In the ever-evolving landscape of Scandinavian Heavy Rock, Witchcraft stands as a monument to artistic integrity and sonic excellence. Across a remarkable two-decade career, the Swedish ensemble has consistently delivered records of rare depth, firmly establishing themselves as architects of modern Doom and Heavy Rock. With “Idag,” their seventh studio album released on May 23, 2025, via Heavy Psych Sounds Records, Witchcraft does not merely add another chapter to their discography—they offer a definitive artistic statement. Across ten tracks, “Idag” encapsulates the quintessential Witchcraft sound: a captivating blend of monolithic Heaviness and refined musicianship, crafted through an immersive journey into the darker corridors of Rock music. The album opens with the monumental title track, “Idag,” an eight-minute composition that immediately draws the listener into a dense and hypnotic soundscape. Towering riffs intertwine with a rhythm section that moves with deliberate, crushing precision, while a doom-laden atmosphere—steeped in ‘70s sensibilities—serves as the perfect canvas for spellbinding vocal lines. Witchcraft masterfully balances dynamics, with guitars shifting from thunderous backdrops to razor-sharp solos, all executed with the compositional maturity that comes from twenty years of evolution. “Drömmar av” is follows, transporting listeners straight into the heart of ‘70s Heavy Rock, enriched by Swedish lyrics that lend an authentic Nordic dimension to the track. While evoking the golden age of Scandinavian Rock, the band’s modern interpretation elevates these influences into something entirely contemporary. The song’s dynamic structure culminates in an engaging finale, driven by intricate guitar work before gracefully resolving. The third track, “Drömmen om död och förruttnelse,” highlights Witchcraft’s ability to craft magnetic riffs supported by an impactful bassline and sophisticated, fluid drumming. Tempo shifts and rhythmic progressions pay homage to classic Heavy Rock while maintaining a fresh and modern edge. The vocals, expressive and commanding, lead the arrangement confidently, while the band explores a compelling fusion of Doom, Hard Rock, and Progressive elements. A moment of introspective beauty arrives with “Om du vill,” a gorgeous piece built on folk-inflected melodies, exquisite guitar arpeggios, and warm, emotive vocals. This acoustic interlude offers a necessary shift in dynamics and serves as a bridge to the album’s next chapter. “Gläntan” provides a brief yet essential instrumental intermezzo. In just over a minute, delicate acoustic arpeggios conjure ancient, earthy atmospheres, highlighting the band’s understanding of pacing and emotional flow within a full-length album. The centerpiece of “Idag” arrives with “Burning Cross,” a track that made a striking impression on me when released as a single. Here, crushing guitar riffs meet an ironclad rhythm section, enriched by tempo changes and progressive nuances. The vocals and lyrics elevate the composition further, delivering a powerful thematic statement. Acid-tinged guitar solos in the latter half, thunderous bass lines, and intricate drumming combine to create one of the album’s most intense and rewarding moments—exploring the occult-tinged facets of the Witchcraft sound. “Irreligious Flamboyant Flame” returns to groove-laden ‘70s riff territory, enriched by rhythmic shifts and dynamic interplay between drums and bass. Guitars weave in precise, sophisticated lines while expressive vocals leave their distinctive mark. The song’s energy builds through accelerations and Progressive twists, evoking a proto-Metal meets doom-blues aesthetic—nostalgic yet strikingly fresh. Among the album’s lengthier tracks, “Christmas” stands out as a deeply emotive composition. Dominated by melancholic atmospheres and introspective lyrics, the acoustic arrangement showcases the band’s sensitive songwriting, blending stark vulnerability with artistic refinement. “Spirit” opens with a Dark, Doom-soaked riff and a lumbering rhythm section, unfolding into a cavernous sonic landscape. As warm, expressive vocals cut through the dense instrumentation, the song ascends to a new level of grandeur. The songwriting, technical execution, and emotional resonance coalesce into one of the record’s strongest offerings, delivering slow-burning intensity and immersive atmospheres that guide the listener towards the album’s conclusion. The journey closes with “Om du vill (Slight Return)“—a short, poignant reprise that echoes the earlier acoustic theme, bringing the album full circle in just 44 seconds of stripped-down beauty. “Idag” stands as a resounding confirmation of everything that makes Witchcraft one of the most compelling forces in modern heavy rock. With this release, the band does not merely revisit familiar territory but reaches new heights, fusing the timeless spirit of ‘70s Doom with a thoroughly contemporary and personal vision. Every groove of this vinyl is steeped in authenticity and class, making it essential listening for any devotee of the genre. This is another triumph for both Witchcraft and Heavy Psych Sounds Records—an album that transcends mere collection of songs to become a cohesive, immersive artistic statement. With “Idag,” Witchcraft reaffirms their status as masters of their craft and visionaries of Heavy Rock’s continued evolution.
Tracklist
01. Idag (08:06)
02. Drömmar av is (02:55)
03. Drömmen om död och förruttnelse (03:24)
04. Om du vill (02:36)
05. Gläntan (01:02)
06. Burning Cross (04:59)
07. Irreligious Flamboyant Flame (03:54)
08. Christmas (06:07)
09. Spirit (06:30)
10. Om du vill (Slight Return) (00:44)
Lineup
Magnus Pelander / Guitars & Vocals
Philip Pilossian / Bass
Pär Hjulström / Drums
Guest:
Björn Ekholm Eriksson / Synthesizer on the title-track “Idag”