TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 for February 2017

Let it be known fellow Sludgelordians, “The Sour 16” returns.  The Sludgelord presents the very best riff based music to pour scorn on this desolate day and strike upon us the might of the riff, to inject our veins with sin and guide us on journey of subservice to doom, an act that goes against the very laws and teachings of populist culture, and for those that wish to come with us on our quest, kneel with me as we embrace the thunderous din that is, “The Sour 16”.

You know the drill by now, each month, you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  To put it simply, “The Sour 16” are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below.  All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red)

16). Morta Skuld - "Wounds Deeper Than Time" (579)

15). Crystal Fairy - "Crystal Fairy" (629)

14). Woe - “Hope Attrition” (660)

13). Weltesser - "Crestfallen" (711)

12). Grey Widow - "II" (720)

11). Dread Sovereign - "For Doom The Bell Tolls" (739)

10). Brutus - "Burst" (820)

9). Wiegedood - “De Doden Hebben Het Goed II” (924)

8). Psychedelic Witchcraft – “Magick Rites and Spells" (979)

  

7). Darkest Hour - “Godless Prophets & the Migrant Flora” (1011)

6). Death Alley - "Live At Roadburn" (1023)

5). Cult of Occult / Grim Van Doom - "Split" (1096)

4). Sleep - "The Clarity" (EP) (1437)

3). DOOL - "Here Now, There Then" (1439)

2). Unearthly Trance - "Stalking the Ghost" (1526)

1). Widows - "Oh Deer God" (1705)

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful. February’s  “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Victor Van Ommen, Ben Fitts, Theron Moore, Brandon Green, Charlie Butler, Chris Bull, Jake Wallace, Conor O’Dea & Grim Trashcan

ALBUM REVIEW: Psychedelic Witchcraft - Magick Rites and Spells"

By: Jake Wallace

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 27/01/2017

Label: Soulseller Records

'Magick Rites and Spells' is a fresh, authentic display of classic occult rock being performed in the present day. It's a blessing to see a band who are truly absorbed in this genre, leading the way for all modern day occultists to follow. It's a very well-balanced mix of old, new and cover songs and an incredible follow-up to the masterpiece that was 'The Vision'. This band are only getting started and I'm truly excited to see what the future holds for Virginia and the guys.

“Magick Rites and Spells” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Come a little closer (Exclusive to this release)
2. Godzilla (Blue Oyster Cult cover, Exclusive to this release)
3. Set me free (Re-recording, Exclusive to this release)
4. Wicked dream (Re-recording, Exclusive to this release)
5. The dark Lord (Originally performed by Sam Gopal, with Lemmy)
6. Angela (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
7. Lying on iron (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
8. Black magic man (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
9. Slave of grief (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)

The Review:

Psychedelic Witchcraft have just brought out their latest album 'Magick Rites and Spells'. This band certainly know how to churn out songs as their last album, the critically acclaimed 'The Vision' only came out back in April, 2016. 

We dive into the mystical land of the occult with 9 tracks comprising of 3 brand new tracks, 2 covers and 4 tracks from the “Black Magic Man” EP, released back in 2015.

Track 1, 'Come a Little Closer', starts the album off with some elegant, flowing guitar sounds before the main riff begins and Virginia Monti takes control, doing what she does best. Such a powerful voice which can also be toned down for those hypnotic lyrics, entrancing you as the song goes on. There's some great lead guitar work in this track too, providing just enough of a taste without overcompensating. It's a very enticing opening track and a great start to a superb album. 

Track 2 is a cover of 'Godzilla' by Blue Oyster Cult. This is the first time I’ve heard a female sing this song and it sounds absolutely fantastic. I saw Blue Oyster Cult a few months back and they played this song but to be perfectly honest, Psychedelic Witchcraft do a better job than B.O.C did live. It's also very refreshing seeing a couple covers. A lot of bands have strayed away from covering songs in recent years but when you can add your own signature touch, like these guys have, then by all means, cover that shit! 

Track 3, 'Set Me Free', is a true piece of Sabbathian occult rock. Everything blends incredibly well and there's still a lot of breathing room with the guitar and bass tones so it's not total overkill. Virginia's vocals soar over the top of some very tight riffage before a great breakdown with just drums and bass involved. This leads way to another ripping solo from Jacopo Fallai as the track comes to a close. 

'Wicked Dream' is the 4th track on the album and the last of the brand new, original material that is exclusive to this release. These guys create such a dark, gloomy vibe to rock and roll but it works a treat and the visual imagery and lyrical themes all work as a cohesive unit.

