Crank this to 10.5 of 11 - Editors' Pick
Released: 2021
Genre: Doom, Shamanic doom
Sounds Like: Monolord, OM, Ocean
Homeland: Lausanne, Switzerland
Album Overview
Black Willows hit new heights with their third full-length Shemurah
Over 78 minutes of all-encompassing Shamanic doom
Crafting dark angles into absolutely beautiful visions
The furthest thing from ‘in your face’ doom, rather this surrounds your senses with layers of absolute briliance
True purveyors of their craft. This trio deliver a unique vision and soundtrack of the senses
Even the fucking interludes are involved and absorbing. The antithesis of “filler”
Cavernous vocals utilized in a dynamic way as a complimentary instrument throughout
Track Breakdown:
1. Communion (19:33)
An epic opener going against the grain. Too many majestic moving parts to describe.
2. Interlude 1 (2:24)
An absolute misnomer. Lyrics and wonderful contrast make for 2 minutes of engaging bliss.
3. Ascent (18:06)
Cathartic brilliance. All-consuming melodic genius. Grinding fretwork bleeds into a march of the titans.
4. Interlude II (3:39)
Love the formula with these involved thought-provoking “interludes”
5. Blindness (10:51)
Most poignant of the lot. Beautiful tones and build-up
6. Anhihilated (8:07) Standout Track
This track will wrap you up in its cocoon of battlefront visions and onslaught from all angles.
7. Anathem (10:57)
Splashes of whirling psychedelic relaxation accompanied by some wondrous build-up.
8. Aphorism (6:13)
A beautiful exit with ominous piano and a heartfelt close.
Brew Pairing
To match the wonders of Shemurah we cannot go elsewhere than Massachusetts own Treehouse Brewing. Renown as perhaps the best beer in the world we would strongly recommend sipping on their double IPA release - Perfect Storm. At 8% ABV, Perfect Storm is absurdly hopped featuring boatloads of Simcoe & Citra hops, perfect storm pours a glowing orange in the glass and carries flavors and aromas of earthy citrus, cantaloupe, papaya, and strawberry banana. This one will evolve beautifully in the can with time and reveal layers of additional complexity through cold conditioning. Consuming a four pack of this during the 78 minutes of Black Willows vision is what we call a damn fucking good use of time.
Black Willows are:
Aleister Crowley - Guitar and Vocals
Sacha Ruffieux - Bass
Erik Dettori - Drums and Piano