From Bandcamp, "On their third full-length, "Through the Hourglass," WITCH RIPPER unleash the full potential of their stunning ability to deliver captivating melodies, catchy riffs, and merciless hooks in sheer droves. The US metal band perfectly combines melodic heaviness with pinches of progressive, sludge, and other styles with seeming ease. WITCH RIPPER can be generally located within the wider sonic realm that is inhabited by MASTODON, BARONESS, and HIGH ON FIRE, yet they also continue to channel the rock bombast of QUEEN and DAVID BOWIE as well as the modern prog of COHEED AND CAMBRIA and MUSE. WITCH RIPPER are also determined to tour across the United States and hope for a first voyage to Europe in support of "Through the Hourglass." Metal is anything but dead, and this album is living proof of its vibrant present."

The album has seven songs, and "Odyssey in Retrograde" is first; a short mood-setter. "The Portal" leads off with a weighted riff, and some drum bombast. The pacing is slow from there, with a combination of clean vocal harmonies and some rough harsh ones. The hooks are steady, and tinged with a Power Metal feeling. "Symmetry of the Hourglass" is another slow-mover, and the pacing allows the melody to sink in a little more, although the harsh melodies work better here than the cleans. "Echoes and Dust" has more weight behind it, and more of a stern punch to the gut. Again, it's another mid-tempo paced song, and I've always cautioned that too many of these songs on an album can keep it grounded. Fortunately, it does pick up nicely, and the vocal harmonies in the chorus stick inside your head.

"The Clock Queen" has a big punchy riff and dangerous harsh vocals that rattle in your soul. It's another mid-temp song however, and although the riffs are catchy, my previous concerns remain. "Proxima Centauri" features clean guitars and vocals, and the harmonies are on point. For me, it both provides me some energy to face the day, but also cautions me not to take things too fast. It has a tender and gentle sound, and the emotions are dialed up with a heavy riff descends. A little more of this would take the album to even higher peaks. "The Spiral Eye" is the final song, and the opening passage is dark, shadowy, and dangerous. Add in the harsh vocals, and a healthy dose of guitar melodies, and we have a nicely balanced song.

This was an excellent album that showcases a band that delivers Heavy Metal with confidence. The riff were chunky, and each style of the vocals hits equally. There are some strong melodies as well. My only piece of constructive criticism would be for the band to vary the pacing a little more on the album.