ALBUM REVIEW: Saddiction – Hangman’s Chair
The profile of eclectic doom lords HANGMAN’S CHAIR has been increasingly raised in recent months and more than deservedly so. With a show stealing performance at the 2024 edition of the Damnation Festival under their belts that saw the band enthral all who were watching with their hypnotic riffs and entrancing melodic nature, what the band did next on record was always going to be highly anticipated.
Thankfully, there wasn’t a long await for a new album and now that album, titled Saddiction, is among us and the results are a stunning collection of music, that demonstrates the sheer growth of HANGMAN’S CHAIR‘s music and the fruits are nothing short of spectacular. Of course huge riffs are the order of the day and they are as plentiful as expected but there is so much more going on in the songs that make up Saddiction, with huge swathes of melody, heaviness and a kaleidoscopic and dreamlike vibe all colliding to create a supreme listening experience.
That listening experience starts as it means to go on with the opening combo of To Know The Night and The Worst Is Yet To Come setting a high standard immediately. But, it is when the expansive In Disguise kicks in, that the album really gets going and almost suffocates you with its mesmerising nature, before exploding into an anthemic triumph of a track. Kowloon Lights and 2 Am Thoughts (which features fellow doom outfit DOOL) further amp up the goodness of Saddiction. Both of these tracks are testament to the vision of HANGMAN’S CHAIR’s music and the power that drives it, with 2AM Thoughts in particular packing an emotional punch alongside a superb riff that entrances throughout.
The epic Canvas and the beautiful melancholy nature of Neglect follow and add further eclecticism to the sound of the album with the vocals, particularly on the latter song, sounding brilliantly psychedelic and bewitching at the same time. 44 Yod then takes over and further enthrals you from start to finish, and as it grows and grows with its uplifting and life affirming nature, you can’t escape falling into its irresistible void.
Saddiction concludes perfectly with Heal, the heaviest track on the album that starts with a pounding riff that quickly morphs into a melding of true power and sheer beauty. It is something that encapsulates everything that is good about the music and HANGMAN’S CHAIR, and is a truly engrossing and riveting way to finish such a special album. It has to be also stated that the songs on Saddiction are ready made to be played live so prepare to be swept away as they are played at any further unmissable HANGMAN’S CHAIR live performances, as they will fit right in on the band’s truly amazing live sets.
With Saddiction, HANGMAN’S CHAIR have not only made their most accomplished album to date but a whole mesmerising and stunning musical journey that will entrance listeners for years to come, as this is an album that you will want to listen to over and over again. Prepare to be taken in and swept away by the power and irresistible nature of HANGMAN’S CHAIR and Saddiction.
Rating: 9/10
Saddiction is out now via Nuclear Blast Records.
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