A review of Witching Hour “Past Midnight”

 

Witching Hour

“Past Midnight”

Dying Victims Prod. 2026

 

This is already the fourth album by this German trio, which traces its origins back to the year two thousand and six. At least physically, because mentally, these guys are still stuck in the ’80s. I don’t know, maybe they travelled to our times in some kind of time machine, or, like Godfryd Amaury de Malfête and his squire, they drank a magic potion, because neither their appearance nor the music they create fits in with the present day at all. “Past Midnight” is thirty-five minutes of old-school thrash/speed metal, with vocals that are only slightly more aggressive than was typical for that era. No growls or other black-metal-style screams, though, just stronger, more hoarse singing. In terms of arrangement, this is pure classic. Not a single deviation from the formula adhered to by such dinosaurs as Desester, Destruction, or Sodom. And it’s no coincidence that I’m mentioning only bands from across our western border, because “Made in Witching Hour” metal is thoroughly Teutonic  in their thoughts and in their words, in what they have done and in what they have failed to do. Razor-sharp melodies, usually played at a brisk pace, uncomplicated drum lines, harsh vocals, and that headbang-inducing groove. All wrapped up in an analog sound, complete with the appropriate logo and cover art. Asking about originality? You’ve got to be kidding! Asking what sets Witching Hour apart from the hundreds of other bands playing retro metal? Nothing in particular, at least from a technical standpoint. Compositionally, it’s also just decent. So who should this album be aimed at? Old-school fanatics, preferably with teased hair, who wear denim jackets adorned with patches and white Adidas sneakers. On the other hand, I haven’t had long hair for ages, and I’ve never worn white trainers, yet I still like this album a lot. Because it’s joyful music, totally sincere and non-commercial (only an idiot would expect to make money off this kind of music today). And it’s precisely for that sincerity and consistency that the Germans get a huge thumbs-up from me. You guys should check them out, especially if you haven’t had the chance yet.

- jesusatan