Highly respected Swedish rock band WITCHCRAFT has completed work on its new album, entitled "The Alchemist". The much anticipated release — the follow-up to 2005's "Firewood" CD/LP — will see an October 23, 2007 U.S. release via Candlelight USA under license from London, England-based independent label Rise Above Records.

WITCHCRAFT, who formed in 2000 in tribute to band heroes Roky Erickson and Bobby Liebling (PENTAGRAM), create heavy, blues-based rock augmented with touches of psychedelica and late '60s pop flourishes. The quartet's first-class songs reference the darker side of hard rock while remaining surprisingly accessible. Flying largely under the radar of the popular music landscape previously, WITCHCRAFT is a hallowed name in underground circles and has found itself championed by a diverse cross-section of distinguished music adherents including American actor Elijah Wood, who publicly called the band "amazing," and DOWN frontman Philip Anselmo, who has proudly proclaimed WITCHCRAFT as his "new favorite band."

Recorded 100% pro-tools and digital free at Stockholm's UpandRunning studios with producer Tom Hakava and using only vintage amplification, "The Alchemist" showcases a group of musicians at ease with their playing and songwriting. Addictive melodies flow simultaneously with catchy, heavy riffs, while maintaining a relaxed and laid back feel throughout. Among its many highlights, the album features the standout songs "Walk Between the Lines" and "Hey Doctor" as well as the record's plat du jour, the three-part progressive rock odyssey of the title track "The Alchemist". The album's eye-catching cover art can be viewed at this location.

An advance listen to what WITCHCRAFT's new album holds in store is available now as the record's smashing lead track "Walk Between the Lines" has been posted online at this location. Written in a hotel room in Seattle during the fall of 2006 and evoking the spirit of the many early Seventies British bands which have colored the WITCHCRAFT sound; "Walk Between The Lines", according to guitarist John Hoyles, came together simply because he "wanted to write a short up-tempo song in the old classic rock vein." He adds, "I think it has an early WISHBONE ASH, STRAY or INCREDIBLE HOG vibe to it. Or that’s what I wanted it to sound like." Described by frontman Magnus Pelander as being "essentially about not losing yourself and reminding yourself what you enjoy in life", "Walk Between the Lines" was the first track the band recorded as part of the album's sessions and its basic tracks were nailed on the second take.

"The Alchemist" track listing:

01. Walk Between the Lines
02. If Crimson Was Your Colour
03. Leva
04. Hey Doctor
05. Samaritan Burden
06. Remembered
07. The Alchemist (parts 1, 2 & 3)

WITCHCRAFT will tour the U.S. in support of "The Alchemist" this fall, with details expected to be announced in the immediate future.