THE RE-STONED Instrumental power-trio THE RE-STONED was formed in Moscow in 2008 when guitarist and composer Ilya Lipkin (known for his work with psychedelic-fusion band RUSHUS and neo-folk ensemble WALDSONNE) dedicated himself to heavy-psychedelic-rock and stoner-fuzz music. “It was a sort of deliberate Re-turn to the music I always loved to listen and play," says Ilya. Despite THE RE-STONED are not traditionally fronted by a lead singer and follow completely instrumental path, they are arguably the most welcomed and popular live act among Russian heavy rock revivalists. Since their inception, THE RE-STONED produced five studio LP-albums and one live album; three of these recordings were re-issued on vinyl by Nasoni Records in Germany and HeadSpin Records in Holland under exclusive licenses from R.A.I.G. Records. Follow THE RE-STONED on Facebook.

The Re-Stoned / Totems (2014) A new studio album by the heavy acid-psyche-rock masters THE RE-STONED, “Totems” consists of all instrumental tracks performed by Ilya Lipkin (guitars, mandola, percussion), Alexander Romanov (bass), and Vladimir Muchnov (drums). One of the compositions features guest guitar appearance of Kent Stump of WO FAT. Recorded and mixed by Ilya Lipkin; mastered by Tobias Swensson. Original graphics and fonts by Alexander Zhelonkin. (9 tracks - 58 min.). Recommended for lovers of heavy riffs, solid grooves, and instrumental voodoo! Free streaming or immediate digital download of the album (MP3, FLAC or other formats) is available through Official R.A.I.G. Bandcamp. CD: $13.00 / Digital Download: $8.00

Under exclusive license from R.A.I.G. Records "Totems" was released on vinyl in Holland by HeadSpin Records: 400 black and 100 marbled burgundy wax copies. The vinyl-version has different artwork-solution, sound-mastering and track-listing; it doesn’t include tracks “Melting Stones” and “Violent Harmonics” but features an exclusive vinyl-only miniature.

Review clips:

"I look forward to new Re-Stoned albums as these guys continue to demonstrate that with each new effort they just keep getting better and more interesting, extending themselves beyond the standard Stoner-Psych template. Vocals are typically required with this kind of music but The Re-Stoned make it work as an all instrumental combo with lots of intriguing variety." – by Jerry Kranitz at Aural Innovations (USA) (June 2014).

"Wide-breadth journey into heavy rock groove with touches of psychedelia, plotted jazz-jamming and a raw tonal sensibility... They've never had the most vibrant production, but The Re-Stoned manage to convey a natural feel and confidence as they progress." – by JJ Koczan at The Obelisk (USA) (January 2015).

"The Re-Stoned, Russia's preeminent stoner outfit have thankfully returned to give us yet another mind numbing aural assault, with their latest effort entitled Totems. Totems once again finds the band plowing their way through familiar sonic territory, as they combine their unique blend of ultra-heavy psychedelic rock jams, with elements of jazz and tinges of Eastern themes, that flow effortlessly through these nine, all instrumental compositions. Once again encased in that warm cocoon glow that only an analog recording is able to provide, the songs offered up here, magically take their time to unfold, metamorphosing from the acoustic acid washed blues of 'Melting Stones', to the blissed out cosmic fuzz of 'Hypnosis' and the wah-wah infused workout that permeates throughout 'Chakras'. By the time the listener hit's the didgeridoo and Sabbath riffage on the epic 'The Barbarian Hymn' and the atmospheric and trippy 'Shaman', it's a one-two punch like no other. The disc concludes on a high note with 'Sleepwalker' and the thundering vibrations of 'Violet Harmonics'. There isn't an ounce of filler to be found here as Lipkin and his crew have constructed almost an hour's worth of music, that allows the listener to just reach for the volume, simply close their eyes and let the music sweep them away. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. For music of this nature (all instrumental, stoner rock) to be successful, you have to offer a complete listening experience that is both engaging and over and above the norm. In this regard The Re-Stoned never fail to deliver the goods. Totems stands right there, head and shoulders with the band's best work and in fact upon further reflection and repeated listens, it just might be their crowning achievement to date. (Score: 4.5 of 5)" – by Ryan Sparks at Sea Of Tranquility (USA) (February 2015).

