After the EP 'The Cave Of The Golden Rose' in 2020, the Germans of 'Xiphea' did not wait long to release a new album, 'Witchcraft', which is now available since the beginning of November 2021. Still led by singer 'Sabine Meusel' and guitarist and vocalist 'Neil Meusel' (aka 'Neil Mac Miles'), they continue to tell us fairy tales, this time with a theme around witchcraft, as the name of the album indicates. With such a subject, we think that, knowing the symphonic and epic style of the band, we'll sail in grandiose and theatrical compositions as they know how to do it so well and, Indeed, the 12 compositions take us into very varied atmospheres alternating fiery moments and others much more peaceful.
And from the title track that starts the album (see video above), we are immersed in imaginative symphonic metal that contains all the ingredients of this style and could be the summary of the album: an introduction of more than 2 minutes that gently sets the scene with, first of all, some fairy tale chimes accompanied by the angelic voice of 'Sabine Meusel', then an orchestral part in a classical style in crescendo takes over to lead to the metal part with the entry of the electric instruments that deploy different ambiences with beautiful melodic lines and a magnificent guitar solo in the second part that also offers some very beautiful choirs to accompany Sabine. Each track that follows brings its own personality: 'The Fairy Ring' leans towards a 'Epica' with its intoxicating choruses, 'Ghost Ship', after its theatrical introduction, hardens the tone with the appearance of Neil's growls, The Price' returns to the fairytale atmosphere with a playful melody and offers a remarkable alternation in the vocal duet between the 'beauty and the beast' and 'True Love's Kiss' accelerates the tempo for a bouncy and powerful track that alternates with remarkable changes of more measured rhythms and has an epic and memorable finale with choirs wrapping admirably around Sabine's singing. We continue our enchanting journey with a vigorous 'Chedipe' in which Sabine takes on a much lower vocal register than the one we know, bringing all the energy necessary for this kind of track, then, 'Die Rose blüht', sung in German, softens the atmosphere but not the power with a power ballad whose melody never leaves us. Alternatively, 'Fire' picks up the pace with a frenzied rhythm section on a new heady melody, as does 'Baba Yaga', which has nothing to envy its predecessor in terms of energy and is certainly the track with the most orchestral arrangements bringing a grandiose side. Steadfast Tin Soldier' is the second power ballad, and the word 'power' takes on its full meaning in this track that unfolds an imposing power, then 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' is another highlight of the album, taking us on a progressive symphonic metal fresco with a subtle balance of strong and weak beats, sublime theatricality and catchy melodic lines, each band member contributing his or her part and the orchestral arrangements being of extraordinary density. And to end this very beautiful album, back to a joyful catchy melody with 'Drink' which returns to lighter symphonic metal as if to leave this new fairy tale on an optimistic and carefree note..
In summary, the Germans of 'Xiphea' continue their little way in wonderlands, magic and tales of witches and fairies with this latest album that shows all the talent of this original symphonic metal formation that, over the releases of new stories, The band has evolved to give them more density and diversity and we can now say that the challenge of remaining in the big family of symphonic metal is now completely won because 'Witchcarft' adds a solid stone to the 'Xiphea' edifice that puts them on the same level as the major bands of this style... | |
