The Smoking Aliens Announce New EP “A Succulent Chinese Meal” and Unleash Crushing Single “Weight”

Portugal’s grunge- and stoner rock-infused outfit The Smoking Aliens have officially announced their new EP, A Succulent Chinese Meal, released this past December. Marking their first extended play recorded with upgraded production techniques, the EP captures the band at a turning point — heavier, tighter, and more defined than ever before.

Leading the charge is the devastating single “Weight.” The track opens with an ominous riff layered with eerie synth textures before erupting into a full-force sonic impact. True to its name, “Weight” delivers a crushing groove that comes full circle with relentless intensity.

“‘Weight’ started off when we were goofing around in our rehearsal space. We wanted to make a heavier song that you could mosh to,” says guitarist Nuno Ferreira. Drummer Tiago Silva adds, “This song, just like others on the EP, shows that the band wanted to explore a heavier sound and a more groove-centric metallic feel compared to past releases.”

With the addition of a new drummer and bassist, the band began reshaping their sonic identity. Bassist Luís Cordeiro also took charge of the group’s visual direction, creating all illustrations tied to the release — from the EP cover artwork to T-shirts, posters, and Spotify thumbnails. “With the new lineup, we started shifting the sound and forming a more defined identity,” explains vocalist Strings.

Beyond “Weight,” the EP dives deeper into heavy territory with tracks like “Dark Wound Sea” and “War Machine.”Balancing the intensity are the grungy “Anhar” and the acoustic-driven “Mais Pesado que o Céu.” The record also includes the two previously released songs, “Wicked Souls” and “Witchy Days,” completing a diverse yet cohesive collection.

Recorded at Liver Shutdown Studios and mixed by Strings, A Succulent Chinese Meal delivers a thick, gritty sound that embodies the band’s evolving identity — heavy, raw, and unapologetically grungy. It’s an EP that demands to be played loud and experienced in full force.