Mid-paced and down-tuned, Jus Osborn (vox and axe) and much of the crew from the previous album, Liz Buckingham on 2nd axe, Rob Al-Issa on 4-strings, and now Shaun Rutter on drums as Justin Greaves is no longer behind the throne, take the sounds of the original Black Sabbath and tweak it ever so slightly. It is faithful to the originators of all things Doomy and Metal, just different. While previous outings were perhaps more experimental, like Let Us Prey, or maybe dirtier sounding, like Dopethrone, this is an almost mellow affair by comparison.

In 2007 the themes are still of the prototypical drugs, rites, cosmos, etc., but the music complements them well. Organ is used to further define a greater sense of impending doom and texture on "The Chosen Few" and "Black Magic...." Otherwise the almost hour-long album sees notes stretched and riffs almost recycled. Liam Watson (The White Stripes, The Datsuns, etc.) produced this record and subtlety abounds rather than sheer sonic abuse. Louder may have proved more effective if sunnO)))'s proverb "Maximum volume yields maximum results" holds true, but the production is adequate. One complaint could be that the drums seem rather subdued, particularly the bass drum.

If not already in the coven of the Wizard, Witchcult Today will likely do little to convert. It is, however, a solid slab o' doom and fits well with the band's killer back catalog. Hopefully the planned 2008 tour comes to fruition. It is hard to believe it has been over 3 years since Electric Wizard last visited the studio. If this is the result, however, perhaps that is alright. While not an instant "classic," Witchcult Today is definitely a capable record for 2007 and fans of the subgenre and band have cause for celebration. It's too bad the planned 20 minutes for "Black Magic..." only made it to 11.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 58:54