ALBUM REVIEW: Witchcryer – When Their Gods Come For You


Witchcryer’s second full-length album comes with a noticeably broader scope in comparison to their 2018 debut. In contrast to the more groove-friendly approach to Doom Metal seen on Cry Witch, the song lengths on When Their Gods Come For You (Ripple Music) run longer with a greater emphasis on atmosphere and methodical structuring. The lyrics also work to give the album a more palpable sense of purpose, running the gamut of underworld and death figures from various world mythologies.

With that in mind, it only makes sense for the album to start off on a slow burn. ‘The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea’ and ‘Hellmouth’ offer a brooding one-two punch ala Howling Giant or Holy Grove, the bass is particularly prominent with a tone that is packed with grime and the vocals have a mysterious aura. ‘Sisyphus, Holy Roller’ follows with a more active mid-tempo strut and ‘Nemesis, The Inevitable’ provides the first major highlight, going into borderline Americana territory thanks to its more restrained vocals and acoustic flourishes building on a pulsating rhythm.

 

The album’s first half sets things up nicely, but the second half is where the songs really get interesting. ‘Quetzalcoatl’ and ‘I Rise!’ apply more furious tempos and pounding rhythms to the concept at hand, the former starting off with some thematic chanting before getting down to business while the latter injects some strong backing shouts in its swaggering chorus. From there, ‘Blackfoot Creation Song/Spirit Power’ sees the band at their most Desert Rock-influenced with a steady groove and tripped out guitar psychedelics that waft into the closing title track’s Stoner Doom contemplation.

 

When Their Gods Come For You plays the part of the sophomore album quite well overall, further developing Witchcryer’s already skillful songwriting and expanding the scope of their established Doom Metal style. It might take some more time to feel out compared to Cry Witch and I must admit there are times where I feel like the song order could’ve been shuffled a bit more, but it’s an ultimately rewarding listen. It might not be a straightforward groover, but the songs and concept stay on point throughout. Another fine example of what Texas Doom has to offer.

Buy the album here: https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/when-their-gods-come-for-you

8 / 10

CHRIS LATTA