REVIEW: ELVIRA MADIGAN - WITCHES -SALEM (1692 VS. 2001)

 

ELVIRA MADIGAN - WITCHES -SALEM (1692 VS. 2001) (Northlore Records, 2002)

Produced by Marcus H.

Recorded at Madigan Studios

Cover Art by Luis Royo

Tracks: 1- Anno Domini 1232, 2- Orroborros and the Pilgrim, 3- Lilliannah - Demonologi Für Dömda, 4- Nocturne, 5- Crestfallen, 6- Kvinnorovet, 7- Häxor, maror och vitror, 8- Djävulens Novis, 9- Ecclesia Non Novit Sanguinem, 10- Interludium 1, 11- The Kindred (1692) , 12- Ritual (varsel del I), 13- Gregory IX, 14- Dark is the Seraphim, 15- Honeythorne

This is with no doubt one of the best CDs that I have ever listened. The perfect mix between heaviness, melody, atmospheres and feelings. The perfect mix from what is powerful and what is subtle. Here we have Elvira Madigan who is a one man band whose brain and heart is Marcus H. Marcus is behind every note that is played on this CD and he has achieved a masterpiece ! I have not listened to the previous Elvira Madigan´s album "Black Arts" but if it is half as good as this one then that would be a great album to listen!! The main thing here is the contrast between the heavy guitars (really well mixed) and vocals and the keyboards and melodies: yes, this things interact in some parts, in others clash one against each other, and in others they mix in a really subtle form. One thing that is essential to Elvira Madigan´s sound are the keyboards which give a lot of the feeling and atmosphere here (along with the guitars that make a lot of climatic passages that are fundamental here. This is a conceptual album with lyrics about witchery and inquisition whose complete story you can read on Elvira Madigan´s website. I have to say it again: One of the best CDs I have ever listened.

Favorite tracks: This is one of the CDs of the year!!!

Contact: www.elviramadigan.com