Summoning the ferocity known to their loyal followers since 2013, BEWITCHER returns with “Spell Shock”, their fourth full-length album. This record follows their acclaimed “Cursed Be Thy Kingdom” released in 2021, packing a brutal punch that is delightfully familiar yet refreshingly evolved. With the band’s consistent evolution since their eponymous debut in 2016, “Spell Shock” stands as their longest effort to date at 40 minutes of unrelenting energy (44 with the bonus track). After a three-year gap, BEWITCHER has finely tuned their craft, both embracing their roots and venturing into new territory.
From the outset, “Spell Shock” is an unforgiving showcase of BEWITCHER’s mastery in blending blackened speed, thrash, and heavy metal. The first track, “Starfire Maelstrom”, sets the tone with a gradual build-up that erupts into a savage assault on the senses. Mateo Von Bewitcher’s vocals are more pronounced than ever, and his lyrics are discernible amidst the chaos, a testament to the polished yet raw production by Lars Frederiksen.
One noteworthy transformation in “Spell Shock” is the discernible reduction in tempo, replaced by an emphatic emphasis on groove. Tracks like “Lavish Desecration” and “Out Against the Law” bear this out, each transitioning seamlessly from ferocious speeds to deliberate, headbanging rhythms. The latter even features cameos from tourmates, adding an engaging layer of camaraderie to the album’s rebellious spirit.
“Dystopic Demonolatry” and “Season of Foul Harvest” take no prisoners, embracing the old-school BEWITCHER sound wholeheartedly. The gang vocals and gritty delivery of these tracks are augmented by meticulous musicianship, reminding listeners why they fell in love with the band’s previous releases. Meanwhile, “We Die in Dust” takes a different approach, starting with a haunting, mid-paced groove before shifting gears towards the climax.
An intriguing shift in “Spell Shock” is the band’s embrace of different stylistic elements, which is most evident in “The Harem Conspiracy” and the instrumental “Pagan Shadows”. The former nods to BEWITCHER’s back catalog while introducing fresh thrashy grooves. The latter provides an unexpected eastern flavor, showcasing their versatility and ability to surprise even their most devoted fans.
The closing track, “Ride of the Iron Fox”, is a tour de force. Described humorously by A. Hunter as BEWITCHER’s “Dokken song,” it caps off the album with an epic finale that echoes the primal yet evolved essence of the band’s latest work. The melding of furious tempos with melodic sensibilities throughout the album ensures that “Spell Shock” is an experiential journey, ideally akin to classic concept albums.
The high-energy “Spell Shock” is undeniably BEWITCHER at their most refined and dynamic. It’s not just a collection of tracks; it’s an invocation of raw, unfiltered metal that channels the very soul of blackened speed and thrash. The band’s relentless dedication to their craft and the symbiotic relationship they share with their fans shine through each riff and lyric.
With “Spell Shock”, BEWITCHER proves once again why they are stalwarts of their genre. It’s an album that honors their storied past while paving the way for future escapades into metal’s savage domain. Standout tracks like “Starfire Maelstrom”, “Lavish Desecration”, and “Ride of the Iron Fox” reaffirm their place at the forefront of the black/thrash scene.
Brett’s Rating: 9/10
Pre-order: https://bewitcher.lnk.to/SpellShock
“Spell Shock” Tracklisting:
01 Starfire Maelstrom [WATCH]
02 Lavish Desecration
03 Spell Shock
04 Out Against The Law [WATCH]
05 Dystopic Demonolatry [WATCH]
06 Seasons Of Foul Harvest
07 We Die In Dust
08 The Harem Conspiracy
09 Pagan Shadows
10 Ride Of The Iron Fox
SKELETAL REMAINS + BEWITCHER North American Tour Dates:
w/ PHOBOPHILIC (all dates), TORTURE RACK* (09/20-10/06), WITCH VOMIT^ (10/06-10/20), MORGUL BLADE~ (10/02-10/05)
9/24: San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box *
9/25: Dallas, TX @ RBC *
9/26: Houston, TX @ Scout Bar *
9/27: New Orleans, LA @ Southport Hall *
9/28: Orlando, FL @ Conduit *
9/29: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Purgatory) *
10/01: Raleigh, NC @ Chapel of Bones *
10/02: Philadelphia, PA @ KFN *~
10/03: Brooklyn, NY @ Market Hotel *~
10/04: Worcester, MA @ Ralphs *~
10/05: Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving *~
10/06: Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge *^
10/08: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary *^
10/09: Ottawa, ON @ The Dom *^
10/10: Toronto, ON @ Rockpile *^
10/11: Albany, NY @ Empire Underground +^ 10/12: Baltimore, Md @ Metro Gallery +^
10/13: Cincinnati, OH @ Madison Live +^ 10/15: Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge^
10/16: Denver, CO @ HQ *^
10/17: Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon *^
10/18: Boise, ID @ The Shredder *^
10/19: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon *^
10/20: Portland, OR @ Dante’s *^
BEWITCHER EU Tour Dates:
11/08-09: Umea (SE) @ House of Metal
06/13-15: Leeuwarden (NL) @ Into the Grave
Line-Up:
Mateo von Bewitcher – vox + guitars
A. Hunter – drums + percussion
A. Magus – bass guitar + backing vox
Artwork: Solo Macello
Producer: Lars Frederiksen
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