Read the full review in italian by Caesar on versacrum.com
A sonic evocation of witchcraft and mystery
Witchcraft by Capricorni Pneumatici is not just an album, but a sonic ritual that brings to light ancient practices and beliefs, enveloping us in an atmosphere of uneasiness and fascination. Originally released in 1989 on cassette and recently reissued on CD by Eighth Tower Records, it is a treasure for lovers of industrial music and esotericism, a journey that takes us into the darkest recesses of the human soul.
Historical Roots and Innovative Sounds
The title track of the album draws inspiration from the Compendium Maleficarum, a 1608 text dedicated to witchcraft and its rituals. This historical connection is not just a literary reference; it is the common thread that connects the modern sounds of machines and synthesizers with ancient folk beliefs. Using the legendary DX7, Capricorni Pneumatici combine electronic sounds with ambient recordings, creating a symphony that is both abstract and earthly. The location in which the tracks were recorded — specifically, an underground ambient called “The Cave” — adds an additional layer of depth. The sounds of the soprano sax, played in an environment full of history and mystery, intertwine with the sonic textures created by the synthesizer, evoking images of ancient rituals and altered states of consciousness.
A Journey into the Unconscious
Listening to Witchcraft is like diving into a lucid dream, where music becomes a means of inner exploration. The song opens with a melody that invites wonder, only to then surround us with a vortex of distorted sounds that suggest a descent into the abyss. Each note is a step closer to an ecstatic understanding or impending madness; the line between the two experiences is very thin, and the journey is fascinating. Unreleased tracks such as “A-Thele-ber-Seth” and “A-Ro-Go-Go-Ru” further expand the sonic universe of Witchcraft, tackling cabalistic rituals and voodoo cults respectively. These compositions are charged with a palpable tension, suggesting an invitation to let go and embrace the unknown. Capricorni Pneumatici seem to say that true magic lies in our ability to embrace the shadows and discover what lies beyond the surface of reality.
A Ritual of Freedom and Desire
The track “Schmumm” completes the work, taking the listener into another context of sonic exploration. Here, the fusion of field recordings and environmental sounds transports the listener into soundscapes rich in textures and vibrations. Female voices singing spells in a medieval church in Calabria invite us to participate in a ritual that explores not only the external world, but also the internal one, touching the deepest desires and innate impulses.
Witchcraft by Capricorni Pneumatici is a work that transcends time and space, an invitation to explore the mysteries of human existence through music that is both evocative and provocative. The reissue of this album is not only a celebration of a fascinating past, but also an opportunity to rediscover the art of evoking emotions and experiences through sounds that speak directly to the soul. Prepare yourself for a journey that challenges conventions and drags you into the darkness, where each listen reveals new secrets and meanings.
Available on Eight Tower Records Bandcamp