REVIEW: Witchcraft - A Sinner's Child

Following their album IDAG last year, WITCHCRAFT have another collection of tracks due to drop this week. The Swedish occult rock group are known for their doom-folk-hard rock-stoner tracks that have been a staple in the scene for over twenty years. Their sound tends to change from album to album but generally stays in the parameters of doom, depressive folk, and hard rock. The band was founded in 2000 by MAGNUS PELANDER, and after the band was fully formed, released their debut album in 2004. The current lineup is PELANDER, providing the distinctive vocals and guitar, alongside bassist IDA ELIN TANNDERAL and drummer JOHAN "JUSSI" KALLA. Over the years, their enormous back catalog has cemented their status as one of the great doom folk acts.

A Sinner’s Child is a five track EP, this offering is a slightly stripped back rendition compared to their previous work. The EP focuses on a melodic sound, with a combination of classic doom compositions and folk tracks with a twist. The EP opens with Drömmen Om Död Och Förruttnelse, a groovy sounding piece with a classic feel. The iconic vocals from PELANDER drawl in his native Swedish dipping in and out of the track’s hook. The title track A Sinner’s Child is mellow and reflective with a rich guitar tone that accompanies the vocals in a dreamlike state. Particularly in the chorus when the song harmonises, and the soothing rhythmic state continues until the final notes.

Even Darker Days is a stunning folk song that echoes and haunts. With its heartfelt acoustic resonance, the song ventures into the world of the occult. The exact and precise plucking of the guitar in the midst of the song elicits such powerful emotion that it is difficult not to become engrossed in it. Frankly this style of song complements PELANDER's voice perfectly.

As Själen Reser Sig starts it throws us back into the land of doom with a slow pounding beat under layers of distortion. Again in Swedish, the track crashes around with a punchy drum beat and bouts of anguish. The final tune Sinner’s Clear Confusion falls back into the swing of soulful riffs, it seems we’re a long way from the doom sound even though we were in the centre of it mere minutes ago. Out of the five pieces, this one feels the most out of place but somehow still works as a closing track with its calming influence and slow rhythm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irjkT0Etlhs

A Sinner’s Child is a complex collection of songs that explores the many faces of what proto-doom and folk can be. The way the tracks are positioned you are taken in and out of these doom and folk spaces, which enables the listener to have a little breather depending on which sound they prefer. Although it seems these types of sounds aren’t that similar on the surface, they gel together to create a well rounded listening experience. The set of songs feel personal and are full of emotion, and the vulnerability shines through in both the songwriting and the melodies around them.

Score: 8/10

A Sinner’s Child will be released on 13th March 2026 via Heavy Psych Sounds.

Words: Danielle Henderson

Photos: Witchcraft