Wo Fat
The Conjuring


3.8
excellent

Review

by Raul Stanciu STAFF
June 16th, 2014 | 49 replies


Release Date: 2014 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Consolidating their position as one of the heaviest and coolest stoner acts.

It's no wonder Wo Fat have found a new level of success with The Black Code less than a couple of years ago. The heavy jams, like always, put the grooves in front and at a shorter length (an important factor that also raised the accessibility), along came the replay value even from those who weren't previously accustomed to their music. While the US was hesitant at first, Europe jumped all over their material. Convinced by their prowess, it seems that the Americans are finally finding their way through the band's discography too. In the wake of this hype these tres hombres quickly came up with yet another full length, The Conjuring.

Riding high on the waves of its predecessor, the record doesn't really aspire to cover new grounds rather than consolidate their position as one of the heaviest stoner acts today. The riffs are more monolithic and crunchier while the drums are pounding harder than ever. It is amazing how much can these guys dig into a certain sound sphere without turning stale. To get the idea of the overall sound, the most representative tune is the centerpiece, 'Pale Rider From The Ice' (who makes an appearance on the grim cover too). After a minute of fuzz-drenched guitar licks, this massive monster starts crawling. Bordering on doom, the bludgeoning riffs create a murky atmosphere while much of the emphasis is put on the powerful, 'dry' drumming. Various slides and feedback-laden solos are intertwined, while the latter half is dominated by some cool, pile driving Southern boogie. This is undoubtedly one of the top 5 Wo Fat tunes so far.

Moreover, the title track reeks of that same malefic vibe surrounding the whole album. Starting from the movie samples at the beginning to the straightforward, dirty grooves, the tune sounds like you're swaying with the devil. Kent's raspy vocals provide the dark, prophetic tone the whole adventure shares. Even if the tune clocks in around ten minutes, it is quite airy since the band really lets their riffage sink in without adding unnecessary parts. The shorter tracks, 'Read The Omens' and 'Beggar's Bargain' feature some more of the usual Wo Fat Southern, booty shaking rhythms complete with several solos and the all time favorite cowbell. They make for great listens while also adding some future live staples. Then, much like each of their records, the closer is a lengthy slow burner that acts as an entire journey all by itself. 'Dreamwalker' features prolonged bass/drum jamming, again with various guitar tweaks over them, before launching into a scorching rocker. The mesmerizing middle segment lets you lose yourself in the music before being crushed with some fast, pounding riffs in the end. If anybody wanted a 17-minute summary of the band, here is everything they can offer served on a plate.

Overall, this is just as good as anything Wo Fat have released so far. However, it doesn't break the standards, it only consolidates the strengths best refined on The Black Code. Looking on the bright side, it shows just how tight the band is and how much care do they put during the creation process. As a result, they have churned the entire album in less than a year and it doesn't disappoint by any means. The only real complaint is the lack of diversity from their usual output, but who can really blame them for giving people what they want, with some added heaviness too. Since The Conjuring relies on the same formulas, we are waiting for the next move to see where are they heading to. So far, the Texan power trio didn't make one sloppy step and hopefully things will only get even better from here.




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user ratings (85)
3.6
great

Comments:Add a Comment 
insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
June 16th 2014


6251 Comments

Album Rating: 3.8

Awesome record but it doesn't surpass The Black Code.



Stream it in full here - http://smallstone.bandcamp.com/album/the-conjuring

sonictheplumber
June 16th 2014


17580 Comments


i'll give it a go

osmark86
June 16th 2014


11513 Comments


heard a bit from one of the singles on here and it sounded pretty decent. will have to check this out.

Underflow
June 16th 2014


5297 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Pretty sweet record.

sonictheplumber
June 16th 2014


17580 Comments


roll a fatty :D

emester
June 16th 2014


8271 Comments


liked their last album

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
June 16th 2014


6251 Comments

Album Rating: 3.8

Yep, this works best when stoned hehe.

R6Rider
June 16th 2014


5282 Comments


is this kind of like Church Of Misery?

YourDarkAffected
June 16th 2014


1870 Comments


that's such a sweet cover

Jamdbz
June 16th 2014


1554 Comments


This rules. Gonna check out their back catalog now. Figure I'll give The Black Code a whirl. Great review!

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
June 16th 2014


6251 Comments

Album Rating: 3.8

Yes is as heavy as Church Of Misery, only more Southern rock oriented.

R6Rider
June 16th 2014


5282 Comments


Thanks.

I'll check it out then.

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
June 16th 2014


6251 Comments

Album Rating: 3.8

Be sure to check Ufomammut too if you haven't already!

HenchmanOfSanta
June 16th 2014


1994 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Not feeling this as much as the last two.

hansoloshotfirst
June 16th 2014


1580 Comments


pretty overlooked band...album is not as good as The Black Code but still a very good release.

Gnocchi
Staff Reviewer
June 16th 2014


18262 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

So glad this got reviewed, that band name tho.

SharkTooth
June 17th 2014


14937 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Haven't been able to check this out because I'm stuck in Florida

(Btw, this state sucks)

Will check it out when I get back home

Pho3nix
June 17th 2014


1681 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Wo Fat always have the coolest album covers

Mad.
June 17th 2014


4917 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Awesome review as always man, sums up the album perfectly. It's definitely a killer, but possibly could have been better if they'd worked on expanding their sound a bit like you said.



Love these guys' Southern influences

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
June 17th 2014


6251 Comments

Album Rating: 3.8

Yeah, they've been doing the same stuff more or less since day one. They could use some new inspiration.



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