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WITCHSMELLER PURSUIVANT
"Manifest
of Evil" (Shiver Records; 2008)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"Manifest of Evil" is loaded with metal clichés, features a vocalist with a very dramatic voice, is roughly produced and is written and performed by a band with a funny name (Witchsmeller Pursuivant).
That being said, it's also a freaking blast.
Strangely enough, this CD's apparent faults quickly become part of its charm. You may have heard all of the metal clichés before but they feel familiar and solid. Vocalist Luciver Vecken has a voice that at times almost sounds like Bruce Dickinson but is closer to that of our friend Killer Khan. The production is rough and sometimes a little flat but it actually gives this recording a little authenticity. Finally, the band's name may cause you to smirk but it actually comes from a pretty cool source: "Witchsmeller Pursuivant" was an episode of the popular Rowan Atkinson television sitcom Blackadder.
It'd be easy to pick "Manifest of Evil" apart but it's so much fun to listen to it'd be a crime to do so. Even when the band comes dangerously close to Spinal Tap territory ("Heavy as Fuck"), you won't begrudge them. It may not be Motorhead's "Ace of Spades," but "Manifest of Evil" is a CD that's definitely worth a listen or two.
For more information, check out http://www.witchsmeller.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
30 Sep 2024 15:31:18 -0400.
