Burning Witch
This early doom metal resurgence outfit might not have been around for long, but they sure as hell left their mark. Burning Witch was formed in 1996, shortly after the demise of death/doom metal band Thorr's Hammer by members Stephen O'Malley (of SunnO))) and Khanate fame) and Greg Anderson (who would later form Goatsnake - before even recording any tunes for Burning Witch). Both artists have frequently collaborated, but it is with Burning Witch that they began experimenting with an extreme form of doom metal. Once Anderson had left the band, Jamie Sykes, G. Stuart Dahlquist and vocalist Edgy 59 were added to the now classic lineup.The band only had time to record two EPs in their three years as a band. With Steve Albini, they recorded Towers in 1996, the EP would not see the light of day until it's release on the "compilation" album Crippled Lucifer in 1998 along with their second EP Rift.Canyon.Dreams. Crippled Lucifer was released on Southern Lord Records in 1998 and slowly built up a cult following for it's exceptionally slow tempo, crushing guitar riffs and complex time changes. Edgy 59's vocals also add to the downcast vibe which runs rampant throughout the band's material; he may sound clear and majestic one minute but bring us a hair-raising shriek the next.
I first heard this band through emusic.com during it's infancy it was possible to download the entire Southern Lord catalog for free. I didn't give them much of a chance back then, but kept hearing the name Burning Witch throughout the doom metal revival scene. It's only much later, on a doom/drone metal shopping spree that i decided to simply buy the beautiful re-issue of Crippled Lucifer that I finally got to thoroughly hear what all the fuss was about. This is classic material here folks, there's a reason why this was one of my first purchases while trying to build up my doom metal collection.
Crippled LuciferLabel: Southern Lord Release: 1998 Format: 2CD + MP3 Cat. no: SUNN2 |
Song list: |
CD 1 (Towers - 1996):
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