Review Summary: 49% Motherfucker, 51% Son of a Bitch: The thrash/speed version.
2016 might just be the best year for thrash metal since 1992, so it’s not surprising that Witchtrap’s fourth installment will fly under the radar. It’s neither as well-crafted as
Terminal Redux, nor the comeback that
Concepts of Math: Book One is and of course, the Colombian power trio isn’t even as remotely famous as some other legends who released new material this year. However,
Trap the Witch is fun and unlike some ex-thrashers, Witchtrap know when to finish a song in order to create a fairly enjoyable experience that doesn’t tire the listener.
Just by looking at the cover art one can understand that the band’s modus operandi is somewhat …gimmicky. The Colombians’ approach might be old-school and it may bring to mind a legend or two but that doesn’t take away anything from this album. It is fast, aggressive and doesn’t let go throughout its 35 minutes. The tracks are crafted like proper traditional metal songs, which means that the album is full of catchy riffs while the production adds to the overall sound as every instrument is audible and everything doesn’t sound like a goddamn wall of loudness for a change.
Right from the get-go, one can understand that this album is a riff fest. The tribute to the man who became larger than heavy metal itself appropriately named “Lemmy”, is fairly representative of the entire LP. A mix of speed and thrash metal that brings to mind Razor and early Kreator but less brutal and chaotic. If one wants to compare Witchtrap to a modern thrash metal band, that would be a less extreme and frantic version of Deathhamer. Besides the catchy riffs, the snarly vocals deliver some memorable choruses such as on “Disciple of Death” with its galloping riff and the early Slayer-influenced “The Subtle Touch of Fire”. However, there are a couple of moments where the pace changes slightly, namely on the mid-tempo “Power of the Maul” – that might bring to mind Slayer’s more atmospheric moments on
South of Heaven and
Seasons in the Abyss – and “Hard Thrashing Mania” which is the most speed metal track of the LP. The lyrics deal with horror/evil themes influenced by the likes of Venom such as on “Brimstone in the Air” which reveals the punk inclinations of the band, or “Trap the Witch” which boasts some Metallica-esque passages.
Overall,
Trap the Witch is far from being characterized as original, but the solid songwriting and performance definitely make up for it. For those who love old-school thrash/speed, Witchtrap’s latest release will be a treat, however, bear in mind that the band’s gimmicky approach might not be suitable for cynics.
