Welcome to Infernal Visions, a column where I review an album and pull a tarot card, oracle, or rune called forth by said album, sharing my interpretation of the card and how I feel it relates to the music. Let us bring together distortion and divinity. This week’s calling is doom EP A Sinner’s Child by Witchcraft (out now) and Page of Swords.
The Call: Witchcraft – A Sinner’s Child
Witchcraft has been making music for almost two decades. Known to combine sludge, doom, folk, stoner, and heavy psych, A Sinner’s Child brings these elements while also exploring new territory. Founder, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Magnus Pelander presents these five tracks in a way that makes them feel like they are being performed live in front of listeners. They are not over-produced or over-complex. The vocals are at the forefront with simple but effective and meaningful instrumentals. Each piece pulls you in and envelopes you, making you want to stop in your tracks, pull up a chair, and take it all in all while being modest and non-demanding. There is a comfortable feel to them that heightens the allure of the EP.
Opening with a ’70s-esque groovy psych doom track, “Drömmen Om Död Och Förruttnelse,” Pelander’s wailing vocals and hypnotic, crunchy riffs instantly captivate. The title track follows, slowing things down a bit and adding a more indie rock feel with cymbal heavy drums, passionate romantic vocals, and a sweet sunshine-y guitar melody. “Even Dark Days” is a raw, acoustic track with simply Pelander’s vocals and a melancholy guitar melody. Nothing more is needed. “Själen Reser Sig” is a quintessential doom track with slow, fuzzy, lamenting guitar riffs. This track was “recorded at places long forgotten without significant names over a time span of 8 years at three separate occasions.” Yet it is somehow perfectly cohesive, and again feels like a live performance. The EP closes with “A Sinner’s Confusion,” experimenting further with sound and style and the result is catchy. It is dreamy with a more pop-rock feel and almost jazz like guitar. I would also describe this melodic piece as “sunshine-y.” It feels like springtime and is full of color and personality.
Outside of Pelander’s contributions, additional instrumentals are provided on only two tracks (“A Sinner’s Child” and “A Sinner’s Confusion”) by Fredrik Landh (bass), Clas Olofsson (guitar), Micke Dahlén (drums). I have been a fan of Witchcraft for some time but have new appreciation for the band after listening to this EP. Pelander’s vocal performance is stunning in an unexpected way. It is pure and unpolished, and dramatic without being overly performative. It is just fresh and genuine and feels like poetry.
The Card: Page of Swords
Pulled upright, this minor arcana card brings to mind self-exploration, inspiration, curiosity, and intelligence. The suit of swords correlates with the element air, representing change, power, and motion. Sword cards are often associated with intellectual matters, willpower, decision-making, and the energy behind intentionality. The Page of Swords can signify some instability, learning to tap into the power of one’s mind and true self, while lowering unnecessary defenses. I see this card as a sign of inspiration to think about what projects I am excited and passionate about and channel my energy into them. The Page of Swords encourages us to lead with enthusiasm, putting aside hesitation, and embracing vulnerability to excitedly push forward and share our talents. If pulled to apply to a specific situation, question, or relationship, I take it as a hint to be alert, observe those around me and take in useful information.
A Sinner’s Child is raw and passionate. It is stripped down to Witchcraft’s core with songwriting that is emotive and haunting. The tracks are spun from a more personal and immediate view by Pelander. If I was told Pelander pulled the Page of Swords prior to creating A Sinner’s Child, I would not be surprised. This card calls for moving forward with passion projects, and putting your true self forward. I love how the Page of Swords even matches the vibe of the EP title, embracing every aspect of ourselves, unmasked.
Blessed be.
–Angela
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