EP REVIEW: Walpurgis Night – Black Spell

In German folklore, Walpurgis Night was believed to be the night of a witches, and is celebrated on the night of the 30th April. Due to its association with witches, it has been a favourite subject for metal bands for decades, and now the occult aura surrounding the creative force of Italy’s BLACK SPELL has also succumbed to the witches’ spell. 

Still a relatively young band (three years old in fact), BLACK SPELL have had a bewitching effect on the underground doom scene. Opting for a dark and primordial sound on their previous albums, the band’s new EP Walpurgis Night ventures down a more psychedelic path. Originally a two-track EP, this new-ish EP has been upgraded to four tracks of devilishly delightful doom. 

Whilst paying homage to Italy’s pedigree in the stoner, doom and heavy psych genres, BLACK SPELL entrance you with their hypnotic approach to doom. Imbued with an ELECTRIC WIZARD style approach to earth shattering fuzz, the enigmatic and mysterious trio bring together three sinisterly hypnotic tracks – Walpurgis Night, At Hell’s Gate/Infernal Powers and Satan’s Claws – alongside an excellent cover of ELECTRIC WIZARD’s Doom Mantia. 

Earthy and beguiling, Walpurgis Night works its magic on the senses with alarming ease, hexing your mind with its swirling organ and guitar melodies. Heavy, bewitching bass lines bring you into this strange and dark world, conjuring up imagery of eerie rituals and witchcraft. Their occult overtones make the buzzsawing fuzz tones sound even more foreboding and domineering, as the ominous organ melodies weave in between the riffs. 

Over four bewitching tracks BLACK SPELL continue their prolific occult offerings with devilish efficiently. Walpurgis Night is a small feast of excellent doom and once again demonstrates why BLACK SPELL are a force to be reckoned with on their rise to the top of the occult doom pyramid. 

Rating: 8/10

Walpurgis Night is set for release on July 28th via Helter Skelter Productions/Regain Records. 

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