Black Widow - Sacrifice

What is everyone's opinion on Black Widow's debut album "Sacrifice" from 1970? I think it's one of the most interesting prog rock albums I've ever heard... For those who don't know, it's a concept album based on demonic conjuration and sacrifice... released around the same time as Black Sabbath's debut, it really has no similarities to Sabbath's music, other than the satanic lyrics. The album features guitars, sax, flute, drums, bass, and organ. It is 7 songs, with the epic "In Ancient Days" beginning the album, and the 11 minute rocker title track ending the album. The most famous song on the album is "Come to the Sabbat", which features the lines in the chanting chorus of "come, come, come to the sabbat, come to the sabbat, Satan's there!". Regardless of the lyrics, the song is a classic, and the aforementioned "In Ancient Days" and the title track are great as well. "Attack of the Demon" is another good one. The live versions of the album features longer jam sessions, heavier guitars (especially in "Come to the Sabbat") and an awesome theatrical show put on by the lead singer, who actually tries to conjure a demon during the show. Anyway, here's an example of their live show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CExXz8zp7T0

The music might take some getting used to, but it has really grown on me over the past 2 years. I love the album now.

I think it's mostly... rather boring. Not very satanic. "Come to the Sabbat" is interesting but childish. "Conjuration" is a great song, maybe the only really interesting one here, though others are good too, like the first track - good but nothing special.  "Sacrifice" has some nice parts, but I just don't see nothing special in it. There's much folk influences on the album, but there could be more. The music could be heavier and more psychedelic. But even if it was only my personal preference, I'd say that Sacrifice isn't a special album. But it's very comforting mostly (when it doesn't fall to elevator jazz), and I can see the importance.

Edited by progressive - March 09 2010 at 00:37

I like this album very much, but had only heard it first about a half a year ago. Previous to that i had only heard the third self-titled album, which also works wonders for me.
           In Sacrifice, there are some refreshingly original things done with the music-the lyrics are not interesting for me, as i bought it and love it on the strength of the instrumental aspect of the sound. I definitely find lyrics about Satan or Black Magic to be negative and a waste of time, but as i say, it  is the music itself that appeals to me.

toroddfuglesteg wrote: An interview with the band is on it's way.  Btw. I was listening through their albums when I researched the interview themes. I am surprised how good they are.

sleeper wrote: I like this album quite a bit, In Ancient Days and Sacrifice are two brilliant songs. The only down sides to it for me is that the guitars could be more prominent and the lyrics have the same effect on me as any religious lyrics would (to be endured and then ignored).

i made a mistake in my previous post, the self-titled album that i had previously heard is their second album, not their third, which is BW3-the only one i have not heard-i am interested in hearing what people think of BW3