Let Us Prey

Released in 2002, Let Us Prey marks the end of the 'classic' Electric Wizard era, being the final recording to feature the original trio of Jus Oborn, Tim Bagshaw, and Mark Greening. Following the massive success of Dopethrone, the band pivoted toward a more experimental and abrasive sound. Oborn has described the record as their 'Genesis' moment, where they prioritized studio manipulation and horror-inspired atmospheres over traditional songwriting. The album is notably shorter than their usual output but compensates with extreme density; the guitar tracks are heavily layered, creating a 'wall of noise' effect that makes the lyrics almost impossible to decipher. This record also features rare instrumental diversions, such as the jazz-tinged 'Night of the Shape.' Its reception was initially polarized due to its shorter length and harsher production, but it has since been vindicated as a crucial, transitional masterpiece of sludge-inflected doom.