Creating what is perhaps their most dynamic and interesting release to date, wizards of ferocity Witch Vomit have returned after five years with their third album, Funeral Sanctum.  Having already mastered their craft of blackened death metal, this album adds extra spice by way of catchy melodies, an instrumental intro and interlude, some doom influenced riffs, and other treats making this album memorable and creating a more expansive sound.  All of this is packaged in striking album art by Matt Stikker, immediately giving a sense of the music and capturing as much detail visually as what awaits within. 

The album opens with a quick intro of a steady riff and reverberating tones, building suspense and anticipation before bursting wide open in the following track “Endless Fall.”  Here, listeners are immediately hit with blast beats and brutality before Tempter’s deep growls are introduced.  It is high energy and powerful, slowing slightly at times before ramping back up and features an impressively technical guitar solo. Directly following is the first single released from Funeral Sanctum, “Blood of Abomination.”  A perfect first taste to this album, the track opens with that intense drumming but adds a little something different with melodic guitar giving almost a power metal feel before moving fully into death metal riffs.  The tempo of this song is a bit slower helping the melody shine through while still having an edge.  

The second and final single release from the album, “Black Wings of Desolation,” kicks off the second half of Funeral Sanctum.  As this track amps up, so does the tempo. It opens with marching riffs, steady drumming, and screeching fleeting tones before the intensity rises.  The track ebbs and flows between these two modes smoothly without yanking listeners along.  The compositions are well written adding in bits of flare in subtle ways creating a rich sound and unique album while staying true to the band’s core. There is a stronger focus on the guitars than previous releases and each track contains riffs galore.  Prior to closing out, an instrumental interlude takes place adding atmosphere and different instrumentation that almost sounds like a harpsichord along with swirling guitars and anguished tones, making the album art come alive.  The album closes with the title track, giving a final blast of energy and aggression before fading out.

Funeral Sanctum may be Witch Vomit’s best release to date as each track creates intrigue and offers melodies that stays with listeners. The band is evolving their sound without taking any sharp turns, and it will be interesting to see what they create next. Alongside this album release, Witch Vomit is embarking on a Western US tour later this month with Phobophilic and Mortal Wound. They are also releasing some stellar new merch so there is a lot to check out!  Dive in to this release and storm the icy castle.

— Angela

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Funeral Sanctum will be available April 5 on 20 Buck Spin.  For more information on Witch Vomit, visit their Instagram Page.