Black Masses
Electric Wizard · 2010
59 min · 8 tracks · doom metal
A heavy, distorted soundscape envelops listeners in a haze of doom-laden riffs and haunting vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Mass — The opening track sets a foreboding tone with relentless riffs and eerie atmospheres that define the entire album's aesthetic.
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Venus in Furs — This cover of The Velvet Underground classic transforms into a sludgy anthem, blending psych-rock influences with Electric Wizard's signature heaviness.
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Patterns of Evil — With its hypnotic rhythms and dark lyrics, this track exemplifies the band’s exploration of malevolence, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's heavy riffs and atmospheric sound create a cohesive experience, though it may not stand out significantly in the genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy, distorted riff that sets a slow tempo, maintaining this pace throughout most tracks.
- Vocals are layered with effects, often blending into the instrumental backdrop rather than standing out distinctly.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the guitar riffs to dominate and create a hypnotic atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heavy, distorted soundscapes enveloping
- long tracks for deep immersion
- cathartic release of tension
- haunting vocals with eerie atmosphere
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek concise, accessible songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of Black Masses in 2010, Electric Wizard was already established as a leading figure in the doom metal scene, following their critically acclaimed album Witchcult Today. This record continued to solidify their reputation for creating dark, psychedelic music, while exploring themes of horror and drug culture that had become central to their identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sleep· Boris· Witchfinder General
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Turn Off Your Mind
The moment shifts from disjointed thoughts into a mantra-like repetition that invokes a trance state.
This structural choice creates an unsettling atmosphere, inviting listeners to surrender to the chaos rather than seek clarity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Black Mass 6:06
- 2 Venus in Furs 6:22
- 3 The Nightchild 8:02
- 4 Patterns of Evil 6:30
- 5 Satyr IX 9:58
- 6 Turn Off Your Mind 5:51
- 7 Scorpio Curse 7:31
- 8 Crypt of Drugula 8:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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