Album
Type:
Full Length
Date
Released: 14/10/2016
Label: Nuclear Blast
Clearly, as can be heard over the
course of this interesting record, Magnus Pelander is not always a happy man-
through his sadness, though; he has created a thing of beauty. This album is
excellent; one of the best I have heard this year. If you are searching for
sombre acoustic music, then this is essential.
“Time”
CD//DD//LP track listing:
1. Umbrella (5:28)
2. Family Song (3:43)
3. The Irony Of Man (4:31)
4. True Colour (8:57)
5. Precious Swan (9:52)
6. Time (4:15)
The
Review:
Magnus
Pelander, of Witchcraft
fame, has really come up with the goods here. I must admit that the last Witchcraft
album did not really pique my interest- too long, very dark and I found it hard
to get into. However, what we have here is a sparse record more akin to Jethro Tull
or the acoustic moments of the Sabbath canon.
Pelander employs acoustic guitar,
flute and backing singers- all on the first track- to create a rather sublime
mixture of dark folk with doom vibes. As the album progresses, the vibe remains
melancholic, wistful and in keeping with Pelander's more familiar chosen genre. His
voice, instantly recognisable and unique, is one of the album's strongest
points. His somewhat odd pronunciation remains intact here and this is part of
what marks him out. “Family Song” is
a rather pretty acoustic track with strong melodies and in parts Pelander's
voice really soars.
“The Irony of Man” is somewhat more downbeat
as is “True Colour”, but each track
is in perfect keeping with the sombre mood on display here. As the nights draw
in and summer becomes a rather distant memory, this album could be the perfect
soundtrack.
“Precious Swan” begins with sparse
acoustic, but adds violin and reverbed vocals. It is a sombre listen, no doubt,
but strangely uplifting as well. Pelander's
voice delivers heartfelt words here. The title track closes this six track
extravaganza and is strangely catchy as well as downbeat. Clearly, as can be
heard over the course of this interesting record, Magnus Pelander is not always
a happy man- through his sadness, though; he has created a thing of beauty.
This album is excellent; one of the best I have heard this year. If you are
searching for sombre acoustic music, then this is essential.
“Time” is available everywhere now
Band info: bandcamp
