KING WITCH
𝖎𝖎𝖎
Listenable Records

Focusing on the intent of humanity to destroy ourselves, the third album by KING WITCH seems an appropriate commentary for modern times. Even as I type this review, further unrest in the US, combined with political turmoil and humanitarian crises across the globe, make it a sobering and depressing view.

Yet underneath the gloom, the doomy metal and rock of Edinburgh’s KING WITCH inspires hope, albeit through the beautiful noise they create. KING WITCH is a band that I’ve admired from afar for some time, through debut album “Under The Mountain” in 2018 followed by “Body Of Light” in 2020. I’ve only seen them live a couple of times, once at Bloodstock Festival and once at an all-day event in Manchester, but both times led me to keep them on the radar.

“𝖎𝖎𝖎” certainly lives up to the anticipation, with its heady mix of Sabbath and Candlemass riffs, and that Soundgarden vibe that adds an additional element to the mix. The powerful and intoxicating vocals of Laura Donnelly combine with the monstrous power that this band create, from the crushing opener “Suffer In Life”, which is guaranteed to get heads nodding, through to the lengthy conclusion of “Last Great Wilderness”, an eight-minute epic which eases us out of the album.

In between, six additional slabs of KING WITCH ensure that anyone who likes their doom is satisfied. Donnelly’s vocals add the extra dimension, whilst guitarist Jamie Gilchrist and bassist Rory Lee ensure that the heavy always remains. Gilchrist’s production at his own Nameless City Sound studio is on point. Tracks such as “Swarming Flies” and “Behind The Veil” show different styles to the band’s delivery and songwriting, and whilst they borrow from those masters mentioned, there is enough about their music to give it an original and inviting style.

“Behind The Veil” flips into Opeth territory in parts, echoing harmonies bringing depth to a gentler approach which provides a breather mid-point in the album. It also showcases Gilchrist’s excellent guitar work that shines with a fine solo. There’s the acoustic burst on “Little Witch”, the penultimate song here, which provides more variation and whilst it’s in keeping with the band’s overall dark feel, the switch of tempo and style makes “𝖎𝖎𝖎” an album you’ll want to return to again and again.

“𝖎𝖎𝖎” is a maelstrom of riffs, clever songwriting and most of all, a blast of good heavy metal which most fans will appreciate. It may have been a few years in the making, but good things come to those that wait. One of the best albums I’ve heard this year.

Paul Hutchings