ALBUM REVIEW: Spell Of The Crimson Eye – Wolf Prayer

Tucked away in the corner of west Germany, with 42% of its area covered by forests, and international borders with France, Belgium and Luxembourg, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate is a picturesque part of the world with the mighty River Rhine running through it. With all this forestry around it’s easy to get a sense of mysticism from the region, and that has certainly permeated the music of WOLF PRAYER. Returning with their sophomore album Spell Of The Crimson Eye, the German trio evolve their raw brand of stoner psych that grows and flourishes throughout the album, whilst they explore a variety of thought-provoking topics. 

Lyrically, WOLF PRAYER look into topics and emotions that we can all relate to, such as the longing that comes from looking for a new love, running on autopilot and losing yourself in a daily routine, the loss of personality from a loved one being ravaged by illness, and a homage to the moon, the moon landings of NASA’s Apollo programme between 1969 and 1972, and space travel to top it off. This eclectic journey makes you sit back and wonder about your position in the universe; as things unfold, for better or for worse, from an astronaut’s point of view in space, we’re just little specs of light in an infinite blackness.

WOLF PRAYER’s second album is stronger than the band’s debut Echoes Of The Second Sun. The most notable development is that Spell Of The Crimson Eye has been produced to a higher standard, and the songwriting feels more focused and cohesive. The album still retains the band’s signature raw, dry-as-bone riffing and unorthodox atmospheres, yet these elements have been consciously improved to be more streamlined and impactful. There is also a more noticeable vocal presence alongside swirling rock organ melodies. 

The overall vibe of the album is if PINK FLOYD ventured into the world of BLACK SABBATH-esque fuzz. Intensely atmospheric with the use of sound effects, synthesisers and organs, it conjures up memories of listening to The Wall or Dark Side Of The Moon. WOLF PRAYER do well to create interesting, textural and layered atmospheres, however it just lacks a bit of punch. Dynamically it makes sense to have the fuzzed-out riffs dialled back a bit to make the transitions into the psychedelic sections easier, but it sacrifices those monumental moments that come from transitioning back from luscious psych into gut-punching heaviness, something that WOLF PRAYER have mastered.

Also, Spell Of The Crimson Eye has a weird disjointedness between the music and the vocals. The way the riffs are written and constructed have more of an instrumental heavy psych vibe to them, and as a result it feels like the vocals are shoehorned into the album and in some areas detract from the chilled-out atmospheres and interwoven melodies. With that in mind, while the vocals are certainly distinctive, it feels like the vocal melodies were the last thing to be considered – there’s much more ear-grabbing, melodic interplay between Christian Hack’s organ work and Jan Sprengard’s guitars, for example.

Opening up with Interludium Nebulae, the scene for the album is set with a space spaghetti western feel, slowly building before launching into a half time groove and riff. Desire opens up with a funkier drum beat and slightly ups the tempo alongside introducing the interplay between the rock organ and guitar leads, supported by the tight rhythm section of Tim Hansen (bass) and Matthias Schorr (drums). Oblivion is the most PINK FLOYD sounding track on the album, channelling melancholy and sombreness to create a spaced out atmosphere common with disassociation. 

Doctrine feels like a fever dream as it criticises the daily grind. Office and commuting sound effects put you on edge as it feels like you haven’t escaped the workplace for the week. Yet it does create this fascinating dystopian vibe combined with the muzak sounding organs. Cards Of Evil picks up the groove again and sounds distinctly 1970s-influenced with a bluesy swagger and warped distortion. Luna carries on this super fuzzed-out theme and has the punchiest main riff on the album, but dynamically it loses momentum several times and struggles to chase it up again. Album closer The Devil Told Me So is a nearly nine-minute exploration of deep psych and heavy rock riffs, going through several motions before it fades out with distorted feedback.

Spell Of The Crimson Eye certainly is a development in terms of WOLF PRAYER’s sound and songwriting, but ultimately it just feels a little bit flat and disjointed. There are some shining moments in there that can be used as a foundation in the future, as the German trio do have an innate ability to create great psych, it just needs to be allowed to shine through. Either way, WOLF PRAYER have missed the mark on this one.

Rating: 5/10

Spell Of The Crimson Eye is set for release on October 6th via Barhill Records.

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