'The Dark Lord' is another cover of the famous Sam Gopal song that featured Lemmy on lead vocals. It is in itself a fucking incredible song and it's so great to see recognition of it and Psychedelic Witchcraft do a superb job at doing it justice. As much as I love original material, I'd love to see these guys do a full cover album just to see what they would pick and see how Virginia can lend her voice to pretty much anything and do a fantastic job.

Track 6 'Angela' is the first track taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP from 2015. This time round it sounds much more polished and it's great to see their older stuff rearing its head again. Psychedelic Witchcraft defined their style early on and they still stay true to the Coven-esque style of occult rock. There are also more current influences such as Blood Ceremony or Ruby the Hatchet who play very similar styles of music but I think Psychedelic Witchcraft are the most authentic occult-styled band. 

Track 7 'Lying on Iron' is another track from the “Black Magic Man” EP. It is a beautiful, yet haunting piece of music and one of the more mellow tracks on the album. The musicianship in this band is of a very high standard and the fusion of guitar, bass and percussion is extremely affective in creating this sound. The guitar solo uses a Jimi Hendrix 'Little Wing' sounding tone and works fantastically with the backing music. There are a million ways to describe how good Virginia's vocals are and yet again, she delivers an impeccable performance. 

Track 8 'Black Magic Man' is the title track from the EP of the same name. This was one of the first Psychedelic Witchcraft songs I heard and got me into listening to them. It definitely sounds a lot fuller this time round and reminded me why I love this band. Parts of this song remind me of early 90s desert rock but tainted with a hint of darkness. 

The final track on the album 'Slave of Grief' is also re-released from their debut EP. It has a very simple chord progression which is perfect for letting Virginia grab your attention with her lyrics and vocals. It slowly chugs along and opens up around the 3 min mark with another ripping, fuzzed out guitar solo. Some of the tones on this album are very thick and fuzzy and some are clean and appropriate to the style of each song. This one is steeped in that classic vintage fuzz tone. The drums are absolutely on fire towards the end of this track and it all culminates in a witch's cauldron of musical brilliance as the track fades out. 

'Magick Rites and Spells' is a fresh, authentic display of classic occult rock being performed in the present day. It's a blessing to see a band who are truly absorbed in this genre, leading the way for all modern day occultists to follow. It's a very well-balanced mix of old, new and cover songs and an incredible follow-up to the masterpiece that was 'The Vision'. This band are only getting started and I'm truly excited to see what the future holds for Virginia and the guys. 

“Magick Rites and Spells” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Dead Witches - "Ouija"

By: Josh Nichols

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 10/02/2017

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

This is another perfectly fuzzed out slab of doom from a band that doesn’t seem to know any other way.

“Ouija” CD//DD//LP track lisiting:

1.Intro
2. Dead
3. Drawing Down The Moon
4. Ouija
5. Mind Funeral
6. A World of Darkness

The Review:

Dead Witches is the latest incarnation of occult doom perpetrated on an unsuspecting world by Mark Greening (former Electric Wizard, also of Ramesses, With The Dead) and vocalist Virginia Monti (Psychedelic Witchcraft). With the help of Carl Geary on bass and the dearly departed Greg Elk on guitar, they have churned forth “Ouija” for your consideration, meditation and devastation. They aren’t trying to reinvent the genre here.  With their history and pedigree, you wouldn’t expect them to.  This all to brief slab of sludgy goodness is just the latest chapter in their already stellar careers.

“Ouija” creeks to life with a classic doom intro of rain on organ with cavernous guitar emanations, perhaps giving rebirth to the cover arts dead witch in the graveyard, courtesy of the always epic and over the top Goatess Doomwych. The intro gives way to “Dead”, a lumbering slow burn with crisp percussion and thick riffs, along with our first taste of Virginia Monti’s vocals, hazy and slightly distorted, with a tinny almost ham radio quality, like a voice from beyond.

On “Drawing Down the Moon” everybody flexes just a little. They take the tempo up a notch, Mark Greening gets loose on the kit, the riffs get thicker and more fuzzed out and the vocals wail and get more insistent as the song progresses. The back half of the track revs up to an unhinged gallop as Greg Elk works out a brief keening solo that struggles for life over the top of the jam session created by the rhythm section. The title track, “Ouija” follows, stepping the pace back to the lumbering burn of “Dead” but with a heavier back beat at the chorus.  This track is also the best showcase for Virginia Monti’s vocals, which find more range and swagger throughout. 

