Some people say that the third album is the most important in a band's career. I don't know if you agree with that statement but our friends from Sweden have surely passed these exams. Don't forget that the two previous albums were really shocking, and now I'm afraid you'll have to add another one to the list.
Inspiration is something that isn't missing here. WITCHCRAFT in three years time makes us wonder which album is their best. If, of course, there is a meaning behind such questions. In all their recordings everything flows so easily and natural, the guys are masters in songwriting. They really got it; and don't forget that this detail separates a nice band from a great band.
I can say that their future was bright from their beginning. If a magician had took a deeper look into his crystal ball in 2000 and in the era of their first 7 via Primitive Art (which was a tribute to Roky Erickson and Bobby Liebling) he would be astonished from the band's three diamonds. The arch-magicians in Rise Above had a sense and took the opportunity by releasing all these without second thought. Till now I'm writing I've not met a person that has listened even one note from them without getting impressed. This means a lot.
 Their music is complete 70s, fully into BLACK SABBATH and PENTAGRAM. Yes, you can find many references from 60s and 70s bands but I'll underline the previous two giants. Their sound is so sweet, pleasant and tender, really vintage rock as some call them. The new album is more 'easy listening' I would say. There aren't any special differences except a move from the dark doomish fields of their debut into something more enjoyable and relaxing, with more energy and sonic vibrations.
Crossing the path for The Alchemist had some difficulties on its way. The appearances of some briers turn it rugged. The tours with CORROSION OF CONFORMITY found the Katrina disaster in front, the tour with MONSTER MOGNET was cancelled plus the change of drummers occurred. For this album the coffins are hit by Fredrik Jansson and it looks like he is here to stay.
I want to have your attention now in three tracks out of all seven. If Crimson Was Your Colour appeared in the 7 single with the same title in 2006 , with b-side featuring the ZEPPELIN-ish I Know You Killed Someone. It's a little up-tempo strange and dark song, surely one of their best. You have an inconvenient feeling while you're hearing it, like something evil will come beside you fast enough. In its end it's like Not To Touch The Earth (of THE DOORS).
Hey Doctor - on the other hand - is pure doom metal. Really heavy , the guitars blow your head. In the end you'll meet the most interesting; The Alchemist. A song divided in three parts, with exhilarating melodies in its middle (same goes in the end of Samaritan Burden) deep in psychedelic space, as in the closure of Remembered with the sax-solo upon a wonderful guitar riff. If it was more extended I'd leave my brains there.
WITCHCRAFT remains concise with their ideas, making music very pleasant to our ears. Enjoy them from 18th October to 1st of December in their tour in USA, while there are plans for touring in Europe, Australia and Asia. Beware!!!