STEELWITCH is a band from Greece that is continuing the traditional of making traditional metal. Combining early Power and Speed metal influences, they've created an EP that looks and sounds like it's straight out of the 1980s. While I have issues with traditional production, namely that the sound isn't crystal clear so the music is muddied, they created a blast from the past that fans of Traditional Metal are sure to enjoy.

The opening of the EP, "Last Winter's Day," seems to paint a scene of footsteps crunching through snow or marching over gravel before launching into traditional soaring guitar licks. The syncopated vocal entry is attention grabbing and the vocals are spot-on, operatic, and have a decent range. My one complaint is the muddied, static sound that races through the background of the track. Also, I hear the vocals being turned up right after the second verse, a notable production trick that should have been better concealed.

Other than that, it's a typical proto-power metal piece that sounds like it was released in the early 1980s. The second track opens like a song of this era with distinct postpunk or proto-goth echo in the vocals. Then, it ramps up into another power metal song. The vocal techniques are more characterized here, going soft and then bombastic for theatrical effect. That said, the guitars really shine in their lower register, especially when they contrast to the singer's upper register. In the next song, they also stand out with a thrashing intro. I find the vocals on this track to be a little falsetto for my taste, but it fits with the genre and sound they're going for.

The sweeps and relentless notes through the song are very early Speed-Metal. The ambiance at the beginning of "Moonlight Howl" was well-done and I love the soaring, smooth, racing melody that shoots out from the howling wolves. The vocal echo in the main melody is haunting and does a great thematic service to the song. The main vocals are also on point through the song, not overstated, clear. Finally, the closing track leaves us with whirring, haunting riffs that pick-up speed and showcase the band's prowess as a speed metal band.

The song selection we were given is very traditional, down to the production. While I'm not a fan of grainy, static-filled albums, the songs were well-done and took me back. I was going to write that I wished they caught on more, but then I remembered they are a newer band, although the sound is indistinguishable from bands from over thirty years ago. If you enjoy JUDAS PRIEST, DIO, or even heavier post-punk or goth music like SISTERS OF MERCY, you should check them out.