Playgroundz Rocks

Playgroundz Rocks Also home to Playgroundz Records. Welcome to Playgroundz Rocks, Where Heavy Music Starts. No pay-to-play, no hype.

www.playgroundz.rocks
Doom Charts Contributor
Media | Blog | Reviews | Label

Independent music platform covering underground rock, doom, stoner, and heavy psych through reviews, features, and release coverage. Playgroundz Rocks is an independent underground music platform covering heavy rock, doom metal, stoner rock, sludge, psych, and metal. It operates as both a music media blog (Playgroundz Ro

cks) and a grassroots record label (Playgroundz Records), focused on honest coverage and artist-first support. This channel features underground album reviews, music premieres, full-album streams, interviews, and scene commentary. Coverage highlights independent bands and labels with an emphasis on tone, atmosphere, songwriting, and production. Playgroundz Records works with select artists on release strategy, production, promotion, and distribution, rooted in a DIY ethic and long term development. Content includes:
Underground album reviews
Doom, stoner, sludge, and heavy rock premieres
Full-length album streams
Artist interviews and features
Grassroots label releases

Subscribe for underground heavy music and independent scene coverage. HISTORY
The Origins(2005-2008) - Pioneers of Streaming Live Concerts

Playgroundz was conceived by Michael D'Amato and co-founded with Kevin Farrell in 2005. After previously starting out as a record label under a different name, we transitioned to a website that showcased and promoted bands. In the winter of 2005, Michael D'Amato began experimenting with live streams in his home, from one computer to another being broadcasted from room to room. In 2006, those experiments and pitching the idea of live streaming concerts to the owner and manager of the venue opened the door for us to become the house live streaming engineers at The Vintage Lounge, in Levittown, NY. In February 2006, Playgroundz began streaming friday night band shows and broadcasted their first live show on their website. In March 2006, we also began streaming tuesday night open mic nights along with the friday night band nights. August 5th, 2006 we hosted The Playgroundz Summer Music Festival at The Vintage Lounge. February 2007 we hosted The Playgroundz Winter Festival at The Vintage Lounge. August 2007 Playgroundz is televised on channel 13 WLIW, News 12, and aired on the radio at 102.3FM WBAB. August 24th, 2007 we hosted The Playgroundz Long Island Rocks For Freedom Concert at The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre and streamed it live for the troops overseas. August 30th, 2008 we hosted the 2nd Playgroundz Long Island Rocks For Freedom Concert at The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre and streamed it live for the troops overseas. In the fall of 2008, Kevin Farrell left Playgroundz and we dissolved the corporation. In 2009 as the sole proprieter, Playgroundz continued to showcase new bands from around the world on the website. Introduction To The Recording Artists(2010-2023)

In 2010, Michael D'Amato formed a 4 piece rock metal band with long time friends called District 13. District 13, now known as Shots In Order, is Playgroundz first recording artist. On August 1st, 2010, District 13 opened a show for Michael Schenker Group(UFO), and George Lynch(Dokken, The Lynch Mob) at The Crazy Donkey. August 2010 District 13 was televised on channel 1 FIOS. March 26th, 2011, Playgroundz hosted The Playgroundz Recess Revolution Concert at Mulcahy's of Centerreach. On the bill would be their very own District 13 along with other bands. June 25th, 2011, Playgroundz hosted The 2nd Playgroundz Recess Revolution at Mulcay's of Centerreach. November 17th, 2015, Shots In Order (formerly known as District 13) releases their debut album EP. May 24th, 2018 Shots In Order releases their second album EP titled Predatory. October 2020, Glass Steigal releases their debut album EP

February 2021, 10% Reptile releases their debut album EP "The Big Boycott"

September 2023, 10% Reptile releases Holographic Fuzz, Their second album EP.

The Doom Charts March 2026
04/04/2026

The Doom Charts March 2026

“And then one day you findThe Doom Charts have got behind youNo one told you when to runYou missed the starting gun…” ~ misheard Pink Floyd lyrics… The Doom Charts is made u…

🔥🔥FEBRUARY 2026 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES🔥🔥👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks...
03/14/2026

🔥🔥FEBRUARY 2026 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES🔥🔥
👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks 👉 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/313/february-2026-best-new-heavy-album-releases

1. STAR BEAST - STAR BEAST II (BLACK THRONE PRODUCTIONS)
2. FATIMA - PRIMAL (BLACK ROBES RECORDS)
3. SUPLECS - HYMNS UNDER A BLOOD MOON SKY (RIPPLE MUSIC)
4. HERMANO - CLISSON, FRANCE (RIPPLE MUSIC)
5. OREYEON - THE GOTESQUE WITHIN (SELF RELEASED)
6. JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS - INEXPLORABLE OPPOSITES (MAGNETIC EYE RECORDS)
7. STARGO - VIOLENT SKIES (SELF RELEASED)
8. LOW COUNTRY JAM MACHINE - OUTTA SIGHT (SELF RELEASED)
9. IZZY AND THE BLACK TREES - KISSES TO CHAOS (SELF RELEASED)
10. BORRACHO - ETERNOS - (REPETITIVE HEAVY GROOVES RECORDS)
11. WEEDPECKER - V (SELF RELEASED)

🤘Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts

The Doom Charts February 2026
03/06/2026

The Doom Charts February 2026

“Traveler now reach the stream, the audial flight adapterFrom the pain-sheath sound ascends – the Non-returner hearsEmpathy release me – and the Doom Chart rise triumphant…&…

Hey, it's Bandcamp Friday from Playgroundz Records. Bandcamp skips their fees. Every dollar you spend today goes straigh...
03/06/2026

Hey, it's Bandcamp Friday from Playgroundz Records. Bandcamp skips their fees. Every dollar you spend today goes straight to the artists or label.

