Customer Reviews

Draw Down the Moon

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I keep hearing about this so called "New Wave of Traditional Metal" that is supposedly all the rage in Europe. That sounds like a tag created by writers to sell magazines. Those in the know realize that bands like Icarus Witch, White Wizzard, Wolf, Cauldron and Twisted Tower Dire have been playing this true metal style for years, from the heart, trends-be-damned. The Witch consistently hone and deliver their craft with great aplomb proving why they are often referred to as leaders of this new movement in the underground. Each album from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania natives has seen them gaining a more focused, increasingly hook based song writing approach. Slowly pulling away from the power metal pack and securing their place as the most likely candidates for a semi-mainstream (at least in terms of the metal scene) breakthrough. Opening for bands like Heaven and Hell, Trouble and most recently supporting Maiden legend, Paul DiAnno throughout North America has elevated these hard working musicians onto the next plateau. What they do with the new found glory is perhaps left to the will of the metal gods. But one thing is certain, in an age of dwindling compact disc sales and overcrowded package tours, if you're going to put your money on one platter this spring, Draw Down The Moon is a concise collection of high energy, emotional heavy rock excellence that will stick in your head (and your iPod) for years to come. The steel town boys have finally unleashed the masterpiece us long time supporters all knew they had in them!

IF YOU LIKE STRAIGHT AHEAD CLASSIC METAL THIS BAND IS FOR YOU. ALL BAND MEMBERS ARE
STRONG BUT QUINN LUKAS ON GUITAR IS VERY STRONG/FLUID, BETTER THAN MOST YOU'VE HEARD IN AWHILE. ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEIR OTHER RELEASES,ESPECALLY "SONGS FOR THE LOST",THEIR BEST IN MY OPINION

I've been a fan of Icarus Witch for a while. I have all of the bands cd's and really like the bands style. I think Draw Down The Moon Is the bands weakest release to date. The individual performances are good, but the songs and the production seem flat. The songs don't have any punch (This due to the production). I won't give up on Icarus Witch, The band is very talented, but hopefully with a better budget the band can take it to the next level with the next cd.

If you buy the Amazon MP3 version of this, be ready to re-tag. The songs are in the correct order, but only one song is tagged correctly. The correct tags (according to iTunes) are:

1. Black Candles
2. Aquarius Rising
3. Reap What You Sow
4. Dying Eyes
5. Draw Down the Moon
7. Serpent in the Garden
8. Haunting Visions
9. The Ripper

Other than that, good stuff.

Pennsylvania traditional metal masters Icarus Witch are back with their third full-length release, titled Draw Down the Moon. Icarus Witch is one of the frontrunners of what Metal Hammer has dubbed the "New Wave of Traditional Metal" and they're still one of the best bands in the genre.

As soon as you hear the dark and heavy opener "Black Candles," you can tell this is a somewhat darker Icarus Witch album. Their previous album (the excellent Songs for the Lost) was a more melodic, polished effort. Draw Down the Moon has a darker, grittier aspect that reminds me a lot of those early Metal Massacre bands. There's still a great deal of melody and technical precision, but it feels more...metal somehow. These songs are still firmly rooted in the Iron Maiden/Judas Priest/Dio tradition, but there's a more sinister Angel Witch vibe as well, especially on songs like "Serpent in the Garden" and the title track.

As usual, there is a cover song on Draw Down the Moon. This time it's Judas Priest's "The Ripper," which previously appeared on the Hell Bent Forever tribute album. It's not their best cover, but it's still a cool addition.

Songs for the Lost is still my favorite Icarus Witch album, but every time I spin Draw Down the Moon I'm more convinced it's their best work to date. If you're familiar with Icarus Witch and/or follow bands like Wolf, White Wizzard, Widow and Cauldron, you don't need me to tell you Draw Down the Moon is worth picking up. If you're new to the band but still love the classic Maiden and Priest heavy metal sound, do yourself a favor and check out Icarus Witch right away.

PS - I caught Icarus Witch live recently when they were opening for former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno. They were also serving as his touring band. It was the second time I saw the band perform, and they were outstanding. If you get a chance to see them live, don't pass it up.

Good job on the new disc. Sounds like Queensryche and Iron Maiden... what can I say, Quinn's still a poser... lol :) just kidding bud!

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