time signature and tempo (“The Prowler,” “When Light Fades”). Above it all are the charming cords of Alberto Alcaraz, which quiver, drawl, and boom, to much delight. His is a perfect doom vocal for me: sentimental without feeling schmaltzy. Presented through well-balanced, warm production, Ready for the Grave sounds of the late-70s/early 80s, but none of its obvious influences ever completely take over. Undoubtedly, Early Moods posses their own voice.

Ready for the Grave stands as high-quality work for its satisfyingly subtle songwriting. Early Moods primarily stick to the time-tested verse-chorus-bridge formula, though this shouldn’t suggest monotony. Indeed, the songs feel like features for different facets of the band, whether it’s the indelible riffing (“Inquisition”), pulsating grooves (“Thy Eternal Grief”), or spooky synths (“The Prowler”).2 Small choices, too, end up paying larger dividends than expected. Ending with a third verse, for example (“Ready for the Grave”), or fading out on an appropriately titled song (“When Light Fades”), all suggest a band paying careful attention to detail. At 7 tracks in 41 minutes, Ready for the Grave returns to a winning formula. Coupling the shorter track count of A Sinner’s Past with the overall brevity of the debut, Early Moods play to their strengths, offering listeners well-crafted tunes that breathe.

Alright, it’s time to break out the red pen. My first criticism concerns pacing. Ready for the Grave kicks the door in with two fantastic cuts (“Ready for the Grave,” “Inquisition”), but it takes a small but noticeable dip afterwards. The album turns to a solid change of pace with a pseudo-ballad for song three (“Thy Eternal Grief”), but Ready for the Grave never quite reaches the heights of its opening duo. “Thy Eternal Grief” brings up a second, minor knock, concerning the vocals. As discussed, Alcaraz generally kills it, but there are moments when his voice feels strained, or where he could make sparse sections more colorful by exploring his range (“When Light Fades”). And finally, some bolts could be tightened, despite my general enthusiasm for the songwriting. Some riff vampings here (“Ready for the Grave”) and abrupt endings there (“Her Wicked Spells”) call for minor, local revisions.

All told, I am pleased to report that Early Moods are more than back on track in their junior year. Ready for the Grave vastly improves upon its overlong predecessor, and it ever-so-slightly supersedes the band’s promising debut. It’s a record that’s both catchy and spacious, with distinguishing elements that make it rise above simple nostalgia. Fans of doom and NWOBHM especially owe it to themselves to become familiar with these promising pupils, if they haven’t already. Next time around, I don’t foresee Early Moods catching Senioritis—in fact, they seem poised to pass through Gates of Greatness, in due time.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: RidingEasy Records
Websites: Instagram | Facebook
Releases Worldwide: September 18th, 2026

Junior year tends to make or break a band. No one expects too much from freshmen, but Professor Druhm1 recognized potential in doomsters Early Moods, awarding their self-titled debut (2022) an enthusiastic B+. We didn’t cover it, but the band’s follow-up fell victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, albeit modestly. A Sinner’s Past (2024) continued proving Early Moods to be attentive students of classic doom and NWOBHM, but at 50 minutes, mistakes quantity for quality. Returning from summer vacation, this LA quintet excitedly arrives on campus with their third full-length, Ready for the Grave. As their new headmaster, I’m hoping Early Moods will crack the books and return to (or even exceed) their marks from freshman year. Subsequently, I urge them to avoid excessive extracurriculars, as well as temptation by those extra extracurriculars (down by the bushes outside campus).

