Rites – II
Self released – 2013
Rock, Metal, Doom, Sludge
Rated: ****
The Irish foursome Rites released their self-titled debut in 2011 and pushed it back to the forefront again in 2012. So it could gather the attention it rightly deserved. And we all dug the hell out of it. They now return with a four-track follow-up entitled: II. And they will also leave us with this damn fine piece of music. Cause the boys have decided to call it quits and played their final gig on the 22nd of November. Which is always a shame when the sludge metal brew bubbling in the cauldron smells this deliciously foul. Fast paced heaviness, scorching solos, slow building riffs and impressive basswork all smeared out over four tracks that ooze their very own atmosphere. Thanks in part to the drums that switches in rhythm and punch like a tensed up animal waiting to pounce on an unexpecting victim. Just like the impressive vocals that are coarse, grainy and deranged. And dueling on the third track that’s just bulging with high-strung excitement. So stand in attention, give them the universal nod and salute Rites!
(Written by JK)