Bringing the Desert to a Basement in the Cold

Yawning Man, Softsun

Pavement Ends Europe 2025 at Viper Room Vienna, Austria 20251203

16 bands play against violence against women this Wednesday including Dame, Onk Lou, Zug nach Wien and Brewtality. At the same time, a heavy Rock pioneer visits Viper Room again after the last time in 2023 and Rockhouse Bar the very day before. 

Psychedelic sounds welcome the guests downstairs where the ‚Pavement Ends‘. Two bands from Heavy Psych Sounds (Nightstalker, Mondo Generator and more) and Purple Sage PR are on the billing, starting with Softsun. Just one month ago, they published the new album „Eternal Sunrise“, and bring the mild light of desert in the cold streets of Vienna. 

The floor tom is in constant use, as Softsun go beautifully slow like Doom. Even the heart beat slows down with them and adapts to this warm musical carpet. With the equally beautiful voice of Pia Isaksen on top, there is no need to escalade anything. On guitar is Gary Arce, who performs a double appearance tonight, like drummer Robert Garson as well. 

Only he changes to steel guitar as fourth live member of Yawning Man. The experimental Rock legend paved the way for the Stoner Desert scene, working with likes of Sean Wheeler and inspiring likes of Brant Bjork with Kyuss up to Belzebong. Since their live manifest „Live at Giant Rock“ in 2020, they released „Long Walk Of The Navajo“ and the latest „Pavement Ends“. 

Their loud instrumental parts howl up to the surface. Rhythmic with Bill Stinson on drums and powerful, with a lot facets to explore. Close to the end, Mario Lalli takes over the microphone, who opened for Colour Haze with The Rubber Snake Charmers. Behind, the merchandise table is set with signed posters, vinyls, CDs, shirts and hoodies with the ‚toxic Indian‘ design. 

And as Deep Purple accompany the way outside into the night with „Highway Star“, there are still four live concerts left for this year at Viper Room with Absu, Sinister, Groza and The Röad Crew.