There is something warming and exciting about the opening few chords of ‘Body of Light’. There is a feel of eastern mysticism and then the actual metal riffing begins. Boom, you are then drawn into a heavy metal trance with haunting doom undertones. Around the 4-minute mark, there is some serious riffing delivered. This changes the dynamic of the track; it may well be fitting to think you are in guitar virtuoso territory in terms of fretboard dexterity. The tone still gives you a doom flavour from the tone of the bass and chord structure, hey, it’s not often I sit back and think, “bloody hell, that was good”, as I listen to many favourable albums in my duties here and life in general. ‘Of Rock and Stone’ is more traditionally into the doom realm, the power of Laura’s vocals really do set this band apart from other doom laden female fronted acts. The range is immense, but the power of both the lower and upper register is exceptional. I still feel that with the guitar and the riffs, there is a wealth of influence, so it certainly does not limit the expanse of this track. Again, later on, the tempo is increased, you could be grooving to many bands of this ilk, but King Witch are of recent times, the best I have heard in terms of the ability to seamlessly transcend between tempos, as such, it is so natural, a touch of Hammond is also favourable. Blimey, ‘Call of the Hunter’, can the vocals get any more powerful, I listen and I think that is it, we have arrived…then they keep on climbing higher. Whilst again, doom laden, the style overall could have many favourable comparisons to all eras of Candlemass; there is more metal than doom, it is the art of the musical transition I am particularly impressed with from King Witch.
‘Return to Dust’ has a beautiful non-distorted start, this builds atmosphere, and then the heavy stuff kicks in. Yep, this is great doom. Melodic, powerful and masterful in character and the opening line ‘The circle of life is complete’ is terribly apt. The melody, or rather the tone of some of the work reminds me of that qualities that Thin Lizzy had through their twin guitar attack, this is a single musician (Jamie Gilchrist). Not only known for his other musical endeavours, but an ace artisan of recording studio magic. Worth its weight here for sure. ‘Order from Chaos’ transcends the effects board, resulting in the delay/phase pedal effect generating an eerie atom smashing stance, the augmented chords before the riffs, that’s another stand out for universal acceptance of this Scottish bands creativity.
There are a couple of concepts I feel are linked, the ‘Solstice’ numbers. ‘Solstice I/She Burns’ starts its 10-plus minute journey, very doom, very Sabbath inspired utilising light and shade and displaying the already heralded mark of character and suspense before delivering the kill shot of heaviness at every opportunity that arises. ‘Solstice II’ is much more sedate (it is a sub-two minute instrumental!). Sandwiched between is ‘Witches Mark’ which blows you to kingdom come with it wah-wah start, then it is the fast as hell metal assault that delivers the most upbeat track of the release. Anyone who knew of two member’s previous band (Firebrand Super Rock) will recognise the energy here, in places, a touch of Deep Purple, a touch of Dio and everything in between.
I never intended to, but I appear to have gone through this review track by track, so herein lies a point, there is not one tune that I have not found favour with, not one I have skipped, but I have repeated them many times of course. Therefore, to complete the release, we close with ‘Beyond the Black Gate’. Here, a similar method begins, but time the doom intro; the lighter aspect begins with the vocals. One again, as a listener I am captivated and immersed into the story, the imagery running through my head as I type, the grip is very secure. Sit back and rejoice.
Those who know this band will be joyous in receiving these sounds. After a good few listens, I think this is a marked upscale of their last effort ‘Under the Mountain’. ‘Body of Light’ has developed, I think they have become heavier as a band, the mix is brighter and the songs themselves are majestic in places. Overall, this is a thunderous heavy metal/doom release; it sets a fantastic high standard that others may never reach. There is an immense power given off by this recording. King Witch have managed to convey the story beneath the songs, much more than many albums have in recent times. ‘Body of Light’ is a game changer for King Witch.
(9/10 Paul Maddison)
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