Fuck yeah, Witchery.
I can say this with even more enthusiasm now after being disappointed with their last studio output, Don’t Fear the Reaper – an album I couldn’t get through 4 tracks of without being bored to tears – because Witchkrieg finds the “super group” of sorts back in prime form, new vocalist Erik “Legion” Hagstedt in tow and all.
Despite not being as breakneck fast or decidedly old school feeling, Witchkrieg manages to hit all the right spots. Top notch songwriting resulting in utterly memorable tunes with big hooks and punchy riffs, Witchery know when to drop the hammer and thrash your ass into oblivion or step back to lock into a powerful banging groove. Add to this an ever present dark and menacing atmosphere and you have a recipe for a great thrash album.
Patrik Jensen is an absolute monster of the riff – check out the title track, “Devil Rides Out”, “Hellhound”, “Witch Hunter” and the phenomenal “From Dead to Worse” to see what I mean. Riffs that are simple yet superbly effective in locking you in on first listen. “From Dead to Worse” is arguably the star of an album packed full of gems, it grooves along at a headbangable mid pace then BAM, blindsides you an absolutely massive hook for a chorus capable of sticking in your head for days. This track should have been the first candidate for a video, as the potential to create some waves on outlets such as Headbanger’s Ball is undoubtedly there with a strong promotional push, but the band has already filmed one for the title track (a move I’m convinced was made on the fact that Kerry King appears in a guest solo – record company shenanigans).
With no real complaints to report, this review is pretty much over. Of course, long time fans of the band might be disappointed with the vocalist switch, but Legion delivers admirably, displaying a bit more personality here than in his main band Devian. Other fans of course will find fault in the bands new found sense of groove, but once again the band pulls it off in all aces. Can’t win ’em all I suppose.
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wow I haven’t heard these guys since Symphony for the Devil, and while that was solid, I found it kinda tired and lacking somehow. (still dig out the first one from time to time). this may be the review to get me to check these guys out again though, good job Larry
on Aug 23rd, 2010 at 09:10I actually like Don’t Fear the Reaper (mid-paced thrash isn’t for everyone, I guess), but yeah, this one’s totally got more punch. I’m really digging it.
on Aug 23rd, 2010 at 15:20Personally, I am a fan of mid-paced thrash (as opposed to the overly speedy continuous oompah beats that I find really boring). I’ll have to check this aout – also, just to check out Legions voice in another project.
on Aug 23rd, 2010 at 16:48Everything Jensen touches turns to solid gold, so its no surprise this is a fucking fantastic album. Fact is Jensen is one of Metal’s all time best riff writers… and yeah, From Dead to Worse is absolutely godly.
on Aug 24th, 2010 at 06:41Love this band, gotta check this out
on Aug 26th, 2010 at 13:30