Witchtanic Hellucinations

First of all, I tip my hat to Razorback Records for signing such a talented band. Acid Witch just has that "Razorback" sound, and if you like Blood Freak and Lord Gore, you know what I mean. This is an essential release for any Doom/Death lover. I mean really people, go out and buy this album.

Alright now, let's get down to the actual review. The song lengths are serviceable, but not too long. I mean, I enjoy a lengthy song, but sometimes it's ridiculous. I find that songs should be like a woman's skirt; long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep interest. The album starts with an intro which immediately sets the mood of the album. The witch's monologue sums up everything the album is going to be about: "Step this way, lovers of the loathsome, As I lead you into my cave of lurking shadows, And demonic deadly's, Gather around the cauldron, while I boil up a beastly brew, I call Witchtanic Hellucinations!!!"

Into the Cave starts the album off with sludgy-doom riffing with echoing growls by Lasse. This is an example of the heavy doom you're going to hear for the rest of the album. However, doom is not the only take on the album as I soon found out. Into the Cave finishes with a classic Razorback solo. The kind of solo that is so short and so perfectly placed that you need more.

Swamp Spells starts off with bubbling noises straight from the witch's brew. This track is a bit faster than the previous, and the vocals are more prevalent. The guitar work is simply amazing on this one. It is not mindblowingly fast by any means, but it is so perfectly orchestrated and sets a melancholy mood. The track picks up again and eventually finishes with another great solo.

By no means should you skip any tracks in listening, but i'm going to do so out of the need to finish this review. The Black Witch is my favorite track on the album. I absolutely love the shift in tempo and the perfectly placed guitar distortion. That's what I love about Razorback - they understand the importance of good soloing with higher a range of distortion.

The title track is also excellent. The mid portion of the song reminds me of old B-movies. Something out of a scene in a church where the organ is playing. Well, something like that. HEAR IT FOR YOURSELF!!

Overall, this is a remarkable album which deserves at least one listen. It chugs along with that Razorback sound, and has a few memorable samples as well. Bottom line is if you like ANYTHING on Razorback, then get this album. If you like ANY doom, get this album. If you enjoy having testicles, get this album.