Shadow Witch – Eschaton (The End of All Things)

A long time waiting on this heavy rock set by the New York Hudson River Valley quartet. Their 2016 debut Sun Killer album is a retro rising bullet on my hot album chart. It’s 2024, and the Witches have let loose a smokin’ rocker.

The vocals are on point hard rock, a fusion of Robert Plant and Chris Cornell. Their latest effort is a departure from their rough, desert rock inspired debut. Their first album is raw. Four albums later, their sound has refined. This song set, the stoner rock sounds aren’t as in your face this time around, the 2024 version of Shadow Witch still jams.

The lead track, “Speedy Goes to Sludgetown” is the closest the quartet gets to their desert rock roots. On first take, the minute plus musical teaser gets right to the heavy, fuzzed out sounds. Second track, “Satellites”, getting a Southern rock retro/grunge/ballad feel. Channeling their black swamp Lynyrd Skynyrd meets cool Pacific Northwest hard rock. This one is radio ready. Getting doses of Them Crooked Vultures on the song set. Another connection to the group’s musical roots. The featured single, “Lion & the Lamb”. It’s a slower tempo, got some Black Sabbath vibes going on. Each listen, it gets better. A haunting, doom-light synth and organ set an ominous atmosphere. The eighth song, and finale, “The Fallen” hits the hard rock sweet spot. It’s heavy and soulful. The intro reminds me of Zack Wilde’s guitar style. Musically, the song hits on all cylinders. A smart choice to round out the album, it makes pressing repeat an easy choice.

Shadow Witch are hard rock chameleons. One minute it’s swamp rock, the next it’s a perfect sonic cocktail, two parts stoner desert rock, one-part in your face alt rock grunge, and for a garnish, a heaping spoonful of soulful classic rock.

Fans of Led Zeppelin to Great Van Fleet, Shadow Witch is a band you need on your playlist rotation. Pure rock n roll for your ear holes. https://www.facebook.com/shadowwitch.band