"Rise" by SACRED HAZE

"Rise" by SACRED HAZE

From the archives of the SACRED HAZE collection, "Rise" was written during the late 80’s, and recorded for one of the demo tapes released during that era. The song is a perfect example of how SACRED HAZE could blend different genre’s to create a unique sound of their own. Lyrically, the title and chorus of the song came from David Haze’s interest in Taoism, and RISE was one of the readings derived from “consulting” the IChing. The lyrics were also influenced by Rick Thornsly’s and David Driver's obsession with ancient Mexican history and the Spanish conquest, with hints of Castaneda rhetoric thrown in for good measure and cohesion as well.

The song starts with a robotic, almost military style, driving lick that casually nods to both the punk and metal influences of the era, eventually peaking with a hard rock cacophony, showcasing the powerhouse bottom end of Rick Thornsly’s bass and drumming style of David Driver. The RISE recording features one of the few SACRED HAZE tracks with keyboards, performed by Aaron (last name unknown), who as a brief band member. After the foundation of the song is established, Carey Haze comes in with a blistering, yet psychedelic opening lead, which truly confounds the listener into wondering exactly what genre this band has created, a trick that SACRED HAZE had mastered. David Haze’s vocal delivery of the lyrics is powerfully commanding for the most part, yet fractured at times, sharing his youthful vulnerability with the world on this particular recording. A sonic celebration of the optimistic angst that band was feeling at the time, RISE showcases the band at its best and worst, engaging and enticing one moment, alienating and adversarial the next, truly open to the listeners interpretation.

The original video was produced by ERICSUM PRODUCTIONS, with the collaboration of Eric Van Thillo, Tex Westman, and SACRED HAZE. The video features the ERICSUM team experimenting with “no-budget” visual effects created from using the camera, monitor, smoke, and mirrors, and even some hand-painted signs, to create intensely psychedelic visuals effects. The video definitely captures the duality theme of the lyrics, and unique conceptualism of the band as a whole. Interwoven in this visually stimulating amalgamation is live footage and photos of the band performing in Southern California in 1988 & ’89, as well as some cameos of Eric himself, Tex Westman, Kristopher Avila, Harry Perry from Venice Beach, and a smooth clip of Rick Thornsly surfing at Riviera Beach in San Clemente. Albeit primitive production quality, ERICSUM used creativity and innovative editing to make the perfect video, to capture not only the song and its message, but the spirit of SACRED HAZE at that time and place in history.
"Rise" by SACRED HAZE Lyrics:
Well I’ve seen a man survive with a hundred wounds from a lance, and later saw him die, from just a single glance. RISE!
Relay the wind in motion, send chills across the ocean, cold shivers up my spine, this is the time! RISE!
Today I want to sing, now that I have no sorrow, in case the fates should bring, tears to my eyes tomorrow! RISE!

SACRED HAZE Members: Rick Thornsly (RT) on bass/vocals, David Driver (Driver) on drums/percussion, Carey Haze (Cry Haze) on guitar/lead, David Haze (DH/David H.) on vocals/guitar, and Aaron (last name unknown) on keyboards.

Written & performed by SACRED HAZE (ASCAP)/Original Video by ERICSUM Productions c/o Eric Van Thillo & Tex Westman/ Copyright © DHP. All Rights Reserved. Video conversion to digital and reproduction courtesy of Tom Daniels.

ISRC # usx9p1166035

Copyright © DHP. All Rights Reserved.