The final two tracks are a perfect pairing of heavy doom, and my favorites of the album.  “Mind Funeral” is the heaviest track and Mark Greenings finest behind the kit. Engulfed by a huge riff and a filthy vocal delivery from Monti, Greening throws away the wing nut on the high hat and proceeds to lay about the place, dealing fills at every opportunity for an epic highlight. They segue with ease as Greening cools it down with the 90 second intro to “A World of Darkness”. Everything goes quiet and a girls voice says “you’re gonna die up there” and they launch into another thundering riff, another stellar jam, another perfectly fuzzed out slab of doom from a band that doesn’t seem to know any other way.

“Ouija” is available to preorder buy here

Band info: facebook

The Witching Hour - An Interview with Virginia from Psychedelic Witchcraft

Today's guest is currently riding the crest of a wave within the Doom/Stoner Metal scene with their brilliant and acclaimed new EP – Black Magic Man. I originally thought that this EP was recorded by an actual band, hence my surprise when I found out it was the work of one highly talented individual.

I said this about Black Magic Man:

“I've been listening to Psychedelic Witchcraft's debut EP – Black Magic Man – for some time now. It's a 70s style Classic, Hard Rock. Retro Rock. Doom Metal and Occult Rock kind of thing.

This EP is kicking up a real buzz within the Doom/Stoner Metal community and it's not hard to see why. It's a stunning release from a band/solo artist that I want to hear more from. Virginia/Mia has proven she has the talent and drive to go a long way with Psychedelic Witchcraft. Check it out. Excellent and Highly Recommended.”

Psychedelic Witchcraft even made it onto the May 2015 Monthly Doom Charts List coming in at No 20. A real surprise to even Psychedelic Witchcraft themselves. Though that's how highly thought the band are within the Doom/Stoner Metal community.

I had to get an interview with the hugely talented lady behind Psychedelic Witchcraft. And I'm happy to present my interview with Virginia Monti aka – the genius behind Psychedelic Witchcraft.

Hi Virginia, How are things with you today. Thanks for doing this interview.

Thanks to you guys for making this I am honoured.

We are mainly here to talk about your new musical project – Psychedelic Witchcraft. Can you tell our readers how this project came about?

Yes. Well it was manly a joke at first. I was alone and it was a pretty bad period for me because I had to move from Milan to Florence, it was also the end of a long relationship with my X boyfriend. I felt I needed something that was only mine and that made me feel better about the all situation and myself.

So one day I had this song ready called "Angela"I called some friends of mine and I said "Guys I want to record this song can you help me?".They did and we played in my living room Angela and post it online. I was pretty shocked when I saw all the feedbacks that I had. So yeah that's how it started basically 3 months ago now.

You’ve released your debut EP – Black Magic Man. Can you tell people what to expect from this album.

Uh well I don't know ahahaaha . Yesterday I was with some friends and I was seeing them playing, they are in a doom metal band called "Fangs of the Molossus" and I really love their stuff and I asked my myself... Well this is doom metal - it's Heavy and cool I am not like this ahahahhaah and it's so cool to have the metal community supporting me even thought I am not very heavy.

So I don't know I just wrote what I feel and I don't know if people can expect me to be doom or heavy or metal ...I think they can definitely expect a 70' sound and some occult experience and behind all this just myself .I have put everything that I like and all myself in this EP so I hope that people feel this too.

Why did you choose the name for – Black Magic Man – for the EP? Any specific meaning.

Ahhahaha - Well I decide to call the EP like the song "Black Magic Man" because it's about the man that inspired me to make the EP for real. I wrote that song very quickly because I was so angry. I remember I was sitting in my chair with the guitar playing the main riff and didn't know exactly what I was looking for this song. Then I said to myself...Why don't you talk about the man that you loved and left you all alone?

So I did it hahahaah. Black Magic Man it's my X boyfriend it was pretty an evil guy he was so negative about everything and about the world. He thought I had no talent at all and didn't want me to do this thing... So maybe it's not the answer that many want to read but this is the truth.. I wrote the song for him and for all the people that try to push you down and think you are not capable of anything.

For me those people are Black Magic people in that sense … so yeah... and they also do black magic stuff trust me hahahaha. But again at the same time he inspired me so much so I dedicate the EP to him, a really black magic man.

Was this a hard EP to write and record for?

