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October / 2002 - Music Extreme Webzine (5/5) November / 2002 - Tragenda Webzine (No rating) January / 2002 - Heavy Metal Mania Webzine (9/10) January / 2002 - Metal Storm Webzine (9,5/10) December 4 / 2001 - Tombstone Webzine (9/10) December / 2001 - Urkraft Webzine (9/10) Summer / 2002 - Krepeskulum Webzine (5/5) Summer / 2002 - Metal-Only Webzine (8/10) April / 2002 - Vampire Magazine (No rating) Spring / 2003 - Beyond Webzine (84/100) - NEW! May / 2002 - Tartarean Desire Webzine (7/10) June / 2002 - Metal Judgement Webzine (3/5) March / 2002 - Metal Observer Webzine (7,5/10) February / 2002 - Metalreviews.com (80/100) February / 2002 - Unrestrained! Magazine (7/10) December / 2001 - Slave to Metal Webzine (4/5) - In SWEDISH Summer / 2002 - Metalfanzine Webzine (84%/100%) - In SWEDISH Summer / 2004 - Nucturne E-Zine (9/10) - IN SERBIAN - NEW!! Summer / 2002 - Violent Solutions Webzine (16/20) - IN FRENCH December / 2001 - Metalfire Webzine (9/10) - In SPANISH  Review from "METAL LIBRARY WEBZINE". Rated 5+/5 "At the end of 17th century a small and peaceful (at least for now) country town Salem which is located at a distance of 40 kilometers from Boston became famous for ages but this reputation can hardly be called good. That story which attracts attention of thousands of travelers from all over the world began in January, 1692 when two small girls Betty (9 years old) and Abigail (11 years) revealed very strange and inexplicable behavior. The apathy gave place to an incomprehensible temper, the children were falling to the floor, were madly yelling and crying. Rumours were flying in neighborhood that there were demons inside them. The famous "Salem's Witch Hunt" started, harmless citizens were proved to be sorcerers and witches and many of them were condemned to death (after tortures of course) and executed. Ultimately when that menace came closer to authorities girls were forced to say truth they have done all that "performance" only for ... a lark! The "Salem's Witch Hunt" is one of the most tragic pages in American history book. It would be fondly to think that musicians could keep this topic away from their minds. In 2001 ElviraMadigan, a band from Sweden, decided to rectify this mistake by creating a new album's storyline connected with these events. But not only with them... As it's been said in dedication: "Witches is a standing monument in remembrance of the women whom in many thousands were slain upon pyres throughout medieval Europe. Thousands whom yet today have never even been recognized by this wicked kindred whose latter day representatives still miraculously erects this stale and twisted philosophy of utter and utmost folly and with far more bloodstained hands than any evil it has ever claimed to persue". Amen! Although we can hardly consider ElviraMadigan to be band 'cause it consist only of one person and name for this musical hero is Marcus Hammarstrom and this release all-on-his-own does him credit. Unfortunately I hadn't the honour of becoming acquainted with the previous ElviraMadigan's CD "Black Arts" published in 2000, that's why my talk about music will be incomplete without comparing. The most important thing in here is that Marcus Hammarstrom is not only author of all music and lyrics but he played all instruments (guitars, bass guitar, keys), programmed drums and presented his voice. I've heard some people saying about ElviraMadigan's resemblance to Cradle Of Filth but as a fan of COF (not so big as of Elvira however) i can declare that there are only some features which can remind of Dani Filth and his cold-blooded killers company and only in some songs with quick rhythm. In other moments it's ElviraMadigan and that's enough - nothing more should I say about comparison. I don't know how to define this style of music - some sort of atmospheric melodic black, maybe dark metal with death metal parts. Think whatever you want but the idea to combine melodic and atmospheric instrumental non-style music with aggressive and high-speed parts of brilliant death/black is certainly tremendous. Organic symbiosis of guitars and keys, melancholic vocals and hopeless screams make this artwork a masterpiece. There are 15 tracks on this album but the quantity doesn't have a bad effect on quality. The instrumental songs are completely amazing and if you don't like sympho black/death albums you can pick this one because of that tracks: anxious introduction "Anno Domini 1232", phantasmagoric heavy "carol" "Orroborros & The Pilgrim", "Nocturne" - in the literal sense of a word, a pleasant melancholy passage "Ecclesia Non Novit Sanguinem?", piano track "Interludium", slowly flowing sound kaleidoscope "Gregory IX" and guitar outro "Honeythorne" - all this songs are links of a single chain. Heavy sympho black/death tracks are written in appropriate manner and here - to face the truth - you can find many features which are inherent in Cradle Of Filth. The only annoying thing on this CD is the incomprehensibility of lyrics which are written in Swedish with few exceptions. But it's not worth to mention it if you don't care about song lyrics at all - i do. In addition to all above-stated facts I can't allow myself not to say a couple of words about design of booklet but only couple: Luis Royo. Well, what's to say to sum up review? When listening this masterpiece for the first time it was utter amazement for your humble servant. I realized soon that the author of this album had put all his heart and soul into this work and "Witches" of Elvira Madigan will remain in my memory for a long period..." Reviewers current listing: Elvira Madigan favourite band nr 2 position! "Witches..." favourite CD nr 1!!!! - Hatebreeder 
