Bewitcher – Spell Shock Review

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I find it hard to review the album of band inspired on the world famous NWOBHM because there is a feeling that everything has been done around this very especific sonancy. To some extent, this might be the truth if one considers only the grand musical dimension. However, if one attains to the small details – remember, the devil is on the details – things change slightly. That’s what happens to Bewitcher’s “Spell Shock.” From the big picture it’s one more NWOBHM inspired album; but if one gets near and look to the small details there is a lot to see.

First of all, one curio thing I noticed. Album warming track “Starfire Maelstrom” and album tittle “Spell Shock“ start all of a sudden giving the impression they were poorly mixed as vocals begin with almost no instrumentation, what it’s not the regular stuff to happen. Normally there is some kind of intro before vocals. I bet my dear child of the night got a little scared. Second of all, Bewitcher have such a natural musicality that the impression it gets is that the guys reunited to record the album and less than two hours – tops! – they left the studio with the album done and recorded. The songs flow so naturally here. It reminds me so much the good old Iron Maiden’s musicality with passages that sound not to have been praticed at all. Only inspiration. Third, it sounds the guys had a lot, but a lot of fun recording “Spell Shock.”

The strongest impression about “Spell Shock” is that it’s an album of guitars. Guitar duo Unholy Weaver of Shadows & Incantations plays as if there is nothing else better in this sad and lonely and pathetic little planet. Their cohesion is really something to be praised. Not only the cohesion, but also the interventions. They are melodic and raw at the same time. Even though sounding so natural it is clear they are thoroughfully thought and planned. Pay attention to how they change tempo and cadence in “We Die in Dust.” It’s amazing.

“Spell Shock” an album that should go direct to your wish list. Remember Metal Santa is coming…

Bewitched “Spell Shock” was released on September 27th via Century Media Records.

Track Listing:

  1. Starfire Maelstrom
  2. Lavish Desecration
  3. Spell Shock
  4. Out Against the Law
  5. Dystopic Demonolatry
  6. Seasons of Foul Harvest
  7. We Die in Dust
  8. The Harem Conspiracy
  9. Pagan Shadows
  10. Ride of the Ironfox

Watch “Spell Shock” official music video here: