WITCHES HAMMER is a classic Speed Metal band that hail from British Columbia, Canada.  The band formed in 1982, and were the first Extreme Metal band to hail from Vancouver.  Two demos of the band, one from 1985 and one from 1987, form this compilation.  The first is featured in the first five tracks, the the remainder are from the latter.  This reviewer must admit to having never heard the band before this assignment, but now feels lucky to have received it.  This is truly classic stuff!

"Thulsa Doom," a track inspired the by the "Conan" saga by Robert E. Howard kicks the album off.  Starting with a raw, firm intent to smash skulls and destroy all in their way, the band sets the stage for the proceedings.  One cannot help but feel 1982 in the air as the mighty VENOM are summoned with a sound that resembles their seminal effort, "Black Metal".  The third track, a combination titled "Frozen Gold/Witches Hammer" shows off the dynamics by which the band proliferated their intent.  The bass part reminds one of the Nuge's "Strangelhod" while the guitar solos.

"Mantle of Death" begins with a Doom riff and slow groove.  The pace soon picks up and is accented by the use of well-placed tremolo picking.  The eighth track, "Legions of the Undead," is based on the kind of groove displayed in SLAYER classics like "Mandatory Suicide".  "Deadly Mantis," the ninth track, roars with an explosive fire a la MOTORHEAD, and when the bass has its shining moment, it launches a very forward-thinking assault of riffs.  The breakdown is as good as that of any legend of Speed Metal or Thrash.

According to the label, this release coincides the the band playing for the first time outside their country.  In November, they are set to play the "Never Surrender Festival" in Berlin, Germany.  This compilation will certainly do well with the die-hards and purists.  When one reflects upon the scene the mind 108s, these song swere certainly way ahead of their time.  The generous use of tremolo picking can even be seen as a blatant precursor to Black Metal.

The fact that this is a collection of demos is clear.  If one keeps that in mind, then even younger initiates into Extreme Metal will throughly enjoy it.  Despite the quality, though, what is played is absolute classic Heavy Metal.  Had these Canadians received proper exposure, their name would certainly be dropped among everyone from MEGADETH to D.R.I. to BATHORY.  We are very lucky to have this excellent collection of Canadian Speed Metal.