The Black Wizards | Force Majeure & The Acts Of God | CD 132

The Black Wizards - the Porto-based trio of Joana Brito (guitar/vocals), José Gomes (bass/vocals) and Helena Peixoto (drums) - announce their new album 'Force Majeure & The Acts of God', set for release on September 4th via Hassle Records. There's a dark humour to 'Force Majeure & The Acts of God'; named after the legal phrase used to describe uncontrollable circumstances, the title reflects the chaos surrounding the record's creation, while hinting at the band's own sense of mischief and defiance. Written as political landscapes across the world spiral into disarray, the album channels frustration and urgency without sinking into hopelessness. While compiling lyrics, frontwoman Joana Brito drew inspiration from books on politics, gender and toxic masculinity, ideas that surface in songs taking aim at hollow leadership and social division. 'Killing the Buzz' in particular cuts through political spectacle with sharp humour and punk energy. Musically, 'Force Majeure & The Acts of God' marks a decisive shift for the band. Moving beyond the sprawling haze of their earlier heavy psych sound, The Black Wizards lean into something leaner, rawer and more immediate. There's garage rock swagger, wiry proto-punk tension and relentless rhythmic drive throughout, led by Brito's jagged, commanding vocals, José Gomes' gravelly replies and Helena Peixoto's forceful drumming. Recorded in an intense five-day session with Cooper Crain in Porto, the album thrives on urgency, rough edges and volatile live energy.