Review from "MUSIC EXTREME WEBZINE". Rated 5/5 "This is with no doubt one of the best CDs that I have ever listened. The perfect mix between heaviness, melody, atmospheres and feelings. The perfect mix from what is powerful and what is subtle. Here we have Elvira Madigan who is a one man band whose brain and heart is Marcus H. Marcus is behind every note that is played on this CD and he has achieved a masterpiece! I have not listened to the previous Elvira Madigan´s album "Black Arts" but if it is half as good as this one then that would be a great album to listen!! The main thing here is the contrast between the heavy guitars (really well mixed) and vocals and the keyboards and melodies: yes, this things interact in some parts, in others clash one against each other, and in others they mix in a really subtle form. One thing that is essential to Elvira Madigan´s sound are the keyboards which give a lot of the feeling and atmosphere here (along with the guitars that make a lot of climatic passages that are fundamental here. This is a conceptual album with lyrics about witchery and inquisition whose complete story you can read on Elvira Madigan´s website. I have to say it again: One of the best CDs I have ever listened." Favorite tracks: This is one of the CDs of the year!!!" - Federico Marongiu
Review from "TRAGENDA WEBZINE". No Rating "Elvira Madigan is a swedish band and "Witches - Salem (1692 vs 2001)" is the second full-length after the debut album "Blackarts". The album is more than worthy stuff. "Witches - Salem (1692 vs 2001)" is absolutely untrendy, highly original and intriguing piece of symphonic black metal performed by an extremely talented guy, Marcus Hammarström. It seems incredible only one guy is behind this album, but this is nothing less nothing more the truth. The album represent a cross between traditional black metal, gothic and progressive rock with few influences from folk with black metal shrieks and plenty of clean vocals remotely associating with the voice of Vintersorg... All songs offer a certain conceptual canvas following the album a very interesting concept about the witches (as the album title say). Besides afore-said, I’d like to turn your attention to surprisingly clean production and mastery of rendition. No, don’t get me wrong, Elvira Madigan have nothing in common with such acts as technical death metal accentuating on technique of performance and complicated compositions, although listening to the album you’ll see that this swedish guy treat each riff, each sound with supreme thoughness. Everything is thoughtout, there’s nothing superfluous, irritating or uninteresting here. So, the conclusion is even a bit frightening: this is a must!" - Strenuus
Review from "HEAVY METAL MANIA WEBZINE". Rated 9/10 "Whenever I have to review an album recorded by a one-man project I feel a cold sweat running on the back of my neck, because I know that in most cases I will waste my time on something that will only give me excruciating feelings. Elvira Madigan disproved me completely. Marcus H., who is behind this project, plays a fine sample of speed/art/atmospheric Black Metal. Confused? So was I when I read the press release, but as soon as I listened to the album everything straitened out. The music is clearly based on Black Metal, however there is a strong emphasis on the atmosphere. There is a wide use of keys, acoustic guitars, clean vocals and peaceful melodies that work very nice and they achieve their goal in creating an atmospheric and artistic result. But then, there is always a strong black metal outburst waiting around the corner (influences from Cradle Of Filth are quite obvious here) that catches the listener completely off guard. The vocals bring to mind Dani Filth, without of course being so nightmarish and schizophrenic. The cover art and the whole presentation of the CD are also excellent. This man had real talent in what he does, the music is very good and inspired so we must give him all the support he needs." - Harry Vlavianos
