Album Review: The Wildhearts — Satanic Rites of the Wildhearts

Wild, reckless, and unapologetically loud

The Wildhearts’ most recent studio album, Satanic Rites of the Wildhearts, is a perfect testament to a band with undeniable staying power and an infectious tune that transcends genres. Even as the album packs itself with the band’s trademark infusion of power pop, punk, and hard rock, it’s evident that Satanic Rites of the Wildhearts is determined to reinvent the wheel, offering something new. 

Even from its first few chords, Satanic Rites of the Wildhearts offers an unrelenting sound that’s equally catchy and angsty, the get-up-and-go album listeners have been waiting for. Ginger Wildheart provides a defiant, unabashed reminder that music is meant to be experienced on a primal level and that there’s no right or wrong way of creating this type of art. Although some tracks hit harder than others, Satanic Rites of the Wildhearts maintains an undeniable appeal, especially songs like “Troubadour Moon.” Catchy hooks and memorable melodies work in tandem with heavier riffs, a signature of The Wildhearts’ sound.

“Eventually,” one of the highlight songs, is The Wildhearts through and through; it’s raucous, raw, and uninhibited. With relentless vocals, the song perfectly captures the album’s essence — a seamless blend of unfiltered emotion, hard rock, and harmonious melodies. As the track continues, it ebbs and flows through a series of musical stylings, never committing to any genre. “Scared of the Glass” opens with an array of sound and unvarnished exploration, keeping with the band’s bite but still encompassing a more upbeat sound. The music is loud, bold, and distinctive. The album is an eclectic compilation of tracks that appeal to many music lovers. The album never slows down from start to finish but keeps the momentum moving forward. 

Satanic Rites of the Wildhearts is a standout album that defies predictability and switches gears just when listeners think they know what’s coming next. Rather than following a predictable pattern, it unfolds like a diary entry—visceral, guttural, and completely original.