The sounds of raspy vocals, fast paced drums and slick solos can only mean one thing; BURNING WITCHES are back. Their latest album The Dark Tower is receiving praise from fans and critics alike; judging from the powerful sounds this latest escapade offers up, it’s easy to see why that is.
Rise Of Darkness has a beautiful sirenesque intro which lures you into the record. As far as you are concerned, everything is fine and dandy. Those doubts start to creep through when the roar is heard. For those new to the band, it doesn’t prepare you for what’s to come until it’s too late.
Unleash The Beast is what it says on the tin. The abrupt change from the previous track and this one grabs you by the ankles to drag you into your worst nightmare whether you are ready for it or not. From Laura Guldemond’s prevailing vocals to powerful guitar work from Romana Kalkuhl and Larissa Ernst, you can tell the heavy metal is alive and kicking.
BURNING WITCHES are one of those bands that have such a distinct sound that within seconds, you can guess it’s one of their tracks. Nothing wrong with that, in fact it’s fantastic when a band reach that stage. This album is no exception. Let me dive into some of my favourite tracks.
In the game Rise Of The Tomb Raider, there is a section of the game where it focuses on the myth of a witch and the voice over in Evil Witch sounds very similar to that. No complaints here, it’s great when songs remind of things outside of music. The track itself will unleash your dark side whether you are ready for it or now. Laura’s vocals are very witch like in this track which adds to the ambience of this belter.
Tomorrow is beautiful and reflective. Through the lyrics, it can related to situations that are happening today. From my understanding, it focuses on going through tough times and how tomorrow is a brand new day to face whatever is going on. The melody of this track matches the lyrics as it allows you to take a breath and reflect on what’s happened. Vocalist Laura speaks about this track in our interview which can be read here.
House Of Blood and the title track work together fantastically well. House Of Blood is an atmospheric track that terrifies you through the blood curdling screams of innocent citizens. The title track is about Countess Elizabeth Báthory, who tortured and killed hundreds of women and girls between 1590 and 1610. The track captures the brutality and ruthless this profilic murder must have been experience. There is no mercy in this track.
Arrow Of Time has a galloping beat that grabs my attention instantly and the rest of the melody keeps my attention. I wouldn’t be surprised if this track is a favourite at live shows as that chorus is anthemic.
It closes with this brilliant cover of W.A.S.P classic I Wanna Be Somebody that shows us what the band are made of one last time whilst letting us know they aren’t done yet.
The Dark Tower is one of my favourite kinds of albums; one that contains great, no nonsense heavy metal whilst encouraging you to learn something new. In this case, about Countess Bathory. If this sounds like your kind of album too, I recommend giving it a spin.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
The Dark Tower is out now.
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