Review from "METALSTORM.EE WEBZINE". Rated 9,5/10 "OK, Ive written this reviews almost 3 times over now, not because I don’t know what to say about Elvira Madigans newest album ‘witches’, but because as it plays in the background, I find something else I like about it that I have to mention! This is the first encounter I have ever had with Elvira Madigan, up until now I was completely unaware of their existence, and was sent the CD (cheers Ivan) in the knowledge that id enjoy it. I have to admit, its fucking superb. Elvira Madigan is a one man band, created and excellently executed by Marcus Hammarstrom. He is a brilliant musician, and is very skilled at all instruments heard on the album such as guitar (both electric and acoustic), bass, keys, vocals and drum programming. I usually cringe at the sound of drum machines, but the sound on here is very natural and not plastic sounding like most other bands implementing a drum machine. I have to hand it to Elvira Madigen, it’s one of the best solo acts Ive ever heard, unlike most one man acts, it sounds like a full band and sounds as though there is more than one persons influences being poured through the speakers. The music itself is for most of the part very melodic black metal with excellent grim vocals and beautiful clean vocals. The sweeping and majestic keyboards make for a very emotional feel, something I think a lot of black metal bands are simply not capable of achieving these days. With 15 tracks on the album, and a total of 62 minutes worth of music, there is plenty to comment on, and indeed much metal to enjoy. It is all brilliant stuff, but stand out tracks for me are ‘Haxor, Maror Och Vittror’ ‘Lilliannah - Demonologi For Domda’ and ‘The Kindred (1692)’. There is heaps of excellent music here so I’m sure my fav tracks with change with each listen! The production is warm and thick and lets all instruments thrive and be heard clearly. Even the artwork on this album is worth a mention (the front cover picture is by the most well-known fantasy artist Luis Royo), its just one of those albums that leaves you breathless, and in my opinion is a CD which everyone should experience." - Dale
Review from "TOMBSTONE.GR WEBZINE". Rated 9/10 "Now here is a guy who deserves much more than releasing his albums in a self financed label. When we reviewed the first album of the band we mentioned their talent and a couple of things we felt they needed improvement. We are happy to see, and hear of course, that the man has indeed improved those things. The production is much better than before, though I feel that the vocals needed to be a bit more high, but what was vastly improved is the songwriting. The new album is more clever, more tight, more diverse and much better arranged. The roots are still well into atmospheric and majestic black metal, but there are also influences from more epic stuff and more atmospheric stuff. The folk influences are still there and this time the blending of the various styles is even better. Creatively speaking this man is a genius. He has managed to create something different from the other bands, something new and yet highly addictive. If this man doesn’t find a deal with a label soon then I’ll stop dealing with metal. It’s simply one of the most talented bands I have ever heard in my whole life. I just try to imagine what the man will do with a proper budget and I feel that he could easily be the next big thing in metal. Once more we should comment on the excellent digi pack and the general packaging which is impressive. More info can be found at www.elviramadigan.com where you can also buy the album. Just make sure you’ll do it and you’ll be in for a big, big surprise." - Tombstone staff
Review from "URKRAFT WEBZINE". Rated 9/10 "Elvira Madigan's mastermind Marcus Hammarström impressed me (and many others) with his self-financed/produced/performed debut album. Now he offers us the follow-up to the 'Black Arts' epos - entitled 'Witches (Salem 1692 vs. 2001)'. As with the first album he delivers some damn fine primitive black metal, inspired by such acts as Satyricon and Darkthrone. With the implication of more modern black metal elements and the use of keyboards, he has managed to create his own trade-mark black metal sound that should interest any fan of the genre. Elvira Madigan balances between old and new and evokes an atmosphere on this album that is mighty impressive. 'Witches' even manages to surpass 'Black Arts', an album that I raised to the skies last year, both music and lyric-wise. The production is better as well and all the bits and pieces in EM's wall-of-sounds have become clearer. Thanks to Marcus also for including some lyrics in English this time around! Swedish works fine (obviously, since I'm Swedish myself) but the language of metal is English! Need I say more? Buy this album! You can get it directly from the man himself - check out his website at www.elviramadigan.com" - Stefan Lejon
Review from "KREPESKULUM WEBZINE". Rated 5/5 "Sweden is a kind of sacredland of the the new metal revelations, ElviraMadigan is another great surprise coming from this cold earth. The band is only Marcus H.(one man bands are the new wave of metal world...), the creative mind behind the instruments (guitar/bass/keyboards/drumsprogramming), vocals and lyrics. The ElviraMadigan musik is a kind of avantgarde melodic metal with black and darkwave touches, the keyboards are responsible for most of the climates and atmospheres of great tracks as " Orroboros & The Pilgrim ", " Haxor, Maror Och Vittror " and the fabulous " Dark is The Seraphim ". Marcus H.'s voice is also a positive point of the work, because he gets to be so much interesting in the aggressive parts as in the soft moments. The lyrics also very curious, writing in english and sweden language, besides the CD is a very beautiful digipack with cover artwork of the famous artist Luis Royo(Heavy Metal Comics Magazine). We will certainly still hear to speak a lot of that band and of Marcus H.'s brilliant musical concepts!" - Krepeskulum Staff