More reviews: Musikreviews.de (Germany), New Underground Music (The Netherlands), PsycheMusic (Belgium), Highlife (Issue 7) (The Netherlands), iO Pages (¹123) (The Netherlands).

The Re-Stoned / Re-session V.2 (2013) So it was February 2012, Ilya Lipkin hosted in Moscow Glenda Pescado and Pete Bingham who were travelling in Russia as SENDELICA. One night, he asked if his guests wanted to jam in the studio booked for THE RE-STONED upcoming sessions. Over two hours of live improvisations were recorded at the time by Ilya Lipkin (guitar, effects), Vasily Bartov (drums), Glenda Pescado (bass), and Pete Bingham (guitar). Four improvisations were subsequently picked up by Ilya to produce the “Re-session” album which got completed in February 2013. All engineering, sound-producing, and artworking were done by Ilya Lipkin. (4 tracks - 47 min.). Free streaming or immediate digital download of the album (MP3, FLAC or other formats) is available through Official R.A.I.G. Bandcamp. Pro-duplicated CD-R: OUT-OF-PRINT

Regular or "economy" edition comes in a silkscreen cardboard folder: 70 red-cardboard units and 100 gree-cardboard units. "Box-set Special" (30 ltd.) edition contained a red-cardboard unit, hand-printed silkscreen red t-shirt, and a set of fun-stickers (click the image for details). Under the title "Re-session V.3", the album was released on vinyl in Germany by Nasoni Records: 400 black and 100 yellow wax copies.

Review clips:

"Packed with their trademark space heavy rock, Re-Session V.2 has all parties firing on all pistons. Sea Monk kicks it off, working into a propulsive, hairy frenzy that’s prime for picking up smoking again and driving fast. About half-way through, the pace simmers down for a slow burn crawl that redirects the amped up energy into a spacey counterweight to the opening gallop. Green Line continues the languid smolder with a rubbery bass and bottom end while the guitars bob and weave in and out of each other for a nebulous and free scattering of sparks and flares. Everyone uses the open space to full effect, stretching and receding, dissipating and coalescing for some heavy ether. Though made up of two outfits with distinct sounds and missions, Green Line is all of one mind and goal. They feel as natural playing with each other as they do in their usual posts. Cowboys and Aliens vibrates through the shortest running time, proving these cats have as much handle on condensing their sounds without short-changing the payoff. Though arcs cross and overlay, Cowboys and Aliens has a swampy, bluesy undercurrent that reaches a different kind of apogee even while its gene pool remains in line with the others. Aura gets even more pliable, working in some smoky whiffs that call to mind signals from touchstones like Trower’s Bridge of Sighs and In This Place. Without taking away from any of the guitars’ glowing coals, much of the string work gets downright pretty, and elegant. Aura has as much energy spent and released as the barn-burner Sea Monk, but the end result burns with a more patient fire. That right there is key to Re-Sessions V.2: on all cuts it’s the same combustibles, but you not only get a variety of heat, you get multi-colors that never lose their own special aura even as they blend into the hues that wash over their edges. Just like The Re-Stoned do with their guests." – by Mr. Atavist at Sunrise Ocean Bender (USA) (October 2013).

More reviews: New Underground Music (The Netherlands), Musikreviews.de (Germany).

