 The album is noticably much more varied and bold. In fact - so much that I did in truth not really expect anyone to approve of it. However foolish that may seem today (as it landed me my first licensing deals allowing me to "turn a page" and reach out far better than previously), it really was the case after having digging so deep in my own subconscious for two full years. The quite unorthodox approach to the entire release by opening it with two instrumental introductions (and the third track plays some two or three minutes before vocals enters) gives a hint to the rather unconvential and innovative nature of the release. Through a commercial perspective this is probably suicide. But the CD truly is an enormous musical experience (if taken from track one to the last in one go) and is as always with EM albums best to be viewed upon as on entity instead of a collection of tracks. The many instrumentals and emotional interludes gave Elvira Madigan a new depth and also helped tie the album together better than previously yet also demanded more of the listener. "Witches - Salem (1692 vs 2001)" marked quite a few important developments compared to previous efforts. The variation, production have all been mentioned but the CD did also for the first time ever include English sung tracks. With research in history regarding the first inquisitions the unified and feel of the album was elevated, and although it doesn't feature a single storyline (contrary to what many seem to believe) it nonetheless always spinns around the same topics - always with a sharp tounge ready to sting the bloodstained past of organized christendom. Funny details to know may be that in it's path to become complete lay almost bone-deep fingercuts (disabling me from playing guitar for more than a month), shredded recordingtapes torn in two (forcing me to rerecord a halfway finished track) and last but not least, a mental disorder hailing from nervousity from the fact that this CD had to match the expectations put on it after the highly acclaimed debut "BlackArts" (- a disorder which more or less is responsible for the fact that the covers album succeeding this title was recorded). In the spring of 2003 "Witches - Salem (1692 vs 2001)" was rereleased though Black Lodge/Soundpollution and the one version to be found at CD stores around the globe is most likely to be that one. The album was for that rerelease repackaged in Jewelbox with a brand new booklet but also completely remastered. The first edition of the CD is the only version available through this webisite. |