WITCH KING, a band from Rhode Island founded in 2008 is gearing up for their full-length release "Voices of the Ossuary" via Blood Harvest Records September 14th, 2018. Since their inception these Blackened Death metallers have self-released six demos, one E.P. and one split. Their persistent D.I.Y. efforts have finally captured the attention of a label and distributor that plans to release the album not only on the typical formats such as digital and disc but also offering a cassette tape for those of you who still have a late 80's to early 90's model vehicle, or those who have held on to the old school boom box.

Typically I end with audio production quality, but with the mention of the cassette tape, I had to start by mentioning it. The audio quality for digital is 320kbps MP3. Considering that is a lossy form of audio, I'm wondering what I'm missing. However, the quality will be exactly what you expect as you insert your cassette. Kind of a classic sound and feel as I listen to "Void Emissary". It's raw, dirty, gritty, and sounds as dark as it should be. In some instances that could hurt a band by having poor audio quality. But in some cases, it fits it perfectly and ads to the tone of the album.

There is no slowing down as the drummer pounds the snare as fast as horny inmate released from jail. The guitar riffs are chaotic and extremely busy yet blend just fine in every transition throughout "Savage Conquest Upon the Holy Lands." The vocals are deep and raspy growls that are executed with the help of large pushes of lower lung air and plenty of salivae keeping that throat wet for the gurgling effect. "Mocking the Seraphim" starts out like an old SIX FEET UNDER track. Slow, torturous, but with groove.  Likely the slowest moment from "Voices of the Ossuary". For the better part of the album, it is clocked at black metal speed minus the dramatic keys, orchestration, and higher harmonized tremolo picking. The drummer seems to favor the ride cymbal and its tiny metallic sound clanks like an old rusted iron wrought fence door in the wind.

Overall WITCH KING has all of the elements of a well kept underground secret. You like your metal nasty, dark, loud, and fast. This one is for you. There is no real stand out shining moment that will make your hair stand up, but WITCH KING have a very strong foundation of consistency blending elements of death, speed, black, and death metal. It's well rehearsed and delivered well, but it's been done. These guys have busted ass for years and it does show, but there is no innovation. They would be one of the bands that get picked to open at larger shows. While you never would want them to headline, you are glad to see them because you know you won't have to sit through a shitty opener.