The Re-Stoned / Plasma (2012) The third studio album by renown heavy-psyche instrumentalists THE RE-STONED, "Plasma" finds axe-master Ilya Lipkin leading his band in new directions. It’s still the same sensual blues-influenced heavy psychedelic rock, but here they’re also rifling through various styles outside the realm of mind-boggling guitar riffs and rough jamming, for the first time incorporating songs with vocals (cover versions of Jefferson Airplane’s “Today” and Pink Floyd’s “Julia Dream” featuring Veronika Martynova on vocal) and electro-acoustic desert-meditations for solo guitar. Performed by Ilya Lipkin (guitars, bass, effects), Vasily Bartov and Pavel Voloshin (drums) with guest appearances of Veronika Martynova of WALDSONNE on vocals, Evgeny Tkachev of YAT-KHA on acoustic percussion, and Arkady Fedotov of VESPERO on synthesizer. Mixed by Ilya Lipkin. Mastered by Tobias Svensson. CD (8 tracks - 59 min.) is housed in a thick rough cardboard folder with silkscreen printing. Free streaming or immediate digital download of the album (MP, FLAC or other formats) is available through Official R.A.I.G. Bandcamp. CD: $13.00 / Digital Download: $8.00

Under exclusive license from R.A.I.G. Records "Plasma" was released on vinyl in Germany by Nasoni Records: 400 black and 100 red wax copies. The vinyl-version has different artwork, sound-mastering and track-listing; it doesn’t include tracks "Grease" and "Acoustic".

Review clips:

"The riffs are tenacious, gritty and full of the requisite grind, but it’s in the dynamic-shifting cuts like Acoustic, the languid and nebulous Alpha Rhythm and two covers with breathy vocals from Veronika Martynova that Plasma not only gains depth, and girth, but gets the full effect and pay-off in contrast. That can be something sorely lacking in bands with the focus on the pummel and pound. The choice, and execution, of the covers say a lot about where The Re-Stoned and Plasma not only come from, but where they are going. Their take on Jefferson Airplane’s Today isn’t only faithful in spirit to the original, but ups the ante on the longing and slightly menaced sexuality of the source without hitting you over the head with the obvious. With Martynova in tow again, they do much the same with Floyd’s Julia Dream, spinning a wobbly hazy veil buoyed by the eider down. Does Plasma have the stones and good sense to get back to the basics? You bet. Grease is a flat-out scorching rocker that comes out of the gate at full gallop and keeps it pumping even when the tempo eases up on the gas pedal. Brother in arms Moon Dust greases the lunar module’s wheels with just the right amount of spiral to keep the heft easily in orbit. So above, so below with Faces of Earth and the Old Testament fury of The Clay God." – by Mr. Atavist at Sunrise Ocean Bender (USA) (January 2013).

"I must say this is hands down the best Re-Stoned album yet. These guys are really growing and progressing nicely. I’m especially impressed with the variety of music as the band explore acoustic and atmospheric realms and even include creatively interpreted covers." – by Jerry Kranitz at Aural Innovations (USA) (February 2013).

"The Re-Stoned and in particular Lipkin as the driving force behind the band impress on all fronts, and if it’s the package housing the CD that gets you to notice the album first, it’s one more thing to be thankful for after you’ve heard it later." – by H.p. Taskmaster at The Obelisk (USA) (February 2013).

More reviews: Far From Moscow (USA), Rate Your Music (USA), New Underground Music (The Netherlands), Musikreviews.de (Germany), Rockblog-Bluesspot (Germany), Psychotropic Zone (Finland), Stonerobixxx (Belgium), Louder Than Hell's interview with The Re-Stoned (USA).

The Re-Stoned / Analog (2011) "Analog", the second studio album by THE RE-STONED took shape in just two weeks, in November-December 2010 when guitarist Ilya Lipkin was teaming up with bassist Vladimir Nikulin and drummer Vladimir Muchnov. The trio improvised and recorded live-in-studio seven instrumental jams; minimal guitar overdubs and light doze of background studio trickery were added subsequently. There are no traditional song-structures here though each piece is amazingly focused. This is heavily produced acid-rock at its best! You will be submerged into a shifting world of spacious grooves, fuzzy riffs, psychedelic obscurities, and pure musicianship on top of these. Mixed by Ilya Lipkin. Mastered by Alisa Coral (SPACE MIRRORS). Artwork and layout by Ilya Lipkin. (7 tracks – 62 min.). Free streaming or immediate digital download of the album (MP3, FLAC or other formats) is available through Official R.A.I.G. Bandcamp. CD: OUT-OF-PRINT

