I first became familiar with Spain's Witchtower through their previous album "Hammer of Witches" which was full on raw NWOBHM worship that you could swear was a lost album from days gone by. With their long awaited and much MUCH anticipated follow up, Witchtower show that they are just as killer as the first time they hit my ears. I mean are you surprised?
Opening with the blistering "A Revelation/The Theosophist" we see Witchtower are back in full form. This song definitely shows off the bands capabilities of making catchy galloping melodic metal still feel fresh. The solo's are full of life with the vocals feeling very much like Paul Dianno in his hey day(which is one of my favorite things about these guys). The production gets more of a metal feel especially in the drums more than previously. Up next is "Over The Top" which has some crisp vintage riffs and a nice catchy call out chorus. I have to also commemorate the bass playing too its super solid and audible throughout the whole album which is always a plus for me. "Night Of The Witch" has that classic gallop to it and feels quite a bit like a more fleshed out version of one of their previous songs "Fast Broomsticks" which retreads some familiar sounds but still a fun tune. The dark neck jerking "Zugarramurdi(Sorginak!)" keeps the energy high with some nice almost prog like interludes in the mid section it adds some nice extra musicianship. We see a more almost doom like intro with "Mrs. Artisson" which gives me some 80's Trouble vibes which quickly switches into fist pumping melodic 80s speed metal. This album definitely has more twists and turns throughout than the previous releases from the band with a darker atmosphere as well. "Love Potion" has some early Tygers and Riot vibes with a little more of a hard rock groove throughout the verse riffs. "Look For The Truth" carries more of that dark vibe with some nice minor riffs thrown in to the madness as well. Continuing this endless metal journey we have the insanely catchy "The World Is Upside Down" which is one of the more simple songs on the album but its also probably my favorite as it got stuck in my head the first time I heard it and has a lot of riffs you can sing to. The title track has some psychedelic elements thrown in as well with some crushing riffs to balance it out. This is definitely the most ambitious song on the album with some almost rush like passages spread throughout which I really like. It kind of catches you off guard as it is one of those songs you can pick something new out every time. The band has also released a bonus track entitled "The Chosen" which is definitely a more mid paced hard rocker and while it is a good song, I can see why it is a bonus track among the other amazing cuts presented here.
Overall, Witchtower have created a magnificent follow up with this album. While most of the songs do retread the sound this band has established, they still have the chops to make it as exciting as it was before. With a heavier production, more prog elements injected and the overall fun hooks this album has, its definitely is one of the best pure Heavy Metal albums to come out this year.
8/10
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