Høstsabbat 2023: Ruff Majik and Witchcraft Added; Lineup Complete
The last two bands added to Høstsabbat 2023 are Ruff Majik, who put out one of 2023’s best heavy rock records in this Spring’s Elektrik Ram (review here), and perennial top-of-bill features Witchcraft. Together with the likes of Lowrider, Yawning Man, Moonstone, Black Rainbows, LLNN, Bongripper and a mountain of others, these two fill out the 10th anniversary edition of the Oslo-based festival, which in the last decade has grown and expanded its palette even as it has reinforced the intimacy that is so much a part of its appeal. Thinking of that basement in the Kulturkirken Jacob. I don’t know if Ruff Majik will be down there, but if they are, I bet it’s to headline, and if they do, I bet it’ll be a rager. The stuff of which legends are made.
As for Witchcraft, it’s been three years since 2020’s acoustic Black Metal (review here) and nearly 20 since their 2004 self-titled debut (discussed here), but they continue to deliver in the live setting, founder Magnus Pelander one of his generation’s most influential figures in European heavy rock. Surely a welcome addition to any bill, including this one.
This is it for Høstsabbat 2023. I’m sorry to say I won’t be there this year — scheduling conflict — but I wish everyone who is the very best of times, and I’ve got a whole other t-shirt that I bought last year that I’ve been saving. Might be time to break it out as I console myself that weekend in late October.
From socials:
(#128293#)RUFF MAJIK (SA)(#128293#)
Sabbathians!
It´s time for our final band announcement, and Oh Yes!
It sure brings some perfectly timed party spice to our lineup.
Hailing from South Africa, Ruff Majik have brought their high energy rock show to stages across Europe for quite some time, gaining them a massive live reputation as a definite must-see. It´s pure rock n´roll with an almost sassy vibe to it. Joyful and melodic with a feelgood kind of aggression. You will probably end up dancing!
Ruff Majik have been on our wish list for years now, and luckily, some times the stars align, and this time they actually just did. Being able to add Ruff Majik last minute, gives our lineup the perfect balance. It has all the ingredients a 10-year-anniversary should have, and we can not wait to welcome you to church a good month from now.
Speaking of that.
Many of you are asking for the day splits, and we are almost ready to share the schedule with you.
Those who show up at our event at Vaterland tonight will have a sneak peak, and the rest of you will be enlightened this coming Friday.
(#128293#)WITCHCRAFT (SE)(#128293#)
Witchcraft, take one!
Those three words, coming from the mouth of Magnus Pelander in a what seems to be a live studio-session, followed by the instant-classic riffery of the self titled song «Witchcraft», from their equally named album:
That was how Witchcraft introduced themselves to a new horde of doom heads.
That was how Witchcraft managed to conquer a new era of proto-doomers, following the path of former legends such as Pentagram, Witchfinder General, Sir Lord Baltimore and so on.
It was a formative time for many of the bands seen on top of the festival bills today. That obviously counts for Witchcraft as well.
They were the leaders, not the followers.
There is absolutely zero doubt of the impact these guys have had on our scene.
Zero.
Witchcraft however, did not get stuck in the swamp of lo-fi proto-doom for much too long.
Their incredible albums «Legend» and «Nucleus» from 2012 and 2016 marked a transition in sound, steering Witchcraft in a slightly more modern direction, but still keeping all their key elements intact.
The marvelous vocals of Magnus Pelander are always present, as is his top shelf riffs.
These God -given qualities, along with clever arrangements and forward thinking instrumentation, have secured Witchcraft a top slot for years to come.
We are dead proud and psyched to present such a legendary band to our Church of Riffs, honoring our anniversary in the best possible way.
Please welcome Witchcraft to Høstsabbat 2023(#128165#)
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