The Hammond Strikes Back:
Courtesy of the Neecee Agency
Why Voodoo Highway’s 'Made In Kachot' Is the Dirty, Analog Cure We Need Right Now
I know what you’re thinking. “Christine, this album dropped in October. It’s late November. The algorithm has moved on.”
To which I say: screw the algorithm.
The Italian hard rock heavyweights didn't just return after a seven-year hiatus; they kicked the door down with a live album. No safety net. No autotune. Just sweat, feedback, and a massive Hammond organ.
Made In Kachot was released on October 24, 2025 , but I’m reviewing it now because real rock and roll doesn't have an expiration date. If you’re tired of music that sounds like a spreadsheet, you need to listen to this.
The Return of the "Garage Jam" Spirit
Recorded entirely live at the RockaFE Festival in Ferrara on June 2, 2025 , Made In Kachot isn't trying to be perfect. As vocalist Federico Di Marco put it, "We didn't want perfection- we wanted truth." .
And the truth is messy. The truth is loud.
Listening to this record, you get that specific feeling of watching a band "jam" out in their garage . It’s the sound of five guys—Di Marco, bassist Filippo Cavallini, guitarist Filippo Romeo, drummer Vincenzo Zairo, and keyboardist Massimiliano Sabbadini —rediscovering their chemistry in real-time.
There is a distinct "rock and roll lifestyle" flavor here that we just don't hear much anymore . You can hear the audience in the background ; you can feel the room.
The Secret Weapon: The Hammond Organ
If you want to know what separates Voodoo Highway from the ocean of generic revival bands, it’s Massimiliano Sabbadini.
The use of the Hammond organ on this record is absolutely lethal . It’s not just sitting in the background; it’s fighting the guitar for dominance, creating that classic Deep Purple or Uriah Heep tension .
On tracks like "To Ride the Tide," the organ wafts in with a wonderful, old-school feeling before the track kicks into heavy metal riffs . It bridges the gap between 70s soul and 80s power.
Track-by-Track Breakdown: The Gritty Details
Here is what you’re going to find when you spin this:
"This is Rock'n'Roll, Wankers!" They start with high energy. You can feel the excited disposition in the guitar playing immediately . The solo is intricate and tight, but it’s the attitude that sells it .
"Gasoline Woman" This is the standout for me. It kicks off with a nice bluesy, jazzy rock feeling . It’s a beefy track, clocking in at over 7 minutes . The middle section features a cool organ solo that makes the song sound very 60s/70s heavy, channeling a Jim Morrison vibe . When the guitar solo finally hits, it’s emotionally bluesy—a perfect counterweight to the heaviness .
"Til It Bleeds" I’m going to call it like I see it: this track has a serious 80s hair metal feel . It reminds me of Poison or Warrant. I don't know if the band would love that comparison, but I mean it as a compliment. It captures that specific era of excess and fun that the modern scene is desperately missing.
Why This Matters for Independent Musicians
Voodoo Highway’s trajectory is a lesson for every artist reading Elevar.
They took a seven-year break . In this industry, that’s usually a death sentence. But they didn't come back begging for attention with a polished, radio-friendly single. They came back with a live album that captures their raw energy .
They bet on their live performance—the one thing AI cannot replicate.
And they aren't stopping there. The band is heading back into the studio this December (2025) with producer Eddy Cavazza to record their fourth studio album . Made In Kachot isn't a tombstone; it’s a launchpad.
The Verdict
Made In Kachot is a snapshot of pure, live energy: raw, loud, and real .
If you are an indie musician, listen to this to remember what it sounds like to play without a safety net. If you are a fan, listen to this to support a band that refuses to let the computer do the work.
Buy the album here: Bandcamp Link
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Christine Greyson is a multidimensional artist and the editor of Elevar Magazine. She champions the underground, the loud, and the authentic.
