Formed in Brazil in 2013, The Red Crow gradually carved out a place among the cult bands on the expansive desert rock and stoner metal scene over the next few years. The band could’ve reached it’s end when founding member Christiano Vieira relocated to Portugal in 2022, but deciding he had more to give, he retained the old name and assembled a new band.

The “new” Red Crow come with just as much musical muscle, and their current single ‘Haunted Eyes’ is a treat for both long time fans and new listeners alike. Its riff heavy style provides both a deep, semi-sludgy tone and a melodic immediacy that captures a classic stoner style almost instantly, and the way Veiera works a heavy chug in a way that mixes the Sabbath-esque with the strains of ‘Make Them Die Slowly’ era White Zombie with a sinister croon sets up a metal oriented treat that really doesn’t mess around. In some ways, the track flaunts a relatively simple style, but the hard edged mid tempo is a perfect base for a gravel-edged vocal and strangely bluesy lead guitar that arrives late with an almost psychedelic quality. If anything makes this performance, though, its the way a chugging bass is used as musical glue. The bottom end sound is always presented high in the end mix, and its meaty approach truly reinforces the trio’s stoner core.

The Red Crow may well be down to their last original member – and effectively been Christiano Vieira and a new collective – since 2022, but ‘Haunted Eyes’ is the kind of track that proves this stoner act is far from done. Those who love a heavy, retro riff will certainly find much to enjoy here.

Take a listen to ‘Haunted Eyes’ below.