This is the sixth full length release from US traditional heavy metal band Icarus Witch. You may recognise some of the members as being part of Ironflame, a band previously covered by myself on these pages.
With the opener ‘Heaven’s Ghetto’, I am immediately drawn to comparisons to the 1988 classic “Operation Mindcrime”. We have traditional metal with a progressive slant, easing you into a conclusive sense of gratification. ‘Last Night on Earth’ has some real thought provoking lyrics, would you take stock of your life and count your blessings or your cash? It really sets the mind racing. As for the music, it follows a nice traditional metal approach. ‘10,000 Light Years from Home’ brings out comparisons to some great US metal giants, such Stryper (modern day version!), Leatherwolf, even into the nitty gritting of some more epic bands and those that I grew up listening to in the glorious 80’s. All of the songs are delivered with a great passion and a terrific high standard of musicianship.
‘A Heartbeat Away’ for me takes you to Widow (US) and Pretty Maids themed areas. There is wondrous vocal harmonies displayed during the chorus. A joy in the melodic vein of the metal world. Then when the solo comes in, its adds to a dreamy spacious atmosphere, I love the galloping guitar rhythms! ‘Rise of the Witches’ is back to the Queensryche vein, an epic piece of music with some stellar vocal pieces. With ‘Shadow Chaser‘, I hear some British influences, it’s a proper exciting rock out track. In fact I’d go further, I get a Deep Purple vibe with the vocal lines, Ian Gillan-esq to my ears, more so from their later years. The guitar solo, wow, this is a magical piece, melody, dexterity, it’s awesome.
I’ve heard the name on the scene, I’m aware of the band members other projects, but I’ve never got to the details of Icarus Witch. This album has lit a flame and the band are ones to really get behind. The album its sits rather high in the quality stakes, you often find that with American bands, however, I’d pin point the precision and the workable melody driven that simply stick with you and keep you entertained. There’s not a dull moment for me. Take your chance, if no devil lived on, Icarus Witch has awakened the beast for me! This is a proficient, often majestic piece of traditional US heavy metal and would sit across many labelled sub genres. Its metal right?
(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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