ALBUM REVIEW: Witching Hour – Descending… Where Time Has Ceased to Exist

Germany’s Witching Hour released one of my all-time favourite albums in 2019. Now they return, seven years later, with their fourth full length. Once more they blend black, heavy and thrash metal with their own sepulchral twists. Release is set for the 22nd of May via Dying Victims Productions.

Melancholy pianos open the record with a funereal atmosphere not unlike that the previous record ended on (albeit on guitar). Speaking of guitar, the electrifying tones soon swell into life with a vibrant lead that sweeps on the volume to give a stunning effect. Feedback gives way to total thunder in the form of bulldozer bass lines and frantic drumming with these sparse and crisp guitar riffs full of melody and energy. The approach of pure heavy metal glory meets blackened thrash malice is just as ferocious as on their prior works and from the very onset I am gripped. The bass plays more of a lead role than many bands in this style which definitely gives a lot of dynamics to the music and ensures the entirely instrumental arrangement is exhilarating. The morbid howling vocals rip through the mix with a potent sense of urgency that is full of emotion. Despite the long wait since the last record, an album I still play all of the time, the opening tracks make me feel like Witching Hour have only been gone for a few weeks. Leading as they intend to go on, the start of this opus is full of power, eeriness, atmosphere and wonderful musicianship that entwines itself in the archaic metal of old yet forges brand new constellations of sound.

Continuing the catacomb lurking adventure; Witching Hour continue these massive compositions which gorgeously blend the evil with the epic. The two elements I find most potent in heavy metal of any style. This record has the most inventive riffing and enormous drum fills and bass lines whilst keeping the vocals in a state of possession that calls out through the night. The mix is utterly phenomenal, which was handled by the bands own Sascha who managed to keep every organic detail present. Everything is balanced in a profoundly clear way that lets you not only hear but feel every dynamic detail of this German trio and all they have to offer… which is a lot! The ability of the music to sprint from panic and anguish to total savagery and then this curious sense of mystery is insane. Every emotion and note serves a purpose which considering the huge diversity in their sound is truly impressive. This restlessly mercurial approach is one of the things that for me leaves Witching Hour standing tall above many other bands. They have not bound themselves to repeat one niche within a niche but encompass all that heavy metal should; wildness, danger and freedom.

Prior to release we heard two singles: “The Graves Yearn for the Dead” and “A Night Under a Crimson Moons Lament”. Now I thoroughly enjoyed both of these as standalone songs yet something felt amiss. It struck me as obvious what that was; they needed to be heard in the context of the record. Do not misunderstand me, they are amazing pieces of music, however, being heard as a part of this magnificent tome they are so much more powerful and the full atmosphere of their charnel energy can be felt in a heightened manner. This is one of those records where every piece of music fits perfectly into place. There is nothing lacking nor is there too much that leaves it bloated. Every moment is sublime. Perhaps the longer songs might seem unusual for this music to some, but rest assured they are packed with the most wicked and wonderful twists and turns to ensure you are waiting with bated breath for their entirety. Ending on a song that showcases exactly what I am talking about, “…and then Came the Flames” is a haunting, ethereal and blisteringly dark yet catchy and fearsome finale to this conquest. Sometimes a band can strike something special and lose that lightning in a bottle to release disappointing works after. Other times a band find their niche and erupt forth with something that will mean something to people for decades to come. I truly believe this to be in the latter category as has been the case with its predecessor. From their humble primal black thrash roots to a force of heavy metal domination; Witching Hour return triumphant and ghoulish as ever!

I knew Witching Hour releasing a new album would be a monumental moment. Their fourth record is a powerhouse of everything I love about heavy metal. From the evil blackened tinges to the rabid thrashing fury and all the classic heavy metal virtues; this is a truly majestic release. With a stunning album cover and perfectly suited production as well, nothing holds this album back in the slightest. This is a band who have gone from strength to strength and not only live up to, but exceed their killer defining early works. It’s hard to say if this is preferable over the third album, because I’ve listened to that constantly for years whereas I am only just getting acquainted with this one. But none of that matters, what does matter is that one of the best underground metal bands on the planet have unleashed something truly terrific that will likely only find its way into the hands of true die-hards while the masses climb over each other for something more mediocre. But you, dear reader, are surely one of the true elite who will appreciate something as powerful as this.

On a side note, 2/3 of Witching Hour were involved in the a-side of the last EP from my own band Razör Forge. Jan provided guest vocals and Sascha mixed it. So if you want to hear that or pick up the 7″ vinyl, click here!