Warlock-hellbound

Metal Mind
1985, 2011

Germany's Warlock's originally formed in 1982, then released a demo in 1983 which eventually lead to them getting signed and releasing their 1984 debut "Burning the witches". Their sophomore disc Hellbound was originally released on Vertigo records in 1985. That's the brief history lesson, but to my ears this was the point when they began to really establish the sound they would be know for during their all too brief career. Warlock walked the line between metal and hard rock as well as anyone in the 1980's and they were frequently riding on powerful guitar riffs as well as fantastic melodies. This album allowed them to really demonstrate those skills. Almost every song here serves as a showcase for the vocal talents of Doro Pesch. On "Time to die" she belts out some fantastic screams while the crunchy "All night" slows down the tempo and allows her to reach down and really put all she has into every word. The music frequently reminds me of what Accept were doing at the time. None to surprisingly two members of this line-up would later join U.D.O just two years after this album. Here guitarists Rudy Graf and Peter Szigeti do a splendid job churning out some cutting lead and slamming rhythms on songs like the title track and "Wrathchild". The rhythm section of bassist Frank Rittel and drummer Michael Eurich lay down the backbone for Warlock's sound and keep them driving particularly on the adrenaline fueled "Earthshaker rock". This re-issue includes a live version of the title track and the fist pumping anthem "Hellraiser" as bonus tracks. This album has certainly held up very well over the years.