Hypnotized by an enchanting witch - A review of Luciferian Light Orchestra's EP

Luciferian Light Orchestra's full length record was a somewhat underwhelming occult rock project around Therion mastermind Christofer Johnsson. One and a half year later, the project released this extended play consisting of four songs that are basically leftovers from the recording sessions. However, these four songs are overall much better than expected and make for a very good release.

The project has only changed a few details here and there with these four songs but they have a significant impact on the overall sound. First of all, the songs on this record are much longer than on the full length effort. This gives the tracks the possibility to build up an enchanting, gloomy and mysterious atmosphere. The songs are also much more diversified and instruments that couldn't shine on the full length effort sound much more present on this record such as the bass guitar. The female lead vocals also work better than before and make me think of a beautiful witch that is trying to hypnotize you with her soothing vocals. Even the lyrics have improved as they still deal with occult topics but avoid cringe-worthy and repetitive passages that made the previous release sound mildly amusing. This extended play even includes the project's best song to date in form of the atmospheric, complex and intellectual closer ''Thunder Perfect Mind'' with a generous running time of seven minutes that is worth being listened to over and over again because it includes so many great changes and ideas.

After a disappointing first release, this overlooked extended play is a big step forward for the project. I was ready to give up on Luciferian Light Orchestra after listening to the self-titled debut but this blandly titled follow-up offers excellent occult rock reminding of psychedelic rock music of the seventies without sounding too old-fashioned in the new millennium. Now, I'm eager to see whether this project will release more music in the future and if it's going to be like the exciting bonus tracks or the bland regular tracks.

Final rating: 79%