When the Devil's Witches first emerged in 2017 with the debut Velvet Magic it became an instant classic and highly desirable for vinyl hounds. The self released album was very limited and this made it a real find.(An original copy will cost €280!!! while a reissue will cost a mere €60). None of this would matter if the music was not up to par. It was packed with fuzzed up doom that hit the mark, from top to bottom.
Following this with a selection of digital and physical e.p.s, singles, and two compilations. Eleven in all, including the split with Saint Karloff (itself highly collectable. Expect to pay between €68 to €120).
Building on the doom sound of the debut quiet acoustic moments were added to expand their sound. Their reputation slowly built. The Devil’s Witches became and remain one of the cult bands of the underground.
The enigmatic James Abilene, the one man band behind the Devil’s Witches has finally released a second album. “In all her Forms” was recorded during lockdown, having had a radical rethink lyrically and visually on how to present this new album.
Dumping both the Vietnam obsessions and pop culture soft porn imagery of past releases “In all her Forms” comes packaged in a gorgeous album art that could either be a dystopian future world or one lost to antiquity. The lyrics follow a loose theme. Worshiping at the alter of Womanhood. (Four vinyl variations tie in with the theme: Mother, Mistress, Maiden, and Matriarch)
The music is a combination of everything Devil’s Witches are known for. Psych-tinged doom grinders and Pastoral quiet moments. With the exception of odd musical interludes, it alternates between both these styles. A more conventional approach would be to sequence these songs on to a heavy A side and a quiet B side but Devil’s Witches are not one to follow convention. The back and forth gives the album an unexpected flow.
There is a distinct late 60’s, early 70’s feel to the music. This is most audible in the less fuzz drenched songs like “Blood of the Witch” or “Hunting Dracul”.
The standout track “Magic Mama” could be in fact a lost T.Rex track from the electric warrior sessions. It’s fantastic and will have you bopping around the room.
There are a lot of musical ideas to digest in one sitting but it’s a real statement album.
Abilene has poured every once of his creativity in to this work and it shows.
It stands head and shoulders above anything released by Devil’s Witches. The songs are stronger. The melodies and vocals are more skilled in their execution.
It is a superb set of songs that will resonate with the listener long after last note has faded. It takes a fresh approach without completely discarding the signature sound.
Coming near the close of the year, Devil’s Witches may have snuck past the post and released the album of the year.
-Bobo Coen
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