Influenced as they are by the classics, Early Moods do not come off as plagiarists. Guitarists Oscar Hernandez and Eddie Andrade channel Black Sabbath and Trouble in their proclivity for huge riffs and wah-wah’d solos, while the likes of Iron Maiden and Diamond Head show up by way of epic harmonies and middle-gear chuggery. The eponymous opener perfectly exemplifies the band’s mixing of doom and NWOBHM. “Ready for the Grave” kicks off with a simple, snakey, and slow riff that quickly turns into a driving force. Early Moods are not in want of riffs, as demonstrated by the dark, doomy goodness littered throughout “Inquisition” (an album highlight). Rhythm section Elix Felciano (bass) and Chris Flores (drums) are no slouches, invigorating these songs via changes in time signature and tempo (“The Prowler,” “When Light Fades”). Above it all are the charming cords of Alberto Alcaraz, which quiver, drawl, and boom, to much delight. His is a perfect doom vocal for me: sentimental without feeling schmaltzy. Presented through well-balanced, warm production, Ready for the Grave sounds of the late-70s/early 80s, but none of its obvious influences ever completely take over. Undoubtedly, Early Moods posses their own voice.

Ready for the Grave stands as high-quality work for its satisfyingly subtle songwriting. Early Moods primarily stick to the time-tested verse-chorus-bridge formula, though this shouldn’t suggest monotony. Indeed, the songs feel like features for different facets of the band, whether it’s the indelible riffing (“Inquisition”), pulsating grooves (“Thy Eternal Grief”), or spooky synths (“The Prowler”).2 Small choices, too, end up paying larger dividends than expected. Ending with a third verse, for example (“Ready for the Grave”), or fading out on an appropriately titled song (“When Light Fades”), all suggest a band paying careful attention to detail. At 7 tracks in 41 minutes, Ready for the Grave returns to a winning formula. Coupling the shorter track count of A Sinner’s Past with the overall brevity of the debut, Early Moods play to their strengths, offering listeners well-crafted tunes that breathe.

Alright, it’s time to break out the red pen. My first criticism concerns pacing. Ready for the Grave kicks the door in with two fantastic cuts (“Ready for the Grave,” “Inquisition”), but it takes a small but noticeable dip afterwards. The album turns to a solid change of pace with a pseudo-ballad for song three (“Thy Eternal Grief”), but Ready for the Grave never quite reaches the heights of its opening duo. “Thy Eternal Grief” brings up a second, minor knock, concerning the vocals. As discussed, Alcaraz generally kills it, but there are moments when his voice feels strained, or where he could make sparse sections more colorful by exploring his range (“When Light Fades”). And finally, some bolts could be tightened, despite my general enthusiasm for the songwriting. Some riff vampings here (“Ready for the Grave”) and abrupt endings there (“Her Wicked Spells”) call for minor, local revisions.

All told, I am pleased to report that Early Moods are more than back on track in their junior year. Ready for the Grave vastly improves upon its overlong predecessor, and it ever-so-slightly supersedes the band’s promising debut. It’s a record that’s both catchy and spacious, with distinguishing elements that make it rise above simple nostalgia. Fans of doom and NWOBHM especially owe it to themselves to become familiar with these promising pupils, if they haven’t already. Next time around, I don’t foresee Early Moods catching Senioritis—in fact, they seem poised to pass through Gates of Greatness, in due time.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: RidingEasy Records
Websites: Instagram | Facebook
Releases Worldwide: September 18th, 2026

Junior year tends to make or break a band. No one expects too much from freshmen, but Professor Druhm1 recognized potential in doomsters Early Moods, awarding their self-titled debut (2022) an enthusiastic B+. We didn’t cover it, but the band’s follow-up fell victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, albeit modestly. A Sinner’s Past (2024) continued proving Early Moods to be attentive students of classic doom and NWOBHM, but at 50 minutes, mistakes quantity for quality. Returning from summer vacation, this LA quintet excitedly arrives on campus with their third full-length, Ready for the Grave. As their new headmaster, I’m hoping Early Moods will crack the books and return to (or even exceed) their marks from freshman year. Subsequently, I urge them to avoid excessive extracurriculars, as well as temptation by those extra extracurriculars (down by the bushes outside campus).

