ALBUM REVIEW: Pelander - "Time"

By: Richard Maw

Album Type:Full Length

Date Released: 14/10/2016

Label: Nuclear Blast

Clearly, as can be heard over the course of this interesting record, Magnus Pelander is not always a happy man- through his sadness, though; he has created a thing of beauty. This album is excellent; one of the best I have heard this year. If you are searching for sombre acoustic music, then this is essential.

“Time” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Umbrella (5:28)

2. Family Song (3:43)

3. The Irony Of Man (4:31)

4. True Colour (8:57)

5. Precious Swan (9:52)

6. Time (4:15)

The Review:

Magnus Pelander, of Witchcraftfame, has really come up with the goods here. I must admit that the last Witchcraftalbum did not really pique my interest- too long, very dark and I found it hard to get into. However, what we have here is a sparse record more akin to Jethro Tullor the acoustic moments of the Sabbath canon.

Pelander employs acoustic guitar, flute and backing singers- all on the first track- to create a rather sublime mixture of dark folk with doom vibes. As the album progresses, the vibe remains melancholic, wistful and in keeping with Pelander's more familiar chosen genre. His voice, instantly recognisable and unique, is one of the album's strongest points. His somewhat odd pronunciation remains intact here and this is part of what marks him out. “Family Song” is a rather pretty acoustic track with strong melodies and in parts Pelander'svoice really soars.

“The Irony of Man” is somewhat more downbeat as is “True Colour”, but each track is in perfect keeping with the sombre mood on display here. As the nights draw in and summer becomes a rather distant memory, this album could be the perfect soundtrack.

“Precious Swan” begins with sparse acoustic, but adds violin and reverbed vocals. It is a sombre listen, no doubt, but strangely uplifting as well. Pelander'svoice delivers heartfelt words here. The title track closes this six track extravaganza and is strangely catchy as well as downbeat. Clearly, as can be heard over the course of this interesting record, Magnus Pelander is not always a happy man- through his sadness, though; he has created a thing of beauty. This album is excellent; one of the best I have heard this year. If you are searching for sombre acoustic music, then this is essential. 

“Time” is available everywhere now

Band info: bandcamp