So what we have here is a rerelease of the much sought-after debut full-length of Witchhammer, together with Artch one of Norways oldest bands in their genre. Since the original vinyl was released by the band themselves and distrubuted poorly Witchhammer saw their 15th anniversary fit for a cd version.

What Witchhammer produces is really solid heroic thrash/heavy metal with everything that should be there. They take place with the more harmonious and genteel around the champions’ round table, delivering a clean sound, slick and relatively thin-produced guitars and some accompanying keys here and there. Whereas I’ve seen them compared to thrash-period Helloween, my first thoughts were closer to the riff-driven approach from Mercyful Fate (although less brilliantly inimitable) and the thrash/heavy metal influenced Nordland’s from Bathory (though less larger-than-life). I guess all named references are accurate at some point. All-in-all, Witchhammer utilizes a tested and proven sound and directs this into concise and straighforward songs. These flow smoothly, even groovy, and bear, if often too short to reach real floating heights, that tinge of being the soundtrack of an epic story (how we love ‘spoken’ lyrics…).

Funny thing – and maybe biasing my conception in their favor a bit – is that the vocals are very Quorthon-ish, including being too weak to reach the notes aimed for now and then. These create moods varying between that sombre viking atmosphere, in some songs backed by the equally familiar chanting choir, and a more up-tempo thrash attack with accompanying high-pitched singing. The blend of all mentioned elements in one album make for music that is not original but distinctively Witchhammer’s own. Going back and forth between up-tempo, mid-tempo or even heavy metal balladry, thereby avoiding the trap of wearing out the listener, this album might hold the qualities to become the true fan’s favourite, although it must be said that the songwriting could have been a bit more exciting.

Obviously however, if the mentioned references are not yet on top of your classic metal altar, go away in shame and only return after having redeemed yourself. Then give Witchhammer a spin.