Rites – S/T EP (2011) [Self-Released] // Grade: B+

My music taste is as transparent as a window. If it’s heavy, has a good tempo and drops to stomach-twisting lows at any point, chances are I’m going to like it. When I came across Rites last week, I was addicted. It’s kind of a mash up between Tragedy, The Fucking Champs, Sabbath, Bong Ripper, Electric Wizard and Sleep. While their sound is no where near original, it is nicely done. Their first album, Rites is pretty fucking good.

Starting it off right is their “Intro”, which leads into “Vessel”. The intro is hit or miss but once the vocals kick in on “Vessel”, you’ll see where the crusty doom has made its home. So fucking good! And it doesn’t stop there, adding to the stoner doom tinge is “Plastic Lung”. Check that intro for any doubt you might have had that these guys know their shit. It sounds like something Pike would have dreamed up. That’s where Rites does it right: their sound is hitting every major genre that’s influenced my life.

The most brutal track on the album is “Forging”. It’s like NYHC has taken over. It’s a straight tough-guy, chest punching, mosh pit anthem. Fuck, it’s so good! Cutting back over to some weird cross-over hardcore influence is “Iron Shrimp” and being the last cut on Rites, it goes deep. Man, this album is really worth the 30 minutes it takes to run its course. You’ll find it addictive and short, leaving nothing to the imagination. Rites bear it all and it’s good.

Purchase Rites’ S/T Debut EP (Click Here)

- Prolly