Witchcraft

Posted about 4 years ago

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Witchcraft

Founded in 2000 in the small Swedish town of Ã–rebro by the vocalist Magnus Pelander with the intent of recording a single in tribute of Roky Erickson and Pentagram's Bobby Liebling, Witchcraft lay down thick neo-psychedelic hard rock as if the '70s never ended. Witchcraft followed up on that single, "No Angel Or Demon," with the albums Witchcraft (2004) and Firewood (2005). In 2007, they released The Alchemist, which has made its way to my favorite heavy metal album of the year. (But what do I know; I don't listen to a lot of this stuff.) Reminiscent of their equally talented compatriots Dungen but veering more closely towards retro doom metal, Witchcraft create the sneaking suspicion that not much has registered in their musical universe after Black Sabbath - even though all band members were born after 1977. Wait for the three-minute mark in the live video for "Hey Doctor" from The Alchemist, and you'll get the point. The sound on their records has a pretty authentic '70s vibe thanks to a basement studio outfitted exclusively with vintage equipment. To me, this music is tremendous fun. \m/ \m/

This is a Filling in the gaps post.

Comments (9)

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kristiana says Hell yeah. I dig it. Thanks! Definitely has Sabbath written all over it. Starts off sounding kinda like Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, then the solos, drumming, everything. Sweet. I'm telling ya, there's a rocknroll revival coming on, I can feel it in my bones! Prove me right, if possible. :) Especially help me out with my Nordic education, please.

Permalink posted 12/19/2007
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Anna says "Retro doom metal", you can't make that shit up ;) I can live with it. Oh, and I agree with Kristiana. Specifically, I think everybody will be rockabilly next year. W00t!

Permalink posted 12/19/2007
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1234chainsaw says Richard Hawley was rockabilly already this year... I'm growing my hair out a bit on top, next I'll go and buy some grease. 2008, get ready!

Permalink posted 12/19/2007
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kristiana says Oh no, I'm talkin' about exactly this style - bringing the heavy groove back, a la Sabbath. All the kids around here in bands have been playing the same old punk/rock style for a few years now, all too fast and no groove in sight. It really started to get me down. So nothing to be done but be a good role model again, right? :) Nonetheless - I would love to see you with a pompadour.

Permalink posted 12/19/2007
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Marigold says my co-workers thought it strange for me to jump up on my desk holding devil horns in the air while flailing uncontrolably. ...they just don't get it man. This is tremendous fun! Good call Pekka.

Permalink posted 12/19/2007
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brendanhalpin says Rock....so heavy...laptop...crushing thighs.....

Permalink posted 12/19/2007
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Iren says Very cool stuff. I can hear the Sabbath, but there is something else in there as well...

Permalink posted 12/19/2007
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Bartleby says Did I read Pentagram? A band which shines in the shadow of Bobby Liebling cannot be not good. Thanks for filling in my gaps.

Permalink posted 12/20/2007
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chucky says I think I like it. :)

Permalink posted 12/20/2007