Ceremonial Castings - Salem 1692 Dark Forest Productions By Moira K. Wiley

The concept of Salem 1692 was one that Ceremonial Castings wanted to do since the band’s beginning in the fall of 1996. Brothers Lord Serpent (a.k.a. Jake Superchi – vocals and guitars) and Old Nick (a.k.a. Nick Superchi – keyboards, synthesizer and piano) are direct descendents of the late Judge Hathorne. According to legend, during one of the Salem witch hangings, an accused witch cursed the bloodline of Judge Hathorne. Despite this curse, and many bizarre happenings during the recording of the album, Salem 1692 was produced as a dedication to those who lived through the witch trials and especially to the 19 who died.     Joined by Bloodhammer (a.k.a. Matthew Mattern – drums), the 11-track offering combines an unusual pairing of melodic tunes that are still aggressive enough to earn the monikers of both black and death metal. They call their style American Deathphonic Black Metal and their brand of metal is definitely dark, brutal and intense. This combination of black/death metal mixes well with their own blend that includes keys/synths integrated perfectly with pounding drums and riveting guitar riffs. For example, the drums just never seem to stop in track two, “Where the Witches Waltz,” and the guitars are right there beside them paving the fast-paced way for Lord Serpent’s snarling lyrics.     A unique offering, to say the least, you can find ordering information as well as a sneak peek of the album at www.myspace.com/ceremonialcastings. Whether you’re a metal fan or just interested in learning more about the infamous history of the Salem Witch Hunt, Salem 1692 takes you from “Beneath the Sabbath Moon” to “The Search for Tranquility” in their ode to those who lived (or died) through it.

Copyright © by Crave Magazine All Right Reserved.

Published on: 2008-10-10 (3404 reads)