Review from "METAL-ONLY". Rated 8/10 "One-man bands, in the past they used to consist of one man with a guitar on his belly, a harmonica, a drum at his feet and possibly even more. Today they might consist of a multiinstrumentalist who has grown tired of the various involvement of band members. Like Marcus Hammarström. This is ELVIRA MADIGANS second album since 1999, exciting name by the way, it feels unexpected and imaginative for this genre. The album takes off instrumentally before breaking into “Lillith – Demonologi för Dömda”. Just like THYRFING Marcus writes in both Swedish and English . The music on offer is very varied as is the vocals. There are a lot of elements from black metal amalgamated with an epic touch as well as folk music and some speed guitar. Marcus sounds in various ways, a Swedish KING DIAMOND to be? His black metal vox is excelent, his “normal” voice is fine but when it comes to a certain range, the mid-grunts, something like last years abysmal LOSS-album he fails to achieve. The story, a walk in a sort of evil and shadowy darkness lasts the distance and the instrumental parts reinforce the impression. Best of the lot? The concept should not be broken on an album such as this, as is the case with KING DIAMONDS “Them” but “Ritual (Varsel del 1) is a very impressive song. The album is definitely a worthy purchase but feel free to include a guest vocalist fore some of the vox next time around. Why not ask KING DIAMOND himself?" - "Miggo"
Review from "VAMPIRE MAGAZINE". No Rating "What a coincidence; together with Vediog Svaor from France we received yet another one man band project (and both dated end 2001, just lately received by us). Elvira Madigan exists of one man, Marcus Hammarström (previously in an unknown band called Andalucia) who really did everything himself, even the founding of an own record label and his artwork; a digipack which is wonderful, just like his website by the way. This man is a genuine artist. The website is certainly worth paying a visit. How crazy it may sound, this album kind of answers the question: "How would Cradle of Filth sound when they were playing with a guitarrero from Shrapnel from the symphonic side?". Add to this a dominant role for the keyboards and calm pieces of music like for instance from a band like Anathema and you have the answer. Not only does Marcus play all the instruments; he also does it very well! The album is a continuous change of black metal and symphonic passages, although the symphonic part has the overhand. In contradiction to Vediog Svaor, Elvira Madigan does know to find a balance between softness, melody and aggression, although in my opinion the softer passages could have been a bit less/shorter and the fast furious black metal passages more! The lyrics/titles are partial English and partial Swedish. I am afraid that Elvira Madigan will be too soft for the black metal fans (let alone the underground fans) and too loud for the symphonic fans; therefore especially for people wide a wide variety of musical preferences! Nevertheless; hats off to this Elvira Madigan! Personal favorite: 'Häxor, Maror Och Vittror'" - Vampire Magazine Staff
Review from "BEYOND WEBZINE". Rated 84/100 "Markus Hammarström. Now here’s another artist that couldn’t find musicians motivated enough or sharing his vision of music and was thus forced to record his “own little” album by himself. Although the production suggests a certain amateurism where recording (and mixing) techniques are concerned, it should be said that this item is very interesting. The mere fact that metallic hordes are pushing forward makes the adjective “avant-garde” rather hard to come by, but it’s a fact that Elvira Madigan doesn’t sound like your average band and one must admit that the originality factor has a primordial part in that. The variety of sounds that are used here as well as the compository maestria vaguely reminds me of the Metal experiments of Rouslan Tsar (another solo artist) on his excellent “Japanese Feeling”, released under the moniker Nordika a couple of years ago. And believe me: the comparison is flattering... But there is such a multitude of atmospheres here, that I wouldn’t know how to think of other comparisons. Cradle Of Filth maybe, for the grandiloquent and furious edge of certain movements? Or Ensoph, for the complexity with which the numerous mysterious ambiances are developed? I don’t know exactly... Anyway, if you want to treat yourselves, just try to get hold of this magnificent digipack. You won’t be disappointed..." - RNO
