If you have heard of this band recently then chances are that it will be related to a certain "southern super group" and their recent resurgence. These Swedes embrace the seventies and are said to be the sole reason that Down, with former Pantera screamer Phil Anselmo at the helm, were revitalized and released arguably their finest recording in 2007.
Coincidentally, Witchcraft's third album is also their most accomplished creation so far, chock full of references to the best of seventies rock, doom, folk, and even jazz. Just listen to the manic saxophone in "Remembered" and enjoy the history emanating from your speakers.
There is something genuinely comforting about the sound and production on The Alchemist. The analogue recording has a warm feel to it and doesn't sound like it was made in this millennium, but back in 1972. I don't currently own a vinyl player, but I can just imagine how good this album would sound on an LP. Not everybody appreciates music that looks back rather than into the future but I have always had a soft spot for bands of this kind and there is something undeniably charming about long-haired hippies jamming out riffs on old equipment and, with a minimal budget, crafting better songs than most modern sounding bands can amount to. Trends may come and go but there is a reason that this music has lasted for over three decades and that is because it was always about the songs rather than anything else.
One of Witchcraft's strongest attributes is Magnus Pelander's voice. Strong, soulful and carried with a lot of melancholy, it is perfect for accompanying songs such as the up-tempo "If Crimson was Your Colour" and the slower "Leva," which is sung in their native language. The absolute highlight however is the epic close and the albums title track. Eleven minutes long, it never once loses its direction and keeps you enthralled all throughout, from the slow and acoustic beginning to the doomy finale.
There are a lot of legendary bands that creep up in your head whilst listening to The Alchemist but the most conspicuous ones in my opinion are Roky Eriksson and Captain Beyond, especially in the bluesy guitar solos.
There is no reason to neglect checking Witchcraft out. This is a spellbinding creation and has everything one needs and craves from a good rock album.
