| Black Metal | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| Studio album by Witchcraft | ||
| Released | May 1 2020 | |
| Recorded | 2019 at Studio Bombshelter in Sweden | |
| Genre | Folk, Acoustic | |
| Length | 32:59 | |
| Label | Nuclear Blast Records | |
| Producer | Magnus Pelander | |
| Witchcraft chronology | ||
| Nucleus (2016) |
Black Metal (2020) |
TBA (TBA) |
Black Metal is the sixth studio album by the Swedish rock band Witchcraft. Recorded in 2019 and released via Nuclear Blast Records in the Spring of 2020, it would notably be a solo acoustic album in a drastic departure from previous works (Though more in line with the solo works of bandleader Magnus Pelander). Notably at just under 33 minutes it is the band's shortest album to date.
Background[]
In the Winter of 2020 it would be announced that Witchcraft were to appear at several festivals in Europe (several of which as a headliner) including DesertFest Berlin, Desertfest London, Kristonfest, Freak Valley Festival, Copenhell and Sweden Rock Festival. A handful of songs would leak onto YouTube in February, seven in all and later revealed to be the new full album when details would surface in March.[1] Black Metal would see release on 1 May 2020 on CD and Vinyl, the latter in Black, White and Gold Vinyl. Magnus Pelander is the only performer on the album, performing seven acoustic songs.
Reception for the album has been mixed, with many reviewers expressing confusion over the change to an acoustic sound. Despite this the album would attain some positive reception. Metal Temple, rating the album a 7/10, would draw comparisons to The Moody Blues, Eddie Vedder and Johnny Cash in describing the songs.[2] Astral Noize UK would notably praise the eight-minute "Grow" and note that "this album will appeal to people who know that doom isn’t so much a sound as a state of mind.".[3] Cryptic Rock would note the history of the band leading up to the album, ultimately awarding 3.5 stars out of a possible 5.[4] MXDWN,[5] Sonic Perspectives[6] and The Sleeping Shaman[7] would also notably speak positively of the album.
However some critics were not as receptive to the acoustic record. Louder Sound, giving a 2/5, would cite the album as " Totally detached emotionally speaking and even more minimalist than the 2016 folkish set, Time – although that EP was released under his own name to add to the confusion – there’s very little of substance here to hang on to.".[8] Doodlehound would award a "Mildly Recommended" score, only giving a nod to the album's short length and the songs being decent while also criticizing the fact that Witchcraft were set to headline festivals behind this album.[9] Blabbermouth, awarding a 6.5/10, cites the albums as "haunting and beautiful, but it does become monotonous."[10] Metal Blast would also note the misleading nature of the title and the "raw" feel throughout but ultimately call the album a disappointment.[11] Other notable reviews would be among the likes of Noizze (5.5/10),[12] Distorted Sound Magazine (5/10)[13] and Angry Metal Guy (2.5/5).[14]
Tracklist[]
- 1. Elegantly Expressed Depression (5:29)
- 2. A Boy and a Girl (1:57)
- 3. Sad People (5:42)
- 4. Grow (7:51)
- 5. Free Country (3:57)
- 6. Sad Dog (4:21)
- 7. Take Him Away (3:42)
Personnel[]
- Magnus Pelander - Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Vocals, Lyrics, Songwriting, Producer
- Peter Gabriel Saxin - Recording, Mixing
- Stamos Koliousis - Mastering
- Lasse Almqvist Scherven - Design
- Lasse Persson - Photography
External Links[]
References[]
| V·T·E Witchcraft | |
|---|---|
| Selected Members, Present and Past | Magnus Pelander • Ola Henriksson • Jens Henriksson • John Hoyles • Mats Arnesén • Jonas Arnesén • Fredrik Jansson |
| Studio Albums | Witchcraft • Firewood • The Alchemist • Legend • Nucleus • Black Metal |
| Other Releases | No Angel Or Demon • The Sword / Witchcraft |
| Magnus Pelander Solo Releases | A Sinner's Child • Time |
| Selected Associated Bands, Etc. | Norrsken • Troubled Horse • Graveyard • Count Raven • Abramis Brama • Truckfighters • Angel Witch |