Magus

The return of Language of Stone, the label run by Greg and Jessica Weeks has been one of the best surprises of the year. The label resurfaced for Greg’s new solo LP, but has quickly begun amassing a new roster, including the duo’s new record as Magus. While the label’s original roster was fully rooted in the psych-folk wellspring of the early ‘00s, Magus signals a shift away from the singular vision and into something a bit broader. Still encircled by the smoke of ‘60s folk, the new outfit dives deeper into the dark undercurrents of prog, gothic folk, and the edges of proto-metal. Embellished with flutes and folk strums, the record likewise doesn’t shy away from a growl in the guitars, relishing the nighttime air and the menace of wooded shadows. The hints of despair that have shown up in both players’ individual catalogs over the years is turned towards something more menacing here. The record paces, pants, and prowls. Magus understand the haunting magic at the core of psychedelia.

A greater emphasis on organ enters the fray, with both Jessica and Greg occupying seats at the keys on the record. Rhodes lines curl around the songs, adding a ‘70s occult feeling to the record. They round out the band with bass and drums from scene vets Jesse Sparhawk (Fern Knight) and Ben McConnell (Grass), weaving the album into an ornate tapestry streaked in soot, blood, and bile. Bubbling just under the bile is a feeling of unease, a poison that pushes back politically at the world. Taking inspirations from Sabbath, the band turns social turmoil into unsettling atmospheres and seething tension. It’s a fitting turn for 2026, a year haunted by demons. Perhaps what we need is a sorcerer, a warrior, a pathfinder to lead us through the darkness. Music For Mandrax lights the beacon for those willing to follow.

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