For those unaware, German progressive stoner and sludge metallers PLAINDRIFTER just released their sophomore album Gestalt this past June 19th, 2026 via Ripple Music.

With their 2021 debut Echo Therapy hailed as "a mind-blowing journey" by the Doom Charts and "music for the mind, body and soul" by UK website Outlaws of the Sun, it is clear that Plaindrifter have impressed critics and fans alike, as few newcomers do.

Now, the trio returns with their forthcoming sophomore album and Ripple Music debut; Gestalt. Pushed by a deep sense of self-criticism and a fear of repeating themselves, Plaindrifter have expanded their signature blend of tempo and key changes with bold new elements, including keyboards by Philipp Seitzer and guest vocals from Ryan Garney (High Desert Queen) and Lena Schneider.

The result is an immersive, forward-looking heavy journey born from patience, passion, that should caught the ear of fans of Elder, King Buffalo, Howling Giant and Lowrider. The album was produced, engineered and mixed by Robin Stirnberg, mastered by Dennis Köhne, with a stunning cover artwork by André Tinibel.

1. Moth Murmuration
2. Eternal Season
3. Hyborian Age
4. Respite
5. In Anima
6. Debaser

Pushing the envelope with their take on psychedelic and progressive stoner rock, the band opens on the resounding prog-AOR of the driving Moth Murmuration and then bring us the pulsing brilliance of Eternal Season, the drum-led dense rock of Hyborian Age is along next, and is backed by the mid-tempo balladry of Respite, the EP rounding out on the crashing metal affair In Anima, closing on the rhythmically melodic rocker Debaser.

Official Purchase Link