Unleash the steel! From the blistering riffs of Burn the Night to the electric mastery of Electric Elite, discover why Riot City is leading the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM). Complete history, discography, and essential tracks inside.

Riot City: The New Kings of Speed Metal and the NWOTHM Revolution

In the high-octane world of heavy metal, a new force has emerged from the cold plains of Calgary, Canada, to reclaim the throne of speed and steel. Riot City is not just a band; they are a sonic explosion that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM). While legends like Metallica and Iron Maiden built the foundations, Riot City is injecting a fresh, razor-sharp energy into the classic sound, proving that the golden era of metal is far from over.

Whether you are a veteran headbanger who remembers the first wave of speed metal or a newcomer looking for the next big thing in the underground, Riot City is a name you need to know. This guide will take you through their meteoric rise, their blistering discography, and the technical mastery that has made them a standout act in the global metal scene. From the raw aggression of Burn the Night to the refined power of Electric Elite, this is the ultimate Riot City deep dive.

Table of Contents

• The Rise of Riot City: 2011–Present
• The NWOTHM Movement: A Modern Renaissance
• Complete Discography & Era Breakdown
• Technical Mastery: Riffs, Vocals, and Speed
• Riot City History Timeline
• Album Comparison: Burn the Night vs. Electric Elite
• Essential Riot City Songs for Beginners
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Rise of Riot City: 2011–Present

Riot City was formed in Calgary, Alberta, in 2011, with a singular mission: to play the fastest, loudest, and most authentic heavy metal possible. Led by the multi-talented Cale Savy, who initially handled both lead vocals and guitars, the band spent years honing their craft in the Canadian underground. Their debut full-length album, Burn the Night, released in 2019 via No Remorse Records, was a game-changer. It wasn't just a tribute to the 80s; it was a modern masterpiece of speed metal that caught the attention of metalheads worldwide.

Expert Insight: Riot City's sound is often compared to the legendary Painkiller-era Judas Priest, but with a raw, punk-infused energy that is uniquely Canadian. Their ability to maintain high-pitched, soaring vocals while delivering complex, lightning-fast riffs is what sets them apart.

Following the success of their debut, the band underwent a significant change when Jordan Jacobs joined as the dedicated lead vocalist, allowing Cale Savy to focus entirely on his virtuosic guitar work. This transition led to their second album, Electric Elite (2022), which further solidified their status as leaders of the NWOTHM movement.

2019

The Year 'Burn the Night' Ignited the Global Speed Metal Scene

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The NWOTHM Movement: A Modern Renaissance

Riot City is a cornerstone of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM). This movement, which has gained massive momentum over the last decade, consists of modern bands that reject the over-produced sounds of mainstream metal in favor of the raw, organic, and melodic style of the late 70s and early 80s. Alongside bands like Enforcer, Haunt, and Eternal Champion, Riot City is proving that there is a massive global audience for classic steel.

The movement is characterized by a DIY ethic, a focus on physical media (vinyl and cassettes), and a deep respect for the history of the genre. Riot City's aesthetic—featuring robotic eagles, neon-soaked visuals, and classic leather-and-denim attire—is a perfect representation of this modern renaissance.

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Complete Discography & Era Breakdown

Album	Year	Key Vocalist	Significance
Burn the Night	2019	Cale Savy	The Raw Speed Metal Debut
Electric Elite	2022	Jordan Jacobs	The Refined Power Metal Masterpiece

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Technical Mastery: Riffs, Vocals, and Speed

What makes Riot City truly special is their technical proficiency. They don't just play fast; they play with precision and soul. The guitar interplay between Cale Savy and Roldan Reimer is a masterclass in traditional metal harmonies and shredding solos.

• High-Octane Vocals: Both Cale Savy and Jordan Jacobs possess incredible range, capable of reaching those glass-shattering high notes that are a staple of the genre.
• Blistering Riffs: Their songs are built on a foundation of galloping triplets and palm-muted chugging that never lets up.
• Thunderous Percussion: The rhythm section provides a rock-solid, high-speed backbone that drives every track forward like a freight train.
• Atmospheric Production: Despite their raw energy, their albums feature a clear, powerful production that allows every instrument to shine.

