Artist: Spell Caster
Country: USA
Label: Elf Eggs
Formats: Demo Tape
Year: 2025
It is fair to say that Blood, the man behind Spell Caster, is quite a busy man. Although ‘The Fourth Pentacle Of Saturn’ is only the first Spell Caster demo tape that reaches these pages, five demos, three splits and a compilation preceded it. But that’s not all, besides Spell Caster he also has several other projects going, meaning that he’s amongst those musicians who seem to have more hours in a day than the mere mortal. Despite his hefty output, none of it was ever featured here. It is about time for that to change…
‘The Fourth Pentacle Of Saturn’ is a 3-track demo that was released in February 2025, but is already the band’s second demo of this year. Still, when listening to the music, nothing sounds rushed or put together without eye for detail. The Lo-Fi Black Metal might come across as rather chaotic and little sophisticated – and much of that is true, but within the rather narrow confines of the genre Spell Caster positions itself amongst the best bands.
Bleak, haunting and utterly compelling, Spell Caster is most reminiscent of Candelabrum’s first full-length, easily one of the best records in this particular niche genre. The extremely chilling atmosphere is mainly built upon the impenetrable layers of noisy riffs and icy screams that, due to the Lo-Fi production, blend together almost like a roaring winter storm. There is still this strong hypnotic and conjuring power that is captured by only a few recordings; that is not only a rarity but, more importantly, creates an irresistible appeal.
Spell Caster might not have been featured on here before, but based on its musical offering that was highly unjustified. So, note to self: do not let this slip under my radar again. And for you, if you are into those Portuguese-styled abrasive sort of Lo-Fi Raw Black Metal, lend your ear to ‘The Fourth Pentacle Of Saturn’.
