After a six-year hiatus, German occult prog rockers The Witches’ Dream have returned with Muses & Conjurations, a spellbinding release that emerged from the creative cauldron of the 2020 lockdown. The album is a captivating synthesis of Black Sabbath‘s ominous heft, Opeth’s dynamics, and Witchcraft‘s retro allure—all infused with a modern, electrifying twist. If you’re seeking the perfect soundtrack for a dark, witch-themed gathering, this record is bound to cast its spell.
The opening track, “Calamity,” lives up to its name, offering a familiar yet compelling occult formula. Marcel Schiborr’s charismatic vocals intertwine with Henning Funke’s vintage, fuzz-drenched guitar tone, creating a track brimming with lively tempo changes and hypnotic energy. “Eradicate” ups the ante with a more aggressive punch, its infectious vigor demanding headbanging compliance. Meanwhile, the undeniable groove of “Soliloquy” stands out, with Schiborr delivering one of his most dynamic vocal performances.
The Witches’ Dream doesn’t just follow the occult rock playbook—they elevate it. While many acts in the genre lean into self-serious theatrics, this band strikes a refreshing balance, capturing mystical themes without descending into pretension. Few contemporary bands manage to refine such a well-trodden sound, but Muses & Conjurations achieves that rare feat. The blistering “Rooted in Spell” is a particular standout, with bassist Ramona Wandolski anchoring the track with commanding precision and melodic inventiveness.
The album’s structure is meticulously put together, balancing vibrant, dynamic compositions with moments of eerie calm. Each instrument is given its due spotlight, thanks to a production approach that captures both clarity and vintage warmth. The result is a varied and textured collection of songs that retains the raw, heavy spirit of the genre without feeling derivative or stale.
Muses & Conjurations stands out as a welcoming refreshment in an oversaturated witchy stoner-doom scene, finding fresh ways to cast familiar rituals. It’s an album that mesmerizes with its memorable choruses, enchanting melodies, and dazzling musicianship, all wrapped up in a fittingly retro production. Whether you’re a seasoned follower of the occult rock genre or simply a fan of immersive, well-crafted music, this release offers a bewitching listening experience that’s impossible to resist.
Muses & Conjurations is available from Bandcamp. Follows The Witches’ Dream on Instagram.
It's an album that mesmerizes with its memorable choruses, enchanting melodies, and dazzling musicianship, all wrapped up in a fittingly retro production.