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Riot City History Timeline

2011: Band formed in Calgary, Alberta, by Cale Savy.

2014: Release of their first demo, gaining traction in the underground.

2019: Burn the Night is released, becoming an instant NWOTHM classic.

2021: Jordan Jacobs joins as the dedicated lead vocalist.

2022: Electric Elite is released to critical acclaim.

2026: Riot City continues to headline major festivals like Keep It True and Hellfest, leading the new generation of metal.

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Album Comparison: Burn the Night vs. Electric Elite

Feature	Burn the Night (2019)	Electric Elite (2022)
Primary Style	Speed Metal / Raw Heavy Metal	Traditional Heavy Metal / Power Metal
Vocal Approach	Aggressive, high-pitched (Cale Savy)	Dynamic, operatic, powerful (Jordan Jacobs)
Production	Gritty and organic	Polished and expansive
Best Track	"In the Dark"	"The Hunter"
Recommended For	Fans of early Exciter and Agent Steel	Fans of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden

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Essential Riot City Songs for Beginners

If you are new to the world of Riot City, these 10 tracks will give you a perfect overview of their sound and evolution.

• "In the Dark": The ultimate speed metal anthem. Fast, loud, and relentless.
• "Burn the Night": The title track of their debut, featuring some of their best riff-work.
• "The Hunter": A sprawling, epic track from Electric Elite that showcases their growth.
• "Warrior of Time": A technical masterpiece with soaring vocals and complex structures.
• "Eye of the Jaguar": High-energy traditional metal with a killer chorus.
• "Steel Rider": A tribute to the classic "biker metal" sound with a modern twist.
• "Ghost of Reality": Showcasing their ability to create atmosphere without losing speed.
• "Beyond the Stars": A melodic, high-speed journey through the cosmos.
• "Electric Elite": The title track of their second album, proving they are the new masters.
• "Severed Ties": A raw, aggressive track from their early days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does NWOTHM stand for?

NWOTHM stands for the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. It refers to a global movement of modern bands that play in the style of classic 70s and 80s heavy metal.

Where is Riot City from?

Riot City is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Canada has a long history of producing incredible speed metal bands like Exciter and Anvil.

Who is the lead singer of Riot City?

Currently, the lead singer is Jordan Jacobs. On their debut album, Burn the Night, the vocals were handled by guitarist Cale Savy.

Is Riot City still active in 2026?

Yes! Riot City is one of the most active bands in the scene, touring extensively and working on new material to follow up their massive success.

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Join the Riot!

The world of Riot City is a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal. Stay tuned to Metal Mayhem Media for more band deep dives, album reviews, and the latest news from the NWOTHM scene!

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Behemoth – Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) Album Review | Black Metal Classics

Behemoth – Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) (1995) | Album Review

Published on Metal Mayhem Media — Extreme Metal History & Reviews

Table of Contents

• 1. Historical Context
• 2. Where It Fits in Behemoth’s Evolution
• 3. Themes & Lyrical Undercurrents
• 4. Sound, Style & Production
• 5. Track-by-Track Highlights
• 6. Final Verdict

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1. Historical Context

Released in 1995 via Pagan Records, Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) is the sound of a young, hungry Behemoth —long before their orchestral bombast, before the Satanic death metal era, and before they became one of the Polish Black Metal ’s biggest names.

At this stage, Behemoth were a raw Polish pagan black metal project, rooted in atmosphere, folklore, and primitive ferocity. The early lineup— Nergal , Baal, and Frost—crafted a debut steeped in the spirit of the 90s underground: lo-fi production, icy riffs, and ritualistic ambience.

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2. Where It Fits in Behemoth’s Evolution

If later albums like The Apostasy and Demigod represent the peak of their extreme metal mastery, then Sventevith is the foundation stone—the primordial core where ideas first took shape.

