Wykked Wytch are a black metal band from Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. Relatively unknown around the world, the band touts the familiar symphonic elements common in modern day black metal. While not groundbreaking in any way, shape or form, the does a good job of at least writing good songs, even if they are bogged down by genre sterotypes.
As previously stated Memories of a Dying Whore is nothing that hasnt really been done before. Songs like the title track,
"Desperation" and
Wishing Sickness incorporate the standardly issued symphonic elements, while basically every song at some point puts tremolo picking to good use. Blast beats are commonly found everywhere, and there really is no variation on the drumming besides basic fills, and patterns. Even with all these somewhat generic musical traits,Wykked Wytch manage to still capture interest and create some well crafted, solid songs. All the members of the band seem to be very adequately skilled with their instruments, which makes their slightly generic playing more enjoyable. The guitarists even treat the listeners with guitar solos, something that is not common in most black metal.
"Bloodstained Tears" starts out with a creepy synth intro, but then turns into an all out thrasher, with heavy, pummeling (yet melodic) guitars and fast, well performed blast beats.
"Awakened" even features a great acoustic interlude, followed by a slow, crushing doom metal section. All the members of the band seem to be very adequately skilled with their instruments, which makes their slightly generic playing more enjoable. The guitarists even treat the listeners with guitar solos, something that is not common in most black metal. Standout tracks include the
"Suffering Throughout the Years" (by far their most emotive piece) and
"Shrouded In Ash" which has some very strong Iron Maiden/ early speed metal influence to it. They even throw in an interesting remake of
"Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics, which bears absolutely no resemblence to the original.
The only thing not mentioned as of yet were the vocals which deserve a small section to themself. While the rest of the band do a very good job with their performance, the vocals on this album may be a bit of a turn off. Female vocalist Ipek 's voice is an acquired taste for sure, and it wouldnt be surprising if a lot of people didnt like this band just for that sheer fact.
Overall Memories of A Dying Whore is a solid, symphonic black metal album, filled with just the kind of things that you would expect from a band of the genre. Hopeully later releases with bring more originality into the mix, and propel this small time band into the big leagues.
