ICARUS WITCH; this band is representative of what a Metal band can come up with, while defending the 'classic Metal' term. Add the fact that we're talking about an American outfit - things must be rather rough over there, for musicians not willing to fall into the 'fashion' trap - and do not neglect the anticipation of whoever's in prior aware of this interesting metallic gang. Songs For The Lost is a double-meaning title? I got that idea, but - who knows? - this 'lost' word may be revised in favour of some hopeful American Metal crusade. The ICARUS WITCH one.
Cruz Del Sur Music is responsible for the European distribution of the album, while Cleopatra Records is available for the rest of the world. The 'Cruz Del Sur' phrase should mean something alone. ICARUS WITCH did deliver a helluva great debut EP release back in 2005. Roses On White Lace did catch many old-school Metal fans by surprise. Was it the honest tribute to IRON MAIDEN's melodies? Could it be the lyricism of CRIMSON GLORY and (early) QUEENSRYCHE into one? Possible to happen, for the disease of the mystique atmosphere of the 2nd phase of NWOBHM? Was there any chance to foresee the impact of (the one and only) Ronnie James Dio?
Roses On White Lace did not only open wide the gate of interest for SIY (Search-It-Yourself) metallers, but also proved you can play Metal music with origin from the heart. Still, the Capture The Magic CD was not of a level I'd confess I've been waiting for. Due to countless reasons (serious or not) this 2005 release was nothing bad at all; neither groundbreaking, on the other hand. Many saw this CD as some added time for the next move. And...let it be Songs For The Lost.
Now listening to Queen Of Lies for the 5th time (or what?), it is rather clear that this Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania outfit really worked hard for the album. Songs For The Lost has this particular breeze that leaves no misty thoughts. You wanna hear something that's based on the 80s Metal legacy but is not 'stuck'? Welcome! Or, are you stiff against 'retro' productions and non-keys guitar-dominated atmosphere? Thank you and don't pass by again.
Bizilia's voice is an amalgam of Jon Oliva, Lizzy Borden, Bruce Dickinson, Vic Hix (SHOK PARIS) and Michael Oliveri (LEATHERWOLF). He's passionate and he's 'metal' without singing bout steel and battles all the time. Traditional Metal, on the other hand, is the weapon of the guitars/bass/drums performance. From the solemnity of IRON MAIDEN and ANGEL WITCH to the progression of (early) FATES WARNING and (why not?) MANILLA ROAD and HELSTAR and LIEGE LORD, the songlist hosts metallic feelings, a lonesome soldier's oath; Neither Out For Blood nor Smoke And Mirrors are happy Power Metal or relentless Progressive Metal cuts. Songs like The Sky Is Falling and House Of Usher are written with much of serious study of the Metal scripts and less of tendency for being up-to-date. Easy come is easy go for those not willing to stand the weight of Devil's Hour, a weight kindly sculptured in albums like Piece Of Mind, Crimson Glory or Hall Of The Mountain King years ago.
If someone would like to quote on the whole album in just one single sentence, then the fact that ICARUS WITCH has done a tremendous cover version of DEF LEPPARD's Mirror Mirror (from 1981's High 'n' Dry album) featuring the one and only Joe Lynn Turner on guest vocals would be the perfect statement for everything: the music, the lyrics, the heritage, the code, the purity, the passion, the metal life. Just give it a dry: Songs For The Lost reflects a blend that should not get lost.