WITCHCRAFT - THE ALCHEMIST LP

Gatefold sleeve with insert.

With this, their third album, Witchcraft finally achieved what they always threatened. The Alchemist was an album that saw them move away from the obvious "Doom-Rock" tag into something much more vibrant. It also was their biggest seller to date and considered a a return to the form shown on their classic self titled debut. 

The Alchemist shows a group of musicians at ease with their playing and song writing. Here is a band that does not rely on distortion and down-tuned guitars or with screaming vocals to achieve a heavy sound. Theirs is a heaviness which is more of a soulful feeling than a simple gnarly roar. Check out ‘Hey Doctor’ for proof of this; addictive melodies flow simultaneously with crushingly heavy riffs, whilst remarkably managing to maintain a relaxed and laid back feel throughout.

The intricate contrasts between the album's heavier moments and gentle psychedelic passages create a truly alluring and varied atmosphere, reflecting the mind of musical Alchemist/bandleader Magnus Pelander at work.