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Electric Wizard returns with much more intensity

J. H. Infante | Guadalajara, Ja, Mex | 05/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We live, is miles away from Electric Wizard early works, maybe the change of lineup helped in the formula offered in this latest recording, the sound of "We Live" is much slower, noisy, intense , darker, dense, rough, sick, evil, is like a sound coming out from beyond , not totally from hell but from beyond, cuts like "Eko Eko Azarak" create an atmosphere so dense that air can be cut with a kniffe, you acctually think that tormented souls or demons will appear any moment, second track "We live" is even more intense, as if this were possible but once you listen it acctually is, is fascinating in this track how rithm repetitions in guitars and drums section almost fall in to demential madness, guitar static noises are also part of this intense environment, "another perfect day?" have its own charm, Jus Oborn seems to have a dark cloud over his head, you can fell sorrow in his vocals, "sun has turned to black" is so, i mean, soooooooooo depresive that you end certain that theres no hope. "We live" is a masterpiece for tormented souls enjoyment, great band.

HM"

Heads Deep In The Embrace Of Rebirth

Hand of Doom | The Wonderful World of Colonized Minds | 11/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another offering by super-duper stoned-out, doom metal casualties, Electric Wizard. I caught their set years ago, along with Bongzilla, and they are The Genuine Article, to be sure. Some of their mid-period stylings have dissipatated slightly and the result is a slow, tumultuous, shimmering-like spiralling into psychic realms of consciousness-altering vibes o' heavy. This is some pretty serious mood/head music. I haven't been this impressed with them since their 1996 opus "Come My Fanatics..." The addition of Liz Buckingham on guitar was a good move; she adds swirly layers of fuzz to their already ridiculously heavy end-of-the-world sound. An added bonus is that Jus' vox are clean again, reminiscent of their first two records.



As the T-shirt indicates, Black Sabbath definitely ruined their lives. This makes an ideal soundtrack for the arrival of the Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse, or the approaching ice age, take your pick. Turn on, tune in, doom out, and rise above. Speaking of which, Rise Above Records will re-issue "We Live" and "Come My Fanatics..." on vinyl next year."

Solid Comback For EW, Almost Up There With Past Classics

Tom Chase | London | 10/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""We Live" marks the first release from the totally re-shaped Electric Wizard, with only Jus Oborn remaining from the original line-up that spawned the doom classics "Come My Fanatics" and "Dopethrone". There seems to be quite a deal of resent from `hardcore' fans who bemoan that the new material is more of a Jus Oborn solo album than an EW album of old, or that Jus Oborn has run out of ideas and is trying to re-create what he once had. The list of complaints is quite long and diverse floating around different review sites. Personally I believe "We Live" to be a very fine outing into doom metal, and while it doesn't quite live up to the classic EW albums, this is a lot better than most of the releases in this genre.



It was quite clear after "Let Us Prey", a rather confused release, although incredible at times, the band was having artistic differences. So with a completely new line-up surrounding Jus, who lets face it was THE driving force in the old band, he has come up with a very solid release, albeit one that had to grow on me. Initially I very much enjoyed the opening of Eko Eko Azarak with its epic riffs and dreamy vocals, and also the beginning of the title track. But then the album took a wrong turn, I found myself bored, something only the best doom bands can prevent, and the old EW was certainly a prime example of such bands. I also found myself a bit baffled at the choice of line-up, especially with the second guitar of Liz Buckingham, who is barely audible at times, and really doesn't seem to add to the mix.



Obviously this disappointed me, but with repeated listens I unravelled the excellence of "We Live". Those seemingly dull and lacklustre, dare I say second rate Oborn riffs, suddenly became intriguing, and I found myself engrossed in the melodic qualities of the album, which is something not all EW releases can boast. I might even go as far to say this is the most melodic of all the EW releases, Jus certainly put more emphasis on his vocals with infectious and often hypnotic choral lines, boosted by a very clean effect for an EW release. This is highlighted by the opener Eko Eko Azarak which really kicks everything off with its spellbinding melodies. The chorus in the title track and Malfiore also contain the dreamy vocal harmonies "We Live" promotes so wonderfully.



I've read a deal of criticism concerning the almost fast paced Another Perfect Day, many people believe EW should really stay away from anything but crawling pace. While I agree EW are better when they play slow, the song acts as a nice break from the ultimately bleak and sloth-like approach, and the introduction does give the adrenaline a pump. After the few minutes of `fast' pace, the song slows right down to big booming chords and desperate cries from Jus, and finishes what I believe is a very good song. The style is continued into the monumental closer Saturn's Children which has become one of my all time favourite EW songs and the best of "We Live". This song has everything any fan of doom can ever want - slow menacing buildup play, big crashing guitars and distressed vocals, classy solos and a trance-inducing finish of repetitive riffing. A perfect way to finish what I consider a very fine album and an excellent return for Jus.



So, if you want some great doom metal and are not concerned about the new face of EW, then you will really enjoy this. Very catchy and melodic once given time, this album will give much satisfaction.

"