No it was magic really... when everything started and people reacted to the song Angela , I had only that song so I didn't know what to do. I took like a week just for myself all alone and I wrote all the EP in a week. I dedicate myself to it it was an intense week of me, songs and guitars, it was pretty fun. Then I recorded in Rome in a studio of a friend of mine, I didn't have so much money so we recorded in 2 days and we played from 6 o'clock in the morning till late at night it was very intense and then it was done. It was magical like if someone was guiding me towards this thing.

Has the overall response to the EP surprised you at all. As it seems the Doom/Stoner Metal community has taken to Psychedelic Witchcraft in a big way.

It surprised me and I am STILL in shocked!!! - Really I told you before I don't know if I fit or not in the metal scene because my songs are not so heavy but I am so glad that the metal community supported me like this because metal and hard rock are my favorite genres since I was a young kid.

So for me was really amazing. Especially because this is happening so fast... I told you I am still in shocked and feel blessed by the Gods everyday - ahahahaaha

Did you write all the music and lyrics yourself or did you have help from your friends and colleagues.

I wrote everything by myself. All the riffs and all the melody and of course the lyrics. I like writing I am not a very good guitar player but I use the guitar to write it's just a lot easier and I love to do it. All my life I have been writing and reading a lot, not only songs but in general I like to write and express myself, especially when I am stoked in a situation and my mind it's exploding for too much thinking I feel that writing down stuff makes you feel better and makes something good out of a bad situation...if this make any sense.

Did you record and play the instruments yourself. Or did you have help with certain instruments.

I needed help of course because even if I wrote everything I needed someone that played the main guitar and the drums, and I was trying to make a real band as well, I have never planned to be a solo artist and I did suffered for this if I have to be honest. I asked some friends or at least I thought they were friends to help me recording the songs and if they wanted to make the band with me.

I had help for the main guitar and the drums, bass was played by the guy that played the main guitar in the EP I played the guitar as well. It was cool they are good musicians they just played my songs did it right and it was it. I try to convince them to make the band with me but they didn't want to ... they said that my music was not interesting at all and they didn't want to play in a band that put Satan and Witches in their songs. So I said OK that's fine I will be alone.

Which bands and artists influenced you a musician. Any specific band or album that stands out.

YES A LOT. OK - First one that changed my life was when I listened at 8 years old to Led Zeppelin II my father gave it to me and that was it!!! I was into rock music. Then growing up I loved Jefferson Airplane and Black Sabbath,Shocking Blue .Lots of Blues like Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. and so many others...

But OK let's talk about record that I like more a part from this artists because about them I like everything, but I can say definitely Coven "witchcraft destroys minds and reaps souls" then Leaf Hound "Growers of Mushrooms", Free "Fire and Water", Buffalo "Volcanic Rock", and "Cheap Thrills" by Janis. Yeah, those for me are big inspirations too.

What is your musical setup when recording in the studio or playing live. Is it an advanced or basic setup?

Well I have been singing since I was a kid and I learned to play the guitar 2 years ago because I had problem with my voice and I couldn't sing for months so I decided to learn guitar. I am 24 years old so I don't have so much experience. I played live many times in jam sessions and with other projects that I had in the past and also as a songwriter by myself with the acoustic guitar. But it was my first time recording a real record. never done before and I am still learning so much stuff along this way ...so I will say it's a basic setup, yeah …

Black Magic Man is being released on 10inch Vinyl by Taxi Driver Records later in the year. How did you become involved with Taxi Driver Records.

It was pretty fun ....I didn't know them and I didn't know they were following me on Instagram. They were the First one that contacted me and did a proposal for the EP even if anything was out they just only listened to Angela and believed in me since the beginning. I wasn't sure about it because I didn't know anything about labels and 3 months ago I didn't even wanted a label I was not searching for it.

After months I had a few records label proposals in my mail but I was all alone and didn't have a band so I decide it was too big for me to handle. So I wrote back to Taxi Driver, they are Italian and really nice guys and they offered me a nice deal that I could handle so I decide for the moment was the best option for me.

Italy has a well deserved reputation within the Sludge/Stoner Metal world for providing us with great bands to check out. Ufomammut, Zippo and Doomraiser amongst others. How is the Sludge/Stoner Metal scene perceived in Italy?

Uh, well I think it's growing a lot really Italy is rising again and I think this it's so cool. But at the same time it's very difficult to play because there isn't really a heavy psych stoner movement and there aren't so much clubs to play in. So I think it's growing and I am hoping that it will get bigger and easier to play soon.

