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3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
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Band
Witchery
Title
Don't Fear The Reaper
Type
LP/EP
Company
Century Media
YOR
2006
Style
Thrash
3/31/2006 - Review by: Eric Compton
Witchery - Don't Fear The Reaper - 2006 - Century Media

Track Listing
1. Disturbing The Beast
2. Stigmatized
3. Draw Blood
4. The Ritual
5. Ashes
6. Plague Rider
7. Damned In Hell
8. Crossfixation
9. The Wait Of The Pyramids
10. Immortal Death
11. Styx
12. War Piece
13. Cannon Fodder
14. Legion Of Hades (Bonus)
Sweden's blood soaked five piece cross the boiling lakes in search of one warning for us all..."Don't Fear The Reaper". With their newest endeavor the retro-thrash outfit take their blasphemous attack to the masses again, this time offering up their fourth infernal effort to date. With massive, groovy tracks and an unbridled speed metal assault Witchery once again finds themselves ushering in another sonic wave of annihilation and authority. "Don't Fear The Reaper" is a multi-level assault that really pushes and plunges its way into the most sadistic and icy hearts of today's well rounded metal banger.

With the previous Witchery releases I always found the band slightly imprisoned within their speed metal confines. I've always wanted to see the band explore more melody and possibly experiment with some more intricate arrangements. Obviously the group's debut, "Restless And Dead", was a huge success within metal circles, going as far as establishing Witchery as one of the top tier acts of modern thrash. With this new effort the band seems much more focused and determined to spread their sound out a bit, really taking into consideration the importance of diversity and deeper dimensions. As "Don't Fear The Reaper" plays out you can hear the obvious signs of maturity and seasoning. One listen to song like "Ashes" will show just how far the band has gone in creating interesting song structures that are very detailed and intricate. That track to me shows signs of life, really embracing the long ago stance of Samael circa "Ceremony Of Opposites". Another fantastic element to the band is the use of huge, melodic lead work, really soaking through on songs like "The Ritual" and "Damned In Hell", with both cuts using that Mercyful Fate new wave essence to alleviate and enhance some of the chaotic speed fests raging in one direction. Of course the band don't stray far from their quick, rapid fire Slayer attack, with storm chasers like "Plague Rider" and "Immortal Death" all riding fast hot winds of Hell.

Bottom Line - With "Don't Fear The Reaper" Witchery prove not only are they influenced by the legendary thrashers of the past but are indeed on par to create their own legacy. Highly recommended for the serious headbanger!



--EC 3.14.06

  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: WITCHERY
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Don't Fear The Reaper
2006
Century Media
Eric Compton3/31/2006
-
I Am Legion
2017
Century Media
Eric Compton3/2/2018
4
In His Infernal Majesty's Service
2016
Century Media
Eric Compton1/5/2017
3.5
Witchkrieg
2010
Century Media
Eric Compton7/14/2010
4.5
Witchkrieg
2010
Century Media
Greg Watson7/14/2010
3

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: WITCHERY
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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