Review WITCH CROSS ‘Angel of Death’

‘Angel of Death’ is not only a smashing thrash metal anthem, penned by Slayer. It is also the title of the new record, unleashed by Danish metal outfit Witch Cross.

Witch Cross, hailing from Copenhagen, is a veteran band when it comes to heavy metal. With roots that go back to early eighties, the Danes are certainly no rookies although the list of releases is rather overseebable. This has to do with the fact of Witch Cross parting ways in 1986, two years after having premiered with ‘Fit For Fight’.

The metal seismograph could measure some activities in the Witch Cross band camp in 2011 and after having been on a long hiatus, the quintet started to work on a sophomore album. ‘Axe to Grind’ has hit the shelves in 2013.

In the last five years, the line-up shows a consistency, allowing the band to work on some new music. ‘Angel of Death’ is the title of the new album that features these new songs. The track listing contains of ten songs, being based on traditional heavy metal with some power metal influences. Songs like the heavy pounding ‘Last Rites’, also equipped with a catchy chorus, and the blistering title track are well-done compositions, songs that are a treat for metalheads that have a strong need for some solid headbanging. With ‘Phoenix Fire’, Scandinavian metal shines brightly too while ‘The Chosen One’ shows the song-writing talent of the Danish quintet.

‘Angel of Death’ is a feast for fans of traditional metal that lasers in on the essence of metal – riffs, excellent vocals, heaviness, and an essence of catchiness. Witch Cross units it all on their third album, that by the way, is mastered by no one else than Jacob Hansen.