Late to the Party: RØDEL - High Octane Stoner Rock From Paderborn

 

RØDEL is a stoner rock/metal band from Paderborn, Germany that plays energetic stoner rock infused with punk rock and heavy metal influences. "You want dirt?" their Bandcamp page inquires, "RØDEL delivers." I have to say, I found that to be a very accurate descriptor. RØDEL is influenced by heavy metal bands such as Down, which is very noticeable in their sound.  However, the aspect of RØDEL's sound that I found most interesting (and refreshing) is a noticeable southern rock feel, particularly on some of their earlier work. This is the first time I've heard this in a German stoner rock band, and I found it to be exceptionally intriguing, especially being from the southern United States myself. These are two very different things, but RØDEL brings their influences together successfully to create something very cool and all their own.

RØDEL has released 3 EPs so far: a self-titled EP in 2019, Goat Djini in 2020, and, most recently, WRATH in 2022. Here, the focus will be on WRATH, the band's newest release. I'm over a year late to the party this time, but it's never too late to catch on to a super cool band, so here we go...

WRATH consists of three high-energy tracks: 

1. No Limits
2. Enchantment
3. Unaware

According to the band, WRATH was "fueled by depression, corona-deniers, and a heating planet", and I can certainly see how these rage-inducing elements of our world could inspire some heavy music. That heaviness is definitely present on the aptly-titled WRATH, which comes off as a bit more hot-blooded than RØDEL's first two EPs, and ventures further into stoner metal territory. The vocals do a great job at complimenting the album's intense yet thought-provoking subject matter, and are gruff yet melodic at the same time. When you combine this with the high octane, heavy stoner metal instrumentals, this could be the perfect post-apocalyptic soundtrack. I can't help but be reminded of bands such as Monster Magnet, Corrosion of Conformity, and Clutch, but RØDEL is even heavier and more rough around the edges. I mean that as a compliment; the album comes off as being born from a place of passion and raw, unfettered emotion. 

 

 

RØDEL is starting the new year off by staying busy with several live gigs, and I imagine they put on a very awesome show considering how fiery their music is. 

You can follow RØDEL and stay up to date on their upcoming live performances on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their unique brand of stoner rock on Bandcamp, YouTube, and Spotify. 

 RØDEL IS:

Mokko - Vocals

Köshi - Guitar

Manni - Bass

Topher - Drums