Witchcraft Firewood
Rise Above Records RISECD62 July 26th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Firewood is the result of a band holing themselves up in a basement with enough 70s music gear, tie-dye T-shirts, and illicit substances to weather the apocalyptic Y2K disaster. And, of course, Witchcraft before, during, and following the recording sessions spun plenty of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix, Im sure. Influences aside, this album is a top-of-the-line release, and one that Ive been listening to non-stop.
Any preemptive doubts about Witchcrafts abilities to craft (ugh) substantial doom/stoner songs will dissipate once Chylde of Fire hits. The vintage twist found on Firewood, though it obviously hints at decades past, possesses that Wow effect. Honestly, after delving into the Black Sabbath-soaked opener, I knew I was in for a treat. In an attempt to preserve credibility, the group used 70s-era, recording equipment, and it does indeed boost their believability. Plus, Pelanders vocalizations are entrancing and his energetic renditions remind me of Jim Morrison (The Doors). Firewood is not a jovial venture, though, as evidenced by Wooden Cross (I Cant Wake the Dead), which has that Sabbath likeness working in its favor yet again. The lone instrumental is titled Merlins Daughter, and is magnificent during its minute and a half lifespan; its too bad it wasnt elongated. The aptly-titled Sorrow Evoker is an instance where Witchcraft truly shine due to their mastery of melancholy-infused sludge. A few more numbers, which are in the same vein as the previously mentioned material, round out the collection.
On the whole, I cant seem to conjure a better retro-oriented album. I was skeptical before I fully gave Witchcraft a chance, but they kicked my ass with no effort whatsoever. This is another gem from Rise Above Records, and one thatll be praised for a long time to come. A definite must-buy.
9/10
Official Witchcraft Website
Official Rise Above Records Website
Rise Above Records RISECD62 July 26th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Firewood is the result of a band holing themselves up in a basement with enough 70s music gear, tie-dye T-shirts, and illicit substances to weather the apocalyptic Y2K disaster. And, of course, Witchcraft before, during, and following the recording sessions spun plenty of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix, Im sure. Influences aside, this album is a top-of-the-line release, and one that Ive been listening to non-stop.
Any preemptive doubts about Witchcrafts abilities to craft (ugh) substantial doom/stoner songs will dissipate once Chylde of Fire hits. The vintage twist found on Firewood, though it obviously hints at decades past, possesses that Wow effect. Honestly, after delving into the Black Sabbath-soaked opener, I knew I was in for a treat. In an attempt to preserve credibility, the group used 70s-era, recording equipment, and it does indeed boost their believability. Plus, Pelanders vocalizations are entrancing and his energetic renditions remind me of Jim Morrison (The Doors). Firewood is not a jovial venture, though, as evidenced by Wooden Cross (I Cant Wake the Dead), which has that Sabbath likeness working in its favor yet again. The lone instrumental is titled Merlins Daughter, and is magnificent during its minute and a half lifespan; its too bad it wasnt elongated. The aptly-titled Sorrow Evoker is an instance where Witchcraft truly shine due to their mastery of melancholy-infused sludge. A few more numbers, which are in the same vein as the previously mentioned material, round out the collection.
On the whole, I cant seem to conjure a better retro-oriented album. I was skeptical before I fully gave Witchcraft a chance, but they kicked my ass with no effort whatsoever. This is another gem from Rise Above Records, and one thatll be praised for a long time to come. A definite must-buy.
9/10
Official Witchcraft Website
Official Rise Above Records Website
