Album Review: Electric Wizard – Wizard Bloody Wizard (Spinefarm Records)

Doom legends Electric Wizard are back with their 9th studio album, 6 tracks of gothic, psychedelic, sludge & atmospheric doom. Wizard Bloody Wizard was released on November 17th 2017 via Spinefarm Records.

Regular listeners won’t find much to surprise with this new offering. Electric Wizard deliver a familiar but darkly appealing record. The moody See You In Hell getting the ritual started perfectly before Necromania ups the psychedelic style to ear-bleeding levels.

There are few bands out there that can bring such a level of sludgy doom that doesn’t rely on a constant barrage of heaviness. Something Electric Wizard absolutely nail. The slow gothic groove of Hear the Sirens Scream really bringing the often-dour sound to life. There is a just a little more urgency to this track that makes it such an appealing listen.

That same urgency makes itself known in the up-tempo (for Electric Wizard) Wicked Caresses before the final track, Mourning of the Magicians slows things right down. The longest track on the album gets the doomy groove started slowly, the vocals taking on a really haunting edge.

“I’ll see you in hell”

When the pace does increase the song takes on a new life akin to a reanimated corpse. Watching it jerk around as it tries to make sense of what it is. Wizard Bloody Wizard is a satisfying listen, one that will intrigue new listeners while old-time fans will find plenty to enjoy here. Is it their best work? No but it’s not far off it.

Electric Wizard – Wizard Bloody Wizard Full Track Listing:

1. See You in Hell
2. Necromania
3. Hear the Sirens Scream
4. The Reaper
5. Wicked Caresses
6. Mourning of the Magicians

Check it out yourself via Apple Music below.