Icarus Witch
Capture The Magic
Magick Records
Wow. This is truly a sound I love: Power Metal with an edge.
99% of the time you will see their name associated with Iron Maiden, but I would substitute that with Seven Witches. As a HUGE Seven Witches fan, I almost had to do a double-take when I put this in the stereo.
I wouldn't want to put Icarus Witch in a situation where they are simply compared to another band, however. (they go through that enough already)
This album is wonderfully done and showcases true talent at all levels. The vocals are crisp and the instrumentals are superb. If you've read other reviews or stories, it would only sound cliche to keep mentioning "old school" and "true metal", but I must at least bring it up.
If you are not into power metal or bands like Seven Witches, Iced Earth, Fates Warning etc., you may not understand what all the hoopla is about.
But if you are a fan of that style and you haven't yet heard Icarus Witch, be sure to find this album. They will be added to your list.
As an idea of what's in store, here's the song listing:
1) Storming The Castle
2) Capture The Magic
3) Soothsayer
4) Forevermore
5) The Ghost Of Xavior Holmes
6) Darklands
7) Nemeton Forest
8) Awakening The mountain Giants
9) S.A.T.O. (featuring George Lynch)
Nebula
Apollo
Liquor And Poker
I can definitely see this on the Liquor And Poker label. It has that laid-back, yet rockin' feel to it. (if that makes any sense)
Fizz tried to explain to me what "stoner rock" is and this seems to fall into that category, I assume.
I hear shades of a Fireball Ministry style and even a hint of Hanoi Rocks in their songs. It's a fun record to listen to and I've enjoyed it.
My favorite would have to be "Fever Frey", a very catchy song.
Here's what you'll get:
1) Orbit
2) Loose Cannon
3) Fever Frey
4) Lightbringer
5) Future Days
6) Ghost Ride
7) The Alchemist
8) Trapezium Procession
9) Controlled
10) The Eagle Has Landed
11) Fruit Of My Soul
12) Decadent Garden
13) Wired
14) Opiate Float
Scott Reeder
TunnelVision Brilliance
Liquor And Poker
I've just made a comment about the general Liquor And Poker style, and now must veer off of that path completley with one of their very own artists.
Let me start by saying that this is a masterful recording. However, this is NOT along the "fun", "stoner", "sleaze" or whatever lines that would be expected from this group of bands.
This would be one of those works of art that is most appreciated with a glass of wine and a soft light. To give a comparison, it kind of falls into that category of a Pink Floyd only in the respect that metal fans can love it, but it's not something you will "rock out" to. It's a relatively mellow performance but with wonderful production and musicianship.
I would never put this on at a party, but I can see it as an album that can be played for a relaxing time at home.
The listing:
1) When I Was
2) Thanks
3) The Silver Tree
4) Away
5) Diamond
6) When?
7) For Renee
8) The Day Of Neverending
9) Queen Of Greed
10) Fuck You All
11) To An End
12) The Fourth
13) As I'm Dreamin'
