Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 29/03/2019
Label: 20 Buck Spin
For those looking for a true retro
sound, this will not disappoint. 70's to
early 80's style doom rock- akin to Sabbath, early Pentagram, Witchfinder
General and Pagan Altar, It's a quality release and one worthy of checking out.
“Departed
Souls” CD//DD//LP track listing:
1. Departed Souls
2. I've Found My Way To Die
3. Valley of the Lepers
4. A Day Will Dawn Without Nightmares
5. Nightland
6. Gone Again
7. Bird City
8. Hypnotized
The Review:
Magic Circle are on their second full
length here; 70's to early 80's style doom rock- akin to Sabbath, early Pentagram,
Witchfinder
General and Pagan Altar. Vocalist Brendan Radigan is the
current vocalist for Pagan Altar, so the reference point is a
close one.
This
reeks of old school through the sound, bass lines, delivery and production. For
those looking for a true retro sound, this will not disappoint. The melodies in
the title track opener and “I've found
My Way To Die” are strong and will burrow their way into your psyche for
sure. The album takes in 70's influences beyond metal; Jethro Tull and Wishbone Ash
can be heard in the textures of the album, with softer tracks such as “A Day Will Dawn Without Nightmares” being a fine example of this broader pallet
(see also Led
Zeppelin in their quieter moments).
The
more straightforward hard rock of “Nightland”
also pays off and highlights the band's US
origins (you could be forgiven for mistaking this outfit for geezers from England
This
is backwards looking retro proto doom/metal. It's a quality release and one
worthy of checking out. It won't change your life, or replace your Pagan Altar
albums, but it is good stuff nonetheless.
“Departed
Souls”
is available HERE
