This is the debut CD from US band Witchcraft who are Andrew Arbetter on Guitar, and John Buehler on everything else including vocals. 'Mindfire Wish' is a provocative opener which juxtaposes heavy rhythmics with ambient synth touches and some impressive guitar work. Whispered speech adds another dimension to the sound. 'Open Ways' features a loping rhythm and treated vocals and is the type of track which doesn't do that much yet leaves a lasting impression. 'X-Position' repeats the formula and adds pulsating sequences to the mix, and again it's a thought provoking offering. The track fades into 'Abstentia' which presents some of the scariest effects and noises I've heard. Try listening to this with the lights out! 'Return to Me' serves strained vocals upon a bed of freshly tossed rhythmics and ambient effects. 'Iridescent' is a potent, almost disturbing, mixture of elements which again has massive presence and meaning. This is heavy, dark matter which will appeal to those whose tastes lean towards the Gothic, industrial, and supernatural. Now and again a track comes along which really grabs the imagination and cannot be ignored. 'We Rest' is such a track. Brilliant Vocoder vocals toy with latent synth layers as waves wash around the soundstage. It's an absolutely fascinating piece of modern ambience which I'm sure will sound as fresh in 10 year's time. Amazingly the blistering form continues with 'Cathedral' which is probably the most commercial piece on the album with superb rhythmics and sequences interplaying with fine guitar which is judged to perfection. The final track 'Love on a Battleship' opens with a drum roll, throws in some more of those scary effects then launches into an orgy of samples to end the album in real "off the wall" fashion. This is a truly inventive and potent album which constantly challenges the listener yet still maintains a cohesive focus. On this form Witchcraft are a real find. (GG)