Review from "TARTAREAN DESIRE WEBZINE". Rated 7/10 "Elvira Madigan is the solo project of a Swedish man called Marcus Hammarström who is without a doubt one of the most talented individuals in the world of music today. He composes all the music and handles all instruments himself but what is even more impressive is that he has also written the exceptional lyrics to the songs in a very old-fashioned and intrigueing way which clearly shows literary talents as well. Not surprisingly he also has his own label called Northlore Records. The wonderful cover art was once again created by the well-known Spanish fantasy artist Luis Royo. This is the third album from Elvira Madigan and this time the production has improved a little which helps to take the music to a new level. Musically the only band that you may make a comparison with is Cradle Of Filth because Elvira Madigan uses similar orchestral arrangements and a massive amount of influences from classical can be heard all over this album. This might be labelled as a black metal album but there is a strong gothic atmosphere embracing each song which should help in making the music accessible to a wider audience. Elvira Madigan has once again managed to compose a solid, coherent album that should appeal to all fans of orchestral atmospheric music in general and those of you who are looking for something unique in music today will not be disappointed with this release. Stand-out tracks: "Crestfallen", "The Kindred"." - Vincent Eldefors
Review from "METAL JUDGMENT WEBZINE". Rated 3/5 "If CRADLE OF FILTH has a baby sister her name would be ELVIRA MADIGAN and accordingly Marcus Hammarstrom would be the brother of Dani Filth. Open the gates to the puritanical fortress of the ancient city and smell the burning virginal flesh upon the infernal pyre. Here the band delivers a concept-based album invoking vision of the nether world and of ancient witch trials and demoniac celebrations. The self financed and produced album is both clever and tight with roots featuring melodic black metal, blended with symphonic arrangements. After the first listen, quite surprised to realize this is a one-man project spawned from a previous heavy metal incarnation. ELVIRA MADIGAN started out as a pure Swedish oriented project while exploring country folklore (witchery) through the late 1990's. First immersion produced "Black Arts" followed by "Witches" last December. Intent, motivation and creativity has driven Hammarstrom's musical synergy to the point of brilliant musicianship evident with mastery of instruments heard on this opus, guitar, electric/acoustic, bass, and keyboards. However, we can do without the drum programming, perhaps a session drummer next time around? The music itself focuses primarily around the realm of melodic death metal featuring an excellent range in vocals coupled with both majestic and atmospheric tracks. Production is adequate considering the self-produced effort, but could be clearer on the high end. Album artwork features fantasy artist Luis Royo with a pictorial of an enchanting chained seductress, hey now! Spilt between progressive and black metal the release is hard to label in terms of musical style but overall the effort is very strong and original, likely to attract fans outside the metal circle. ELVIRA MADIGAN is a conceptual project with slightly repetitive melodies intertwined between compositions. Lyrics are not conceptual although deal with similar topics such as fantasy and the Salem witches trials. The music is a tad monotonous at times but interludes of powerful music leaves one spellbound. The creation of hellish music is no small task, but the delivery of mid-paced and heavy riffs coupled with unique vocal styles is right on time. The disc highlight for the discriminating listener, 'Crestfallen' featuring two thousand souls on a killing spree, the spatial glimpse of metal will tempt the listener to a higher level of excitement. Sources indicate the band has recently signed a record deal with CD-Maximum, a Russian based institution ensuring distribution through the Eastern Block. Two distributors are also online in South Korea for Asian infiltration. New album is in the works to feature covers (why?) to be produced entirely in English with characters playing out the story through lyrical passages. ELVIRAMADIGAN have managed to create a modern black metal sound while developing a degree of originality which should be of interest to any fan of this genre. Lyrics are both in Swedish and English so, if you are not a Swede out of luck here. For a audio and visual perspective visit elviramadigan.com. The king of hell will soon reclaim his throne, are you ready?" - Behemoth of Metaljudgment Staff
