This is the third release from an Italian band whom I have not heard from since their debut. Influence is taken heavily from the NWoBHM scene and traditional metal from Europe.

‘Devil Preacher’ has a powerful Witch Cross/NWoBHM influence, whilst ‘Metal Dream’ takes on board the style of Accept and Warlord (US). These two tracks definitely have a classic “scene” sound about them. ‘Black Horror’ is slower, perhaps akin the Dio’s material, but lacks the finesse of such an influence during transitions of tempo and approach, although the good intentions and ideas are clearly audible. There is much welcomed vibrancy when a track like ‘Rolling Queen’ comes along, more a recent comparable I would say Germany’s Stallion in terms of energy. ‘Legion’ and ‘Crimson Skies’ follow a similar path, which is good news for the adrenaline junkies out there. There are some wicked thundering drums and on ‘Crimson Skies’ there is melody which comes across with a touch of differences, this definitely gives off a different positive vibe to former tunes of a similar tempo.

When you get to ‘Space Ritual’ here lies the oddity of the album. The style maybe of similar approach but the guitar tones changes to a more classic Scandinavian traditional metal sound. There is a nice touch with some classic dual guitar duelling, but listening deeper, the drums have changed character also. Keyboards and Progressive influences come out which is completely out of character. It’s said in the PR material that this release is a veritable jukebox of ’82-’87, which I true, but that also makes the album a little inconsistent as a single release.

‘Restless’ returns to the more consistent sound of earlier tunes, there is a powerful and emotive vocal at the start of this one and you are kept energised by the hammering of the kick drums, which raises more than a smile. There more blues influence, like their debut release (from memory) for ‘Hold Back the Flame’, to me its UFO crashing head on with European metal of a band marching into battle, quite “warrior” driven, an anthem, something that will work out perfectly with a live audience.

In summary, ‘Metal Dream’ is a strong album, there’s a cavalcade of influences, but with this comes an impression of a compilation release, rather than a new studio album, Witchhunter are welcomed back with this release, there is nothing remotely wrong with the music on offer, its proficient and very metal.

(7/10 Paul Maddison)

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https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/witchunter-metal-dream