ALBUM REVIEW: Attic – Return Of The Witchfinder

German Heavy Metal occultists ATTIC are finally back! After two majestic albums, the third in this unholy discography is now due to be released by long-term label Van Records on April 5th.

“The Covenant” begins our journey with haunting orchestral atmospherics. Rather than giving a dull overused beginning, this sets the tone for the ominous but grandiose experience that lies in wait for us. I must admit that I have listened to the lead single “Darkest Rites” quite a few times since the music video was unleashed. The way this cuts right in from that introduction sets the massive feeling of the record in motion. Huge melodies from the guitars with eerily chilling vocals bounce along rhythmic pounding on the drums and bass, firing on all cylinders across the board. Of course the resemblances to King Diamond and Mercyful Fate are redundant but this is more than worship, this is pure sacrilegious ecstasy. Attic write truly spellbinding music with is sonically enchanting and proficiently delivered with a stunning production and terrifying cover to match. The way the drums pop through the mix and the soaring guitars don’t overshadow the rest feels so naturally grand and allows the utterly momentous listen to be truly appreciated from the get-go. Opening with sublime excellence, “Return Of The Witchfinder” is looking to be a truly epic listen.

Between all of the emotive, powerful and vibrant concoctions of darkness there is a reliance on only masterful musicianship and soulfully driven songwriting. Each piece feels like it is coming from the heart and played with inarguable potency. The chilling effect is palpable. Although creepy, blasphemous and secretive, there is a quality to this record that all Heavy Metal should have; the desire to blast it louder than hell. These galloping 80s melodies barrel into blasting ferocity with seamless transitions, ensuring every second is thrilling and the dynamics never suffer. Tempests of extremity with the warmth of the melodies collide to orgasmically sumptuous sonic effect, showcasing a band whose third offering is another true masterpiece (as are the previous works) that cannot be overstated. Punchy bass gives the bottom end to the dagger-like guitars and the boom of the snare and toms fills out the space between. The spectrum of musicality is full of sheer wonder and the cinematic, theatrical delivery of the vocals ties it all together so gorgeously. The witchfinder’s return is in nothing but greatness.

This is without a doubt Attic’s heaviest record to date. The intensity and delivery are on overdrive. But those classic feelings of cult Heavy Metal from the prior LP’s are still here in abundance and nothing feels lost or lacking identity. Rather, the natural push forward while keeping both feet planted firmly on their own territory is a healthy one. Taking their consistent strengths and offering us something inspired, new and refreshing with all of the qualities we loved is something all fans of the band are going to appreciate. Equally, new listeners will surely be floored by the luminescent grandeur of “Return Of The Witchfinder” when they find just how much this band has to offer on so many levels. Sonically, aesthetically and musically magnificent, nobody can deny the might of Attic who clearly forge forth with every confidence in the world. Deservedly so. Some moments feel familiar, some totally estranged, but all of them are absolutely marvellous. I cannot cover my excitement about this record, nor do I intend to. The bar and my hopes were set ridiculously high, a damn tough criteria to achieve when I expected so much from this band. Still, they knock it out of the park with a blinding flash. Any song, let alone the entire experience should be evidence enough of why.

Rise! Join this infernal night! Unholy, mystical and sincerely phenomenal Heavy Metal continues to triumph on Attic’s brilliant new opus. Another enchanting tale of evil and the occult delivered through some of the best music you will feast upon this year. Although the wait has been considerable by modern standards at seven years, there is no denying this was worth every moment and clearly the time was not spent in vain. No, Attic obviously have been distilling the perfect blend of their satanic Heavy Metal and refining it until it is no less that what we hear here, total dark majesty. Join the coven…