Witches Mark: Witching Metal Ritual

I tend not to read band bio's until after I've heard at least part of an album, so I was a bit surprised when I put on Witching Metal Ritual. For some reason I though the band were going to be doom but instead I got something completely different.

The band are from Texas and Witching Metal Ritual is their first full length album and I'll be damned if this isn't some good stuff. The album cover is a bit of a throwback to 80's metal album covers with the band surrounded by beautiful women while they fight police. However, don't think that this is simply an "80s metal band clone" as they aren't. Sure, they play traditional metal, but they also have a lot of speed a la early Megadeth and Metallica in them. In addition to thrash there I also hear a lot of Venom, Iron Maiden, Dio and a whole gamut of other greats.

The problem however, is that while the band are undeniably good and have a lot of potential, most of the songs never get past the "good" stage and into "great" territory. However, like everything there are exceptions and a couple of songs (most notably "Salem's Fire"), fall into the territory of almost great.

All-in-all though, Witching Metal Ritual is a good album from a band who will only get better with future albums. While not essential, those into traditional and speed metal would be wise to check it out.

Track Listing
1. Bringers Of Heavy Metal Death
2. Salem's Fire
3. Swarm
4. Slaves To Their Own Sin
5. We Die
6. Cauldron Born
7. Witching Metal Ritual
8. Where None Can Follow

Added: August 29th 2013
Reviewer: Curtis Dewar
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1572
Language: english

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