Review clips:

"Analog is the second installment from the great instrumental psychedelic jam machine known as The Re-Stoned. Rather than simply copy the formula established from their first album, they have produced something with a different vibe completely... Less metallic than 'Revealed Gravitation', this album is heavily rooted in psychedelic, sprawling jams that are breath-taking, free-flowing improvisations... The relaxed, acid-drenched atmosphere in combination with the warm production makes this album kind of sensual, strange to say that in relation with a psychedelic, stoner jam band but these tunes sound sexy (perfect f**king music) that still rocks at the same time. Songs are beautifully arranged even with the improvisatory attitude. They can go from slow, bluesy passages to stoner-metal riff rock to moments of spacey psychedelic acid rock and it is all done seamlessly... It is one of the 'must-haves' of 2011. (Score: 9/10)" – by Ed Barnard at Doommantia (USA) (May 2011).

"Music made by instrumental power trios rarely sound this good or are as engaging as what's been offered up here on Analog. The Re-Stoned are the real deal! (Score: 5/5)" – by Ryan Sparks at Sea Of Tranquility (USA) (May 2011).

"Analog is an album that will drag you right into their universe, an album that needs to be cranked right up, an album that is full of trance inducing shamanistic music that won’t leave you in a balance of stasis, music that has found its position in the chaotic universe of all things psychedelic and spacey... The appeal is still towards bands such as Karma To Burn, Hawkwind, Black Sabbath, Electric Wizzard and Phased and any other top quality stoner band, being a perfect place to start the journey of discovery for this band, one which I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with. (Conclusion: 8 out of 10)" – by John O'Boyle at DPRP (UK) (July 2011).

More reviews: Prog Sphere (Serbia), Cosmic Lava (Germany), Metal Library (Russia), The Obelisk (USA), Doomsmoker (Poland), Musikreviews.de (Germany), Aural Innovations (USA), Zeppelin Rock Sabbath (Spain), Sputnikmusic (USA).

The Re-Stoned / Vermel (2011) THE RE-STONED are captured Live at the Vermel Club on August 19, 2010. "Vermel" includes the versions of five compositions from the debut "Revealed Gravitation" album and two non-album tracks, "Jam" and "Return". Performed by Ilya Lipkin (guitars), Vladimir Nikulin (bass), and Andrey Pankratov (drums). No overdubs. Mixed and mastered by Ilya Lipkin. 100-ltd. edition: the disc (7 tracks - 43 min.) comes in a 2-color silkscreen cardboard folder designed by Ilya Lipkin. Pro-duplicated CD-R: OUT-OF-PRINT / Digital Download: FMA free download

Reviews: Far From Moscow (USA), Metal Library (Russia), Sludgelord (UK), FrostClick (USA).

The Re-Stoned / Revealed Gravitation (2010) "Revealed Gravitation" is a debut album by the instrumental power trio THE RE-STONED featuring Ilya Lipkin on guitar, Vladimir Nikulin on bass, and Andrei Pankratov on drums. It follows 4-track demo-EP "Return to the reptiles" of 2009 and offers a combination of heavily fuzzed sound, raw muscular riffage, psychedelic jam-meandering trips, and skilful melodic hooks. Riffing is the essential of each song but the band are not shredders of the simple boogie rock. They care a lot about the arrangement and try to give individual flavor to each composition with a help from friends: Evgeny Tkachev (jembe), Pavel Panfilov (Hammond organ), and Sergey Hodnev (drums). Mixed and mastered by Alisa Coral (SPACE MIRRORS). Recommended for all old-school heavy rock revivalists. (11 tracks - 61 min.). Free streaming or immediate digital download of the album (MP3, FLAC or other formats) is available through Official R.A.I.G. Bandcamp. CD: $11.00 / Digital Download: $7.00

