Parisian trio Witchorious emerges as a formidable force with their self-titled debut album. Laden with occultic fervor and blistering sonic landscapes, this opus is a visceral journey into the depths of despair and introspection.
From the haunting opening chords of “Monster,” the listener is plunged headlong into a world shrouded in darkness. Antoine’s guitar work conjures shades of Black Sabbath, weaving intricate, blues-infused riffs that snake their way through the listener’s psyche. This is the sonic tapestry upon which the band paints their grim tableau.
At the rhythmic core of Witchorious lies the formidable sibling duo of Paul and Lucie Gaget on drums and bass/vocals respectively. Paul’s thunderous percussion provides the driving force behind each track, propelling the listener ever deeper into the abyss. Meanwhile, Lucie’s bass lines reverberate with a menacing, almost hypnotic intensity, invoking comparisons to the likes of Electric Wizard.
Yet it is in the realm of atmosphere where Witchorious truly distinguishes themselves. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Amenra and Mastodon, the band crafts an immersive sonic landscape that is as oppressive as it is captivating. Each track unfolds like a twisted incantation, beckoning the listener to lose themselves in its murky depths.
Antoine and Lucie’s vocal performances further elevate the album’s sense of foreboding. From agonized screams to whispered incantations, their voices serve as conduits for the primal forces that lurk within the music. Together, they lead the listener on a harrowing journey through the darkest recesses of the mind.
Lyrically, Witchorious delves into themes of psychic duality, human vice, and the inevitable decay of the world. Against a backdrop of hellish, fuzzy riffs, the band explores the existential dread that lurks just beneath the surface of everyday life. It’s a journey that is as unsettling as it is cathartic, leaving the listener with more questions than answers.
Recorded at Studio Sainte-Marthe in Paris by Francis Caste, Witchorious is a testament to the band’s uncompromising vision and relentless pursuit of sonic transcendence. With ten tracks that pulse with raw energy and visceral intensity, it stands as a monument to the power of doom metal.
In conclusion, Witchorious’s debut album is a tour de force of atmospheric doom metal that will leave listeners spellbound. With its blend of blistering riffs, hypnotic rhythms, and haunting atmospherics, it represents a high watermark for the genre. Prepare to be drawn into the darkness and lose yourself in its depths. Solid 5 out of 5!
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Released: ARGONAUTA Records on February 16th, 2024
Music source for review – Grand Sounds PR
