Post by jptheprofessor on Jun 11, 2006 22:24:02 GMT -5
ICARUS WITCH – CAPTURE THE MAGIC (Magick Records) Pittsburgh's Icarus Witch first started drawing attention in heavy metal circles when they placed contributions on CD tributes to Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper. Interest grew when their debut EP, Roses On White Lace, was released early last year. Although the group went through several drummers along the way, they issued their first full-length album late last year, called Capture The Magic. On the album, Icarus Witch defines their turf as rooted in the classic metal traditions of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Dio and Judas Priest. The group crafts sturdy, clever, efficient melodies, and executes them with sharp, full-bodied musicianship and strong vocals and harmonies. The vocals are courtesy of Matthew Bizilia, who sings with ample power, range, grit and personality. He sings with a clarity and cadence, and sells his lyrical themes of dark fantasy, mythology, adventure and tales of the supernatural with convincing emotion and passion. Guitarist Steve Pollick delivers commanding riffs that drive the album’s tunes, plus classical-inspired, captivating lead solo work. Bassist Jason “Sin” Myers and drummer John Passarelli (who has since left the group) anchor the sound with weighty, sharp rhythms. While the album’s nine songs maintain a tight, classic metal consistency, each tune is different and stands well on its own. The rampaging opener “Storming the Castle” sets the tone for the album, while “Soothsayer” is a more groove-oriented assault. Tapping an Iron Maiden “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” approach is “The Ghost of Xavior Holmes,” a far shorter seafaring ode featuring a guest appearance from former Fates Warning guitarist Frank X. Aresti. The title track “Capture the Magic,” “Forevermore,” “Darklands” and “Nemeton Forest” keep things interesting as Icarus Witch gearshifts between chords, keys and tempos. Capping the album is the group’s impressive update of Ozzy Osbourne’s “S.A.T.O.,” featuring a famous guest, Dokken and Lynch Mob guitarist George Lynch. Produced by Eric Klinger, Capture The Magic delivers ample classic metal power and crunch, blended with enough texture, melodic detail and variation to keep it interesting. The overall presentation nicely balances raw power, melodic hooks and edge to produce a captivating, appealing sound. Icarus Witch respects their vintage heavy metal influences on Capture The Magic, and incorporates those influences to blaze a trail of their own. Fans of classic 70’s and 80’s heavy metal will find plenty to celebrate here. (The album can be purchased at the group’s shows, or by visiting the website www.icaruswitch.com.)