Artist: Witchcraft / Behalf Fiend
Country: Finland / Brazil
Label: Brazilian Ritual Records
Formats: Split 7″ EP
Year: 2023
Although I more or less abide by an unwritten rule that keeps me from reviewing releases older than, say, six months, I will make an exception with the review of two split 7” EPs by Finland’s Witchcraft. Why? Simply because Witchcraft is one of those rare gems that upholds the true underground spirit. This first split 7” EP is shared with Brazilian Behalf Fiend and was unleashed into the world by the Brazilian Ritual Records label.
The three Finns start the EP with their two tracks of uncivilized brutality of which the first one is a sinister and gloomy sort of outro that evolves around an eerie melody that slowly shifts into an atonal evil tone. This short ominous track leads into this EP’s main offering, ‘Tumult Of Evil’. This song obviously bears the recognizable Witchcraft musical fingerprint, roughly balancing between the Carcass and early Xysma influenced Beherit and Blasphemy’s rougher edges. Slow and menacing the track pummels and bludgeons its way through what remains of good taste and musical finesse. It will definitely appeal to those who were enamored by anything the band did before, but then again, Witchcraft isn’t quite the band to go into different directions or delve into musical experiments. On the contrary, they once again prove to be one of the most persistent and dedicated forces of today’s underground scene.
Although Witchcraft is already around for about 15 years (including their time under the Black Feast moniker), Behalf Fiend takes the win here. At least when it comes to age. The Brazilian band was already founded back in 1993 but really started to get active about a decade later and kept on releasing in what seems an endless stream of demos and splits – a full-length album, however, has yet to be released. Despite the impressive amount of releases, the band never made it to these pages yet, so besides having a new Witchcraft recording this split 7” EP also serves the purpose of setting that straight. Compared to Witchcraft, Behalf Fiend brings a more standard sort of Black Metal that is deeply rooted in the 90’s tradition and often reminds me of something that lies midpoint between random Swedish Black Metal and Maniac Butcher. Some sharp melodies and an icy guitar tone melt seamlessly together with the rather ramshackle production. Although the music might be rather different from Witchcraft’s, they share a similar disdain for thoughtful musical sophistication. Behalf Fiend’s unflinching take on 90’s Black Metal is more than charming and actually serves as a bridge to years bygone years. Definitely recommendable for nostalgic souls.
