Viperwitch is a US band whose name I’ve been hearing a lot lately, but I only recently started to dive into their music. When their new album landed in my inbox, my curiosity was piqued, and I couldn’t wait to explore more of what they have to offer. Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on Viperwitch’s latest release, Witch Hunt: Road to Vengeance. Check it out below!

Review

“Road of Vengeance: Descendants of the Gods” opens the album with an immersive, cosmic atmosphere, transporting you through space and among the stars. The track’s narrative draws you into a tale of the ViperWitch’s reign and the Midnight Rider’s quest to hunt her down. Its retro 80’s synth wave influence adds a unique touch, giving the track a nostalgic yet vibrant feel. The music feels tightly woven and cohesive, blending big octotoms with a soaring harmonised guitar solo that flashes by like a comet, drenched by the rays of a warming sun. It’s an exciting and cinematic introduction, setting a strong tone for the rest of the album.

Legend of the Midnight Rider: Saxon killer gives listeners some ballsy heavy metal meat to please appetites. Hard hitting rhythms are the focus but at just over one and half minutes I am left wondering what was the tracks goal as not much happened sadly.

Hellbound opens with a distant, almost echoing sound, slowly building until the music crashes to the forefront. The track is thunderous, driven by rapid, skipping drum patterns and blistering guitar work that gives it a punishing edge. The inclusion of guest musicians Devin Reiche and Nick Daggers adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the mix. One of the standout moments is the breakdown, where the narrative storytelling takes center stage—something the band excels at weaving into their music. It reminded me of elements I’ve seen in White Wizzard videos from years ago where an evil woman is standing over a cauldron and the band come across her path. And, as expected, the track doesn’t hold back on electrifying, rocket-fast guitar solos, keeping the energy high throughout.

The Ritual: Infinite Nocturn Rites is another short, atmospheric piece that places you in the quiet, mysterious setting of what feels like an ancient temple, as if you’re observing a sacred ritual. The track combines eerie, off-kilter sounds with dark, gloomy vocals that gently sweep through the mix, creating a haunting, almost meditative vibe. Toward the end, a few sparse synth notes appear before the track ends rather abruptly. Its purpose isn’t entirely clear, but it leaves me intrigued about the direction of the rest of the album.

The Viperwitch arrives with a menacing presence, its twisted, tumbling drums primed to pummel your ears. The track delivers everything you could want from sinister guitar work, spitting venom with each riff. The chorus—”hunt the, hunt the viperwitch”—is a standout moment, blending rough and clean vocals in a way that adds both grit and intensity. As expected, there’s no shortage of double-kick fury, massive open chord sections, and bass lines powerful enough to rattle your ribcage. It’s a relentless, hard-hitting track that feels destined to be a show-stopper.

Vapor City: Blood & Steel Upon the Silver Tower opens with driving four-on-the-floor kicks and delicate hi-hat trickles, layered with shimmering synths. The initial vibe feels like a scene straight out of a futuristic anime, setting a cinematic, almost ethereal tone. Just as you’re immersed in this electronic dreamscape, beautifully melodic guitars make a brief, yet captivating, appearance—only to fade out far too soon, leaving you craving more of their presence. The track’s electronic elegance stands in stark contrast to the album’s heavier metal elements, making me question whether it truly fits within the broader context, or if it feels like an outlier in this sonic journey.

The Huntress storms in like a force of nature, tearing through everything in its path. The track is filled with fast, razor-sharp guitar riffs that keep the energy high, but what truly stands out are the massive, beastly sections where the music shifts to deep, rumbling toms and dark, brooding rhythms. These moments are amplified by the contrast of growling and hauntingly clean vocal lines, creating an atmosphere that’s both sinister and mysterious. Adding to the eerie vibe, the inclusion of ominous bell chimes adds another layer of depth, heightening the track’s dark and unsettling mood.

The Blood Moon illuminates the night sky, continuing the album’s moody, atmospheric theme. The soundscape is rich with the patter of rain and the creaks and echoes of a dockyard, accompanied by haunting night sounds, including distant wolf howls. The track begins with a series of spoken-word passages that set a mysterious tone, gradually transitioning into delicate acoustic guitar work layered over the evocative background of rain and ambient sounds. This blend of storytelling and atmosphere creates an immersive, almost cinematic experience.

Next up is She Wolves of the Wasteland, kicking off with a brooding atmosphere and eerie wolf howls that set the tone. The track is charged with high energy, driving it forward with relentless momentum—I can easily imagine this one being a crowd favorite. It features a fierce, well-crafted guitar solo and plenty of rapid-fire double kick action. The chorus is infectious, the kind you can already picture fans belting out at live shows, making it a powerful anthem in the lineup.

Up next is The Proving Grounds: Tooth and Nail, which opens with a surprising twist—an unexpected blend of electronic synths and a light guitar melody. It carries a slightly airy, atmospheric vibe, much like the intro track, but at just a minute and a half long, it feels more like a fleeting interlude. The few vocal lines are faint and hard to discern, leaving the lyrical message unclear. Overall, while it adds a touch of ambience, the track feels more like filler.

No Gods, No Masters comes after the intro track and we’re thrown into the thick of things. It starts off slow, with wind and rain setting the mood, accompanied by deep, twangy bass notes and a steady rhythm that hints at a 1-2-3, 1-2-3 pattern. The comparison to Maiden came to mind for its pacing and guitar work. Then, it erupts into a barrage of thunderous drums and fierce guitar riffs. Danica Minor’s vocals cut through the mix like a sharp axe, commanding attention. The track is packed with intricate rhythms and engaging lead guitar melodies, creating a rich, immersive experience.

Unnumbered tears: The Reckoning is an atmospheric outro piece that begins with soft, airy piano notes and subtle synths that expand into a wide, open soundscape. Light touches of strings add texture without taking prominence, allowing the focus to remain on the delicate interplay between piano and synth. Deep, resonant drums punctuate the track, their rhythmic pulse underscored by the gentle sound of rainfall and distant rumbles of thunder. The composition remains understated throughout, creating a serene and reflective mood that lingers in the spaciousness of its sound.

Conclusion

Crafting a conclusion for “Witch Hunt: Road to Vengeance” has proven to be quite a challenge, and for good reason—this album is packed with content! Spanning 13 tracks, it presents a whirlwind of ideas, making it difficult to pinpoint where to begin. One thing is clear: the band excels in delivering heavy metal with vocals that will grab your attention. There’s an abundance of aggressive, fiery riffs that make their mark, and they deserve commendation for that.

However, some elements leave me uncertain. The incorporation of synths adds an intriguing layer, but not all of these sonic choices seamlessly fit the album’s overall tone, occasionally feeling out of place or like loose ideas that didn’t quite land.

Conversely, the spoken word segments offer compelling storylines that draw the listener in, emphasising the band’s thematic focus and artistic vision. I believe that if the album trimmed some of the shorter synth-heavy tracks or integrated those ideas as intros to existing songs, it could enhance its cohesiveness.

Despite a few rough patches in production, this album remains a strong and passionate offering that is sure to resonate with both new and longtime fans alike. Well done Viperwitch!

The Nwothm Score: 8/10