The Karmic Metal of In This Moment: Why 'Witch' is More Than Just an Album
There’s something about metal that thrives on duality—raw fury paired with vulnerability, chaos intertwined with purpose. In This Moment’s upcoming album Witch isn’t just another entry in their discography; it’s a manifesto wrapped in riffs. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how the band uses their music as a vehicle for both personal and universal reckoning. The lead single, Crawl, isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. Maria Brink’s lyrics about abusers reaping what they sow feel less like a threat and more like an inevitability, a cosmic balance sheet.
The Power of 'Crawl': When Music Becomes a Mirror
Let’s talk about Crawl for a moment. The track is visceral, yes, but what’s striking is its duality. On one hand, it’s a middle finger to oppressors, a rallying cry for the marginalized. On the other, it’s a meditation on karma. Chris Howorth’s observation that history repeats itself—powerful entities exploiting the weak—isn’t new, but the way In This Moment frames it feels fresh. What many people don’t realize is that metal, at its core, has always been political. It’s just that bands like In This Moment are unafraid to make it personal. The song doesn’t just condemn; it prophesizes. And in a world where accountability often feels like a myth, that’s both comforting and unsettling.
'Witch': An Album of Transformation and Defiance
Brink describes Witch as a declaration of inner transformation, and I’m here for it. The idea of alchemizing pain into power isn’t just a lyrical theme—it’s a cultural one. In a genre often dominated by male aggression, In This Moment’s embrace of femininity and spirituality feels revolutionary. What this really suggests is that metal can be a space for healing, not just rage. The album’s 11 tracks don’t relent, but they also don’t exhaust. There’s a balance there, a tension between fury and introspection that’s rare in modern metal.
Collaborations That Challenge Expectations
One thing that immediately stands out is the album’s collaborations. Dayseeker, Kim Dracula, and Kat Von D aren’t just guest stars—they’re extensions of the album’s themes. Kat Von D’s involvement in the Pink Floyd cover, Another Brick in the Wall, is especially intriguing. If you take a step back and think about it, the song’s original message about institutional control aligns perfectly with Witch’s anti-oppression ethos. It’s not just a cover; it’s a reinterpretation for a new generation.
The Broader Implications: Metal as a Cultural Force
Here’s where things get interesting. In This Moment isn’t just making music; they’re contributing to a larger conversation. Metal has always been a genre of outsiders, but Witch feels like an invitation to reclaim that identity. From my perspective, the album’s focus on duality—pain and power, vulnerability and strength—mirrors the complexities of our current moment. It’s not just about standing up to abusers; it’s about recognizing the abuser within ourselves, our systems, our histories.
What’s Next for In This Moment?
With a busy touring schedule and a label change, the band is clearly in motion. But what’s most exciting is how Witch positions them as more than just musicians. They’re storytellers, provocateurs, and, yes, witches in the truest sense—creators manifesting their reality. A detail that I find especially interesting is how their evolution from Black Widow to Witch reflects a broader shift in metal: from spectacle to substance.
Final Thoughts: Why Witch Matters
In a genre often accused of being one-note, In This Moment proves that metal can be both heavy and nuanced. Witch isn’t just an album; it’s a challenge. It asks us to confront our own duality, to recognize that the fall is inevitable—but so is the rise. Personally, I think this is the kind of art the world needs right now: unflinching, unapologetic, and unyielding.
So, will Witch be the album that cements In This Moment’s legacy? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: they’re not just playing the game—they’re rewriting the rules.