Review from "METAL OBSERVER WEBZINE". Rated 7,5/10 "The follow-up to "Black Arts" basically continues where the second album of the Swedish one-man-project ELVIRA MADIGAN had left off. Again in a noble DigiPak including Royo-cover the visual side is just as convincing as with the previous effort. Building on top of a foundation of melodic Black Metal, Marcus Hammarström again creates very variable soundscapes, which also take up elements from other Metal- and Rock-sub-genres and also doesn't neglect a certain Gothic atmosphere, everything united to a homogenous whole, which neither is marred by progressiveness nor an uncohesive line of stylistic elements. In some way ELVIRA MADIGAN more than ever alternate between the elements of hefty eruptions (as e.g. on "Häxor, Maror Och Vittror") and calmer, emotional instrumentals (like "Ecclesia Non Novit Sanguinem?") on "Witches - Salem (1692 vs. 2001)", but always with emphasis on melody and atmosphere. Just like with their previous album it is close to impossible to name any particular songs, because they all bear too diverse moods within them. With a better balanced production than "Black Arts" also the third album by ELVIRA MADIGAN is convincing, just like with the previous album with Hammarström doing everything on his own! So just like there, if you like your Metal variable and interesting and have no problems with some grim vocals, you should check out ELVIRA MADIGAN." - The Metal Observer staff
Review from "METALREVIEWS.COM WEBZINE". Rated 80/100 "Elvira Madigan is a one-man project (Marcus Hammarstörm) ... who shows on Witches his freedom and pure creativity. We have already taste his freedom on Elvira Madigan's previous record (BlackArts). With vocals reminding you immediately Danny from Cradle Of Filth and combining perfectly atmospheric, progressive, folk and symphonic ambiance, Elvira Madigan deserves your attention. The guys is full of ideas ... at least his song-writing is never boring. However, I am sure Elvira Madigan will do even better if Marcus Hammarstörm was working with a real band. The production is good enough ... but I believe Witches would have been a killer if the production was crystal clear. Every metal magazine having reviewed Elvira Madigan have made their own classification of the genre ... and apart Cradle Of Filth (vocals) and Opeth (atmospheric parts), nothing else comes to my mind. As said above, I am simply amazed by the tones of Marcus Hammarstörm's ideas. Far from Metallica, AC/DC, Guns'n'Roses, Iron Maiden or Hammerfall, this conceptual music doesn't follow fashion and trends. Aaaah, these Swedish musicians ..... I hope for Marcus he will find the right guys for his project, because his music really deserve talented musicians. One thing is for sure, Elvira Madigan deserve a strong label a.s.a.p. (Nuclear Blast, Century Media, Metal Blade ... ). If you want to be among the first metal fan to have discovered a "pure diamond", you can buy this one at www.elviramadigan.com. Last but not least, the digipack is wonderful (like it was the case with BlackArts), with the magnificent picture of Luis Royo ... once again. Killing Songs : Ritual (12th tack) is one of the best ever atmospheric song I have heard" - Metalreviews staff
Review from "UNRESTRAINED! MAGAZINE". Rated 7/10 "When one thinks of an avant-garde black metal band one usually pictures several dark clothed individuals trying to be serious and working hard to make their music come across as dark and mysterious. Well tell that to Marcus Hammarstrom who is the sole individual behind the grand outfit Elvira Madigan. Like the name of the tightrope walker who Hammarstrom took the band name from, the music of this band walks many lines of musical creativity, eloquently blending gothic, epic black metal and avant-garde stylings into an album of stellar atmosphere and beautifully orchestrated numbers. How could one man do all of this? Well, the Swedish musician has worked hard over the years with this band it shows. Passion runs deep here and as Hammarstrom sates in his bio, ‘Whether metalhead or not, Elvira Madigan manages to create an immense interest for those who dare.’ Throughout the album, and especially with my favourite tracks "Häxor, Maror, Och Vittror" and "Nocturne"), Hammarstrom worked wonders here and created a journey worth taking time and time again." - A. Bromley
Review from "CLOSE-UP MAGAZINE". No rating "Jag hatar sådant här. Jag har alltid hävdat att trummaskiner är skit och att keyboards ska nyttjas varsamt. Jag hatar sådant här Jag hatar... att bli motbevisad. ELVIRA MADIGAN vänder upp och ner på min tillvaro, för helt plötsligt sitter jag som ett ljus. Och njuter. Av trummaskins-black metal! Och detta ska alltså en lirare från Rönninge utanför Södertälje ha mäktat med. "Witches (Salem 1692 vs 2001)" är andra utgåvan från Marcus Hammarströms enmannaprojekt, varav den första i fullängdsformat(*). Snubben sköter rubbet själv och har lyckats snickra ihop en mycket välbalanserad mix av VINTERSORG och CRADLE OF FILTH, som i sina bästa stunder gör att de kalla kårarna löper amok längs med ryggen. "Hon fäller en silvertår för sitt bytes själ och sitt offers svunna liv/Ett sista bett, en sista smak av blod/Allt svartnar så fort, när mängder av vatten han sväljer och himmelens port försvinner bort..." väser Hammarström ackompanjerat av ett suggestivt mörker i "Lilliannah - Demonologi för Dömda" och jag bara sitter och ler fånigt. Killen har fattat allt. Coolt tillbakalutade "Kvinnorovet" är så snygg att jag häpnar, de åtskilliga krokarna i "The Kindred (1692)" hakar fast mig direkt och när det i "Häxor, Maror och Vittror" manglas så att det svartnar för ögonen gör jag vågen. Och bäst av allt - "Witches (Salem 1692 vs 2001)" innehåller inget som kan klassas som utfyllnad. Det är genuin kvalitet och häpnadsväckande professionellt komponerat rakt igenom. Vågar knappt tänka på hur mästerligt ELVIRA MADIGAN skulle bli med Grieghallenproduktion och en riktig batterist" - Daniel Josefsson * Felaktig uppgift. Naturligtvis är "BlackArts" en fullängdare
