Witchery – Witchkrieg

Releasedate: 21-06-2010; Label: Century Media
By: Elvira Visser

With this new release Witchery produces their fifth album. These Scandinavians founded the band back in 1997 after some members had left Satanic Slaughter. One year later they released “Restless and Dead” presenting the audience a band that knows how to play powerful riffs after fearless riffs and pounding drums. They make a connection between trash and heavy metal. No wonder as the band consist of well known artist that play in various other bands, all bringing different influences to Witchery’s style. Jensen plays with The Haunted; solo-guitarist Rickard Rimfält plays with Séance; bassplayer Sharlee D´Angelo takes care of the deep sounds in Arch Enemy and Spiritual Beggars; and Martin Axe drums in Opeth and Bloodbath.

On this new album “Witchkrieg” vocalist Eric Hagstedt “Legion”, ex-Marduk takes care of the growls and screams. Besides the skills from the bandmembers Witchery has asked a numerous guest to appear on this album. On the title track and opener of the album “Witchkrieg” we can hear Kerry King from Slayer. Tthe most fierce and rapid track is “The Reaver” where the guys Gary and Lee from Exodus rock their guitars. The track “One Foot in the Grave” has a guestsolo by Jim Durkin of Dark Angel. The number of guest is high but the band does not really need these guys to brighten this CD. “Witchkrieg” is well produced and has good variation. This album will satisfies the metal fan it has sharp riffs, hard and fast metal sounds but also catchy moments and great melodies.

Line-Up:
Vocals: Legion (ex-Marduk, Devian)
Guitars: Jensen (The Haunted)
Guitars: Rickard Rimfält (Séance)
Bass: Sharlee D’Angelo (Arch Enemy)
Drums: Martin Axe (Opeth, Bloodbath)

Tracklist: 01. Witchkrieg (guestsolo Kerry King of Slayer) 02. Wearer Of Wolf’s Skin 03. The God Who Fell From Earth (guestsolo Hank Shermann of Mercyful Fate) 04. Conqueror’s Return 05. The Reaver (guestsolo Gary Holt and Lee Altus of Exodus) 06. From Dead To Worse (guestsolo Andy LaRocque of King Diamond) 07. Devil Rides Out 08. One Foot In The Grave (guestsolo Jim Durkin of Dark Angel) 09. Hellhound 10. Witch Hunter Bonus: 11. Hung, Drawn And Quartered

Links:
Witchery MySpace