Forever Spoken by WITCHPIT is a beast of an album. It’s heavy, raw, and unapologetically southern in its metal swagger. If you’re into sludgy riffs that feel like they’re dragging you through a swamp and rhythms that hit like a freight train, you’re in for a treat. At its core, this album feels like an intense meditation on perseverance and leaving something meaningful behind – and it makes you feel every ounce of that weight.
Let’s talk riffs first because, honestly, they’re the backbone of the whole album. They’ve got that perfect mix of grit and groove – thick enough to knock you over but with enough detail to keep you hooked. One minute, the guitars are churning out slow, doom-like chords that seem to stretch time itself. The next, they’re exploding into faster, more aggressive patterns that keep your adrenaline pumping.
The Southern metal influence really shines here, with a tone that’s unmistakably rooted in the genre but never feels derivative. You can tell these riffs were crafted with care – nothing feels thrown together, and there’s a clear sense of purpose behind every note.
Beneath those guitars lies a rhythm section that deserves a ton of credit. The bass isn’t just there to fill out the low end – it’s front and center, growling and snarling its way through the mix. It’s the kind of bass tone that rattles your chest and makes the whole album feel alive.
The drums are equally impressive. They’re powerful without being overbearing, with just the right mix of technical precision and raw energy. There’s a natural ebb and flow here that keeps you locked in from start to finish.
It’s heavy, sure – but it’s also immersive in a way that not every metal record manages to pull off. There’s a depth to the sound that feels almost cinematic, like you’re being pulled into a dark, sprawling world where every note carries weight.
The production plays a big role in this. Phillip Cope, who’s worked with some absolute legends in heavy music, strikes a balance between clarity and rawness. Nothing feels overly polished, but at the same time, every instrument gets its moment to shine. It’s a tricky balance to nail, but Forever Spoken pulls it off.
The consistency of this album is one of its strongest points. Every track feels like part of a larger story, and there’s a clear sense of vision driving the whole thing. That said, the relentlessness of the heaviness can be a bit much at times. A few more moments of contrast – maybe some quieter sections or unexpected twists – could’ve made the heaviest parts stand out even more.
Still, that’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things. This is a record that knows exactly what it wants to be, and it delivers on that vision with precision and passion.
WITCHPIT has delivered an album that feels as big as the themes it tackles. Forever Spoken is a triumph of southern metal and sludge, packed with massive riffs, pounding rhythms, and an atmosphere that lingers long after the music stops. It might not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. This is music that hits hard, both emotionally and physically, and it’s a ride worth taking.
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Released by Heavy Psych Sounds on November 8th, 2024