Review from "SLAVE TO METAL WEBZINE". Rated 4/5 "När jag förra året fick äran att lyssna och begrunda Marcus Hammarströms enmannabands andra album "Blackarts", blev jag glatt överraskad av hans mix mellan CRADLE OF FILTH och VINTERSORG. Då körde han endast med svenska texter och det funkade utmärkt, men det jag efterlyste var ett bättre ljud och högre mixad sång. Svar på tal! Nu är tredje plattan "Witches" här och vad har han gjort om inte fixat till ett bättre ljud och högre mixad sång, allt till min förtjusning. Nu har han även börjat skriva en del på engelska och det passar honom utmärkt. Då blir även CRADLE OF FILTH tonerna mer påtagliga och jag kan lova att ror denna grabben hem ett stort kontrakt så får de banne mig passa sig. Det är i en hög liga herr Hammarström spelar i och det lär den som köper plattan märka. När han drar på i det svenska språket så är det än en gång Herr Vintersorg tankarna far iväg till. Ett tips är att lyssna på "Crestfallen" och "Kvinnorovet", då får man en del och varje och liknelserna jag framhållit blir ännu mer påtagliga. Ett plus även för alla hans instrumentala partier. Synd bara att han inte har någon riktig distrubition men kolla in på www.elviramadigan.com så lär nog det lösa sig." - Daniel Eriksson
Review from "METALFANZINE". Rated 84%/100% "Efter att ha läst massa med hyllningar till detta enmansprojekt i diverse tidnigar och zines så blev jag själv klart nyfiken av vad nu Elvira Madigan nu kunde vara. Ombad att få ett exemplar att recensera här på metalfanzine.com, endast ett par dagar senare så kom det ett väntat paket innehållandes "Witches Salem (1692 vs 2001)" i Digipack format vilket alltid glädjer en. Efter en snabb blick på konvultet och dess lyrik tillsammans med det medföljande infohäftet som medföljde ökade om möjligt ens förhoppningar. När väl man tillägnat sej ett par stycken genomlysssningar på det andra opus som är släppt under detta namn måste man medge att man verkligen börjar bli en smula impronerad utav Marcus Hammarströms makalösa färdigheter inom samtliga instrument som utnyttjas, likväl så är även hans vokala insatser mycket varierade och täcker ett område med allt från en riktigt hygglig ren röst, ljust black metalgrowl samt ett mörkare dödsvariant utav denna. Den instrumentella delens spännvidd täcker såväl inspiration från allt från heavy metal, till lite döds och framförallt folk musik och härlig black metal. Det känns även som om inspirationskällorna har varit relativt många då man känner igen sej från akter såsom Dissection, Arcturus, Vintersorg samt även till en viss del lite Cradle Of Filth. Vi blir bjudna på totalt 62 minuter kvalikativ metal som bör tilltala de flesta fans utav alternativ melodisk extrem metal, ofta får man höra underbart lyckade kombinationer mellan råa blackmetalriff i en härlig harmoni med den stämningsfulla omgivningen i övrigt. Allt detta utan att det känns för genomtänkt och trist som ofta blir fallet hos liknande band. Lysnade helt enkelt!" - "Matte"
Review from "NOCTURNE E-ZINE". Rated 9/10 "Veoma je tesko u danasnje vreme opstati medju gomilom undeground bendova, pogotovu extremnijeg stila, a kada jos tu muziku pravi samo jedan jedini covek. Snimiti sve deonice poput basa, gitara, bubnjeva, vokala pa I klavijatura koje su srz ove muzike verovatno nije lak posao ukljucujuci I produkciju. Iz tog razloga, za drugo izdanje Marcus H. Madigan-u treba odati veliko priznanje I postovanje na veoma dobrom albumu iz tog ugla gledano. U pitanju je album ‘Witches’ pod okvirima projekta Elvira Madigan. Nalik samom nazivu album ‘Vestice’, omot je uradjen u slicnom stilu odlicnog izgleda, dok se muzika krece u intervalu doom – black mestimicno podsecajuci na mnoge poznate bendove, ali u celini u pitanju je nesto meni sasvim novo. Sa textovima na engleskom I svedskom, Marcos je misteriozno ostavljao I tragove drevnog latinskog jezika. Ceo album veoma realno izgleda iako je bubanj, npr. programiran sto je veliki minus. Muski vokal, clean, scream i u stilu sapata, odlicno komponuje ovakvom zvuku pretezno baziranom na intrumentalnom kvalijaturnom zvuku. Tu su prelepi instrumentali vise ambijentalnog zvuka: ‘Interludium I’, ‘Gregory IX’, ‘Honeythorne’, itd. Nasuprot tome ‘Häxor, Maror, Och Vittror’ je tipicna pesma koja podseca na Cradle of Filth sa scream vokalom. Sve u svemu, album je odlican..pokusajte da ga nabavite." - Ana Stevic
