Besvärjelsen hail from Stockholm, Sweden, a country which has a rich musical history and a knack for churning out some high-quality bands across many genres of music. Typically touted as a stoner/doom/occult rock style band, the five piece has their roots in this scene with two of the members having served in long time veterans of the Swedish doom scene; Dozer. Their name is Swedish for ‘The Conjuring’ and when you add that to their musical history, you can see why many would just lump them in with the doomy and groovy side of things. However, Besvärjelsen aren’t just your typical, run of the mill band in this approach to music. On “Atlas”, the bands second full length release, they have set out to prove that they are much more than just your typical band you’d find out on the bill of one of the many Hammerfest/HRH festivals you are constantly text messaged and emailed about. So, let’s see what these Swedes have summoned up from the musical abyss then.
“The Cardinal Ride” opens up with a solid groove. Hypnotic drums pound as a wah laden fuzz riff hooks you in. The melodic vocals add to this draw and it is hard not to instantly draw parallels with the legendary Truckfighters, such is the sound and style of the track. The spirit of Desert Rock runs through this pounding opening track and the simple approach is delivered with style. “Archeron” follows it up with another heavy fuzz riff and pounding drum run but this more methodical chug has a darker edge to the sound. Heavier and slightly tighter, you can hear the ‘occult rock’ and retro influences slip in. Very mild Iommi-isms in the guitar progression give it the darker edge, precisely timed chord shifts and wailing bends add the haunting atmosphere and the flair of the rhythm section channels the 70’s spirit. The hazy vocals sharpen up in parts for the extra impact and the slower pace of the chorus allows for some lingering vocal lines to make it sound bigger than it is. This compositional work makes the track rather impressive, but it is the closing sequence which catches the ear as the instrumental section seems to teeter on the edge of going free-form extended jam as it explodes to life. The thundering transition riffs become more animated as melodic lines join them, adding another dimension to the sound before the melody begins to take on a life of its own as it breaks off into a flurry of motifs which expand into a screaming solo backed by thundering drums and an ominously heavy melodic section. A fantastic set up for a final run of the chorus and a real pivotal moment in the track. It is on this track where Besvärjelsen show what they are about.
“Clouds” has a melancholic feel to it. The reverb laden vocals and lazy guitars drawl on until the band thunders in for a huge sounding chorus. Delivered at the same lingering pace but with far more volume behind it, the heavier sections bring in touches of the more modern takes on occult rock much like some of the earlier works of Ghost. “House Of The Burning Light” continues this musical trend. Heavier and with a slightly more imposing atmosphere, the more prominent doomy vibes and subtle Sabbathian nods combine with the catchy melodic hooks to keep the momentum going. With plenty of fuzz and crashing cymbals you still have that desert rock vibe but the blend of approaches and genres is delicately balanced to help give a sound which appeals to many. From pounding chug riffs to spaced out sustain laden leads and seductive vocals, it’s another huge track which has plenty of catchy moments to keep you hooked.
“Paradise” has a slow and sorrowful opening melodic sequence which immediately draws you in. The heavy and serious atmosphere created by the music makes the vocal work even more engaging and you’re quickly under its spell as it slowly surrounds you. Lyrics paint a musical picture of loss and false hope and the slow and haunting guitar/bass lines reinforce this. Tales of being promised a wonderful world being backed up by thick distorted guitars, a deep bass and slow cymbal crashes? Simply crushing! Throw in the backing arrangements to add that extra touch to the atmosphere and you have a real powerhouse of a song which pulls on all your senses and emotions! “Digerliden” takes us into the second half of the album and it’s more of a return to the desert rock vibes. Fuzz, phaser, flanger… Get the checklist ticked because it’s all there. The rich sound, faster pace and hazy vocals kick things into a less ‘heavy’ place atmosphere wise and the Truckfighters and Fu Manchu comparisons surface again. The lead melody sections in the final run of the track roll out well and the brief false-finish before it slams in hard for the true finale caps it nicely. “Descent” brings back the melancholy again with the haunting clean guitar arpeggios and sorrowful lyrics and even as the track progresses, it maintains the clean musical approach for the most part. It is only round the final third of the track where things begin to pick up as the volume is cranked and things teeter on the edge of going full distortion.
“Celestial” is an instrumental sequence track which is pretty much an extended intro for the penultimate track of the album; “Obscured by Darkness”. It’s serves purpose in acting as an anticipatory transition but would have been much better suited to just being a part of the track it sets up. “Obscured by Darkness” is something worth talking about thankfully. The track bursts to life with the tried and tested Sabbathian flair. Huge thundering guitars and booming bass delivered at a lumbering pace coupled with a dirty blues vibe to the vocals and riff structuring gives the track a serious hook. Combining headbanging riffs with the raw bluesy licks makes this a track which compels the listener to get lost in it at so many points. It’s probably the most ‘stereotypical’ doom track on the album and it’s executed extremely well. Closing things on the album is “Divided Ends” which brings back the desert rock elements for one last ride. The slow and lumbering pace allows for the exotic harmony opening to ease its way into a thundering fuzz attack which blends the Sabbathian and the Truckfighters to give a dark and heavy, hook loaded track which pretty much sums up Besvärjelsen better than any amount of descriptions or comparisons could. Crashing riffs, captivating hooks, calculating vocals… It all features here to give a satisfactory sign off on a very enjoyable album.
On “Atlas”, Besvärjelsen proudly show their musical influences. They don’t shy away from sounding similar to the bands who influenced the doom, desert and occult genres, but they don’t create a carbon copy of them either. “Atlas” is loaded with plenty of atmosphere, heavy spots and driving grooves to satisfy the listener and it should certainly be an album many of you consider come the business end of this year!
Hold up the weight of the world upon your shoulders, then throw it aside and do your own thing Besvärjelsen, you’ve earned it on this release!
(9/10 Fraggle)
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