Seattle funeral doom duo Bell Witch returned this year with their great new album Future’s Shadow Part 1: The Clandestine Gate, an 83-minute, one-track album that’s part one of a planned triptych of longform albums. It’s been landing on some year-end lists, and now band members Dylan Desmond (bass, vocals) and Jesse Shreibman (drums, vocals) have made us lists of their favorite albums of the year. Their lists include Dødheimsgard, Lankum, Rome Streetz, and more, and they’ve provided some commentary as well.
Bell Witch are also wrapping up a tour this week, with West Coast shows in Felton, Eugene, Portland, and Seattle. All dates here.
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Bell Witch’s Favorite Albums of 2023
Dylan’s picks:
Dødheimsgard – Black Medium Current
Lankum – False Lankum
Spirit Possession – Of the Sign…
Khanate – To Be Cruel
Blut Aus Nord – Disharmonium
Jesse’s picks:
Lubomyr Melnyk – The Sacred Thousand
The second I heard the first notes of this EP I was hooked. The second it was done I listened again. I then listened to his whole discography. The way Melnyk uses endless speed and precision to create grandiose soundscapes with slow builds is astounding, and only gets better with each listen.
Mournful Congregation – The Exuviae of Gods – Part 2
Every release this band does is on my year end list. They are true masters of the craft. As far as I’m concerned, they are responsible for some of the best riffs ever written in the genre. Very excited to hear Part 3.
Sangre de Muerdago – O vento que lambe as minas feridas
I had the pleasure of hearing this record for the first time live at Roadburn and it was incredible. I have known Pablo for 15 years or so, and the evolution of this project has been an absolute joy to witness. The creativity and musicianship of Sangre De Muerdago is unparalleled.
Hania Rani – On Giacometti
I was introduced to this artist by a dear friend and have been listening to it ever since. Not only do I find the instrumentation moving, but my favorite aspect to the album is the use of ambient sounds. I specifically love how the listener can hear the sound of fingers hitting any given instrument. I feel like I hear something new in this record every time I listen.
Rome Streetz – Noise Kandy 5
Anyone that knows me knows I love Hip Hop. Rome Streetz is an artist I wasn’t very familiar with outside of his collaboration with the Alchemist, but when this album came out I had to check it out. This record is a perfect mix of the new and old school boom-bap production. The beats and production are flawless, and I’m excited to hear what comes next. P.S. – The Joey Bada$$ cameo on this record is siiiiick.
