Description

2010 press on black vinyl with gatefold cover

In their time, Witchfinder General was considered one of the less-important bands to emerge from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, but they have become a popular early influence among bands in the doom metal scene. Formed in 1980 by Zeeb Parkes (vocals), Phil Cope (guitars), Woolfy Trope (bass), and Graham Ditchfield (drums), the band was heavily influenced by Black Sabbath and released only two albums, 1982’s Death Penalty and the following year’s Friends of Hell, before breaking up. Their 1982 debut is a celebration of all things Sabbath — from the plodding rhythms of Burning a Sinner and R.I.P. to the early-Sabs intro of No Stayer, and even the band’s rocking Paranoid knock-off, Free Country.

Track listing:
1. Invisible Hate
2. Free Country
3. Death Penalty
4. No Stayer
5. Witchfinder General
6. Burning a Sinner
7. R.I.P.