Tuesday 29 March 2016

Vodun - Possession (Album Review)


Release date: March 25th 2016. Label: Riff Rock Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Possession – Tracklisting

1. Loa's Kingdom
2. Bondye
3. Bloodstones
4. Oya
5. Loko
6. Legba's Feast
7. Possession
8. Mawu
9. Minos Army
10. Divinity
11. Kanpay Rejeté

Band Members:

Ogoun - Drums
Ghede - Guitars
Oya - Vocals

Review:

Vodun’s debut album – Possession – is starting to create some major noise within the UK Hard Rock/Metal scene and it’s not hard to see why. Vodun is a very hard band to describe as their music crosses so many different genres and boundaries to create something wholly original. Psychedelic Stoner Metal is the best way to describe Vodun but there is so much to Possession than that. Swirls of Psych Rock, Blues Rock and Heavy Metal make this a truly riveting album.

Lead singer Oya vocals are beautiful, soulful, sensual, sultry, loud, fearful and dangerous, nearly all at the same time especially when she starts singing those high notes. The album hides some very dark themes within each song as Vodun injects hypnotic tribal rhythms into their music especially on the second half of the album.

Each band member has added their own sound and identity into their music. You have to give credit to the Ogoun and Ghede on Drums and Guitars respectively, as they’ve created stunning heavy riffs for Oya to build her powerful vocals upon and it’s a magical soulful combination. Songs such as Loa’s Kingdom, Bondye, Oyo, Loko and Kanpay Rejeté offer the albums most exciting moments where Vodun create a whirlwind of different noises and emotions that will leave you shaken to the core.

Even if you’re not fully sold by the albums dark lyrical content then you can just enjoy the heavy riffs that Vodun have at their disposal. Though I recommend you to take the time to listen to listen to the lyrics the band has written as you’ll find a deeper appreciation of the album.

One of my favourite parts of the album is the many different sounds and noises that Vodun has created on Possession. This album feels like it was made for an worldwide audience as the band include as many different world sounds they can lay their hands on. It allows Vodun to be true global ambassadors of Rock and Roll.

Vodun have created one of the most daring and exciting debut albums to emerge from the UK Hard Rock/Psych/Stoner Metal scene in years. Believe the hype, it’s fully justified. Possession is an incredible album and its one you all need to fully experience for yourselves.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Dave Palmer from Division Promotions for the promo. Possession is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Riff Rock Records now.

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