heavy-metal-darkness: Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows |Inexorable Opposites |Magnetic Eye Records

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows |Inexorable Opposites |Magnetic Eye Records

Release Date February 6^th, 2026
Format CD/LP/Digital
Genre Psychedelic Western Rock, Stoner Rock
Country Australia

Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows emerged from the dusty Australian heavy underground as a fuzz-soaked beast driven by out-there sci-fi western concepts. For years, they have been dealing out massive riffs and distorted trips centered around their fictional outlaw character. As a prominent name in the stoner scene down under, the project grew from a solitary bedroom vision into a full-fledged sonic gang. Now, unleashing their fourth full-length, "Inexorable Opposites", via Magnetic Eye Records, these desert rockers are expanding their weird universe with fresh blood behind the drum kit.

"Inexorable Opposites" brings a massive shift in percussion dynamics. Brayden Becher steps up to bash the skins and the auditory difference strikes immediately. The rhythmic foundation stomps intensely. Tracking those drums with outside engineer Lewis Noke-Edwards gave the entire album a massive sonic upgrade. The percussion snaps loudly and drives the songs forward, providing a relentless pulse for the gigantic fuzz guitars to ride over.

This album explores extreme sonic territories for the gang. We get the most punishingly heavy moments they have put to tape alongside their most delicate musical explorations. Tim Coutts-Smith brings real-world mental health observations into the lyrics, shifting focus slightly away from purely fictional outlaws to deeply personal dualities. The words tackle real human contradictions, adding a darker psychological layer to the usual sci-fi western madness. The songwriting collaboration runs deeper this time around.

The heavy riffs deliver the head-nodding groove that stoner maniacs crave. Sometimes the transition between the super harsh sludge elements and the quieter, psychedelic whispering gets a little disjointed. A few tracks wander slightly in the desert sun before finding the main riff again. Even with those wandering moments, the sheer fuzz worship keeps the listener hooked. "Inexorable Opposites" unloads the psychedelic dirt we want from these Australian riff slingers. The guitars wail loudly and the amps sound like they are melting down.

This release is a seriously cool trip that provides plenty of heavy guitar worship. Some sections drift a little too far into the psychedelic ether. Thankfully, the skull-rattling riffs always return to save the day. Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows offer a loud, fuzzy ride through the badlands. Turn the stereo up and let the feedback take over.

Score: 7.0