Boy I like this album.
Like seriously. I really like this album. And if you are a fan of twin guitars, powerful vocals reminiscent of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, and choruses that stick in your head for days, then Burning Witches’ “Dance with the Devil” is an album you absolutely need to experience. This isn’t just music; it’s a passionate performance from a band that knows exactly who they are and what they want to deliver. The raw energy captured on this album feels like witnessing the band perform live in the same room, a testament to their cohesive sound and dynamic presence.
A Deep Dive into the Devil’s Dance
From the moment “Lucid Nightmare,” the first proper track, explodes into life, Burning Witches makes their intentions crystal clear. Laura Guldemond’s vocal prowess immediately commands attention, echoing the iconic high-octane style of Rob Halford in his Painkiller era. Her voice is a force of nature – powerful, soaring, and capable of breathtaking screams and screeches, all delivered with a sense of perfect control and musicality. The music itself is heavy, precise, and relentlessly fast-paced, creating an exhilarating sonic landscape. Lala Frischknecht, the drummer, is the engine room of this band, propelling each song forward with dynamic cymbal work and thunderous double kick drumming. The twin guitar attack of Sonia Nusselder and Romana Kalkuhl is a highlight, weaving intricate harmonies and delivering blistering riffs. While comparisons to guitar legends KK Downing and Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest might be premature, the potential and chemistry between Sonia and Romana are undeniable, promising even greater heights in their future work.
One minor critique, and it’s a point of personal preference rather than a flaw, is that the bass lines occasionally feel somewhat conservative. Jeanine Grob is a solid bassist, but in moments, especially for a listener accustomed to the adventurous bass work of Steve Harris from Iron Maiden, there’s a desire for the bass to step further into the spotlight. This isn’t a major drawback, but a suggestion for future exploration – to push the bass higher in the mix and allow for more adventurous and creative lines.
The title track, “Dance with the Devil,” is a standout anthem that feels like it could have been a massive hit had it been released in the golden age of 1988. This isn’t to say the song sounds dated; far from it. It possesses a timeless classic metal vibe that is refreshing in today’s metal scene. The production is modern and crisp, yet the song wraps you in a comforting warmth, like a familiar heavy metal blanket on a cold day. It’s the kind of track you can put on repeat and simply lose yourself in its powerful embrace. This is the essence of the ‘Witches Dance’ – a captivating and powerful experience that draws you into its rhythmic spell.
My personal highlights from the album, tracks that have earned permanent spots on my playlists, are “Wings of Steel” and “Battle Hymn.” “Wings of Steel,” previously reviewed as an EP, continues to grow in stature with each listen. Its chorus is incredibly infectious, and the Maiden-esque breakdown is so evocative it’s uncanny. “Battle Hymn,” the album’s epic closer featuring Ross the Boss (ex-Manowar) and Michael Lepond (Symphony X), truly lives up to its name. From its opening riff, it transports you to a realm of medieval battles and heroic knights. Laura’s vocals paint vivid pictures, while Sonia and Romana’s classic heavy metal guitar riffs create a rich, enveloping soundscape. Lala’s drumming on this track is particularly exceptional, showcasing her power and finesse.
Final Incantation
Overall, “Dance with the Devil” is a fantastic album. The peaks are incredibly high, and any minor shortcomings are easily overlooked in the face of the album’s overall strength. While not every moment is a showstopper, there are no dull moments that detract from the listening experience. Burning Witches have successfully distilled their classic heavy metal influences into a contemporary sound that is both familiar and excitingly fresh. Fans of Painkiller-era Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and classic heavy metal in general will find much to love in “Dance with the Devil.” This album is a powerful ‘witches dance’ of sound, energy, and metal mastery.
The future for Burning Witches is incredibly bright, and I am eagerly anticipating their next moves. It’s a shame they aren’t touring the UK anytime soon, thanks to the ongoing global situation.
Score 8.5/10
Alt text: Burning Witches Dance with the Devil album cover art, featuring band logo and album title in bold lettering against a fiery background.
Track Listing
- The Incantation
- Lucid Nightmare
- Dance with the Devil
- Wings of Steel
- Six Feet Underground
- Black Magic
- Sea of Lies
- The Sisters of Fate
- Necronomicon
- The Final Fight
- Threefold Return
- Battle Hymn (feat. Ross the Boss & Michael Lepond)
Label Nuclear Blast
Release Date 6th March 2020
To purchase the album, click HERE
https://www.facebook.com/burningwitches666/
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