Huntress - Spell Eater
Spell Eater
CD Info
2012
Naplam Records
10 Tracks
English Lyrics
I stumbled upon LA-based Huntress last fall as I was looking up the roster for this year’s Paganfest America tour, and barely a minute into "Eight of Swords," I was convinced. This was definitely a band to look out for, and boy was I excited to see them at Paganfest! Of course, as soon as I was offered a promo copy of the album, I jumped at the opportunity. Would the rest of the band’s debut Spell Eater live up to the first single? The answer: a resounding yes!
Huntress’s style of occult-ridden NWOBH-tinged old-school heavy metal is witchy, raw, filthy, and frightening in the best possible way. Frontwoman Jill Janus is not just a beast but a real banshee (listen to that first scream on "Eight of Swords"!), and her vocals are strong and versatile. She may have a four-octave range and be classically trained, but you hear none of that on this record. Instead she growls, screams, wails and belts like no other, giving it her all and making it sound effortless all the while. I’ll admit, it’s downright scary, but I’m pretty sure that’s the point.
From the opening notes of the title track, "Spell Eater," Huntress drags us deep into the witch’s lair where we’re treated to headbang-worthy riffs and some epic guitar solos. Each track is creepier and more demonic than the last, and each stands well enough on its own. There are no fillers here, just ten strong, fun, rockin’ tracks. "Aradia" and "The Tower" are particularly creepy and managed to send chills down my spine, while "Senicide" is definitely a song to rock out to. Unfortunately, I’m probably not the best person to analyze the lyrical content of this album, given my embarrassing lack of knowledge of the occult. Perhaps my colleague Allyson Kenning is better versed in such things. However, that doesn’t impede on my enjoyment while listening to this album one bit.
Huntress may not be the most original band out there, but the talent here is unquestionable, and I’ll be the first to say that I don’t listen to Spell Eater because I’m looking for originality, but because I want a fun metal album to headbang to when I feel the need to let out my inner witch (er… warlock). In fact, this is a probably a perfect album to soundtrack your Halloween (or any other particularly dark creepy night) to.
Huntress is certainly a band worth looking into, and if you like what you hear, I highly recommend you see them live. They put on quite an energetic performance! As far as new bands go, I’d say they’re number one of my list so far for discovery of the year. It’s only May, but I’m confident they won’t be unseated!
Standout tracks: "Spell Eater," "Senicide" "Eight of Swords" "Aradia" "Night Rape" and "The Tower," although they’re all quite good!
8 / 10
