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Mordirivial Disemanation (1987)
Released in June 1987, Mordirivial Disemanation is the third demo from Hellwitch. The sound is a bit harsher than on the previous tape, with some elements coming across as borderline abrasive. I first discovered this band through the Syzygial Miscreancy L.P., which featured re-recorded versions of three of these tracks. That release was ruined by the sterile Morrisound production, so it was a relief to go back and hear these songs in their original form. The guitars have a sharp edge, which suits the material since the focus is clearly on the riffs. The vocals are very reminiscent of early Sacrifice and Destruction, on the rougher side but never straying into black/death territory. Like those vocalists, this guy’s voice isn’t particularly good, but it gets the job done. The playing is a little sloppy, but that works in its favour. It fits the raw sound and gives it some extra character. While Mordirivial Disemanation isn’t essential unless you’re following the years-long evolution of “Nosferatu” in all its versions, it’s still a decent thrash demo with some good riffs and solos throughout.
(19 May 2025)
Syzygial Miscreancy (1990)
Hellwitch released their debut album, Syzygial Miscreancy, in December 1990. It took several years for them to finally get into a studio to record a full-length, and unfortunately they ended up at Morrisound. The result isn't completely awful, but this was the wrong kind of production for material like this. By this point the band had evolved into full-on death/thrash, though the vocals still retained a rougher sound more akin to Sacrifice. That, along with some of the older '80s-style riffs, doesn't go well with a mix that sounds more like early Deicide or Malevolent Creation.
Other thrash bands suffered the same fate, with the impact of their riffs dulled by this thick, flat production. Devastation and Demolition Hammer come to mind, and the result is much the same here. That said, the musicianship had definitely improved in the years since their earlier demos, with tighter playing that adds to the intensity and overall feeling of violence. It's kind of funny how the drumming here is so prominent and feels like being hit over the head with bricks, compared to their first demo where the percussion sounded like the vocalist slapping his hands on his legs.
With this release, Hellwitch finally lived up to their potential and created something that carried a sense of darkness and ferocity despite the production. Songs like "Mordirivial Dissemination" and "Viral Exogence" reach a level of savagery that the band simply wasn't capable of a few years earlier. All things considered, this is still worth a listen.
Other thrash bands suffered the same fate, with the impact of their riffs dulled by this thick, flat production. Devastation and Demolition Hammer come to mind, and the result is much the same here. That said, the musicianship had definitely improved in the years since their earlier demos, with tighter playing that adds to the intensity and overall feeling of violence. It's kind of funny how the drumming here is so prominent and feels like being hit over the head with bricks, compared to their first demo where the percussion sounded like the vocalist slapping his hands on his legs.
With this release, Hellwitch finally lived up to their potential and created something that carried a sense of darkness and ferocity despite the production. Songs like "Mordirivial Dissemination" and "Viral Exogence" reach a level of savagery that the band simply wasn't capable of a few years earlier. All things considered, this is still worth a listen.
(19 May 2025)
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