The bluesy, garagey, and punky duoBlack Magic Sixtakes another leap towards the grave onApril 7thwhenSvart Recordsputs out their fourth full-length,Choose Death. Even though the group themselves often underline their mental, musical, and lyrical stagnation, the new opus is a long leap closer to the edge. The title of the album,Choose Death, epitomizes the band's attitude towards their own history and a possible future.
"We began our journey with the voodoo psychosis of the debut (Evil Acupunction, 2008) and traveled along a left-hand path (Doomsday Bound, 2010) to a crossroads (Brutal Blues, 2013)," comments vocalist J-Tan."From there, we went to survey the scenery in the valley of death (Halfway To Hell, 2013). One lyrical theme evident throughout the new album is the acceptance of mortality, one way or another. Old age, loneliness, frustration, alcoholism, a piece of rope -all of them will kill you in the end."
Choose Deathwidens its musical palette in comparison to its predecessors, but at the same time, one can easily notice the backbone of the band remains the same as always. Says J-Tan, "Our basic ingredients haven't changed -we are still just an archaic two-man stomp show. On the new album, we've given in, slightly, and let more guest stars in. We also wanted more noisy percussion in there, to accompany the idiotic slogans, endless references to the history of popular music, and the caveman groove. Of the various guests, I would like to point out the guitarist Joonas Kotila, who's present on half of the album's tracks. Also, Janne Westerlund's (Circle, Plain Ride) outburst on '16 Tons of Misery' is a special moment in its own primitively solemn way."
Black Magic Sixremains quiet about its future. At least it seems the band is not giving it up, at least not this year. The band have shows planned around Europe and South America, too. Whether the new album makes the band choose either death or a fresh startthus still remains to be seen. In the meantime, hear "Dance With Me Satan," the opening track toChoose Death, atSvart's Soundcloud exclusivelyHERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
"Six'sChoose Death" Track Listing:
1. Dance With Me Satan
2. Shake Shake Shake
3.9 To Midnight
4. All Night Long
5. Red Cloud
6. Grease The Machine
7. Raw
8. Better Run Fast
9. 16 Tons Of Misery
10. Golden Jackal
