Traditional Heavy Metal fans, rejoice! With its recent resurgence, called the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM), there have been a great number of Traditional Heavy Metal bands. One such band is WITCHCRAWL. On February 21, 2020, WITCHCRAWL will release their debut EP "World Without End." This band was recently formed in 2018 and comes from Athens.

Their music is full of energy throughout the album. The rhythm guitar, bass, and drums work cohesively to create a great groove and full sound. This forms the backdrop for the lead guitar's riffs and solos. Production is somewhat lo-fi, but that suits the sound as this music pays homage to the olden days of metal. My only comment on this album is that I wish the guitars, bass, and drums were louder in the mix. Sometimes, the vocals overtake a track and overpower the other instruments.

The opener "Aradia Violette" is an intro track. It features a transcript of a justice sentencing a witch to be burned alive.  The lo-fi recording and campy vibe is a good lead up to the rest of the album. The riffs begin on the second track "An Eye for an Eye." The classic Traditional Heavy Metal sound can be heard on this track in the guitar tones, fast-tempo, and catchy chorus.

Next is the titular track "World Without End." This song has a great groove from the combination of restrained drumming and mid-tempo riffs. This track also features recordings taken from another source. However, on this track, I find that the recording doesn't add much since it's difficult to tell what the recording is saying. In addition, it buries the awesome riffs. The fourth track "Cydonia Rose" is the closest thing on the album to a power ballad. It has slower tempos and expressive guitar melodies. Towards the end, the pace quickens to a gallop and leads into a guitar solo, which is a nice change of pace for the song.

"The Doom of Hades" is the closing track. It took me by surprise because it's not straightforward Traditional Heavy Metal like the other tracks on this album. It is still old-school in sound though, because as the song title might suggest, it is an old-school Doom Metal song. The slow tempo and thick sound are reminiscent of CANDLEMASS. At the end, sharp and jarring guitar riffs make an appearance and keep the track from becoming too tedious.

Overall, I recommend this album to Traditional Heavy Metal and NWOTHM fans, particularly to fans of bands like ANGEL WITCH, old IRON MAIDEN, and MERCYFUL FATE. This is a good record to throw on as background music for good times.