WITCH HUNT are a speed metal band that come from Colombia in South America, so I am delighted to have the opportunity to take a closer look at this album. The band were active in the 2000's before coming back together in 2016. Now 5 years on from their reunion they have finally released their debut album, "Rock N Roll Possession" which combines a lively arrangement of drums, bass, guitars and vocals.

The first track, "The Inquisitor" kicks off with screeching guitar riffs bringing the influence of power metal, what we would hear mostly during the 1980's with bands CELTIC FROST, SLAYER and ONSLAUGHT to name a few. The cymbal hits and guitar effects do resemble the precision and well-executed style of a band like Slayer; however the band set a more moderate tempo. The vocals are unique within this style of music being power metal, in a way we can hear the influence of glam rock with the guitar and vocals that resemble the sound of the 80's.

"Demon Hunter'' starts with a pulsating kick drum to begin with before guitar comes in with vocals that are the same as before, the roars and shrieks of the vocalist makes this track similar enough to what we heard before. This includes the beating heart of this song, which is the guitar and drums taking the lead as before. "Iron Pact" is a more sombre and slower paced track compared to the previous two tracks, the guitars and drums now have the chance to show the talent the musicians can bring to the fore. These include embellished guitar tones that echo and reverberate more now with the cymbals, yet we also hear hints of bass guitar pinpointing the lower frequencies in the mix. The double kicks also are perhaps a little too much to be desired, less can certainly stand out. "Hijos Del Fuego" which means 'Children of Fire' in Spanish as the vocalist frequently speaks these words as the tempo goes back to what we heard before in the first two tracks. The drumming is actually providing a lot more variety with fills and quick cymbal hits, merging well with the vocals as we do hear echoes of certain words and vicious guitar lines with the ringing of higher sustained notes.

"Magaret" is introduced by the punch of swift and rapid drumming, no doubt the use of double kicks here is exceptional with the acceleration of guitar to prompt the drums and bass guitar as vocals comes in a bit later on. There are sections for each instrument to perform to the highest standard and there is no stopping, a constant reminder of what this band is all about, power and precision. "Witch Hunt", a track is of course the band's name, the vocals give more umph as we hear the vocalist shout 'phwoar' along with guitar that is supreme and mighty. The drums haven't let us down here and the guitar solos are taken to the max as we go into the next track, the consistency is overwhelming to say the least. "Forces Of The Night" continues on from where the last track left us, blazing guitar lines with unstoppable drumming and vocals that are present within the mix, but they don't interfere with any other instrument.

"Rock N Roll Posession" is of course the name taken for the album title, the rhythmic style with drumming and powerful guitar tones compliment the vocals. The emphasis on the words 'rock 'n' roll' is what gives this track clarity and could be seen as the anthem of the album as it's the same name as well. "The Beginning And The End" is the intermission of the album with darker guitar notes, giving the theme of a haunted and mysterious place perhaps we can only imagine ourselves without the other instruments. "Justica Y Venganza" which is the bonus track on the album completely overtaken with the overdrive guitar effects, high vocals and remarkable drumming as always. A classic end to an extraordinary album.

The band certainly impressed me, the production and talent of the musicians themselves is staggering and fantastic. The combination of power and speed metal is just absolutely inspiring, their origins are very interesting too as we don't often hear too many metal bands from South America. Do watch out for these guys and prepare because who knows, we may see another release sooner than we think (I do hope so too).