Influenced as they are by the classics, Early Moods do not come off as plagiarists. Guitarists Oscar Hernandez and Eddie Andrade channel Black Sabbath and Trouble in their proclivity for huge riffs and wah-wah’d solos, while the likes of Iron Maiden and Diamond Head show up by way of epic harmonies and middle-gear chuggery. The eponymous opener perfectly exemplifies the band’s mixing of doom and NWOBHM. “Ready for the Grave” kicks off with a simple, snakey, and slow riff that quickly turns into a driving force. Early Moods are not in want of riffs, as demonstrated by the dark, doomy goodness littered throughout “Inquisition” (an album highlight). Rhythm section Elix Felciano (bass) and Chris Flores (drums) are no slouches, invigorating these songs via changes in time signature and tempo (“The Prowler,” “When Light Fades”). Above it all are the charming cords of Alberto Alcaraz, which quiver, drawl, and boom, to much delight. His is a perfect doom vocal for me: sentimental without feeling schmaltzy. Presented through well-balanced, warm production, Ready for the Grave sounds of the late-70s/early 80s, but none of its obvious influences ever completely take over. Undoubtedly, Early Moods posses their own voice.

Ready for the Grave stands as high-quality work for its satisfyingly subtle songwriting. Early Moods primarily stick to the time-tested verse-chorus-bridge formula, though this shouldn’t suggest monotony. Indeed, the songs feel like features for different facets of the band, whether it’s the indelible riffing (“Inquisition”), pulsating grooves (“Thy Eternal Grief”), or spooky synths (“The Prowler”).2 Small choices, too, end up paying larger dividends than expected. Ending with a third verse, for example (“Ready for the Grave”), or fading out on an appropriately titled song (“When Light Fades”), all suggest a band paying careful attention to detail. At 7 tracks in 41 minutes, Ready for the Grave returns to a winning formula. Coupling the shorter track count of A Sinner’s Past with the overall brevity of the debut, Early Moods play to their strengths, offering listeners well-crafted tunes that breathe.

Alright, it’s time to break out the red pen. My first criticism concerns pacing. Ready for the Grave kicks the door in with two fantastic cuts (“Ready for the Grave,” “Inquisition”), but it takes a small but noticeable dip afterwards. The album turns to a solid change of pace with a pseudo-ballad for song three (“Thy Eternal Grief”), but Ready for the Grave never quite reaches the heights of its opening duo. “Thy Eternal Grief” brings up a second, minor knock, concerning the vocals. As discussed, Alcaraz generally kills it, but there are moments when his voice feels strained, or where he could make sparse sections more colorful by exploring his range (“When Light Fades”). And finally, some bolts could be tightened, despite my general enthusiasm for the songwriting. Some riff vampings here (“Ready for the Grave”) and abrupt endings there (“Her Wicked Spells”) call for minor, local revisions.

All told, I am pleased to report that Early Moods are more than back on track in their junior year. Ready for the Grave vastly improves upon its overlong predecessor, and it ever-so-slightly supersedes the band’s promising debut. It’s a record that’s both catchy and spacious, with distinguishing elements that make it rise above simple nostalgia. Fans of doom and NWOBHM especially owe it to themselves to become familiar with these promising pupils, if they haven’t already. Next time around, I don’t foresee Early Moods catching Senioritis—in fact, they seem poised to pass through Gates of Greatness, in due time.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: RidingEasy Records
Websites: Instagram | Facebook
Releases Worldwide: September 18th, 2026

Junior year tends to make or break a band. No one expects too much from freshmen, but Professor Druhm1 recognized potential in doomsters Early Moods, awarding their self-titled debut (2022) an enthusiastic B+. We didn’t cover it, but the band’s follow-up fell victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, albeit modestly. A Sinner’s Past (2024) continued proving Early Moods to be attentive students of classic doom and NWOBHM, but at 50 minutes, mistakes quantity for quality. Returning from summer vacation, this LA quintet excitedly arrives on campus with their third full-length, Ready for the Grave. As their new headmaster, I’m hoping Early Moods will crack the books and return to (or even exceed) their marks from freshman year. Subsequently, I urge them to avoid excessive extracurriculars, as well as temptation by those extra extracurriculars (down by the bushes outside campus).

