British doom lords Electric Wizard have been delivering music sludgier thanThe NeverEnding Story’s ‘Swamps of Sadness’ for over two decades. Their eighth studio albumTime To Dieis their darkest and most decimating yet.
The album opens with the natural gurgles of a river, then broods for almost 11 minutes in crunching, grinding reverb. It slowly drops you into a haunting abyss full of grave-turning riffs.News clips from the 1980s Ricky ‘The Acid King’ Kasso murder case, where satanic ritual and devil worship were linked to rock music, cast that extra bit of disturbing malevolence over proceedings, and a touch of humour.
Standout tracks like ‘Lucifer’s Slaves’ and ‘Sadiowitch’ have a more upbeat stoner/blues vibe but still crawl into the Wizard’s signature blood-curdling drone. Jus Oborn’s vocals echo hypnotically in the distance, buried beneath the shattering atmospheric feedback.
Electric Wizard have successfully created a grimy, vintage feel, with Hammond organs and crackling tube amps featuring throughout. It’s a thundering demonic feast for the ears and will chill your bones to the core. Perfect for your next night in with the Ouija board.
3.5/5.
