Icarus Witch

Roses On White Lace (Magick)
by Martin Popoff

Five tracks, four actual songs (one an obscure, very heavy Alice Cooper cover), 17 minutes, but nonetheless, this tiny, dark, American power metal gem is making huge waves in Europe. Icarus Witch have hit upon a virulent strain for their classic metal munchings, conjuring the spirit of Mercyful Fate/early Savatage with a collection of exquisitely recorded Gothic-steeped, slightly progressive power metal numbers, containing as well hints of Yngwie, Maiden, and Angel of Retribution-era Priest. O’ertop soar the slightly twangy, uber-thespian vocals of Matthew Bizilia, who, man, given the garish, ghoulish metal lyrics, I’m not sure if his package is a truly serious one, or a slightly ironic one circa 3 Inches of Blood. It’s a potential deal-breaker for some, although sticking with it is worth the pants adjustment, given the explosive grooves, towering production, and hopelessly troo metal writing here.
(www.magickrecords.com)