‘Idag’. Or, Witchcraft Today. Magnus Pelander makes a statement, re-defining (again) the heavy rock, doom, whatever you would like to call this genre, in his own terms. Something he is very well familiar with of course. The album is exceptionally crafted from one of the best out there. Sometimes they call Witchcraft ‘veterans’ of doom, since their spell originates many years back and they have released 7 albums (incl. ‘Idag’), but honestly, every time they come back with a new release, it feels like a fresh restart, they renew their way through heavy riffs, doomy and gloomy pathways, personal dramas and fragile situations.
The album is a fantastic piece of modern doom, where Magnus Pelander testifies his soul and gives a great performance behind both the guitars and also the vocals, in a remarkable manner, where the emotional fragility meets the raw power of his guitar. The Swedish lyrics add up to the authenticity of the album’s craftmanship and also to the overall atmosphere where, drama, the overall emotions and a glimpse of nostalgia for the first albums of the band emerges through the misty walkways. Even though “The Alchemist” or “Legend” have left their own unprecedented mark in the band’s chronology and history, ‘Idag’ is the record which sets things together again and can make you think a little bit outside of the box, considering the greatness of this band from Örebro.
“Burning Cross” is the trademark track of the album, a defining tune for this record as it encompasses the current status of Magnus Pelander as a musician. “Christmas”, a beautiful piece where the acoustic guitar together with the instable fragility of Pelander, definitely constitute a highlight of this record and remind us of the previous Witchcraft album ‘Black Metal’, a controversial though great record. References to Jesus Christ and suicide reveal the esoteric battles and inner struggles which Pelander has gone through, and these are the ones who have fueled his inspiration and creativity to make such a great album.
Be no fooled: Witchcraft, a personal project/band of Magnus Pelander, have gone through many lineup changes, struggles, hiatuses, but the core elements of the man in charge remain untouched through the course of time. The band, which once turned everyone’s eyes and ears to the glorious past of the 70s, is now making a re-entrance on the central stage of doom and heavy rock with this fine piece of art. ‘Idag’ does not just claim, but strenuously gains our respect for its undenied authenticity, inspired artistry and fragile musicality.
♦ 8/10
Text by Antonis Mantzavinos
Tracklist:
1. Idag
2. Drömmar av is
3. Drömmen om död och förruttnelse
4. Om du vill
5. Gläntan
6. Burning Cross
7. Irreligious Flamboyant Flame
8. Christmas
9. Spirit
10. Om du vill (Slight Return)
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