UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS “Shapes of Midnight”

Killer Candy Records, September 18, 2026

Genre: Psychedelic Rock/Doom Metal
Website: https://www.facebook.com/uncleacid
Duration: 44:56
Country: United Kingdom
Cool Songs: “House by the Grave,” “Don’t Let it Control You,” “I Won’t Sleep (‘Til You’re Gone)”

“Shapes of Midnight” marks the seventh full-length by Cambridge’s own, UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS. This album is a return to a riff-eccentric Doom Metal and Psychedelic Rock of previous records. It follows “Nell’ Ora Blue,” which featured soundtrack-like synth-prog inspired by artists such as GOBLIN. Very much influenced by horror and the occult, UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS sites the godfather of horror, Edgar Allan Poe as inspiration for “Shapes of Midnight,” specifically his short story “The Masque of the Red Death.”  While there are similarities to the story, UNCLE ACID has crafted their own story.

Just like any band with a heavy hand of Doom, BLACK SABBATH is an influence instrumentally. This sound pops up on the opening track “House By the Grave.” This track features a Sabbath-esque groove that repeats throughout the song. The group rides this riff, but eventually they pick up the tempo near the end of the track, which in turn lends a progressive slant to their Doom.  Being influenced by SABBATH, the group incorporates Bluesy riffs on tracks like “Sleep No More.” This track shows them using keys and guitar solos, resulting in a layered sound. Keys add a touch of psychedelia. For example, listen to “Sleep No More” and the cinematic opening of “Psycho on the Loose.”  “I Won’t Sleep” shows an Acid Jazz influence by their use of saxophone. The saxophone caught me off guard at first at how well it works. “Psycho on the Loose” begin with synth that would have worked well on their last album.

While there are many tempos and grooves reminiscent of BLACK SABBATH, there are just as many differences. The keys are one main difference as are the vocals. I wasn’t sold on the vocals at first, but Kevin Starrs’s gentle voice grew on me. It also helps that the group has a knack for writings hooks. “Don’t Let it Control You” and “Sleep No More” include repeated, catchy chorus lines.

There is no shortage of Doom bands, especially Stoner Doom, in today’s Metal scene. UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS certainly have elements of these bands, but they have enough of their own characteristics that makes it impossible to lump them in with the rest of the SABBATH-loving bands. From the vocals to the keyboards to saxophone and the way they craft their chorus lines, “Shapes of Midnight” has all the hallmarks of a band with their own vision. They do what they do and they do it well.  Don’t get me wrong, fans of Doom Metal will love “Shapes of Midnight,” but UNCLE ACID will stand out with the best of them!

Tracklist:

1. House by the Grave
2. Shapes of Midnight
3. When Evil Wakes
4. Don’t Let it Control You
5. Psycho on the Loose
6. I Won’t Sleep (‘Til Your Gone)
7. The Other Side of the Sky
8. Sleep No More

Lineup:

Kevin Starrs-Guitars (lead), Vocals, Guitars (acoustic), Keyboards
Vaughn Stokes-Guitars (rhythm), Vocals (backing)
Jon Rice-Drums
Jus Smith-Bass
Rachel Burnett-Vocals (backing) Saxophone

Rate: 8.5/10