In the shadow-laden streets of Birmingham, where Black Sabbath once forged the very foundations of Heavy Music, Margarita Witch Cult emerge as heirs to the throne of darkness. Their sophomore effort, “Strung Out In Hell,” released on July 18th, 2025 via Heavy Psych Sounds, pays homage to the city’s iconic legacy while carving out a modern, visceral identity. Following their promising 2022 debut and relentless live activity, the band returns with nine tracks that seamlessly blend proto-Metal roots, Doom-drenched atmospheres, and Psychedelic flourishes into a cohesive sonic journey. “Strung Out In Hell” is more than a record — it’s an exploration of the heavier, darker corners of the human condition, delivered with sharpened vision and focused execution. From the first notes, Margarita Witch Cult demonstrate complete command of dynamics and tone. Monolithic riffs serve as the foundation, but it’s their interplay with moments of subtlety and melodic clarity that elevates the album. The rhythm section doesn’t just hold the ground; it grooves, it drives, and it injects life into every track, while the drums alternate between primal force and intricate rhythmic patterns. Guitar work shines throughout — razor-sharp leads cut through thick riffs, evoking both classic heavy rock swagger and contemporary metal sophistication. Vocals switch effortlessly from aggressive bursts to haunting atmospheric lines, always serving the song’s narrative without descending into mere technical displays. What sets “Strung Out In Hell” apart is its conceptual boldness. The band skillfully merges occult-heavy themes with science fiction narratives, expanding the album’s thematic scope well beyond genre clichés. “Mars Rover” stands as a centerpiece, evolving from martial drum patterns into a full-scale cosmic odyssey, capturing both the wonder and existential dread of isolation in space — culminating in the chilling refrain of failing batteries. Elsewhere, the inclusion of horn sections on tracks like “Dig Your Way Out and The Foll” brings surprising textural richness. These elements feel fully integrated, adding Jazz-inflected depth without disrupting the album’s Doom foundation, particularly in “The Foll,” where smoky, noir-like undertones emerge amidst crushing riffs. Across the record, each track serves a distinct purpose. From the Acid-tinged Heavy Rock of the early cuts to the cavernous doom explorations of the mid-album core, Margarita Witch Cult prove adept at maintaining coherence while avoiding monotony. “Witches Candle” emerges as a standout, fusing biting vocal lines with hypnotic grooves and soaring solos that push the band’s sonic limits. “White Wedding,” the Billy Idol cover delivers sprawling, Doom-laden soundscapes punctuated by clever tempo shifts and compelling lyrical storytelling. The album’s closer, “Who Put Bella In The Wych Elm,” encapsulates everything the band does well: weight, atmosphere, and unsettling beauty, closing the journey on an ominous yet refined note. “Strung Out In Hell” is the definitive statement Margarita Witch Cult needed to make. It retains the raw energy of their early material while evolving into something more ambitious and multi-dimensional. Heavy but never one-dimensional, psychedelic without losing focus, and thematically expansive — this is modern Doom Metal done right. For listeners seeking contemporary Heavy Music that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to push creative boundaries, “Strung Out In Hell” is an essential listen. Margarita Witch Cult are not just carrying Birmingham’s legacy — they are actively writing its next chapter.
Tracklist
01. Crawl Home To Your Coffin (04:06)
02. Scream Bloody Murder (03:41)
03. Conqueror Worm (04:21)
04. Witches Candle (02:38)
05. White Wedding (Billy Idol cover) (04:45)
06. Mars Rover (04:53)
07. Dig Your Way Out (02:27)
08. The Fool (03:24)
09. Who Put Bella In The Wych Elm (06:46)
Lineup
Scott Abbott / Vocals & Guitars
James Brown / Bass, Vocals, Synth, Mellotron, Guitars
George Caswell / Drums & Vocals
Alicia Gardener-Trejo / Baritone Sax on “The Fool“
Sam Wooster / Trumpet on “The Fool“