Review clips:

"Make no mistake when you play this music, play it loud, end of, no questions asked, that’s just the way it is. The band have used to great effect, copious amounts of flanged guitar work, phase pedals, tribal, solid, rhythmic drumming, dexterous, groovy bass work, all thrown into the melting pot and jammed out in their own inimitable laid back approach... As a band The Re-Stoned have really recorded a gutsy instrumental album with varying tones and differing approach’s, making each track individual. There’s no mistake where their heart lies on this album, which has allowed them to exercise their vision, creating an album that would appeal to fans of Karma To Burn, Black Sabbath, Electric Wizzard, Phased or any stoner band really. This is an album of quality and class, that doesn’t reinvent the genre, but does participate and contribute well. (Conclusion: 7 out of 10)" – by John O'Boyle at DPRP (UK) (September 2010).

"The cool thing about this band is the amount of ground they cover, from the instrumental sounds of The Atomic Bitchwax, Karma To Burn to space/psych rock sounds of Nebula to Desert Rock of Kyuss to all out 70's riff-rock worship in the style of early Fu Manchu and a lot in-between. The Re-Stoned also pull out its fair of psychedelia as well making this one of the better instrumental albums to be released in recent years. Rather than having some standout tracks and a few fillers, this album is solid throughout and flows wonderfully well so it comes off as an complete piece of work rather than just a collection of songs. The Re-Stoned are a excellent band and very diverse within the framework of instrumental Stoner meets Psychedelic Rock. (Score: 9/10)" – by Ed Barnard at Doommantia (USA) (September 2010).

"While the name of the instrumental Russian trio The Re-Stoned may or may not be some sort of allusion to the stoner rock genre, the fact of the matter is that the music offered up on their debut effort Revealed Gravitation contains significantly more depth than what you'd find on your typical stoner rock disc. This hard rock/ psych power trio specialize in epic jams laden with absolutely monstrous sounding riffs, catchy melodies and layer upon layer of acid soaked atmospherics... This is definitely one wild, sixty minute trip that you'll be glad to take over and over again. If challenging and flawlessly executed, instrumental hard rock, that places full emphasis on both killer riffs and grooves, are up your alley then The Re-Stoned are definitely going to be a band that you'll want to investigate further because Revealed Gravitation will deliver all of that and then some. (Score: 4.5/5)" – by Ryan Sparks at Sea Of Tranquility (USA) (November 2010).

"Their heavy sound is based on the 1970's covering a wide range of musical styles. And the best part of it all is that The Re-Stoned are able to channel all their influences in a multi-phased statement of true virtuosity. For example, 'Moriarty's Blues' is an organ-driven hardrock monster with a brilliant middle section where especially bassist Vladimir Nikultin demonstrates his funky bass skills that takes the song in a completely different direction. But guitarist Ilya Lipkin, too, shines with his excellent guitar work. Regardless whether he pulls out big rip-roaring riffs as, for example, in 'Gravitation' or invokes the spirit of Jimi Hendrix with the help of impeccably fluid guitar solos, his playing remains powerful and varied. Therefore it is only logical that The Re-Stoned do not need a vocalist, because he/she would only distract of the band's strengths. This is a power trio making a lot of noise, sounding big, jammy and hard-edged all at once. Even if they reveal their psychedelic and progressive leanings, this three guys stay focused and never lose their hard-hitting attitude. During such moments The Re-Stoned are situated close to heavy jam bands such as Iota or Earthless, because they also understand their craft. Additionally, there is no lack of ideas. There are a lot of carefully crafted arrangements, which knows how to constantly surprise the listener with another sonic detail. 'Orient of Doom' is refined with a strong Arabian flavor as well as an acoustic percussion instrument named jembe. This track is just one of many highlights on this album and it would take several hours to list them all here. The Re-Stoned can become a major figurehead for the Russian classic/heavy rock scene and 'Revealed Gravitation' is truly an amazing, diversified debut. So, don't let the band name fool you, because this is not the next mediocre stonerrock band." – by Klaus Kleinowski at Cosmic Lava (Germany) (December 2010).