Review from "VIOLENT SOLUTIONS WEBZINE". Rated 16/20 "On prend les mêmes et on recommence. Au niveau de la réalisation on pourrait croire que cet album est né de la même session d'enregistrement que son petit frère " Black Arts ", tant la similitude au niveau de l'assiette sonore est totale. Les vocaux, entre autre détail maison, sont toujours aussi inexplicablement effacés, et on en vient donc à se résoudre à l'idée que c'est par choix. Pourtant la progression exponentielle de l'écriture traduit très bien les deux ans qui séparent les deux enregistrements. Deux ans mis à profit par Markus Hammarström pour parfaire sa technique de composition empruntant largement au contrepoint symphonique et aiguiser son sens des enchaînements. Avec pour résultat un album d'emblée beaucoup plus solide et accrocheur que le prédecesseur, qui sait garder un fil conducteur vivant en appuyant sur la pédale aux moments opportuns. Récompense de ce travail d'autodidacte forcené, des titres formellement beaux et à l'architecture tentaculaire comme " Crestfallen " ou à plus forte raison le magistral " Lilliannah - Demonologi för Dömda " feraient plus que bonne figure sur un album aussi mythique que le " Dusk and Her Embrace " de Cradle of Filth. Mais faisons taire tout de suite les mauvaises langues : c'est vrai qu'Elvira Madigan a pour signe particulier de ne pas chercher à dissimuler ses influences, mais d'un autre côté il en fait un usage dont on ne peut que louer le caractère individuel. Ainsi je mets quiconque au défi de me dénicher un passage de ce " Witches " que l'on pourrait aveuglément attribuer à Dani et sa clique. Parenté esthétique oui, pâle copie certainement pas. Pour s'en convaincre il suffit d'énumérer des dissimilitudes suffisantes à dresser une barrière entre les deux groupes. En premier lieu le jeu de guitares d'Elvira Madigan s'oriente davantage vers ses pairs du death metal mélodique à la suédoise, c'est à dire que les rythmiques cognent lourd et parviennent en saccades quasi heavy assorties de solos courts qui servent de liant avec l'orchestral. En conséquence on se trouve assez rarement confronté à un tempo frénétique spécifiquement black, et lorsque cela arrive (cf. " Häxor, Maror och Vittror ") on a presque une impression de tapage inconsidéré. Au niveau des claviers Markus est, davantage qu'un poseur de nappes au parfum gothique, un authentique joueur d'ébènes et d'ivoires qui tisse ses compositions sur plusieurs étages et à plusieurs voix instumentales (à l'aide de la guitare acoustique notamment) comme des mouvements directeurs et non comme des déclencheurs d'ambiance. Ceci ne veut pas dire que l'on ne retrouve pas ici et là une grosse envolée de type orgue de chapelle afin de gonfler le volume dramatique. Au niveau purement symphonique donc, Elvira Madigan soutient avec brio la comparaison avec Obtained Enslavement période " Witchcraft " qui restent la référence de la chose dans le monde du metal extrême. Autre critère de démarcation et pas le moindre : le chant. Si Markus se meut dans un répertoire de contraste voix death / chant éraillé sensiblement comparable à celui de Dani, il est nécessaire de remarquer que le premier nommé est beaucoup moins insupportable à l'oreille. Point de stridence crispante, point de gargarisme ronflant, Markus laisse respirer la musique en se campant volontiers au second plan. Pourtant le garçon a des arguments vocaux à faire valoir, et en particularité au niveau du chant clair qui donne à certaines parties une dimension hymnique pas piqué des nécrophages - Dan Swanö n'est pas loin dans le timbre. Maintenant une écoute très satisfaisante de bout en bout et un réservoir de surprises qui ne s'épuise certainement pas au bout de dix petits tours dans la platine, " Witches " constitue d'ores et déjà l'une des toutes meilleures (si ce n'est la meilleure) autoproductions à s'extirper des magmas bouillonnants de l'underground depuis le début de ce millénaire. Un tuyau vraiment infaillible pour tous les amateurs de black metal robuste et gorgé d'atmosphères soignées. Qui plus est l'album est offert dans un digipack tri-volet une nouvelle fois luxueux à l'artwork fort élégant signé Luis Royo. Pour tous ceux qui se sentent potentiellement intéressés, aucune hésitation à avoir : rendez-vous sur le très beau site www.elviramadigan.com pour des informations complètes et suffisamment d'extraits audios pour se construire une opinion fiable." - Bertrand Garnier
Review from "METALFIRE WEBZINE". Rated 9/10 "Imagínense una presentación para una banda independiente: un digi-pack con un diseño impresionante, una tapa que muestra hermosa dama encadenada y sangrando, en una pose bastante provocativa, ya demuestra que es Black Metal Sinfónico con influencias de Cradle of Filth, y le pegué!! A veces con el metal es tan fácil premeditar. Bueno, Elvira Madigan es una banda de un solo hombre, Marcus Hammaström con bastante plata que ya había editado en el 2001 "BlackArts" y según el hacen un Speed / Art / Progressive Black Metal, o sea BM Sinfónico. La única parte que le salió mal a este muchacho fue el sonido final, que no cumple con todas las expectativas, especialmente en las guitarras porque la batería electrónica y los teclados suenan muy muy bien. Hay temas que impresionan, es el caso de Crestfallen, en la vena de "Cruelty and the Beast" con una voz bastante parecida a Dani y con la sumatoria de una exquisita voz limpia. También las guitarras acústicas y los pasajes semi-folk acústicos hacen estragos, y muchos temas cantados en Sueco, hacen de Witches - Salem (1962 vs 2001) mi disco independiente favorito del mes." - Metalfire staff
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