It is with great interest and anticipation for me to receive a copy of Rites Of Hadda's new album to review. Having gigged three times previously with these guys (admittedly the first time I saw them I didn't 'get' what they were all about) and reviewing their first album, I relish listening to this second offering, Firstly, a brief synopsis of the whole packaging of this album. For now, it is only available on vinyl and the packaging for the album is being done by the band itself. The sleeves are made from up-cycled cardboard used in boutique hash production, held together by vegan glue and plastic-free tape. Each one comes with a detachable, limited edition print of the album artwork on the front as well as a hand printed lyric sheet and poster. The album is being released via the Horn & Hoof Record label, shout out to Scott Bradley and the gang. Let's have a listen.
From the first notes hitting my ears, the Rites are back. It's as if this album is a continuation of the first one, seamlessly flowing together. I think it's quite rare that bands can replicate almost exactly the same production, sound and final mixing on two separate recordings but the Hadda boys have done it. The thundering bass (provided by ex Bassist Tom) and Alex's 'Kennedy-esque' guitar with his picking and trill like sound stand out, all backed up by Matthias' powerful drums. Wasp is back in his element. His unique vocal intrigues the listener and traps you in his net as he draws you into the realms of the Horny Hubris. The saxophone (Simon) is present again, enriching the whole psychedelic musical journey that is quite simply sublime.
The first gem on this encrusted jewel is 'Miscarriage of Justice'. Lyrically it seems to be a parody of the birth of Christ. Clutching her stomach, her voice echoes as she begs. Slow, melodic, dark with a Sabbath like drone, very reminiscent of early 70's rock. Messieurs Osborne, Butler, Iommo and Ward would be proud!
The second track 'It's Time To Riot' is completely different to what is the norm for the band. It's quick, fast and up-beat. One would say it's almost punk! I know that certain members of the band do like their punk and others are into early 70's rock/metal. In fact the whole band, as individuals, are completely different and come from different backgrounds but collectively as a unit it gels together without any cracks, like a well oiled machine.
Track three 'The Right Time To Die' is back to usual business. Again slow in tempo but as with all of the Rites musical offerings, you feel yourself closing your eyes and drifting off to some far away place, away from this fucked up World we are all currently experiencing. Simon features on this track as his sax solos sit in perfectly and help fuse and weld the different components together. and brings us to the end of Side A.
Side B kicks off with the seven and a half minute epic 'Sun And Storm'. A daunting guitar riff, military style snare, simplistic thunderous bass all slowly but surely cultivate themselves together as they wait for Wasp (maybe he's on the phone to his mum again) to again cast his rod and draw in the (hopefully) captivated audience. Again, Kennedy-esque guitar lies underneath Wasp as he tells us how he welcomes the darkness, telling us it's his destiny with a raven perched next to him.
Half-way through this song, you can close your eyes and swear you are listening to Black Sabbath. The riff is simple but works a treat. (I might have to nick it for one of our songs but don't tell the band). Wasp proceeds to welcome the darkness, oh Mother of Crone! We find ourselves nearing our aural journey as we enter into the final chapter. Aptly named 'The Ending Ritual' sub-divided into three parts, part one being 'Filth' which is about the police and police brutality (I'm sure we've all seen plenty of that in the news recently) and then you fight back 'Get the fuck away from me' which also seems to be the theme for part two 'Indian Nationalist' Again more provocative lyrical content 'For history has your head and history has mine, you used me' Makes you think doesn't it?
Maybe we all take heed and treat each other better as human beings. We switch from humankind to the animal kingdom as the last track 'The Horned God' sweeps over us majestically. This track is also the band's usual set finale (if I'm correct in my thinking). All Hail The Horned God!! A fitting conclusion to this album.
I really enjoyed the first album but this one supercedes it and is even better. So to surmise, if you love your psychedelic music and are intrigued to hear how Black sabbath and Dead Kennedy's would sound if combined together then you must give this a listen. If you are prepared to open your mind and discover something different sounding, give this a listen. A top album from a top band and quite simply one of the best live acts on the current circuit (once we get back to gigging that is). An experience you'll never forget. Well done chaps!
Words: DLW, Photos: Band Media, RBY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritesofhadda
Bandcamp: https://ritesofhadda.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rites_of_hadda/
Horn and Hoof Records: https://hornhoofrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-horned-god
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