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Vortex: Them Witches
Vortex - Them Witches Music Review

Vortex: Them Witches

Traditional Heavy Metal
4.5/5.0

In the late Seventies, every country had them, bands being influenced by the burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal. In 1979, the same year journalist Geoff Barton gave the movement a name, Vortex was formed in The Netherlands. Like many of their kin, Vortex was dropping cassette demos, split vinyls with other bands, and short EPs. It wasn't until 1986 that Vortex released their first long player. Then four years later they were gone, but not forgotten.

Vortex - Click For Larger Image

Vortex

Reforming in 1998, the band has gone on to release four more albums and several compilations. Anticipating their 40th anniversary, founding member and songwriter Martjo Brongers uncovered the song demos intended for Vortex's second long player in 1987. Obviously, that never happened. Instead, the band has re-recorded the songs for their sixth full-length feature, Them Witches.

Basically with Vortex you'll find the essential characteristics of traditional heavy metal in their songs. Do I have spell them out? You know them: twin guitar harmony, gallop and groove from the rhythm section, soaring metal vocals and, of course the sin qua non of metal, ripping guitar solos. Faster, more power metal, comes with Spiritualien, I.C.U., and the riff roaring Fearless. For some tunes invested with more rock groove, listen for Death At Dawn and Tremorial. Them Witches takes a lighter start, but twin guitar riffs quickly drop in over a tight bass line for a heavy charging metal song. It's all good, fellow metalheads. For traditional and classic heavy metal, Vortex and Them Witches is the real deal. Pump your fist and bang your head like its 1985. Recommended.


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The Bottom Line

For traditional and classic heavy metal, Vortex and Them Witches is the real deal. Pump your fist and bang your head like its 1985. Recommended.

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