Check out our catalog: CD's, digital, all $5. Digital included with CD.

Still sounds killer!

👉 playgroundzrecords.bandcamp.com

Hey, it's Bandcamp Friday from Playgroundz Records. Bandcamp skips their fees. Every dollar you spend today goes straigh...
03/06/2026

Hey, it's Bandcamp Friday from Playgroundz Records. Bandcamp skips their fees. Every dollar you spend today goes straight to the artists or label.

Check out our catalog: CD's, digital, all $5. Digital included with CD.

Still sounds killer!

👉

Welcome to Playgroundz Records. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to artist development. From production and mixing to marketing and distribution, we offer comprehensive support every step of the way. At Playgroundz Records, the spotlight is on you, and the world is listening.

STAR BEAST -  STARBEAST IIPsych, Stoner, Grunge/Indie, DoomToronto, OntarioBlack Throne ProductionsReleased February 27,...
03/04/2026

STAR BEAST - STARBEAST II
Psych, Stoner, Grunge/Indie, Doom
Toronto, Ontario
Black Throne Productions

Released February 27, 2026

As someone who came of age in the 80s and early 90s, moving from metal into the rise of alternative and indie, but whose foundation has always been rooted in the blues heavy rock of the 60s and 70s, Star Beast II hits a familiar but darker nerve for me. Where the debut carried a bit more immediacy, this record leans further into shadow, dialing back the pop edge and embracing a moodier, slightly more obscure character. The blend of classic rock depth with a 90s indie sensibility gives the album a darker, introspective weight, where the hooks are still present but wrapped in a moodier, more shadowed atmosphere. Star Beast does it again, awesome!!!

Published here 👇

STAR BEAST -  STARBEAST IIPsych, Stoner, DoomToronto, OntarioBlack Throne Productions Released February 27, 2026 As someone who came of age in the 80s and early 90s, moving from metal into the rise of alternative and indie, but whose foundation has always been rooted in the blues heavy rock of the ...

Universal Heat Death crawls forward on thick, fuzzed out riffs that feel heavy in both weight and intent, balancing doom...
02/21/2026

Universal Heat Death crawls forward on thick, fuzzed out riffs that feel heavy in both weight and intent, balancing doom pressure with a gritty blues undercurrent. The band lets the songs breathe just enough, using atmosphere and restraint to build tension rather than crushing everything. Vocals and guitars stay raw and expressive, giving the album a worn, end of the road feel that fits the theme without ever feeling forced.
Indica Blues

🔥I LISTEN TO MORE GREAT MUSIC NOW THEN EVER BEFORE (FEBRUARY 2026)👉New releases, upcoming drops, rediscovered gems, and ...
02/21/2026

🔥I LISTEN TO MORE GREAT MUSIC NOW THEN EVER BEFORE (FEBRUARY 2026)
👉New releases, upcoming drops, rediscovered gems, and recent finds.
👇Below is a curated list of albums, songs, and bands currently in heavy rotation. Dig in.
https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/311/i-listen-to-more-great-music-now-then-ever-before-february-2026

Brimstone Coven Fátima Stargo Gozer_music Borracho Star Beast SUPLECS

I LISTEN TO MORE GREAT MUSIC NOW THEN EVER BEFORE (FEBRUARY 2026) New releases, upcoming drops, rediscovered gems, and recent finds. Below is a curated list of albums, songs, and bands currently in heavy rotation. Dig in. Clisson, France by Hermano Eternos by Borracho Star Beast II by Star Beast Hym...

02/21/2026

“Too much love will kill youIf you can’t make up your mindTorn between the Doom Charts and the album you leave behind…” ~ probably mixheard Queen lyrics… No we did not…

🔥🔥JANUARY 2026 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES🔥🔥👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks ...
02/14/2026

🔥🔥JANUARY 2026 BEST NEW HEAVY ALBUM RELEASES🔥🔥
👉My vote submission to the Doom Charts and published on Playgroundz Rocks 👉 https://www.playgroundz.rocks/playgroundz/blog/310/january-2026-best-new-heavy-album-releases

1. REDWOOD - TIME TO LOSE (NORTHERN BUFFALO PRODUCTIONS)
2. DEMONS MY FRIENDS - DEMONS SEEM TO GATHER (RIPPLE MUSIC)
3. PLANET HUNTER - SOOTHSAYER (SELF RELEASED)
4. TEMPTRESS - HEAL (BLUES FUNERAL RECORDINGS)
5. SKY VALLEY MISTRESS - LUNA MAUSOLEUM (NEW HEAVY SOUNDS)
6. INDICA BLUES - UNIVERSAL HEAT DEATH
7.RITUAL ARCANA - RITUAL ARCANA (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
8. IRON HEAD - FUNDAMENTAL (SKULLISM RECORDS)
9. CAPACOPTER - CAPACOPTER (SELF RELEASED)
10. LORD ELEPHANT - ULTRA SOUL (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
11. UNDER - WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUNDWOOD (APF RECORDS)
12. AEON TEMPLE - RESURFACED (SELF RELEASED)
13. NEW MEXICAN DOOM CULT - ZAGGURAT (MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS)

🤘Every month, from around the globe some of the finest bloggers, journalists, radio, podcasters and reviewers from the heavy underground submit their picks for the best new doom, sludge, metal, stoner, psychedelic and heavy rock albums and submit them to the Doom Charts.

The first of the year. January 2026 Doom Charts! Congratulations to all the bands that made the list.
02/08/2026

The first of the year. January 2026 Doom Charts! Congratulations to all the bands that made the list.

“Affection, it can’t be combined withperfection something so divinewe could’ve had our own little worldbut you chose to run away with the… Doom Charts…” ~ probab…

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https://www.playgroundz.rocks/

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