More reviews: Heavy Planet (USA), Metal Library (Russia), Metal Library's interview with The Re-Stoned (Russia), Psychotropic Zone (Finland), Music Waves (France), Concrete Web (Belgium), Doommantia's interview with The Re-Stoned (USA), Prog Sphere (Serbia), Aural Innovations (USA), Something Sweet To Throw Away (Australia).

Rushus / Nine (2008) RUSHUS were a pre-RE-STONED three-piece instrumental band featuring guitarist Ilya Lipkin, bassist Vladimir Nikulin, and percussionist Evgeniy Tkachev (YAT-KHA). The trio's debut studio album is a subtle, textured work with trance-inducing feel that relies much on psychedelic improvisation, ethno-fusion and ambient music. It unfolds slowly but logically, and displays a lot of inner heat with engaging and graceful guitar work, hypnotic and fluid synthpasses, shamanic djembe beat, and bass forging the bridge between rhythm and melody. Mixed and mastered by Alisa Coral (SPACE MIRRORS). CD (9 tracks - 68 min.) comes with the artwork printed on various colored-papers (green, blue, red, orange, and yellow). Free streaming or immediate digital download of the album (MP3, FLAC or other formats) is available through Official R.A.I.G. Bandcamp. CD: $11.00 / Digital Download: $7.00

Review clips:

"Searching for their own inner mounting flame they have opted for a glowing warmth and humaness in their sound, which sometimes evolves into a true burning fire. They never fall out of a basic melodiousness and their contrapoints and disharmonies never fall out of place. Whatever they do, they seem to have a certain plan and they follow it down... Currently I am fascinated by Rushus mainly because of their choice of percussion instruments, because Tkachev plays the congas. I haven’t heard a record where congas played an important role in a music that was progressive and forward bound in quite some time. Tkachev plays them like a half devil most of the time. Especially on the track 'sky horse' he makes the mentioned horses come alive by emulating a driving beat of a horse galopping in full force. A physical achievement in itself, it also sets an intriguing fundament for the screeching guitar sounds of Lipkin and the fleeting bass noises of Nikulin. Very important in this respect, to me at least, is to mention, that inspite of the congas they never once touch into the field that is generally described as ethno or world music... As any good prog-rock or fusion jazz band will, they want to show off as much of their music as possible, therefore they have filled this CD to the brim with 68 minutes of music. But the album stands its own time, does not get boring and if you let yourself fall into it, then you will welcome the evolvement of these nine lengthy as space to roam in freely." – by Georg Gartlgruber at Monochrom-Cracked (Austria) (March 2009).

"Nine is a richly layered and subtle foray that bends together elements of ambient, fusion, and world music with a slight nod towards the avant-garde. Tkachev's work on acoustic percussion and congas gives each of these nine compositions their warm organic feel as Lipkin weaves both his myriad of synthetic sounding space effects and carefully thought out, multi-textured solos. While Nikulin's bass work sounds distinctly absent from the first couple of numbers, his thick & meaty sound finally appears on 'View From Within' as he lays down a nice foundation for Lipkin's jazz tinged guitar work. Cohesiveness is the key word in describing Nine as each composition flows seamlessly into the next so the listener can revel in fully absorbing these trance inducing meditations from beginning to end. Nine comes across as completely natural and organic and Rushus have definitely delivered an impressive debut record, one that sees them already firmly in control of their musical vision. (Score: 4/5)" – by Ryan Sparks at Sea Of Tranquility (USA) (April 2009).

More reviews: MADZ-zine (Russia), DisAgreement (Luxembourg), Progwereld (The Netherlands), Progressive Area (France), Rate Your Music (USA), DPRP (UK), Psychotropic Zone (Finland), MerlinProg (Norway).