#1
The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs
So, 2026 dropped this. Kahan, but make it *more*. 21 tracks? That’s a whole saga. As an Alternative piece, it's already got that edge, but for a witchy vibe, imagine the deep, resonant storytelling he does, just expanded. It’s the modern-day bard channeling something ancient, a new-gen folk hero for those who get it. This is Kahan’s big moment to pull us into a fresh, expansive world.
#2
Futha
Heilung isn't just 'folk,' it’s a full-body sonic ritual. *Futha* isn't background noise; it's a direct portal. The chants, the archaic instruments, the primal energy—it’s like they unearthed actual spells and put them on wax. This album doesn't just transport you; it possesses you. It's a masterclass in how to fuse history with a vibe that feels totally now, but also, like, 1000 BCE.
#3
Runaljod - Ragnarok
Wardruna, especially *Ragnarok*, is essentially the soundtrack to a Norse spiritual awakening. It's not just 'music'; it's a deeply immersive, almost scholarly dive into ancient traditions, but it hits so hard. Einar Selvik's vision is crystal clear, crafting soundscapes that feel both monumental and intimately personal. This is how you connect with ancestral spirits without needing a time machine. It’s pure, unadulterated pagan energy.
#4
First Utterance
Okay, so the year's missing, but *First Utterance* is a non-negotiable. This isn’t 'witchy folk' like a cozy campfire; it’s the dark, unsettling, primordial scream of it all. The acoustic guitars are sharp, the vocals are eerie, and the overall vibe is genuinely disturbing in the best way. It’s the blueprint for everything bizarre and beautiful in folk, proving that spells don't always come with a gentle hum. It's a primal force.
3 critics · 5 lists →
#5
Thunder Perfect Mind
David Tibet is a sorcerer, and *Thunder Perfect Mind* is his grimoire. This album is a dense, poetic descent into esoteric mysticism, wrapped in a neofolk package. It’s not for casual listening; it demands your full attention, unfolding like a Gnostic text set to haunting, hypnotic music. It’s deeply intellectual but also viscerally unsettling, proving that true magic often hides in plain sight, just beyond comprehension.
#6
Anthems In Eden
This is the sound of ancient England whispering secrets. *Anthems In Eden* isn't just folk; it’s a scholarly, yet incredibly atmospheric, journey into traditional tunes, elevated by medieval instrumentation. It feels less like a performance and more like an archaeological find, a direct link to forgotten rituals and lost landscapes. It’s hauntingly beautiful, giving you that 'standing in a misty, ancient grove' kind of vibe. Pure, authentic enchantment.
#7
Ys
*Ys* is a whole other dimension. Newsom plays the harp like it’s a living, breathing entity, weaving these impossibly intricate narratives. It's less 'witchy' in the dark sense and more 'magical' in its sheer, overwhelming artistry. Each track is an epic poem, a complex spell cast through her unique voice and instrumental wizardry. This album demands your full surrender, and then it rewards you by opening up new worlds.
#8
The Adventures of Ghosthorse & Stillborn
CocoRosie is the freaky, whimsical, slightly unsettling corner of the magical forest. *The Adventures of Ghosthorse & Stillborn* is pure, unadulterated surrealism. Their childlike vocals, lo-fi production, and found sounds create an atmosphere that's both innocent and deeply eerie. It’s like a lullaby sung by ghosts in a forgotten attic, a spell woven from dreams and shadows. Totally unique, totally captivating.
#9
Unknown Rooms: A Collection of Acoustic Songs
Chelsea Wolfe usually brings the heavy, but *Unknown Rooms* strips it all back to its raw, acoustic core. This is where her inherent darkness truly shines through, unburdened by distortion. It’s stark, melancholic, and deeply intimate, like overhearing a private lament. These aren't just songs; they're whispered incantations, pulling you into her personal abyss. It’s the purest form of her haunting magic.
#10
The Dreaming
Kate Bush on *The Dreaming* is operating on a different plane. This album is pure, unhinged genius. It's not folk in the traditional sense, but its narrative depth, experimental soundscapes, and theatricality are undeniably spellbinding. She’s bending genres, incorporating global sounds, and crafting a world that’s uniquely hers. This is the art-pop witch showing everyone how to conjure entire universes from thin air. Iconic.
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