Dopethrone – Electric Wizard (2xLP)

Formed by vocalist/guitarist Jus Oborn in 1993 in Dorset, England, Electric Wizard have released eight studio albums – an increasingly influential body of work recorded on vintage analogue gear with as little technology as possible intruding on the signal. The result: some of the heaviest, dirtiest, most evil-sounding audio ever put to tape. Wreathed in occult ritual and drug-culture references, with classic '70s horror an inspirational seam, Electric Wizard is a cultural as well as a musical force. The group has left an indelible mark on a host of different genres, the likes of doom, stoner and sludge; at heart, however, they stand as an iconic British metal band, cast in the great tradition, with lyrics and artwork reflecting the hypnotic weight of the music, and subject to the same intelligence and detail. 2000's seminal Dopethrone is easily one of the band's most extreme releases to date; cited by many as the pinnacle of their career.