Influenced as they are by the classics, Early Moods do not come off as plagiarists. Guitarists Oscar Hernandez and Eddie Andrade channel Black Sabbath and Trouble in their proclivity for huge riffs and wah-wah’d solos, while the likes of Iron Maiden and Diamond Head show up by way of epic harmonies and middle-gear chuggery. The eponymous opener perfectly exemplifies the band’s mixing of doom and NWOBHM. “Ready for the Grave” kicks off with a simple, snakey, and slow riff that quickly turns into a driving force. Early Moods are not in want of riffs, as demonstrated by the dark, doomy goodness littered throughout “Inquisition” (an album highlight). Rhythm section Elix Felciano (bass) and Chris Flores (drums) are no slouches, invigorating these songs via changes in time signature and tempo (“The Prowler,” “When Light Fades”). Above it all are the charming cords of Alberto Alcaraz, which quiver, drawl, and boom, to much delight. His is a perfect doom vocal for me: sentimental without feeling schmaltzy. Presented through well-balanced, warm production, Ready for the Grave sounds of the late-70s/early 80s, but none of its obvious influences ever completely take over. Undoubtedly, Early Moods posses their own voice.

Ready for the Grave stands as high-quality work for its satisfyingly subtle songwriting. Early Moods primarily stick to the time-tested verse-chorus-bridge formula, though this shouldn’t suggest monotony. Indeed, the songs feel like features for different facets of the band, whether it’s the indelible riffing (“Inquisition”), pulsating grooves (“Thy Eternal Grief”), or spooky synths (“The Prowler”).2 Small choices, too, end up paying larger dividends than expected. Ending with a third verse, for example (“Ready for the Grave”), or fading out on an appropriately titled song (“When Light Fades”), all suggest a band paying careful attention to detail. At 7 tracks in 41 minutes, Ready for the Grave returns to a winning formula. Coupling the shorter track count of A Sinner’s Past with the overall brevity of the debut, Early Moods play to their strengths, offering listeners well-crafted tunes that breathe.

Alright, it’s time to break out the red pen. My first criticism concerns pacing. Ready for the Grave kicks the door in with two fantastic cuts (“Ready for the Grave,” “Inquisition”), but it takes a small but noticeable dip afterwards. The album turns to a solid change of pace with a pseudo-ballad for song three (“Thy Eternal Grief”), but Ready for the Grave never quite reaches the heights of its opening duo. “Thy Eternal Grief” brings up a second, minor knock, concerning the vocals. As discussed, Alcaraz generally kills it, but there are moments when his voice feels strained, or where he could make sparse sections more colorful by exploring his range (“When Light Fades”). And finally, some bolts could be tightened, despite my general enthusiasm for the songwriting. Some riff vampings here (“Ready for the Grave”) and abrupt endings there (“Her Wicked Spells”) call for minor, local revisions.

All told, I am pleased to report that Early Moods are more than back on track in their junior year. Ready for the Grave vastly improves upon its overlong predecessor, and it ever-so-slightly supersedes the band’s promising debut. It’s a record that’s both catchy and spacious, with distinguishing elements that make it rise above simple nostalgia. Fans of doom and NWOBHM especially owe it to themselves to become familiar with these promising pupils, if they haven’t already. Next time around, I don’t foresee Early Moods catching Senioritis—in fact, they seem poised to pass through Gates of Greatness, in due time.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: RidingEasy Records
Websites: Instagram | Facebook
Releases Worldwide: September 18th, 2026

Junior year tends to make or break a band. No one expects too much from freshmen, but Professor Druhm1 recognized potential in doomsters Early Moods, awarding their self-titled debut (2022) an enthusiastic B+. We didn’t cover it, but the band’s follow-up fell victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, albeit modestly. A Sinner’s Past (2024) continued proving Early Moods to be attentive students of classic doom and NWOBHM, but at 50 minutes, mistakes quantity for quality. Returning from summer vacation, this LA quintet excitedly arrives on campus with their third full-length, Ready for the Grave. As their new headmaster, I’m hoping Early Moods will crack the books and return to (or even exceed) their marks from freshman year. Subsequently, I urge them to avoid excessive extracurriculars, as well as temptation by those extra extracurriculars (down by the bushes outside campus).

