If something feels amiss in the universe lately, a certain darkness, a creeping doom-well, that's probably because BLACK SPELL, the Psych Doom trio out of Northern Italy, is releasing their EP, "Walpurgis Night," on July 28, 2023 on Regain Records and Helter Skelter Productions. While not completely new-two tracks were previously released-there are two new tracks. And one of the tracks is a two-for, so it feels like a five-track album.

If you were recently released by the Inquisition and you have not heard BLACK SPELL, let me be the first to spoil your soul. BLACK SPELL is a deliciously diabolic band. They have three full-length albums plus a two-track single-"Walpurgis Night." Yep, that's a single and an EP with the same name. So not great with naming conventions, but great on the whole Occult Psych Doom scene.

The first track, the title-track, gets us started on familiar ground. It's a slightly different mix than the one issued on their 2021 single but the same mix that was used on their 2021 LP, "The Purple Skull." It does bears repeating as it's a fantastic track. Second up is an ELECTRIC WIZARD cover, "Doom Mantia." This is the same mix used on the b-side of their 2021 single, so no surprises here. Holds up like Doom gold, which I guess would be lead. Anyway, great track.

With track three we get to the new stuff, "At Hell's Gates / Infernal Powers." If you think of it like two tracks, "At Hell's Gates" is an instrumental; If you think of it as one track, "At Hell's Gates" is a long intro. It's a solid piece with some Hammond organ compensating for the absent vocals. The second half of the track, "Infernal Powers," is an infectious slab of fuzzy Doom. The final track, "Satan's Claw," recalls the Hammer Horror classic "Blood on Satan's Claw" but doesn't seem to actually be about the movie. Which is fine. It's still about Satan and said claws. Another fine track, this one.

Altogether, "Walpurgis Night" is a wickedly depraved offering by one of my favorite occult metalists. Highly recommended for new and old fans alike. As an added bonus, the band has announced that Helter Skelter Productions "will be jointly reissuing BLACK SPELL's first two albums, the self-titled debut and follow-up "The Purple Skull," on CD and vinyl formats with new layouts, and updated covers." Completionists be warned.