It was 2001 when this Portland, Oregon-based doom crew released their last slice of riff-mongering, following the credo that they will release no doom before its time. 2011 sees them releasing a new set of songs for public consumption. I guess with this type of music, it’s not just the music that moves slow.

All kidding aside, Witch Mountain’s new platter is one slice of traditional doom peppered with psychedelic accents and solos by guitarist Rob Wrong and sent skyward by the bewitching vocals of Uta Plotkin. I know we’ve seen a whole bunch of female-fronted doom bands that have come to forefront in the past few years, but let me just say that it’s cool that women are getting their doom on — Witch Mountain do this sort of thing very well. The songs are fully formed, and the performances from all members of the band, including bassist David Hoopaugh and drummer Nathan Carson, are spot on. They lay down a wonderful foundation for Wrong to take off in guitar hero fits and for Plotkin to let her vocals soar. You will be lured in and captivated by their riff sorcery.

So call this a welcome comeback, and let’s hope they don’t make us wait another 10 years for the follow up. Definitely track this one down.

(self-released, no address provided)