There is a real sense that something big is building around Slomosa right now.
Hailed by some as “the new kings of the stone age,” the Norwegian quartet are carving out their own lane in heavy music with a sound they’ve boldly dubbed Tundra Rock — a fusion of desert rock groove, grunge melody and raw Scandinavian edge.
Speaking with Metal On Tap, frontman Benjamin Berdous couldn’t hide the excitement about finally bringing that sound to Australia for the very first time.
“I was planning to bring shorts,” he laughs, “but someone told me it might be winter. If Australian winter is 25 degrees, I’m all in.”
That blend of humour and laid-back attitude reflects a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously — but absolutely delivers when it counts.
The Birth of Tundra Rock
The term itself wasn’t just a throwaway label. Berdous explains it was a conscious decision inspired by Norway’s own Turbonegro, who famously coined “death punk.”
“We wanted to call it something,” he says. “If you just say stoner or sludge, you put yourself in a box. But if people don’t know what it is, they have to check it out.”
And it works.
Tundra Rock immediately sparks curiosity — and once you hear it, it makes perfect sense. Big riffs, hypnotic grooves, and a driving energy that separates them from the slower, doom-heavy end of the spectrum.
Not Your Typical Stoner Rock Show
Despite their roots in stoner rock, Slomosa’s live shows are anything but laid back.
“It tends to be pretty intense and energetic,” Berdous says. “We didn’t expect mosh pits… but that’s what happened.”
In fact, the band often finds themselves standing out on festival lineups dominated by slower acts.
“You’ve got people in that doom vibe all weekend, and then we come in and it becomes one of the wildest crowds.”
It’s that contrast — that injection of urgency — that’s turning first-time listeners into die-hard fans.
Skate Culture and Soundtracks
Away from the stage, Berdous is deeply connected to skate culture — something that naturally feeds into the band’s energy and identity.
“It’s the perfect tour companion,” he explains. “You get the adrenaline out, you meet people, and it keeps you in shape.”
Like many of us, his musical tastes were shaped by gaming classics like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and even Grand Theft Auto, both known for their iconic soundtracks.
“A lot of music I discovered came from those games,” he says, reflecting on the early 2000s era where skate culture and music were inseparable.
Australia, Beer, and The Shoeie
As for Australia, Berdous already has a few things on the checklist — including the obvious.
“I guess I have to see the Opera House,” he says, referring to Sydney Opera House.
But beyond the landmarks, it’s the people he’s most excited about.
“Australians are amongst the nicest people you meet. You run into them everywhere.”
And yes — he knows exactly what a shoeie is.
Whether he actually does one on stage remains to be seen.
A Band On The Rise
With critical acclaim pouring in for their latest release Tundra Rock and co-signs from heavy hitters across the scene, Slomosa are stepping into a moment that feels like the beginning of something much bigger.
Their first Australian tour isn’t just another run of shows — it’s an introduction.
And if their live reputation holds true, it’s going to be loud, sweaty, and impossible to ignore.
SLOMOSA 2026 AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Friday 22nd May – Max Watts – Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 23rd May – Crowbar – Sydney, NSW
Sunday 24th May – Crowbar – Brisbane, QLD
Presale: Friday 30th January 9:00am local time
General On Sale: Tuesday 3rd February 9:00am local time
For tickets & more information visit thephoenix.au
