You might know the history behind the existence of singles and EPs. From one side labels ask from bands to release an early material just before the release of a full – length and on the other side there are bands composing fresh material and they release it rather waiting. Whether that material will be a part of the next album or not. The American band Orchid belongs to the second category, they wrote three new songs and they said of releasing them under an EP, which really deserves a place in your disc catalogue.
The reanimation of the ‘70s goes on worthy. The artistic value of that legendary decade is still alive, it shines and it isn’t adulterated by the money. Songs of nowadays are being created and bring in mind what they used to listen to. It’s not about cheating or imitation, it’s about inspiration that makes you shout “Oh Yeah!”. Orchid declare it through these songs that Black Sabbath and Pentagram are their fathers and preachers. Riffs that make the sky black by the clouds, lyrics that you will sing when you are alone. “Heretic” is an old - fashioned hard/doom EP able to change your minds.
Orchid whether they know it or not they wrote one of the best songs not only for that year, but also in the last years. I’m talking about “Falling Away”. Acoustic guitars, somewhere you listen to Al DiMeola mentions (listen before shout at me) and a frozen performance from Theo Mindell on darkened lyrics. A thrilled song. After follows “Saviours of the Blind” and the world is shaken. The bass and the guitar create a slow heavy/blues riff and then comes the eruption from Mark Baker on guitar and Carter Kennedy on drums. Certainly Iommi will be proud of those guys. Also in the EP apart from the same titled song (another crazy song), there is and a fourth one “He Who Walks Alone”, taken from their debut “Capricorn”.
Does everything start all over again? If this EP is so great, what will be their next full – length? Questions that will be answered or not after some time. I recommend you buy “Heretic” and you will not regret it because of its music part and its aesthetic side. Didn’t you want a witch under a black sky…? Here take her! Blessed shall be these children of the grave!
95/100
RockOverdose.gr: Giannis Koutsousimos
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