Review by JD on October 11, 2010.

Another Norwegian Black Metal band arrives and I was interested instantly. In the realm of Black Metal, Norway is the place to get it from. Ushering in from the BM capital of the world comes the two man Black/Folk Metal tour-de-force Galar.

This two man operation stands out like no other I have come across. Along with the hellishly heavy guitars and death cold vocals, they use an array of different (not regularly used) instruments. A demonic bastard spawn of Symphonic Metal ,Black Metal and Folk that consists of bassoons, violins, grand piano and even a cello – together making this original yet fiendishly heavy music that literally makes you need to take good note.

The fact that it is sung entirely in their native tongue, might have made this hard to listen to... that assumption is wrong. It does nothing to limit the darkly imaginative and wickedly strong music, actually adding that bonus of sheer aggression as the language makes it all seem that much more nailing heavy. You do not need a translator for that.

I think ol’ Beethoven might have really enjoyed the mega-talent that Galar has, not just because they were loud enough that even the long dead maestro himself wold be able to hear these guys through his profound deafness. They are a fresh whiff of darkness in the biggest way. Talent like this is good to hear.

With ability, originality and heaven shaking heaviness like this I think there are new Black Metal kings on the horizon. All hail Galar. Horns up to thee, minions of the darkness. This is a band to watch for.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9.5
Originality: 9.5
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Review by JD on March 7, 2011.

Greek metal is by far, the most misunderstood commodity ever in the scene. I have heard some amazing metal from the small country that has brought me Ouzo, and was interested to see Greek metallists Witchcurse come to my desk. What was Greece sending me now... I asked myself. I will just go on ‘n’ see.

It was clear from the first guitar blast that came out of the speakers, that I was going to like this album very much. Witchcurse is this straight ahead, balls to the wall, no delusion of anything metal band. This is no Death metal, no Black, no Thrash or any other sub genre of metal. They are just a band that brings to the table the classic sounds of metal in the vein of early Armoured Saint and Judas Priest.

The album is a throwback to the very early 80's, blasting out. Songs about swilling beer and partying are the staple. They are not trying to rally against anything, or be intellectual and change the world in one fell swoop - they just want to make pure metallic fun. With simple but catchy and very heavy riffs, infectious rhythms and looking to have no nonsense pure fun... they are a true throwback to the time of the simpler metal.

Witchcurse is a band that has no fluff or any of that hair band commercial crap - they are just a straight to the point booze soaked, loud and alway raucous metal band that is just there for the pure enjoyment of it all. This band brings back the days when people in denim vests stand and headbang until the last strains of music passes and the beers are all empty with bottles strewn everywhere.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7(a little weak)
Originality: 7
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Review by JD on March 7, 2011.

Greek metal is by far, the most misunderstood commodity ever in the scene. I have heard some amazing metal from the small country that has brought me Ouzo, and was interested to see Greek metallists Witchcurse come to my desk. What was Greece sending me now... I asked myself. I will just go on ‘n’ see.

It was clear from the first guitar blast that came out of the speakers, that I was going to like this album very much. Witchcurse is this straight ahead, balls to the wall, no delusion of anything metal band. This is no Death metal, no Black, no Thrash or any other sub genre of metal. They are just a band that brings to the table the classic sounds of metal in the vein of early Armoured Saint and Judas Priest.

The album is a throwback to the very early 80's, blasting out. Songs about swilling beer and partying are the staple. They are not trying to rally against anything, or be intellectual and change the world in one fell swoop - they just want to make pure metallic fun. With simple but catchy and very heavy riffs, infectious rhythms and looking to have no nonsense pure fun... they are a true throwback to the time of the simpler metal.

Witchcurse is a band that has no fluff or any of that hair band commercial crap - they are just a straight to the point booze soaked, loud and alway raucous metal band that is just there for the pure enjoyment of it all. This band brings back the days when people in denim vests stand and headbang until the last strains of music passes and the beers are all empty with bottles strewn everywhere.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7(a little weak)
Originality: 7
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.2 out of 10