Kyuss/Queens of the Stone Age cover

Kyuss/Queens of the Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age · 1997

33 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock

Heavy, fuzz-laden riffs intertwine with desert rock grooves, creating a soundscape both hypnotic and powerful.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Into the Void — This track opens the album with an expansive sound, showcasing heavy guitar riffs that lay the foundation for the band's signature style. Its relentless energy perfectly encapsulates the fusion of stoner rock and alternative influences.
  • →
    Fatso Forgotso — With its complex structure and dynamic shifts, this track highlights the band’s experimental approach, merging heavy instrumentation with atmospheric elements. It exemplifies how they push genre boundaries while maintaining an engaging rhythm.
  • →
    Born to Hula — This song stands out with its infectious groove and catchy chorus, marking a moment of accessibility amidst heavier themes. It captures the essence of their early sound that would resonate with fans across genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and production, establishing a unique sound within the stoner rock genre.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a heavy, distorted riff that sets a consistent tone for the EP, which maintains a mid-tempo pace throughout.
  • Each song features layered guitar textures, often alternating between fuzz-heavy chords and melodic leads, creating a dynamic soundscape.
  • The final track employs a gradual build-up, culminating in an extended instrumental section that emphasizes the hypnotic quality of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like dynamic progression
  • immersive desert soundscapes
  • expansive auditory landscapes
  • patiently evolving track structures

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This EP helped establish the band's presence in the stoner rock scene.
Themes
desert rock landscapes· heavy instrumentation· experimental grooves
Career context
This self-titled album marked the first collaboration between Kyuss members and Queens of the Stone Age's frontman Josh Homme after the dissolution of Kyuss in 1995. Released in 1997, it served as a crucial stepping stone in Homme's journey towards establishing a distinct identity for his new band, paving the way for their future successes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Into the Void 8:04
  • 2 Fatso Forgotso 8:32
  • 3 Fatso Forgotso Phase II (Flip the Phase) 2:17
  • 4 If Only Everything 3:32
  • 5 Born to Hula 5:05
  • 6 Spiders and Vinegaroons 6:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata