2017 was the last time we saw a full-length album from Philadelphia-based space/psych rockers Ruby the Hatchet. Since then, the band has toured tirelessly with acts such as British psych-rockers Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, Germany’s Kadavar, and most recently, a successful sold-out tour with Massachusetts-based rockers Elder. Well, Ruby the Hatchet managed to stop long enough to breathe and deliver what I feel is their best work to date: Fear Is a Cruel Master.
From start to finish, Fear Is a Cruel Master is a sonic ride of psychedelic grooves, out-of-this-world cosmic vocals, and melodic riffs that seem to go on for days and days. The opening song, “The Change,” seems like it could be a bit autobiographical, reflecting on moving into a more mature part of life and accepting the changes without compromising the integrity of their artistic output. I may be overreaching here, but the fact that I got that message out of this song speaks to Ruby the Hatchet’s ability to craft songs that leave things open for the listener to create their own narrative.
“Deceiver” is a fantastic song, and I feel that this is where Ruby the Hatchet stands ahead of the pack. Where so many modern bands/peers of Ruby the Hatchet seem to pull from one influence (usually Black Sabbath) and run it into the ground, Ruby the Hatchet showcases their ability to craft a song based upon their musical influences without settling on one. “Deceiver” starts off like Black Sabbath, works towards Uriah Heep, and then about ¾ of the way in, they touch ground on Iron Maiden territory. From ’60s psych rock to NWOBHM, “Deceiver” covers more ground than an entire album by others.
“Soothsayer” is an infectious groove of a song that made me do that white boy overbite thingy, close my eyes, and nod to myself. The powerful and soulful vocals of Jillian Taylor are already mind blowing as it is but add drummer Owen Stewart’s vocals to the mix, and you have a sound that I can only describe as Ruby the Hatchet. This song is fantastic, and I can already tell that it will be a staple of the band’s live performances if it isn’t already.
Ruby the Hatchet is a band that continues to blow me away the more I listen to them. Fear Is a Cruel Master is a collection of songs by a band that has managed to forge its own signature sound. They have done so by taking all of their influences and, instead of lazily leaning on one of them, have taken them all and created something sonically exciting and memorable.
Fear Is a Cruel Master is one of those albums that reminds me that there are still bands out there with some fire, heart, and the drive to not be just another band. Ruby the Hatchet is Ruby the Hatchet, and based on what they’ve done with this album, they have only begun to show us what lies ahead. Rock n’ Roll is in for a cosmic fucking ride, y’all.
Pre-Order Fear Is a Cruel Master HERE
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