Year: 2020 
Total Time: 32:59
Label: Nuclear Blast 

WITCHCRAFT have always been the spearhead of this interesting relationship between occult rock and traditional Doom since the release of their eponymous debut in 2004. Many musicians came and left the band’s line-up in its 20 years of history, with only one stable member remaining throughout time and this is Magnus Pelander, the former member of NORRSKEN, a forerunner of GRAVEYARD. Essentially, the singer and guitarist is the only member of the band left from its original line-up.

“Black Metal” is a calm, acoustic album. The atmosphere is fragile and sensitive. Everything brings to mind the image of a man in a dark room with his guitar. This is probably the best way to listen to “Black Metal”. This silent melancholy creates a strong sense of atmosphere, tense and fragileness at the same time.

“Black Metal” has only seven songs, one man and one acoustic guitar. The experience it offers is lonely but familiar. The opening track of the album, “Elegately Expressed Depression” expresses frustration, loneliness and silence as Pelander presents these issues throughout “Black Metal” with unquestionable authenticity. There is a beauty in its performance that is sincere and technically flawless. The whole album is essentially moving at the same paths,.

This release is not about a band that redefines its art or changes direction. No, in fact, WITCHCRAFT, does not show up as a band here. This is more of a Pelander solo album released under WITCHCRAFT’s brand and, while this may disappoint fans, if you remove the band’s name from the equation and focus on the message that “Black Metal” wants to get across, you will find a raw, genuine, heartfelt record. Is it a Metal album? No. Is it “Black”? If by the word “Black” we mean dark, sad and depressed, then yes, absolutely! Another form of the genre that deserves respect.

Rating: 7/10
Editor: Fanouris Exintavelonis
Related Link: WITCHCRAFT – Facebook Page