Release date: Out now!

Axeblade is a heavy/speed metal band from Italy, formed in 2021 and currently active under the label Witches Brew. Operating out of Milan, Turin, and Aosta, the band channels a classic metal spirit, rooted in tradition and delivered with high energy and a contemporary edge. Their debut full-length album, released in 2025, showcases a blend of forceful vocals, melodic intensity, and tight musicianship, reflecting the combined experience of its members from various corners of the Italian metal scene. With a sound that resonates with fans of bands like Power’s Court and Lady Beast, Axeblade has begun carving out a name for itself in the European metal underground.

Review

The Intro track is a calm and collected backdrop of delicate moving acoustic guitars that sing out from open space. I was quite surprised when a vocal narrative was placed over the top of this however I could not place which film this was taken from? Sounds like Arnold Schwarzenegger perhaps? Interesting start to the record.

Hellraiser picks up right after the intro, quickly gaining momentum and pulling us into a world of gloom and bleak atmosphere. The lead guitar work adds personality and flair, weaving seamlessly into the fabric of the track. But what truly commands attention is Paola’s vocal performance—warm, powerful, and instantly captivating. Her voice becomes the emotional anchor of the song. As the track progresses, there’s a noticeable shift in tone. While a trace of gloom lingers, the energy lifts—the music comes alive, glowing with a newfound brightness and intensity.

Screaming Demons In Your Head starts with some thundering tom tom pounds and an explosive solo before getting straight to the point. There are plenty of hungry riffs and some high pitched vocal screams which spice things up! From start to this finish, this is a mix of fiery vocals, pace changes, and exciting ideas that make it something you going to want to bang your head to! The end section of thrashy drumming and raging riffs is pure delight and leave you gasping for breath!

Ready For War comes out swinging. The track drives forward with a solid mid tempo, groove thudding kick drums and muscular guitar riffs that hit like a warning shot. There’s a sense of weight and determination in every note, as if the band is gearing up for battle. Gritty vocal shouts of ‘ready for war’ add to the tension, giving it a raw, combative edge. Then, just as the pressure builds, a searing solo tears through at full speed before slamming back into that heavy, stomping rhythm. It’s forceful, focused, and primed for the front lines.

Time Can’t Wait opens with gripping riffs that immediately pull you in, enhanced by clever panning that makes the sound feel alive. You’re quickly drawn into the groove, driven by Luca’s gritty rhythm guitar that practically demands headbanging. As the track unfolds, subtle shifts in the composition add layers of tension and anticipation, leading into a blistering solo. That solo doesn’t just arrive—it erupts, blazing through at full throttle while the rhythm section backs it up with seismic force. The drumming is fast, ferocious, and full of fire, giving you every reason to go absolutely wild.

The Healer kicks off with tight 16th-note hi-hats and a steady mid-tempo groove, setting the stage for emotive, story-driven vocals that flow seamlessly with the instrumentation. At times, the heavier vocal moments play off snare rolls in a way that feels both dark and playful. Bold guitar chords anchor the track, while dynamic shifts and harmonised riffs add depth as the song subtly darkens. Brief, expressive solos add flair without derailing the momentum, and the final solo bursts out in a flurry of notes. “The Healer” delivers both power and feeling musically sharp, emotionally resonant.

Necromantic begins with vigorous guitar scales, dynamic drums, and soaring open chords, immediately setting an epic tone. As the pace drops, the guitar takes on a more emotive feel, while the drums shift between steady beats and clever breaks, adding tension and unpredictability. The expressive vocals are a standout, adding raw emotion throughout. The solo section rips through the atmosphere with jet fuelled intensity, backed by double-kick fury. It transitions into massive chords, with tapping guitar lines gliding over the top. The tempo continues to shift, keeping you on edge with slow, brooding moments and fast, aggressive bursts. The powerful screams and dark vocals deepen the emotional intensity, reflecting the band’s unique blend of aggression and soul.

Nigredo rides a steady midtempo groove from start to finish, built on tight, simple and thrashy drum patterns that gives the track a solid backbone. Quick picked guitars and powerful, chugging riffs drive the momentum, while the vocals cut through with strength and conviction, occasionally bursting into sharp, high-pitched vocal lines that add urgency and edge. There’s a noticeable bounce to the track, created by the tight interplay between instruments all locking together with a sense of cohesion and drive. Lead guitar licks add tasteful flair throughout, and the solo section spirals into a moment of raw, emotional intensity. Consistently energetic without needing to speed up, “Nigredo” finds its power in precision, groove, and grit — a track that hits hard while staying locked in its pulse.

We arrive at the title track Axeblade, and what an entrance! It kicks off with a short, monstrous intro of rapid-fire picking riding high on the shoulders of giant drums. The verses follow with commanding vocals, while the rhythm and bass gallop forward, injecting a darker edge. And the ominous riffs keep coming this is a full on descent through the shadows, complete with deep vocal “ughs” that hit with real weight. The solo is another standout moment: a whirlwind of notes that scream and sing with wild intensity. Afterward, the track plunges into even darker rhythmic territory, with evil sounding guitar work driving the mood deeper. Through it all, Paola remains at the helm, her mesmerising vocals anchoring the chaos. A killer title track on a killer album.

Conclusion

Axeblade is a ferocious, emotionally charged ride through heavy metal’s many shades; from the bleak and brooding to the fiery and triumphant. Each track brings something distinct, whether it’s the thundering percussion of “Screaming Demons In Your Head,” the storytelling finesse of “The Healer,” or the commanding presence of the title track. What unifies the album is its dynamic energy, tight musicianship, and especially Paola’s versatile vocal performance, which serves as a constant emotional core. The album doesn’t just showcase technical skill; it tells stories, builds atmosphere, and keeps the listener locked in from the first whisper to the last scream. Axeblade proves itself not only as a showcase of raw power but as a thoughtfully constructed record that rewards repeat listens.

TheNwothm Score: 9/10

Links

Bandcamp: https://witchesbrewthrashes.bandcamp.com/album/axeblade

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axeblade.official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axeblade_official/

Label: https://witchesbrew.eu/en