ALBUM REVIEW: The Austere Curtains Of Our Eyes – Witchkiss
This incredibly heavy and articulate doom group hails from the murky waters of the Hudson Valley, dredging some of the grungiest and dirtiest riffs in their repertoire, right to the surface. WITCHKISS are part of this rapidly growing movement coming out of upstate New York. Much like many of their doom counterparts their lyrics are mystical. What sets them aside however, is the ever-longing feeling of emptiness, shrouded in a cloak of poetry with their newest release The Austere Curtains Of Our Eyes.
Their introductory track, A Crippling Wind initiates the listener and tells them exactly what to expect. Slow and rhythmic drums and guitar lay hand in hand, all the while vocalist/guitarist Scott Prater delivers raspy, almost ghoulish vocals with a hauntingly despair-ridden flair. This is a persistent theme and sound throughout this track, with a change to less aggressive vocals around the four minute mark.
Melancholic guitarwork and simple drumming sets the initial tone for this next track, Blind Faith. This doesn’t last long however, as the heaviness kicks in all at once for a short interlude. Smooth and complimentary vocals, provided by Amber Burns, cut through the harshness momentarily, taking over from Prater for a short duration. Between these two very distinct styles, the switching of pace is a welcome sound and keeps the track interesting, and the listener of their toes. The last few minutes however maintain a calm and acoustic feel to it, easing the listener away from their troubles.
Death Knell takes a disenchanting turn. But not in a sense that it is by any means lesser than its counterparts, more so that Death Knell is a mellow and freeing track, allowing the listener to truly connect with the sorrow and mournfulness that is being shared. The combination of both male and female vocals, and the expert tugging of guitar, bass and heart strings really pushes this track high up on the album, despite it not being a heavy track musically, it is emotionally. The fourth track, Spirits of the Dirt starts off somewhat mellow, with a splash of grooviness thrown into the pot for a twist of flavour. The gentleness of the introduction is quickly offset and discarded as the brutality of the vocals and immensely crushing drums produced by the talented Anthony DiBlasi. Where can you go from here? Apparently straight upwards, with dual vocals and a sickeningly breath-taking solo and complimentary meaty basslines, it truly is the pinnacle of this track.
Returning to the rotted roots of doom, the fuzzy, mystical riffs and vocal talents of Burns, this brings the album back home with Seer. The ethereal nature of Burns’ voice and the instruments accompanying it plays homage to the progenitors of doom, while having their own spin too. The track title is particularly apt, considering the band name, WITCHKISS, and the overall sound. Those looking for a retreat to the simpler times of classic doom, look no further, as this track is a welcome nostalgia trip. Finally, we come to the outro track, A Harrowing Solace. By far the shortest track on the album, clocking in under three minutes, A Harrowing Solace lives up to its name. Haunting vocals and wistful guitar playing sets this song apart from the rest, weighing the listener down with forlorn emotions, yet that feeling of being whisked away on the breeze, never to be seen again is ever present.
WITCHKISS have produced an interesting album, touching on many different emotions, most of which not ranging in the positive spectrum. Despite this, the ability to dig deep and dredge up those feelings that we try to supress and confront them in the medium of music is a wonderful experience. Being able to grant solace and kinship to those who may need it, even if they are alone is something to be praised at the very least. The musicianship and skill of DiBlasi, Burns, and Prater is yet another aspect that of course should be celebrated. The mixing of old and new, influences of classic artists such as YOB and ELECTRIC WIZARD, with the like of newer CULT OF LUNA and CHELSEA WOLFE, makes this trio stand out just a little bit more than if they had stuck with a “safer” sound.
Rating: 8/10
The Austere Curtains Of Our Eyes is out now via Argonauta Records.
Like WITCHKISS on Facebook.