• Raw black metal roots before their transition into blackened death metal
• Pagan and Slavic influences still heavy and prominent
• Long-form atmospheric compositions that differ from later precision-driven chaos
• The seeds of Nergal’s evolving vocal identity and songwriting ambition

This record shows Behemoth still forming their identity, but already more melodic and atmospheric than many of their contemporaries.

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3. Themes & Lyrical Undercurrents

The album’s lyrical backbone is rooted in Slavic paganism, mysticism, and nature worship. It leans heavily on Polish folklore, drawing imagery from forests, winter landscapes, and ancestral spirituality.

Expect themes of:

• Ancient rituals & esoteric mysticism
• Slavic pantheism & pre-Christian spirituality
• Nature’s divinity and cosmic cycles
• Dark romanticism and frostbitten atmospheres

Unlike their later work, this era of Behemoth is less about confrontation and more about building mythic aura and atmosphere.

4. The Sound & Style

Musically, Sventevith is a tapestry of:

• Icy tremolo-picked riffs inspired by classic Norwegian black metal
• Deep-echoed, reverb-drenched vocals giving it a cavernous feel
• Keyboards and acoustic passages that enhance its pagan atmosphere
• Primitive but effective drumming full of blast beats and marching rhythms

The production is undeniably lo-fi—but in a way that serves the atmosphere. The sound feels ancient, distant, and shrouded in fog, perfectly matching the album’s thematic direction.

5. Track-By-Track Highlights

1. “Chant of the Eastern Lands” — 5:43

The opening hymn of the album doesn’t just introduce the listener—it summons them. “Chant of the Eastern Lands” rises with a primordial energy that instantly reflects Behemoth’s early vision: raw black metal infused with ancient mystique. The tremolo riffing spirals like a cold wind tearing through forgotten woods, while Nergal’s vocals—still youthful yet already dripping with venom—cut through the atmosphere with ritualistic intent.

What makes this track stand out is its balance between aggression and ambience. Beneath the raw production lies an undercurrent of melody that hints at Behemoth’s future grandeur. The drum patterns stomp like a war march, while the lead guitars weave distant, pagan melodies that echo the album’s Baltic roots.

As an opener, it’s spellbinding—anchoring the record in a world of frost, folklore, and mysticism. A quintessential Behemoth track of the early era.

2. “The Touch of Nya” (instrumental) — 0:57

Short but essential, “The Touch of Nya” functions as a spectral interlude between two titanic compositions. Built around eerie keyboard lines and atmospheric textures, the piece conjures images of frostbitten plains and ancient rituals buried beneath snow. Its function is more cinematic than musical—serving as a gateway that guides the listener deeper into the album’s mythic terrain.

Though only a minute long, it enriches the record’s pacing, offering a cold breath of ambience before the storm returns. One of Behemoth’s earliest uses of atmosphere as narrative.

3. “From the Pagan Vastlands” — 4:30

A cornerstone of Behemoth’s early identity, this track is a furious declaration of Pagan pride and blackened conviction. Written by Tomasz Krajewski, it encapsulates the harsh melodic sensibilities that would define Behemoth’s 1994–1996 era.

The guitar work is razor-sharp, channeling Scandinavian influences while maintaining a distinctly Slavic melodic signature. Nergal’s vocals are drenched in frost and youthful fury, while the percussion feels like a stampede across tundra.

Lyrically and musically, “From the Pagan Vastlands” is an anthem—an assertion of Behemoth’s commitment to pre-Christian narratives and anti-dogmatic rebellion. A cult classic and a fan favourite for a reason.

4. “Hidden in a Fog” — 4:30

“Hidden in a Fog” takes the album into darker, more melancholic territory. Another composition by Tomasz Krajewski, the track introduces a moodier kind of aggression—less triumphant, more introspective.