Influenced as they are by the classics, Early Moods do not come off as plagiarists. Guitarists Oscar Hernandez and Eddie Andrade channel Black Sabbath and Trouble in their proclivity for huge riffs and wah-wah’d solos, while the likes of Iron Maiden and Diamond Head show up by way of epic harmonies and middle-gear chuggery. The eponymous opener perfectly exemplifies the band’s mixing of doom and NWOBHM. “Ready for the Grave” kicks off with a simple, snakey, and slow riff that quickly turns into a driving force. Early Moods are not in want of riffs, as demonstrated by the dark, doomy goodness littered throughout “Inquisition” (an album highlight). Rhythm section Elix Felciano (bass) and Chris Flores (drums) are no slouches, invigorating these songs via changes in time signature and tempo (“The Prowler,” “When Light Fades”). Above it all are the charming cords of Alberto Alcaraz, which quiver, drawl, and boom, to much delight. His is a perfect doom vocal for me: sentimental without feeling schmaltzy. Presented through well-balanced, warm production, Ready for the Grave sounds of the late-70s/early 80s, but none of its obvious influences ever completely take over. Undoubtedly, Early Moods posses their own voice.

Ready for the Grave stands as high-quality work for its satisfyingly subtle songwriting. Early Moods primarily stick to the time-tested verse-chorus-bridge formula, though this shouldn’t suggest monotony. Indeed, the songs feel like features for different facets of the band, whether it’s the indelible riffing (“Inquisition”), pulsating grooves (“Thy Eternal Grief”), or spooky synths (“The Prowler”).2 Small choices, too, end up paying larger dividends than expected. Ending with a third verse, for example (“Ready for the Grave”), or fading out on an appropriately titled song (“When Light Fades”), all suggest a band paying careful attention to detail. At 7 tracks in 41 minutes, Ready for the Grave returns to a winning formula. Coupling the shorter track count of A Sinner’s Past with the overall brevity of the debut, Early Moods play to their strengths, offering listeners well-crafted tunes that breathe.

Alright, it’s time to break out the red pen. My first criticism concerns pacing. Ready for the Grave kicks the door in with two fantastic cuts (“Ready for the Grave,” “Inquisition”), but it takes a small but noticeable dip afterwards. The album turns to a solid change of pace with a pseudo-ballad for song three (“Thy Eternal Grief”), but Ready for the Grave never quite reaches the heights of its opening duo. “Thy Eternal Grief” brings up a second, minor knock, concerning the vocals. As discussed, Alcaraz generally kills it, but there are moments when his voice feels strained, or where he could make sparse sections more colorful by exploring his range (“When Light Fades”). And finally, some bolts could be tightened, despite my general enthusiasm for the songwriting. Some riff vampings here (“Ready for the Grave”) and abrupt endings there (“Her Wicked Spells”) call for minor, local revisions.

All told, I am pleased to report that Early Moods are more than back on track in their junior year. Ready for the Grave vastly improves upon its overlong predecessor, and it ever-so-slightly supersedes the band’s promising debut. It’s a record that’s both catchy and spacious, with distinguishing elements that make it rise above simple nostalgia. Fans of doom and NWOBHM especially owe it to themselves to become familiar with these promising pupils, if they haven’t already. Next time around, I don’t foresee Early Moods catching Senioritis—in fact, they seem poised to pass through Gates of Greatness, in due time.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: RidingEasy Records
Websites: Instagram | Facebook
Releases Worldwide: September 18th, 2026