CATHEDRAL – HOPKINS (THE WITCHFINDER GENERAL) e.p. - 1995 (UK) funky hard rock/stoner rock

The proceedings begin with the title track which also appeared on The Carnival Bizarre, so I shall elaborate on this track in that review, though I quickly want to say that sampling Vincent Price will always get you points with me. Next we come to "Fire" an Arthur Brown cover, psychedelic 60's rock guy who I am not familar with, aside from the title track this is my favorite track on the ep, upbeat, catchy lyrics, and some very nice organ playing to boot. "Copper Sunset" is an instrumental and a pretty good one at that, creating some depressive and oppressive atmosphere, I personally think that some vocals could have been inserted but once again for an instrumental it's good. The fourth track "Purple Wonderland" starts out and makes you believe you're going to here some new wave but it quickly reverts back to doom and I believe that this would have been better suited as an instrumental and "Copper Sunset" could either be deleted or have had vocals added. Finally we come to "The Devil's Summit" a mix of doom and funk music, this works out better than itsounds but only for so long and at 09:25 wears a little long when they get to the improv sections but all the musicians who contribute are talented and I commend Cathedral for bringing something different to the table.
There you have it in the course of 30 minutes we go from doom, psychedelic rock, atmospheric type music, new wave, and funk. Cathedral though are resourceful fellows and are able to adapt to all of these styles and create a bizarre ep that's hard to categorize and fun to listen to. This isn't essential but if you can find it cheap then pick it up.

Lee Dorrian (vocals)
Garry 'Gaz' Jennings (guitars)
Brian Dixon (drums)
Leo Smee (bass)
1 Spoken Intro / Hopkins (The Witchfinder General) 5:37
2 Fire 3:31
3 Copper Sunset 3:06
4 Purple Wonderland 4:45
5 The Devils Summit 9:26

This is a pretty eclectic album. When you think about Cathedral probably Doom Metal is what it comes to your mind.
You definitely wouldn't expect a saxophone solo and some electronic schemes, but here on Hopkins (The Witchfinder General) you can find those things.
I certainly like and enjoy this cocktail mix, because it also has that dark/sabbath's vibe.
Anyway, in this strange combination of songs, I really like the instrumental "Copper Sunset", which has a fine mixture of guitars. There is a lead guitar with some Metallica reminiscences combined with a Sabbath/doom low key one. Great contrast.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Rip from CD 256@ (full artwork included)
Download link
http://link-protector.com/260955/