There’s many upsides to running this site. One is that I get to check out bands from all around the globe who I would otherwise be unaware of. One such band is Witchseeker. Truth be told, up until today, if someone put a gun to my head and said “Name one band from Singapore.”, yours truly would be done for. Chances are most of you would be as well. In the event such a bizarre occurrence ever happens, you can name Witchseeker, save your ass, and say you got something worthwhile out of this review.
Witchseeker is the latest band I’ve discovered on one of my favorite labels today, Dying Victims Productions. I can’t emphasize enough how stellar this label is. They have yet to steer me wrong and Witchseeker is no exception. Scene of the Wild may be their second album, but it’s sure no sophomore slump. The album, while rooted in 80s traditional metal, is very well rounded. Some old school revival bands stick to sounding strictly like *insert classic band here*. Witchseeker said “Screw it.” and decided to take the finest characteristics of many 80s bands, while simultaneously molding them to shape their own classic metal sound.
The album opens with the Mötley Crüe styled title track. Filled with sleazy riffs, shuffling rhythms, and a singer who sounds like a dead ringer for Vince Neil circa 1981, “Scene of the Wild” wouldn’t sound out of place on Too Fast for Love. The Crüe influence is strong and runs throughout most of the album, more so than the usual suspects Maiden and Priest. It’s refreshing considering the last band to showcase such leanings was the arguable kings of the so called “NWOTHM” *shudders*, Enforcer. And speaking of Enforcer, there are plenty of Enforcer-isms on this album as well! Cuts like “Rock This Night Away”, “Sin City”, and “Screaming in the Moonlight” are “more Enforcer” than anything Enforcer has released in quite some time. If you’re one of the many who was disappointed by Zenith and in desperate need of an Enforcer fix, these songs will surely satisfy your appetite.
When they aren’t unleashing singalong choruses, shredtastic solos, and all out old school goodness, Witchseeker kicks it into overdrive. Don’t be fooled by the sugary melodies. These lunatics can speed with the best of ’em! Scene of the Wild contains three speed metal tracks: “Lust for Dust”, “Be Quick or Be Dead”, and “Hellions of the Night”. Ever wonder what Motörhead would sound like if they had an “actual singer”? Look no further. These songs capture the filth and fury of Lemmy, Fast Eddie, and Philthy Animal, but without abandoning the melodic sensibilities that dominate the entire release, resulting in a unique listen compared to the typical fare from your typical textbook speed metal disciples.
Scene of the Wild has a lot going for it: It’s sleaze and speed with hard rock hooks and blessed by the power of pure metallic steel. Whether you’re flying down the freeway or trying to get the party started, it’s a damn reliable release that’s bound to hit the spot every time. I hope this review encourages more people to seek out Witchseeker. See what I did there? *sigh* What can I say folks? The pun may not be a winner, but the album is.
7 out of 10
Label: Dying Victims Productions
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Enforcer, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead