Coven - Witchcraft LP. Coven's sound is inspired by the occult, as is immediately evident from their song titles and lyrics which speak of demons, witches and satanic rituals. Gatefold cover reissue, originally released in 1970, which attracted many fans of the genre, in part because a track titled "Black Sabbath" and the presence of a bassist by the name of Oz Osborne (ex Magic Lanterns) gave the band an air of mystery. However, this American band is of no relation to their famous English counterparts, althugh they do bear an uncanny sonic resemblance to Pesky Gee-era Black Widow!! Coven nonetheless, bring us a high quality album, both from a musical and visual standpoint (thanks to the dramatic cover). Notable tracks include "Satanic Mass" (a full out black mass with all the trimmings). The vocal harmonies seem to have been a direct influence on Uriah Heep, whilst the band themselves resemble the cast of every dodgy early 70s horror movie/thriller you have seen: all billowy witch dresses and Wyngarde moustaches (sometimes even worn by the same person). File alongside Atomic Rooster, Macabre/Pentagram, Salem, White Widow, Leaf Hound, Zior, Ghost, Necromandus, Laudunum, Iron Maiden (60s), the Rattles and the aforementioned Black Widow in the recently unearthed genre of 'black prog' or 'occult psych', which has made a comeback in recent years. (m/m, new unplayed)