Well I have to inform you that Netherlands’ DARK WIZARD are back! 33 years after their 1985 “Reign Of Evil” album, their sophomore album “Close In The Dark” sees the light of day!
DARK WIZARD deliver classic Heavy Metal with a dark and obscure touch. Those who are familiar with the band’s sound, would point out that this has always been the thing with this band. Yeah, I mean on both on their same titled EP (1984) and their “Reign Of Evil” album and – I don’t need to mention – their demo and unreleased recordings (note: check out their 2016 “Early Spells” compilation on Eat Metal Records that captures their demo material).
On their most recent stuff they are crossing the very same dark path, but in my opinion they sound better than ever. Haunted riffing that would remind you your thirst for more Heavy Metal and some amazing vocal melodies that would enfuse even more force to the songs.
Yeah, indeed Egbert Berenst is doing an amazing job in here. It was actually his vocals that delivered some “fresh blood” on the Wizard’s sound. Those who are following the DARK WIZARD saga closely may be aware of the fact that Egbert was actually the person that resurrected the band. So in this record he got his big chance to sing for the awaken beast, and he is doing it in a really great way!
Riffing and vocals are the two key features on this release, but thankfully we have more: great lead guitar parts and a strong, solid rhythm section that tranfrorms these songs into serious headbanging material.
DARK WIZARD is back! If you are still in for some dark, obscure, Heavy Metal, THIS is the release for you. Move your fat ass and order the album straight from the band: facebook.com/darkwizard.holland.
