Electric Desert Records labelmates Electric Desert Records BROADSLAB and The Crooked Skulls join forces with Baltimore crushers MANGOG for a night of riff driven heaviness at The Depot on May 30th.

Presented by Benzotti Live, the show brings together a mix of sludge, doom, stoner rock, and groove laden metal from across the East Coast.

Fresh off the release of their debut full length Midnight Sun, The Crooked Skulls continue their Northeast run with their blend of fuzz soaked riffs, bluesy leads, and aggressive groove inspired by Down, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, and Black Sabbath. Broadslab brings their towering Southern heaviness and psychedelic edge, while Mangog opens the night with Baltimore born doom and sludge.

Event Details

Broadslab
with
The Crooked Skulls
Mangog

📍 The Depot
1728 N Charles St
Baltimore, MD

🗓 Friday, May 30
🚪 Doors 7PM
🔊 Show 8PM
💵 $15 at the door
✔ All Ages / 21+ to drink

Landing at #30 on the Doom Charts with our debut album Midnight Sun is one of those moments that feels bigger than the number itself. The Crooked Skulls started as nothing more than a few guys getting together to jam riffs, with no real plan beyond playing heavy music we believed in, and over the course of a few years that turned into a full record, live shows, and now recognition on a chart we’ve followed for a long time.

 In a scene where so many releases come out every month, breaking into the Top 30 means people are actually listening and connecting with what we’re doing, and that’s something we don’t take lightly. This album was built over time, shaped through rehearsals and real experiences, and to see it reach beyond our immediate circle is huge for us, especially considering how new we still are as a band. More than anything, this milestone just reinforces that we’re on the right path, and it pushes us to keep writing, keep playing, and keep growing. If you’ve listened, shared, or supported us in any way, you’re a part of this, and we’re just getting started. 🤘

https://doomcharts.com/2026/04/03/doom-charts-march-2026/

The Crooked Skulls have officially arrived with the release of their debut full length Midnight Sun, released March 27, 2026, a groove driven statement that captures the band locking fully into their sound. Rooted in heavy riffs, low end weight, and a no frills approach to songwriting, the New Jersey trio leans into what they do best, letting the groove lead and the songs speak for themselves.

Following early attention from The Obelisk and JJ Koczan, the band has already begun to build momentum both on record and on stage. Their straightforward setup of guitar, bass, and drums delivers a chug heavy, riff first attack, balanced by pacing and feel rather than excess. That same approach carries through Midnight Sun, where each track is built on thick, driving rhythms and a sense of physicality that translates directly to the live experience.

The album also features the standout single “Iron Smile,” with a guest appearance from Bob Balch of Fu Manchu, adding another layer to an already confident and fully realized release. Across the record, The Crooked Skulls do not try to reinvent heavy music, they commit to it, delivering riffs with conviction and groove with purpose.

With Midnight Sun, The Crooked Skulls take a major step forward, establishing themselves as a band built on feel, power, and a clear path of growth within the heavy underground.

We’re back on The Heavy Desert Podcast talking all things Midnight Sun, dropping March 27 through Electric Desert Records.

We got into the origins of the band, how the name came together, and how our songs take shape. It was a real conversation about where we started and what’s gone into building this record.

The episode also features a sneak peek of the new album, so you’ll hear some of Midnight Sun there first.

Appreciate the support and having us back on the show.

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-heavy-desert-podcast-270465278/episode/the-crooked-skulls-return-327415399

We recently spoke with Breathing The Core about who we are, our sound, and the mindset behind the band.

We kept it simple. Heavy riffs, groove, and honest songwriting. No overthinking, just making the kind of music we believe in.

We also talked about Midnight Sun and what it represents for us. It’s a step forward while staying true to what we do.

Appreciate them for the support and the conversation.

https://www.breathingthecore.com/2026/03/interviews-crooked-skulls.html

We recently got a review up on Outlaws of the Sun for Midnight Sun, and it’s one of those write-ups that really nailed what we’re about.

They picked up on the core of our sound right away. Heavy, groove driven, and rooted in that classic style we’ve always leaned into. Bands like Corrosion of Conformity, Down, and Crowbar were mentioned, which is exactly the lane we come from.

They also called the album “heavy, powerful and melodic,” which honestly sums it up better than we probably could.

A bunch of tracks got highlighted too. Midnight Sun, Bury It, and Skull Bong for the heavier side, and songs like Ashes I See, Let Me Out, and Broken for the groove and feel. That balance is something we focused on the whole time writing and recording.

They gave a nod to Iron Smile as well, especially the solo from Bob Balch, which was a big moment for us having him be part of the record.

One thing we appreciated was that they understood we’re not trying to reinvent anything. We’re just trying to write honest, heavy music that feels right. No overthinking, no fluff.

Overall, the takeaway was strong. They called the band “on fire” and really leaned into the consistency of the album from start to finish.

We’re grateful for the support and for anyone taking the time to listen and write about what we do.

Midnight Sun drops March 27 through Electric Desert Records

READ THE REVIEW:

https://outlawsofthesun.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-crooked-skulls-midnight-sun-album.html

There’s something about a room like Unruly Collective that strips everything down to what matters. No distance, no filler, just volume, bodies, and energy moving in real time. For us, that’s where the music hits the hardest.

That night felt locked in from the start. The riffs sat heavy, the grooves had space to breathe, and everything came through the way it’s supposed to. Raw but controlled. Midnight Sun and Ashes I See carried that slow, steady weight, while Skull Bong dropped into that pocket where the room stops moving individually and starts moving together.

By the time we hit Judgment Day, it all felt connected. No overthinking, no pushing. Just letting the songs do what they’re built to do.

What made the night stand out wasn’t just our set. It was the overall energy in the room. Every band brought something real to it. Sonic Taboo came in tight and driving, Green Hog had that raw, lived in feel, and Gozer pushed a sense of urgency that kept everything moving forward. Different angles of heavy, all landing where they needed to.

That’s what made it work. No egos, no disconnect, just a solid night of bands feeding off each other and a crowd right there with it.

Unruly Collective held it all together perfectly. Close, loud, and honest. The kind of place where you don’t have to try to create a moment because it’s already there.

With Midnight Sun dropping March 27 through Electric Desert Records, this felt like exactly the kind of night we want to keep building on. Real rooms, real people, and music that speaks for itself. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/d4hDNq9QZEkmE4Qa9

We sat down to talk about where we come from, the riffs that shaped us, and what drives the sound behind Midnight Sun.

No gimmicks.
No trends.
Just heavy music built on groove and grit.

The Crooked Skulls just dropped our gnarliest shirt yet — the Weed Dragon. A weed-breathing, smoke-soaked beast tearing out of the flames in full stoner-doom glory.

Artwork by Anwar // @stormthegates https://www.instagram.com/stormthegates_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Bold art. Heavy colors. Premium tee

Grab yours now and rep the riffs.
Stay Heavy. Stay Crooked. 🐉💨