Black Widow - Sacrifice (1970)

Originally conceived in 1966 as Pesky Gee!, the band released, 'Exclamation Mark' in '69 and then reformed as Black Widow and unleashed, 'Sacrifice' in 1970. While there were other bands in the late 60's and early 70's that were involved in the whole black magic boom, few were as dedicated and serious as Black Widow. With lyrics centering around conjuring demons, rituals and Satan as well as having mock sacrifices with nude women onstage, it goes without saying, but Black Widow surely caused some controversy in their day.

Perhaps the lyrics and imagery are what most people find intriguing about this band, but overlooking all that you'll find a group of insanely talented and creative musicians creating some of the most diverse and interesting progressive/psychedelic rock I've personally ever heard.

'In Ancient Days' initiates the record with a swirling hypnotic Hammond organ intro, which pans from right to left, when at nearly the two minute mark some fast acoustic guitars, synth washes, trippy saxophone and drums enter the song followed by Kip Trevor's incredible lead vocals. The song continues onward for seven full minutes, alternating between grooved out trippy parts and just feel good classic rock with basically everything that made 60's psychedelia and the still early progressive rock scene so superb. 'Come to the Sabbat' is the hit of sorts from the album, which starts with pounding ritualistic drums and flutes, before spooky chanting enters the song. The remainder of the song almost has this playful sort of quality to it, with vibrant flutes, fast drumming and acoustic guitar, while at various points Kip both sings and chants, "Come, come come to the Sabbat - Satan's there!" in an increasingly manic manner.

'Conjuration' again has vibrant brass instruments, backing orchestration, ritualistic drums, great lead vocals as well as lyrics about conjuring the devil, which may sound a bit odd, but its overwhelmingly psychedelic and just plain cool sounding. 'Seduction' is the calmest song on the album, which features just singing and backing orchestration, flute and bass guitar. 'Attack of the Demon' is a bit more fast paced and fun, but certainly just as freaky and weird as the others, with a groovy bass guitar, waves of synth, impressive drumming and Kip singing, "All of my sins have left me in Hell" with so much passion during the chorus.

The albums climax and true highlight however is with the final and title song, a vivid masterpiece known as, 'Sacrifice.' Over eleven minutes long, it starts out rather lively with crazed flutes, fast drums and freaked out singing about, well, a sacrifice, before going into a long calmer chill-out instrumental part with tons of proggy synth, heavy bass guitar and flute playing alongside each other brilliantly.

After, 'Sacrifice', Black Widow would go on to release two more albums, 'Black Widow' in the same year as well as, 'III' in '71, though dropping the Satanic themes in favor of more conventional and easily digestible subject matter. Personally I haven't heard these yet, but I surely intend to do do soon. I can't imagine they are better, because this is one breathtaking and trippy record unlike really anything else I've heard from the era or really even after it. Although its not required, I'm sure some sort of mind alternating substance plus this record go hand in hand. Truly these Satanic hippies were onto something grand with this one. This seven song album demands your attention, a classic is what I'm trying to say. Check it out!