Shadow Witch Sun Killer
(2016, Snake Charmer Coalition)
Since they unapologetically lumbered onto the scene, the gentlemen in Kingston stoner rock unit Shadow Witch have made quite a splash. Having already shared the stage with legends Corrosion of Conformity and been granted high praise by tastemaking hard rock site The Obelisk, the band recently released their formidable debut, Sun Killer. Since the recording of the album, the band has acquired ex-Murphy's Law and Mearth drummer Doug Beans. Sun Killer features the somewhat more behind-the-beat and John Bonham-esque Anton Van Kleek on drums, and the record packs a real wallop.
Fans of everything from Alice in Chains to Kyuss will dig the twists and turns of the band's sound. Also lurking somewhere between Sabbath's more upbeat rock 'n' roll side (think "Gypsy" or "Never Say Die") and "Slaves and Bulldozers"-era Soundgarden slog, Shadow Witch manages to evoke familiar greats while finding their own path. Vocalist Earl Walker Lundy is one of the best shamanic hard rock types in the region, a true-blue versatile mountain hippie who can wail the bluesy side of hard rock with the best of them. Engineer Matthew Cullen (Mercury Rev, Sean Lennon, Geezer) helped the band realize their vision and capture some lightning in a bottle. "Wreckage," in particular, stands out, a song Wino of Spirit Caravan and the Obsessed could be proud of. Whether you're nursing heartache or aim to expand your mind, Sun Killer has got you covered. One of the region's finest acts, for certain.
