**STYGIAN BOUGH** In our human minds, according to the Law of Contagious Magic as described in The Golden Bough by anthropologist James Frazer, contact between two objects creates an inseparable thread between them. A gift from a dead friend forever holds this magic like a scar reflecting a wound. Similarly, a piece of food that touches the floor is suddenly abject and rotten. Pairing this notion with the Law of Similarity Magic, as described by Frazer, where an object resembling another can share its power, a musical notion can be understood to serve as an unbodied conduit of such magics; an emotional contact between the music and audience wherein such sorcery threads an inseparable seam that, for a time, resemble each other. Aptly named in reference to the aforementioned book, Stygian Bough, the collaboration between Bell Witch (Dylan Desmond, Jesse Shreibman) and Aerial Ruin (Erik Moggridge) enlivens its unbodied presence resembling both projects as a conduit in its own separate entity. The partnership at the center of Stygian Bough is over in a decade in the making, growing from Moggridge’s recurring contributions to the Bell Witch catalog. Their initial collusion occurring on the debut Bell Witch album Longing (2012) following which, Moggridge would return to guest on both Four Phantoms (2015) and Mirror Reaper (2017). Stygian Bough Volume I was released in 2020, Volume II is imminent. **SPIRIT POSSESSION** After three years and Ten Thousand Hells… Spirit Possession unleash their third Full Length album “Cathedral Speech”, to be released October 2nd from Profound Lore Records / Sepulchral Voice Records (EU). Seven attacking labyrinths of far venturing Black Heavy Metal, with all spires pointed down. Where ‘Of the Sign…’ held a knifelike gaze into more erratic, adventurous hymns, “Cathedral Speech” sees Spirit Possession awaken their most piercing, deranged, and narratively epic form yet. Spiraling guitar storms and explosive drum batterings channel first wave Black/Death assaults in the same breath as expansive 70s composition. With Four steps into madness followed by a side long suite - These are vicious electric chants as towering as they are blasphemous. Featuring S. Peacock ( Black Curse / Ulthar / Mastery ) on Strings and Vocals, and A. Spungin (Ormus) on Drums and Handmade Synthesizers.