Witchcraft Completes Work On New ALbum

Swedish rock band Witchcraft has completed work on its new album, entitled The Alchemist. The follow-up to 2005's Firewood LP will see an October 23, 2007 U.S. release via Candlelight USA.

Witchcraft—Magnus Pelander - vocals, electric guitar, John Hoyles - electric and acoustic guitars, Ola Henriksson - bass and Fredrik Jansson - drums and percussion—who formed in 2000 in tribute to Pentagram, create heavy, blues-based rock augmented with touches of psychedelica and late '60's pop flourishes.

The Alchemist was recorded at Stockholm's UpandRunning studios with Producer Tom Hakava using only vintage amplification. An advance listen to what Witchcraft's new album holds in store is available now as the record's smashing lead track "Walk Between the Lines" has been posted online at this location.

Written in a hotel room in Seattle during the fall of 2006 and evoking the spirit of the many early seventies British bands which have colored the Witchcraft sound; "Walk Between The Lines", according to guitarist John Hoyles, came together simply because he "wanted to write a short up-tempo song in the old classic rock vein".

He adds, "I think it has an early Wishbone Ash, Stray or Incredible Hog vibe to it. Or that's what I wanted it to sound like." Described by frontman Magnus Pelander as being "essentially about not losing yourself and reminding yourself what you enjoy in life", "Walk Between the Lines" was the first track the band recorded as part of the album's sessions and its basic tracks were nailed on the second take.

The final track listing for "The Alchemist" is as follows:

01. Walk Between the Lines
02. If Crimson Was Your Colour
03. Leva
04. Hey Doctor
05. Samaritan Burden
06. Remembered
07. The Alchemist (parts 1, 2 & 3)

Witchcraft will tour the U.S. in support of The Alchemist this fall, with details expected to be announced in the immediate future.