ALBUM REVIEW: Blinded By The Wicked – Hazemaze
Since their debut self titled album was released in 2018, Sweden’s HAZEMAZE have been going from strength to strength. Through a masterful use of heavy doom and rock riffs, stoner grooves and hypnotic psychedelics, the band’s third album, Blinded By The Wicked, is a spiritual doom ritual with the devil himself as the overseer. As the pandemic was in full flow, the band did what everyone else did and locked themselves away to record an album. However, as the world got continuously darker, so did the band’s song-writing. Whilst they are connoisseurs of the dark and dastardly, HAZEMAZE takes the sinister level up a notch with some added complexity on Blinded By The Wicked. Conceptually, the album explores cults and their leaders’ malevolent intentions that corrupt the easily led and weak minded. Alongside all of the raw emotions that come with living in what seems to be pandemic purgatory erupting throughout the album, Blinded By The Wicked hits you hard in more ways than one.
Self described as “Rock’n’Doom”, (a mix of heavy rock and traditional doom) the band have squeezed as many dark, ominous and eerie riffs as they can into this album. From Blinded By The Wicked’s doom laden beginning, it harkens back to the early days of BLACK SABBATH but significantly chunkier, incorporating a splash of GHOST–style flanged organs parts and song-writing for some extra other-worldly atmosphere. HAZEMAZE have delivered something fermented by devils, matured in red wine barrels, groove infused and diversified with a drop of demon blood and forbidden fruit. The album is a sonic embodiment of a rich red wine that is perfect for the blackest of Sabbaths.
Ornate descriptions aside, given the album’s conceptual themes of manipulation and malevolence, there is an elegant symbiosis between the music and concept. The album draws you in with familiarity and slowly warps the further you listen in, getting more haunting and baleful as the songs progress. Each song has its own emotional journey to go through, mirroring the confusion and emotional turmoil that unsuspecting victims go through. The interesting slant on the album however is that it feels like you’re the cult leader, you are fully aware of the pain you’re causing with your devilish intentions. Given the state of the world as it is now, many people can interpret this concept in several ways, not just in the way the band have laid out, as feelings of betrayal, disrespect and anger are keenly felt in people’s hearts.
The album is split into two halves, with its interlude being a short two minute piece by the name of Sectatores Et Principes. This Planet Caravan-esque song serves as an emotive moment of reflection, as the delicate guitar parts and droning synths offer a complete contrast from the rest of the album. The opening track In The Night Of The Light, For The Dark is a foreboding song, outlining the hellfire and horror that you are about to experience, as the light that you see isn’t as pure and innocent as you perceive. Ethereal Disillusion is a dizzying whirlwind of riffs and shifting dynamics designed to stupefy and disorientate, capturing the brainwashing of the poor souls that have found them in this unfortunate position. After the organ drone fades away in Sectatores Et Principes, the album’s descent into madness begins. Ceremonial Aspersion it is a one way ticket into depravity. Divine Harlotry and Luciferian Rite keep you on the edge of your seat in a cycle of frenzied confusion. Malevolent Inveigler completes your final descent with eerie harmonies and cacophonous riffs.
HAZEMAZE‘s latest release is by far their best, reflecting the grim reality of the world through a dangerous cult will hit home for many. The connoisseur’s of “Rock’n’Doom” have delivered a riff packed masterpiece equal in astonishing complexity and conceptual fervour.
Rating: 9/10
Blinded By The Wicked is set for release on January 28th via Heavy Psych Sounds.
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