Wizardry-s/t

Self-produced
2009

From the band name, moniker and cover art my first thought about Brooklyn's Wizardry was that they would be a doom band. The opening instrumental "Nigh Invincible" supported that idea as it's a long winding passage along the medium slow pace. It's just quirky enough to be interesting. After this the style changes and the pace picks up with "Drink from the chalice" There is much more of a NWOBHM with an early Iron Maiden sound to the guitars. After this they wander around with style with various influences including some more early Maiden, Mercyful Fate, early Queensryche and even Pentagram. Although they rarely blend influences as one song will sound like one band and the next like someone else. Their sound and even the production makes this album seem like it could have been between 1983 and 1985. That's not to say it's dated because they are active enough to keep the music appealing. There are a couple of songs that limp along with not quite enough direction. All of the songs have a magic/witchcraft themese which didn't bother me, but it may not appeal to everyone. As a whole this album's slightly stripped down sound and classic metal sound hit with me. It took a couple of plays for me to really get into it, but it did click. They take time building up a precense in their songs, but it's an approach that Wizardry are skilled. This one will likely be in my stereo for a while and I will probably continue to find more reasons for enjoying it.



www.myspace.com/wizardrylives