The air still carries a faint echo of Crystal Viper’s final notes, a band that, for many of us, was a reliable purveyor of solid heavy metal. When Marta Gabriel, the undeniable force behind that project, decided to hang up the Crystal Viper banner, I felt a genuine sense of loss. It’s rare to find a frontwoman who can so consistently deliver that potent blend of charisma and raw power, and to lose that felt like closing a significant chapter. So, when news of her solo debut under the moniker Leatherwitch emerged, I approached it with a mixture of anticipation and a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this new venture, this 'First Spell,' truly cast a captivating enchantment, or would it fall flat?
A Familiar, Yet Refreshed Sound
What immediately struck me about Leatherwitch’s debut is how effortlessly Marta Gabriel steps into this new role. For fans of Crystal Viper, the transition is remarkably smooth, like finding your favorite route on a road trip. This is heavy metal that begs to be played loud, the kind that vibrates through your very core. Personally, I found myself cranking it up, letting the raw energy wash over me. Unlike the more overtly power metal leanings of her previous band, Leatherwitch opts for a more streamlined, stripped-down approach. However, don't mistake this for simplicity; these are hook-laden anthems that clearly draw inspiration from the titans of classic heavy metal, conjuring spirits of Running Wild and Iron Maiden. It’s a powerful, direct sound that hits with the force of a well-aimed spell.
The Undeniable Power of Marta Gabriel
It’s no secret that Marta Gabriel is the driving force, and on 'First Spell,' that becomes even more apparent. She’s not just a vocalist; she’s a commanding presence. Her voice possesses a unique grit and conviction that draws you in, making songs like "Heroes and the Dice" and "Living in the Fast Lane" absolute standouts. What truly elevates this album, though, is Gabriel’s multi-faceted talent. She’s not content to just sing; she delivers searing guitar leads, crafts those classic, headbanging riffs, and even lays down a bassline on "Silver Stallions" that immediately brings to mind the iconic sound of Iron Maiden’s 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.' It’s a testament to her vision and her ability to execute it across multiple instruments. The only slight wobble in this otherwise formidable performance is the drumming, which, while perfectly adequate, feels a bit too restrained, almost shy, compared to the explosive energy elsewhere.
Enchanting Anthems, With a Minor Caveat
Looking at 'First Spell' as a whole, it’s a collection of incredibly catchy songs that rarely miss the mark. Marta Gabriel’s songwriting prowess, a hallmark of Crystal Viper, shines through brightly here. I’m still not entirely sure what prompted the shift to a solo endeavor, but it’s clear she’s more than capable of carrying the torch. These forty-three minutes of unpretentious heavy metal are genuinely infectious. Tracks like "Heroes and the Dice" and "Living in the Fast Lane" have been living rent-free in my head since the first listen. The production is also a significant factor, providing ample space for each instrument and vocal to breathe without becoming cluttered. It allows the raw power of the music to come through unhindered. My only minor quibble lies with "The New Beginning." While I appreciate a slower track to break up the album’s aggressive pace, its over seven-and-a-half-minute runtime feels a bit drawn out. A tighter edit would have made it even more impactful. Nevertheless, this is undeniably anthemic, fist-pumping metal that will resonate with fans across the board.
A Worthy Incantation for the Ages
'First Spell' might not be reinventing the wheel of heavy metal, but it certainly adds a robust and exhilarating chapter to its ongoing story. In a world that often feels overwhelming, this album offers a much-needed escape. It’s the kind of music that invites you to roll down the windows and let the road ahead blur into insignificance. While I was initially saddened by the end of Crystal Viper, Leatherwitch has rekindled my enthusiasm, proving that Marta Gabriel’s creative fire is far from extinguished. I’ll be eagerly awaiting whatever magic she conjures next.
