Stone Witch is a four piece desert doom/stoner rock band from the Sonoran paradise of Phoenix, AZ. Featuring Jayare Robbins on guitar and vocals, Matt Wentz on lead guitar, and Jason and Ian Colbert on drums and bass, Stone Witch is a roaring machine of power and psychedelia. Months after the release of their first EP, "Order of the Goat," Stone Witch returned to the studio to record what they deemed to be "missing tracks." As they were also working on their second album, Desert Oracle, these songs stayed in the vault. That has changed as of 4/20/2022, as Stone Witch has paired with Buddy Donner of Wet Records to reissue Order of the Goat with the missing tracks on deluxe vinyl.
The first song of the album, "Wind Walker," is an instant classic that should fit perfectly into the playlists of any stoner/doom fan. The opening riff is brutal, dark, and enchanting in the way that all good riffs are, pulling the listener into a song that segues masterfully into a chugging rhythm. Robbins' vocals are growly and bluesy and the Colbert brothers provide a masterfully charging backbone. The second song, "Dark Goddess," is another bluesy example of psychedelic stoner doom that segues into one of the new songs, "Ghost Rider." The latter of the two is a galloping romp that channels the best of 70s rock n' roll and proto-metal, invoking the likes of Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult in its movement and confidence. Wentz's guitar solo is especially evocative of prime Iommi, closing the song with a bang. "Blood Feast" is a calming buffet of guitars and vocals, providing light in contrast to the shade of the rest of the album, a decision that Iommi himself would've been proud of. "Oathbreaker," with its dual guitar riff attack, reinvigorates the sonic assault with pride and a brooding vibe of ill will and anxiety. "The Herald" continues the darkness, adding in a bombastic backbeat that seems to personify the rhythmic attack of the band as guitars move and weave together. Album closer and new addition "1903" is a sludgy sort of doom that ends the album perfectly, leaving the listener darkened, battered, and wanting more, much like someone who has been in the pit at a show and can't wait to jump back in.
While re-releasing an album with additional songs is an unorthodox approach, Stone Witch has taken previously exemplary material and paired it with new songs that continue their vision seamlessly. Stone Witch is a band to look out for not just because of their bluesy vocals, dual guitar attack, and bruising, galloping rhythm - they're a band to look out for because they're the complete package. Order of the Goat is an exemplary album, one that represents the Sonoran sound with tenacity, pride, and a valiant obedience to darkness and the riff.