I am hoping this because there are A LOT of good musicians out there and good bands that need to stand out. But again I am a Loner honestly ahahaa - I am always alone in my home playing and singing and I am new to all this stuff so.I am not good for answering this question ahahahaah

Which bands/albums are you currently enjoying at the moment? Any you like to recommend to our readers.

Oh yeah a lot !!! I am really enjoying new ones like there is a band called Rifflord - fucking awesome record - love them,

Mothership - new record - love them as well and some really new and emerging one like White Coven demo they are very cool, Sara, she has got a wonderful voice, better then mine honestly ahahahha and Wucan - EP pretty cool love her voice too.

I honestly I am stocked in the 70's I listen to new stuff but then I return back to my roots. I am listening to Deep Purple right now if you want to know ahahahahah uh you know another band that I am listening to, but you know them of course ...stoner version of Deep purple...new Demon Eye Record ...another awesome one of this month.

Can you tell us what the long term plans for Psychedelic WItchcraft, Future tours or albums? Can you see Psychedelic WItchcraft becoming a full time band with actual band members? Or do you see it as a studio project at the moment.

I am trying to make a real band since the beginning I want to go out and play be on tour and make this thing grow and happen. I have musicians right now, I didn't post it officially because they are learning my songs and I already wrote the full length so they are learning also the new songs. I am really hoping this line up could work so I can go out and play and be a real band.

I don't care if I have to wrote all the material or other stuff I want just to play that's it. So plans for Psychedelic Witchcraft ? record the full Length and playing live as much as possible. Those are my main goals...

What other musical projects are you currently involved with.

I have another band I wrote material also for this other project but I don't know it's anything official yet so we will see what the future will bring .For the moment I have Psychedelic Witchcraft and it's my baby I want Psychedelic Witchcraft to work honestly...

Finally do you have anything to say to your fans and our readers?

Well yes.. THANK YOU GUYS I know I said this a lot but is the truth!! - You make it real for me and if I am here answering this questions and if I had some attention it's only because OF YOU. Because you supported me and shared online my music since the beginning.... Thank you and I will be never thankful enough!!

May the Gods blessed you all and the ancients spirits guides you through the journey of Life !hope to meet you all one day on the road!! Cheers :)

Words by Steve Howe and Virginia Monti

I want to thank Virginia for taking the time out to talk to us at Sludgelord HQ. Check out Psychedelic Witchcraft from the links below.

For More Information

Facebook | BandCamp

Psychedelic Witchcraft - Black Magic Man (EP Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: April 2015

Label: Self Released/Taxi Driver Records

Black Magic Man - Track Listing

1.Angela 04:57

2.Lying on Iron 04:15

3.Black Magic Man 03:49

4.Slave of Grief 05:35

Members:

Virginia Monti

Bio:

Psychedelic Witchcraft was born by the hands of the ancient gods of Blues and Doom . Living through the imaginary of Occult and Witchcraft, with psychedelic colors and emotions. Inspired by the sounds and the pictures of an almost lost Era.

Review:

I've been listening to Psychedelic Witchcraft's debut EP – Black Magic Man – for some time now. It's a 70s style Classic, Hard Rock. Retro Rock. Doom Metal and Occult Rock kind of thing. It's created by one hugely talented individual – Virginia – though she goes by the name of Mia on this album. Mia is a demonic possessed doom metal soul siren on this EP. Mia's vocals are mesmerizing.

Black Magic Man is packed full of demonic soul with Mia playing some haunting doomy riffs especially on the EP's first two tracks – Angela and Lying On Iron. The EP goes from classic 70s hard rocking doom on the opening track of Angela to a more reflective and a psychedelic soulful affair of Lying On Iron.

Psychedelic Witchcraft have created an EP full of bewitching passion and hard-rocking riffs to match. The standout track has to Black Magic Man. This song fuses Black Sabbath classic Doom with traces of Psych Occult Rock that wouldn't go amiss from Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats. It has a slight folk-rock acoustic vintage vibe that I totally dig and it gives the song a real vintage quality around it.

This EP is kicking up a real buzz within the Doom/Stoner Metal community and it's not hard to see why. It's a stunning release from a band/solo artist that I want to hear more from. Mia has proven she has the talent and drive to go a long way with Psychedelic Witchcraft. Check it out. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Black Magic Man is available to buy digitally now. A Vinyl Release will be released soon by the good folks at Taxi Driver Records.

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

Facebook | BandCamp