Let me start by mentioning that if you want to get your money's worth when buying a double album you can't go wrong with "Different Universe" (2CD) by Italian band WITCHUNTERS (yes, with only one h!). The original album already has a playing time of 70:05 minutes, while the "1985 – 1999 More Than A Demos Anthology" is another 67:36 minutes of traditional Heavy Metal by these people from Modena. WITCHUNTERS was formed in 1982 and with a few breaks here and there they Are still around. The last sixteen years (since 2009) without any hiatus. Thus far they only released their debut album "…And It's Storming Outside" in 1994. Some thirty years later they made their sophomore album "Time Is Running". And just one year after that fact they hit you with a lengthy double album. let's see what I make of my first encounter with WITCHUNTERS.

I'll start with the "Different Universe" album. I like it, is the simple and fast version. The straight forward traditional Heavy Metal is varied and should appeal to a lot of people, as the quality of the songs is way above par from start to finish. Couple that with a good, transparent but also Heavy and strong sound, and you have a recipe for success. That only works when the songs are strong, and I am glad to be able to report that WITCHUNTERS have been successful in achieving that feat on "Different Universe". It really doesn't matter which song you choose, it is well written, with a solid frame, a proper structure and played in good stead. As for the sound on "Different Universe", I just can't fault it. This really is an outstanding album for those who love their Metal solid and traditional, but with a contemporary sound.

As for the "1985 – 1999 More Than A Demos Anthology" album, that is a feast as well. Okay, the sound may not be as exquisite as on the new album, but for a bunch of demos this doesn't sound too shabby at all. And here you will be reminded of other bands from the past. The one name that pops up for me regularly is CULPRIT. Yes, the band that made the brilliant "Guilty As Charged" album. WITCHUNTERS not only comes as near as possible in sound, but also in riffing and structure building. And that is a compliment as far as I'm concerned. No, not everything on this album is perfect. Some musical mistakes have been left untouched, which I feel is the right thing to do. But what does happen is that in the softer and gentler parts the vocals aren't always as solid as you'd hope. But hey, we are talking about demos here, so it's not as if anyone would have to be put off or insulted by that happening. For me it just adds to the whole experience.

So, when I add up my points for the two albums it would be an 8.5 for "Different Universe" and a 7 for "1985 – 1999 More Than A Demos Anthology". The average for the two then is 7.75 points, giving this WITCHUNTERS release a very respectable 8 out of 10 for this "Different Universe" (2CD) release. And I can only confirm; well deserved.