Portland’s Black/speed metal purveyors are back with a fourth full length release. Last year’s compilation of the first three demos was a welcomed bonus to those who missed them first time around. I always find this band refreshing and rather on the evil side with their simple, but effective, devilish rock n roll.

Having lived with three advance tracks for a while, it’s nice to hear them slot into the album fully. ‘Lavish Desecration’ plays homage in my mind to another famous three-piece band, with a deadly twist and elegant signature changes to pause one’s breath or rest your neck, whatever your preference may be whilst you air guitar to the solo. ‘Spell Shock’ has a bluesy approach but it’s peppered with the evil vocals and the faster drumming signatures that go beyond standard timing. ‘Out Against the Law’ follows a similar pattern, with bluesy interludes every now and again to keep things back over ground. ‘Dystopic Demonolatry’ adds some musicianship to a gnarly approach, the production is raw when you look for it, and it is a touch loud and full in overall sound. Studios improve, not everything needs to be recorded in a basement!

‘Seasons of Foul Harvest’ has an odd time signature, it’s a hard one to get into to be honest. Then we have some consistency returning with ‘We Die in Dust’ and ‘The Harem Conspiracy’. The album itself flows well, doesn’t pose any objectionable music or styles, although ‘Pagan Shadows’ may raise some eyebrows by where it sits in the playlist of the album. ‘Ride of the Ironfox’ raises your fist at the intro, and gets back to the nasty business when the vocals start to gnarl, spout demonic suggestions and celebrate the glory of conflict in my interpretation.

The album retains interest through consistency. Bewitcher for me are not as raw as they used to be, but they still kick your arse from here to hell and provide some awesome artwork to accompany their releases.

(8/10 Paul Maddison)

https://www.facebook.com/BewitcherOfficial

https://bewitcher.bandcamp.com/album/spell-shock-24-bit-hd-audio