Witchery-Witchkrieg

Last Updated (Tuesday, 29 June 2010 17:26) Written by Miguel Blardony Monday, 14 June 2010 16:37

Release Date: June 21, 2010

Label: Century Media

Genre: Blackened Thrash Metal

Rating: 9/10

Comments: Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitchkriiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeegg!!!

Driven by hellish tempos and possessed by ex-Marduk screamer Erik ‘Legion’ Hagstedt’s blasphemous enunciations, Witchery spare you the boring intro and proceed to cook up a maelstrom of  jagged buzzsaw riffs and swirling melodies driven by death metal tempos for the title track that cranks open this delicious “Witchkrieg.” If you’re not hooked after five minutes of aural punishment that includes a miniscule guest solo from none other than Kerry King (Slayer fans: oh goodie!), then either can the album or proceed with the rest of the musical fare. Not entirely a thrash band with death metal overtones, nor a black metal quintet since there’s too much melody here, Witchery harness (and have been harnessing) the forces of extreme metal for the refreshing brew they pour down your ears. Equal parts tongue in cheek and sardonic, Witchery’s lyrical themes flit between witches, the devil, monsters, the undead, and uh, the devil. Yeah.

This writer almost forgot to mention it, but a generous dose of heavy metal crunch also forms an integral part of Witchery’s repertoire. It’s best heard on the grooving slugfest “The God That Fell From Earth,” the catchy as hellfire “From Dead To Worse,” the hook laden Satyriconesque black n’ roll of “Devil Rides Out,” and the speed metal ditty “Witch Hunter” that closes the album on a satisfying note. Since the band is composed of seasoned musicians who are usually busy with their better known commitments (The Haunted and Archenemy among others), only expect musicianship that complements the band’s inclination for tight songwriting. Several albums down, what sets Witchery apart is they’re able to throw in bits of the extreme stuff and come up with a memorable final product. Case in point is “The Reaver,” an unadulterated thrash barrage featuring Exodus’ own shredders, Gary Holt and Lee Altus. Gritty, fast paced, skewering, and loaded with enough riffs to massacre your whole family, “The Reaver” is hands down the most furious cut bedeviling the album. Yet another sterling example of Witchery’s excellence is the band’s more anthemic fare such as “Conqueror’s Return” and “From Dead To Worse,” which is susceptible to getting stuck inside your head for ages.

The production an impressive balance of polish and the necessary gruffness, Witchery are in fine form on their latest. It’s be a crime to miss “Witchkrieg.”