The riffs churn like thick mist rolling over ancient marshlands, creating an atmosphere of disorientation and mysticism. Nergal’s cold rasping vocals seem to drift through the fog, both guiding and obscuring the path.

With its layered guitar lines and hypnotic pacing, the track builds tension through repetition and shadowy melody. It embodies the “hidden world” aesthetic of early Behemoth—occult, ancestral, and shrouded in spiritual unrest.

A deep cut, but a crucial one. Its haunting aura stays with you long after it fades.

5. "Ancient" (instrumental)

“Ancient” serves as a cold, atmospheric interlude—one of those early-era Behemoth compositions that shows Nergal’s fascination with ambience long before keyboards became a structural element in their work. The track’s role is not melodic but ritualistic: Whispering winds and archaic atmospheres place the listener in a mythic, frostbitten world. Sparse, reverberating chord tones evoke the feeling of standing inside a ruined pagan shrine. The lo-fi recording enhances—not detracts from—the spell-like effect. It works as a narrative pause, almost like crossing a threshold into the second half of the album where the tone gets darker, faster, and more aggressive.

6. "Entering the Faustian Soul"

This is one of the most purely black metal songs on the album and foreshadows the direction Behemoth would take on Grom. Key elements: Tremolo riffs that shift between pagan melancholy and icy aggression Nergal’s early vocal approach, drenched in cavern reverb A sense of cult mysticism in the songwriting, reflecting the 90s Polish underground The mid-section slows into a ritual chant-like progression, giving the track a ceremonial aura uncommon in early Polish black metal. It balances melody and savagery better than much of the European scene at that time and stands out as one of the album’s most complete compositions.

7. "Forgotten Cult of Aldaron"

A fan-favorite deep cut, this track blends feral black-metal speed with almost folk-like melodic undercurrents buried beneath the distortion. Highlights: Opens with an aggressive, frost-laced riff that hits immediately Baal’s drumming is more dynamic here, shifting from blasts to ritual stomps Occasional eerie chord changes add a sense of ancient, half-remembered nostalgia Lyrically and musically, it feels like a direct invocation of pagan memory—mythic, primitive, and spiritually charged. It’s also one of the first songs where Behemoth hinted at the epic songwriting they would refine on later albums.

8. "Wolves Guard My Coffin"

One of the rawest and most iconic songs from Behemoth’s early years, “Wolves Guard My Coffin” is a perfect storm of second-wave black metal aesthetics and Slavic pagan atmosphere. Strengths: Sharp, frantic tremolo riffs reminiscent of early Enslaved or Graveland A grim, nocturnal aura that feels like a winter storm ritual The chorus riff is memorable and strangely mournful The track embodies what made early Behemoth unique: ferocity blended with mournful melody, always leaning toward storytelling and atmosphere rather than just chaos. The imagery of wolves guarding the coffin is quintessential pagan romanticism—dark, symbolic, and evocative.

9. "Hell Dwells in Ice"

A standout track written by Demonious, this piece is an icy monolith of early black metal intensity. Here’s what makes it special: The riffs are more frozen, droning, and expansive, creating a glacial momentum The long runtime allows the atmosphere to grow into something nearly hypnotic The minimalist melodic shifts evoke the feeling of being trapped in eternal winter The song title perfectly matches its sound. This is Behemoth at their coldest and most atmospheric, and one of the tracks that separates Sventevith from their more aggressive late-90s output..

10. "Transylvanian Forest" (originally on the And the Forests Dream Eternally EP)

Even though it wasn’t originally part of the Sventevith album, including it in reissues helps fill in Behemoth’s early DNA. This track is a blast of: Classic second-wave black metal aggression High-speed frost riffs Pagan romanticism mixed with vampyric tones It’s shorter, more violent, and less atmospheric than the rest of Sventevith, which makes it an excellent contrast piece. Thematically, it leans into the early black-metal obsession with nocturnal myth, fog-shrouded landscapes, and ancient energies. Musically, it’s one of Behemoth’s most straight-up black metal assaults—fast, cutting, and relentless.

