Band: Witherscape
Release: The Inheritance
Release Date: 29/07/2013
Formed just a matter of months ago, Witherscape is the name given to the collaboration between two musical extraordinaires – legendary producer and musician Dan Swanö and multi-instrumentalist Ragnar Widerberg. Usually, the term “multi-instrumentalist” is synonymous with “jack of all trades, master of none”, but that is far, FAR from the case with Witherscape! Between the two of them, they’ve crafted a truly commendable debut boasting technical skill and a heavy concept. This is The Inheritance.
There’s still very much an air of mystery surrounding Witherscape. Whilst inexplicable, it is reflected through the dramatic nature of the nine track release. Opening with ‘Mother of the Soul’, we’re only just scratching the surface of this new musical venture, and it has us hooked and eager to hear more. The duo work in balances – slow vs rapid, clean vocals vs dirty screams, soft guitars vs wailing riffs… you get the idea. By a few tracks in it’s impossible to expect what’s next, which creates alluring suspense.
Swanö’s a god both in front and behind the microphones. Mixing, mastering, performing and producing, the Swede’s done it all; so if anyone knows metal, it’s Dan! This definitely shows in the pair’s songwriting, especially in tracks like ‘Astrid Falls’, where the delicate side of Witherscape shines through momentarily, before getting kicked aside in spectacular fashion in favour of dramatic riffs, Dan’s soft tone swapped for gritty vocals. Maintaining this system and balance throughout not only on this track, but on the album as a whole keeps it effervescent, exciting and unpredictable.
‘Dying For The Sun’ is definitely one of the standouts of the incredibly diverse album for us! Starting stripped back and quiet, the track epitomises all that makes Witherscape so great. Showcasing the pair’s musical mastery, the six minute long track is equal measures dark, intense, and theatrical. Flitting seamlessly between screams, growls and cleans, Swanö never ceases to impress, while the synths mould excellently around the best riff of the album. Choral-style group vocals are used sparingly throughout the album, including ‘The Math of the Myth’ and the haunting ‘The Wedlock Observation’, which again enhances the melodramatic element of the album.
At barely a minute and a half long, hauntingly calm instrumental piece ‘The Inheritance’ provides a peaceful end to the turbulent album. Largely piano based, it may be an unexpected way to end such a dynamic release, but it sure does work, keeping that air of suspense and drama. It’s almost as though this first chapter of Witherscape’s career is unfinished…
With decades of experience between them, we were expecting nothing short of greatness with this album. We’ve been absolutely blown away by this release – Witherscape have definitely delivered!
9/10
Reviewer: Freya Cochrane
