Gandalf’s Fist: Widdershins

Widdershins feels longer in the making than it really has been, only three years having passed since Gandalf’s Fist’s Clockwork Prologue. However, with that release being thematically linked to 2016’s triple CD masterpiece, The Clockwork Fable, it’s easy to be forgiven for thinking that it’s been an age since a new album appeared from this outfit.

So, the first question really has to be, what exactly is Widdershins? Well, with its origins being Scottish I maybe should have known but I must admit that I didn’t, so Widdershins means to go counter-clockwise, or more precisely, counter to the sun’s course, and as such it is seen as unlucky, unwise and generally the kind of omen one avoids! However, that would appear to be the mere starting point here, with the human race’s reliance - wittingly or not - on superstition and tradition explored across the eight tracks presented.

The band’s fulcrum is still Dean Marsh on everything from electric and acoustic guitar, bass, backing vocals and lead vocals on three songs, as well as additional synths, mandolin, Irish bouzouki, ‘Ice-Age Mammoth-Flute’ and, of course tin whistle, whereas Luke Severn provides additional vocals throughout and lead vocals on "Man of Signs�. Then comes Stefan Hepe on drums and percussion, Ben Bell on keys, piano, synths, backing vocals/‘Choirs of Doom’ and also fretless bass. Now, Chris Ewan may only be credited with ‘Bargain Snacks’ here, but he’s the band’s bass player sometimes too, while it’s Keri Farish who provides most of the lead and backing vocals across this album. That in itself proves something of a departure, Severn and Marsh often dominating (along with guests and others) in the vocal department, but Farish is a long time part of this band and a fabulous singer, so her strong role here is a huge bonus.

Gandalf’s Fist have long established a sound of their own, with a theatrical air hinted at through a space-like progressive attack, but this time around there’s also a much stronger riff-laden guitar presence. “Sacrament� opens, howling Hammond striking keenly off forceful guitars and Farish’s resonant tones, with all three aspects truly given opportunities to shine. A more considered air is employed for the title track, a simmering, brooding build given constant shots in the arm through keyboard stabs, guitar swipes and layered backing vocals, whereas “The Haruspex� (someone who practices divination by ‘reading’ the innards of animals…) slithers and slides with a mystical air.

Of all eight tracks, the shortest runs to just over four minutes, but most are seven minutes-plus, and that in itself should leave little doubt of the ground covered on the beautiful “Dreamcatcher�, which floats by on fabulous vocals and guitars, while “Wisp� brings a slightly medieval feel with similar, but much darker effect. The guitar solo during “Man Of Signs� - and the trade-offs with the organs - really capture the attention, while “Witchmonger� introduces a sinister side to proceedings. All of which leaves the sprawling, near twenty-minute “Cave� to prove an already excellent album’s crowning achievement. Numerous passages shining countless lights on so many different aspects of what this outfit are capable of, and I have to say that the forcefulness in tempo and the instrumental sections is something that maybe hasn’t been such an obvious facet of the Gandalf’s Fist sound - and on this strength, it really should be. Factor in atmospheric chanting, captivating vocals and a powerhouse rhythm section and the ethereal mood that still permeates throughout is as impressive as it is mesmerising.

I will add that Widdershins wasn’t a quick fix for me, and I’m a long time admirer of this band. However, since the pacing and mood of the album began to dig its claws in, it really hasn’t let go and I’d suggest that after maybe six or seven listens the whole experience began to take on a multitude of wonderful colours and shapes.

As you’d expect in these days of vinyl resurgences, this album comes as a beautiful double white record set, where the excellent artwork truly comes alive, and of course there are CD and other options also available. I must admit that I have previously worried about exactly where Gandalf’s Fist could go from their really quite breathtaking Clockwork Fable releases, but with Widdershins they have quashed those concerns magnificently. This album isn’t afraid to be different to what’s comes before, but it does so in a way long time followers of the band will feel welcomed into. I’d also suggest that lovers of atmospheric, crafted, yet still forceful progressive rock will find a huge amount here to love, and I therefore urge you to discover the strength and beauty of Gandalf’s Fist.

Track Listing
1. Sacrament
2. Widdershins
3. The Haruspex
4. Dreamcatcher
5. Wisp
6. Man Of Signs
7. Witchmonger
8. Cave

Added: November 5th 2022
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Ganfalf's Fist online
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Language: english

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