Witch Ripper were formed in 2012 in Seattle, earning rave reviews and strong attention in the underground scene with their self-titled EP and their debut full-length record, “Homestead”, in 2018. Their second album, “The Flight After The Fall”, was the release that brought them international recognition, as the band expanded the scope of their sound tremendously, blending catchy elements with progressive experimentation. “Through the Hourglass” is the album where Witch Ripper stop sounding like a promising sludge/prog band and begin to function as a fully formed, self-aware artistic entity with a clear aesthetic direction. It feels like a repositioning—a true artistic reset. The biggest change can be found in the song structures, which now have a stronger sense of beginning, middle, and climax. Compared to their previous work, this record offers more melody, a greater emphasis on clean vocals, and more balanced songwriting. The album is driven by a sense of temporal fluidity and inner exploration, elevating the musicians to a new level. They become more accessible without losing their identity or intensity. Among the highlights are “Odyssey in Retrograde”, which opens the album powerfully and immediately pulls the listener into the concept, “Clock Queen”, arguably the most epic track they have ever written, and “Echoes and Dust”, which fully embraces their atmospheric and progressive side. The entire flow of the record leaves the impression of something carefully crafted and deeply intentional. “Through the Hourglass” is not simply a good album—it is a statement of transition.
♦ 8,5/10
Frost and Fire
