Review by Felix on May 31, 2022.

An e-mail drew my attention to SexWitch. The band originates from Quebec, but it has nothing in common with the Francophile black metal movement from this metropolis. The dudes play thrash metal and I think they do it with chainsaws, jackhammers and machine guns. These instruments create a musical carnage which is far away from more or less melodic thrash that bands like Testament or Artillery celebrate. Here everything is focused on total intensity and absolute devastation while the vocalist screams pretty high-pitched tones like a pig at its final hour in the slaughterhouse. He sacrifices charisma on the altar of sheer insanity, but this approach fits the musical surrounding very well.

Usually, thrash is about riffs, riffs and even more riffs, but SexWitch offer a slightly chaotic touch. With this said, the riffs dominate only short parts of the EP, for example at the beginning of 'Drogue, Propulsion, Rituel'. Most of the time there is just a violent storm. Technical subtleties, high-sophisticated details or fine-grained nuances do not show up. That’s okay, because SexWitch manage to deliver a tight and pretty coherent performance. It’s a bit one-dimensional, that’s true, but come on, we are talking firstly about a debut and secondly about an EP. Thus, I understand this release as a first statement that wants to leave no question unanswered about the general style of the duo. No doubt, this purpose is fully met. Incidentally, this is also a merit of the production which presents pressure and power. Of course, transparency falls by the wayside, but who cares about such wimpy details? I don't.

All in all, Ritualistic Sex Magick combines the ultimate fury of Demolition Hammer’s “Epidemic Of Violence” with the merciless intention that Deströyer 666 create in their best moments. Okay, the Canadians, who are no absolute beginners, do not yet reach the level of quality of the aforementioned bands, but maybe this is just a question of time. It’s not only the mighty closer that indicates a high potential, inter alia due to some dynamic-creating tempo changes. Especially the marginally less insane mid-tempo parts work very well. So let’s see what the future will bring. Perhaps another SexWitch release and a second e-mail?

Rating: 6.8 out of 10