Review LEATHERWITCH “First Spell”

After disbanding Crystal Viper in 2025, Marta Gabriel started a new outfit called Leatherwitch. The debut album, “First Spell” is an apt title for a thunderous debut, which has the potential to cast a spell over listeners.

“First Spell” marks a new beginning in Gabriel’s career, with Leatherwitch serving as a new outlet for her creativity. The album features eight songs, with different bonus tracks available on CD and vinyl depending on the format. What all of these have in common is the up-tempo opener, “Heroes and the Dice”. It is a loud and blistering introduction to the album, capturing the essence of heavy metal. There are no frills or distractions. What blasts out of the speakers is solid, denim-and-leather heavy metal, and Gabriel’s vocals are a key asset.

“First Spell” features to-the-point songs, as does the moderately paced “Bound by the Night” with its atmospheric elements. The galloping beat of “Silver Stallions” is the driving force of the song and reminded me of Running Wild in parts.

“Living in the Fast Lane” is, of course, a furious metal song with screaming guitars and great vocal melodies, before we move on to “The New Beginning”. At seven minutes long, the latter is the epic centrepiece of the album. Leatherwitch don’t change their trademark sound, but add some dramatic elements to this headbanger. The first thing that stands out is the slower pace and vocal lines reminiscent of bands like Dio. However, Gabriel and Leatherwitch are not copying the idols mentioned here. They are more a source of inspiration for Leatherwitch and their new songs. “The New Beginning” is a superbly crafted metal anthem marking a new beginning for Marta Gabriel’s musical journey.

The album comes to a furious end with “Two Tons of Steel”. It is one of the fastest songs on the album and provides a great contrast to the epic ‘The New Beginning’.

Unfortunately, it is only available as a bonus on the CD format, but it is worth mentioning the cover version. Leatherwitch’s interpretation of Helloween’s “Walls of Jericho/Ride the Sky” is a great remake of this early Helloween classic. Gabriel’s vocals fit this timeless metal anthem amazingly well, especially during the high-pitched parts.

“First Spell” is a solid heavy metal album. It is a thunderous debut, with songs rooted in old-school heavy metal that sound fresh and vivid. Marta Gabriel is back, and I’m pretty sure we’ll be hearing more from Leatherwitch in the future.