Slovenian alt-rock band Siddharta seem to be one of the biggest names in the regional scene. Formed in 1995 and named after Hesse’s spiritual novel, you might expect something inward, searching, perhaps transcendental. But Rh-, their third studio album, is oddly hollow — an ambitious release that at times lacks both spirit and substance.
The album was hyped on release. It arrived in elaborate packaging, designed like a blood bag, and came with a full English-language version — a move clearly aimed at broader appeal. There’s no shortage of effort or production value here: multiple producers (Peter Penko, Rok Golob, Žare Pak), big-budget videos (like Rave, shot in Belgrade and played on MTV), and a blend of classical instrumentation, electronic elements, and industrial/metal undertones. Yet instead of creating a bold, forward-thinking record, the end-product falls flat.
The opening track had me hopeful — the atmospheric, electronic/house-tinged Rh- sets a moody tone that hints at a more electronic or progressive journey. But from there, the album veers into a confused mix of pop rock, industrial, symphonic metal, and watered-down alt rock reminiscent of a band like Three Days Grace. Still, there are flickers of something more interesting throughout: Sim Hae stands out with its hypnotic vocals, sombre guitar solo, and genuine emotional weight. T.H.O.R. flirts with a darker, Rammstein-inspired industrial edge. Rooskie has a more raw, System of a Down energy — it isn’t as chaotic, but it’s at least alive.
Too often, Rh- plays it safe. The genre-hopping lacks integration and depth, feeling more like a mixed bag of marketable sounds than a coherent vision. The symphonic vocals smooth over any cutting industrial elements, making even the heavier moments feel toothless. Tracks like Kloner, Naiven Ples and Venom E dip into glossy pop rock territory that wouldn’t feel out of place at Eurovision. Even the folk-leaning Napoj feels undercooked, referencing tradition without really exploring it.
Compared to another alt-rock album, Darkwood Dub’s U Nedogled, which was released around the same time and also blends several genres, Rh- feels manufactured. Where U Nedogled is sharp, raw, and uneven, it remains daring, while Rh- chooses to be commercial and vacant.
There’s clearly talent in Siddharta, and I don’t doubt this record meant something to a lot of people. Some tracks do work, and it can be catchy at times. But for me, it’s a missed opportunity — a product of ambition lacking audacity.