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6. Final Verdict

Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) might not have the colossal power of Behemoth’s 2000s output, but its importance is undeniable. It’s a raw, atmospheric cornerstone—a gate into the band’s pagan origins and a snapshot of an era when Behemoth was still a mysterious underground force.

Rating: 8.8 / 10

For fans of early European black metal, pagan atmospheres, and extreme metal history, Sventevith remains essential listening.

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Table of Contents

• introduction
• Musicality & Performance
• Song Highlights
• Lyrics and Themes
• Production and Sound
• Where it stands in Testament's legacy
• Conclusion


Testament – Para Bellum Review

By Metal Insight Staff · October 14, 2025 · A album review · Thrash Metal



Album cover: Para Bellum by Testament

introduction

After a multi‐year wait, Testament‘s Para Bellum lands as a powerful statement in their discography. Known for delivering relentless riffs, precise drumming, and vocals that savage and soar, this album strives not just to meet expectations, but to push the boundaries of modern thrash metal.

Musicality & Performance

The guitars are razor-sharp, with dual leads that balance melody and aggression. The rhythm section is thunderous: the bass hits hard without muddying the mix; the drums—filled with double-bass barrages and well-placed fills—drive every track forward. Vocals carry the signature growl and clarity Testament fans have come to expect.

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Song Highlights

• “Track One”: An explosive opener, setting the tone with galloping riffs and high‐energy hooks.
• “Mid-Album Gem”: Slower, more atmospheric passage that gives breathing space and showcases lyrical depth.
• “Finale Assault”: A devastating closer, mixing speed, technical solos, and emotional heft.

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Lyrics and Themes

Para Bellum doesn’t shy away from war imagery, internal struggle, and societal decay—classic thrash metal territory but handled with fresh urgency. There’s a tension between personal reflection and outward rage, giving the songs dimension beyond pure aggression.

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Production and Sound

Produced with clarity, the album avoids the over-compressed trap many modern metal records fall into. Each instrument gets its space: the guitars bite, the drums punch, and the vocal presence is commanding without being overbearing. A balanced mix that still lets the brutal parts hit like sledgehammers.

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Where it stands in Testament's legacy

While some may compare it to earlier masterpieces like The Legacy or The Formation of Damnation, Para Bellum carves its own niche. It may not eclipse the raw early classics, but it shows maturity, technical evolution, and an ability to still surprise after decades of metal mastery.

Rating: 8.5/10

Conclusion

Para Bellum is a strong entry in Testament’s canon—thrash that pulses with energy and precision, bolstered by intelligent songwriting and stellar performance. For fans of the genre and longtime followers of the band, this is a record that delivers on its promise. Not perfect, but very close.

Nevermore – Dead Heart in a Dead World Album Review

Nevermore – Dead Heart in a Dead World (2000) Album Review

Release Date: October 17, 2000 | Label: Century Media Records

Introduction: A Dark Progressive Masterpiece

When Nevermore released Dead Heart in a Dead World in 2000, few could have anticipated the impact this progressive thrash masterpiece would have on modern metal. Blending technical precision, philosophical lyricism, and Warrel Dane’s haunting vocals, this album stands as the band’s magnum opus.

Track Highlights

• “Narcosynthesis” – A crushing opener filled with dissonant riffs and apocalyptic atmosphere. It sets the tone for the album's dark themes.
• “Inside Four Walls” – Blistering and political, this track reflects Dane’s commentary on isolation and societal decay.
• “The River Dragon Has Come” – Jeff Loomis shines with complex, melodic leads while the lyrics describe environmental catastrophe with poetic flair.
• “Dead Heart in a Dead World” – The title track is a slow-burning epic of emotional devastation and introspection, showcasing the band's dynamic range.
• “The Heart Collector” – A melodic and accessible track that retains emotional weight and showcases Dane’s dynamic vocal performance.
• “Believe in Nothing” – Arguably the most iconic Nevermore track, this song’s nihilistic themes are carried by soaring vocals and unforgettable melodies.
• “The Sound of Silence” (Simon & Garfunkel cover) – A bold, haunting metal reinterpretation that works astonishingly well.

