Formed around 2022 in Istanbul, Türkiye and comprised of 2 female musicians Necrosanctus (vocals) and Graveyard Slut (vocals and instruments), Ash Magick release their third recording on Apocalyptic Witchcraft Recordings, while the first two were mere digital Bandcamp releases. These two musicians have also been active in bands such as Crawling, Hellish, Hexenaught and Xwin.
What do we get musically from Ash Magick? ‘Rituals of Anathematic East’ is an explosive and volatile volcanic slab of dismal, noisy, wretched Black Metal that conjures atmospheric witchery from hell itself. The compression on the guitars is hard enough to break bricks and the programmed drumming is inhumane. It’s an all-out nuclear blast, this album!
Because of the programmed drums, Mysticum comes to mind. Ash Magick rely on primitive rhythm-box tones but with a distinct maelström of high-pitched saturation reminiscent of early Darkthrone and Hate Forest. You just gotta love its abrasive, lo-fi aesthetic. Technically it is perfect, capturing the essence of ancient esoteric traditions into a relentless sonic Black Metal assault rooted in occultism and ritual magic.
Musical themes include Anatolian witchcraft, occult Traditions, ritual Magic, arcane Sorcery – all nicely fusing pre-Islamic Anatolian rites with raw Black Metal. The intentionally primitive production recalls late-90s raw Black Metal.
For more than 43 minutes, you get trampled, pulverized, incinerated, chewed up and spit out several times. The only reprieve is the ‘Interlude’ with its uncanny eastern melodies and the Intro/Outro.
A lot of spite, rage and devotion went into this album, recorded with thrift-shop gear in a cramped basement to capture ultimate rawness.
A very impressive and well-crafted album. One that everyone who is into extreme raw Black Metal ought to explore.
