The White Wizard

Kult of the Wizard had a knack for changing things up with each EP they released, but the shifts came completely out of left field on The White Wizard. A completely new lineup was brought on that included a completely new rhythm section as well as introducing a dedicated vocalist with Mahle Roth, making the project feel like a fully realized band as opposed to just being whatever founding guitarist Aaron Hodgson wanted to do at a given time. This in turn resulted in a drastically altered music style that drew inspiration from the bluesy doom of Goatsnake and Witch Mountain rather than the drone leanings of before.

Thankfully, the band navigates these changes with flying colors and shows off some fantastic chemistry in the process. The vocals frequently threaten to steal the show, keeping the listener's attention through sheer charisma while emboldening the songs with their exhilarating energy. Fortunately the guitars manage to keep a steady grip on things, driving the songs with an earthy, bottom heavy tone and the rhythm section kept tightly in the pocket.

The vibrancy further manifests in the songwriting with several tracks putting forth different facets of deep fried bluesy goodness. "Tusk of Mammoth" and "Black Moon" exercise some slow but forceful swing rhythms, the latter climaxing on some faster chugs, while "Olde Fashioned Black Magik" really sees that Goatsnake influence shine through its fun upbeat shuffle and Delta imagery. The rather jumbled rhythms on the closing "Devil Delight" can feel a little redundant compared to the other jams but it ultimately comes through thanks to its dense moodiness. I must admit that the sample-heavy "Plasma Pool" is another one of the band's unnecessary midway change-ups that the EP would've been much tighter without.

It took a couple style makeovers for it to happen, but Kult of the Wizard really seemed to hit their stride with The White Wizard. The band is unrecognizable compared to the previous EPs, but the musicians know how to make this blues doom style feel natural. The fact that their first proper album, Gold, would take these elements to even greater extents five years later only goes to show how important it was to have these seeds in place. That particular release may be the best place to start for potentially interested listeners, but The Blue and White Wizards certainly make for some enjoyable samplers.

Highlights:
"Tusk of Mammoth"
"Olde Fashioned Black Magik"
"Black Moon"