Lyricism and Themes

Warrel Dane’s lyrics are bleak, introspective, and politically charged. Themes of disillusionment, societal collapse, and inner turmoil run throughout the record. It’s a conceptual journey that feels more relevant than ever, touching on issues that continue to resonate with listeners decades later.

Musicianship and Production

Jeff Loomis’s guitar work on this record is nothing short of legendary. His blend of shredding, melody, and neoclassical flair helped redefine what could be achieved within progressive and thrash metal. Coupled with Van Williams’ precise drumming and the tight rhythm section of Jim Sheppard, the band reached a level of technical cohesion few peers could match. The production by Andy Sneap is razor-sharp, balancing clarity and aggression perfectly.

Legacy and Influence

Dead Heart in a Dead World is frequently cited as one of the best metal albums of the 2000s. It elevated Nevermore from cult status to modern legends. The album influenced a generation of progressive and extreme metal musicians, proving that emotional depth and technical brilliance could coexist in perfect balance.

Final Verdict

With its brutal honesty, musical sophistication, and emotional resonance, Dead Heart in a Dead World remains a towering achievement in metal. It’s essential listening for fans of progressive, thrash, and power-infused metal.

Rating: 10/10

Recommended Tracks: "Believe in Nothing", "The River Dragon Has Come", "Dead Heart in a Dead World", "Narcosynthesis"

Explore more at Nevermore's Metal Archives page.

White Tower's (2024) Album Review : Night Hunters

White Tower - Night Hunters (2024) Album Review

A New Era of Dark Heavy Metal

Introduction

White Tower has emerged as a formidable force in the heavy metal underground, and their 2024 album Night Hunters marks a significant evolution in their sound. With a mix of melodic black metal, traditional heavy metal, and dark atmospheres, this album solidifies their status as one of the most exciting modern metal acts.

Track-by-Track Breakdown

1. Nocturnal Omen

The album opens with a chilling instrumental piece, setting a foreboding tone with haunting synths and echoing guitars.

2. The Shadowed Hunt

An explosive start with galloping riffs and high-energy drumming. Vocalist Elias Vorn's harsh growls carry a primal intensity.

3. Crimson Howl

This track blends melodic black metal elements with classic heavy metal riffing, featuring dual guitar harmonies reminiscent of Iron Maiden.

4. Moonlit Prey

A slower, brooding composition that leans into doom metal influences, evoking an ominous nocturnal ambiance.

5. Phantom Rider

Perhaps the most aggressive song on the album, delivering relentless blast beats and razor-sharp tremolo-picked riffs.

6. Hollow Eyes of the Night

A haunting mid-tempo track that balances melody and intensity, with a particularly memorable chorus.

7. Blood and Moonfire

A symphonic black metal-inspired epic, featuring orchestral layers that add grandeur to the relentless metal onslaught.

8. Dagger of the Wolf

Fast-paced and razor-sharp, packed with intricate guitar solos and relentless drumming.

9. The Final Hunt

Closing the album, this track serves as a grand finale, delivering a mix of all the album’s best elements.

Album Themes and Lyrics

Night Hunters weaves a narrative around themes of darkness, supernatural entities, and the primal instincts of the hunt.

Production and Sound

The production on Night Hunters is polished yet retains an organic feel, allowing every element to breathe.

Comparison to Previous Works

Compared to White Tower’s previous releases, this record showcases a more refined blend of styles, with stronger songwriting and deeper atmospheres.

Final Verdict

Night Hunters is a triumph for White Tower, marking their most accomplished and ambitious work yet.

Rating: 9/10

Recommended Tracks

• The Shadowed Hunt
• Hollow Eyes of the Night
• Blood and Moonfire
• The Final Hunt

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Album Review - Attic: Return of the Witchfinder