Witchfinder General - Death Penalty (1982)

Formed in '79 around Stourbridge, United Kingdom, Witchfinder General were likely the very first band to grasp the early doom metal torch, which was lit but eventually extinguished by Black Sabbath in the late 70's. Although the band only released a few singles and two albums in '82 & '83 they were noted for their infamous cover photos, which depicted the band members wearing medieval clothing and torturing half naked babes (witches). The idea and the band were named after the film of same name from '68, which starred Vincent Price, and interestingly this very concept would go on to influence other doom bands, such as Cathedral, whom wrote one of the best songs ever in '95, 'Hopkins (The Witchfinder General).'

Witchfinder General wasn't however a direct rip-off of Black Sabbath, it's surely they're main influence, but the blossoming NWOBHM sound shines through brilliantly on this record as well as some more aggressive parts that lean towards punk rock.

'Invisible Hate' starts out soft and calm before picking up into a total metal fistpumper complete with great riffs and vocal work, while 'Free Country' is just a totally fun catchy driven stoner doom masterpiece with a chorus that will instantly write itself into your memories. 'No Stayer' kicks off with a Sabbathy 'Rat Salad' like jam before shifting to all out rock, whereas 'Witchfinder General' is just solid doom and again incredibly memorable with great riffs and superb solos the whole way too. 'Burning a Sinner' is probably the bands catchiest song and is surely one that I hope got the crowd chanting along with them back in the day.

Generally I find little fault in the seven songs, though at just thirty minutes it sort of begs for a few more songs. Nevertheless this is classic and essential doom as far as I'm concerned and sure does go well with booze and I'm sure drugs too.

Witchfinder General would go on to release 'Friends of Hell' in '83, but then disband due to poor reception and lack of live performances. However as the years would go by more cult acts from the NWOBHM and early doom scenes would reemerge with releases of their work and fans would discover lost gems like, 'Death Penalty.' Over two decades later the band would even reform and in '08 their third album, 'Resurrected' was released, though I haven't heard this one just yet.