HELLWITCH — Omnipotent Convocation (review)

HELLWITCH — Omnipotent Convocation album cover Album · 2009 · Technical Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"Omnipotent Convocation" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US, Florida based death/thrash metal act Hellwitch. The album was released through Xtreem Music in August 2009. Hellwitch was formed in 1984 a released a couple of influential demos in the 80s before releasing their debut full-length studio album "Syzygial Miscreancy (1990)". They never achieved anything but underground recognition though and folded in 1998. They reunited in 2004.

If you´re familiar with the aggressive and fiercely intense technical death/thrash metal style on "Syzygial Miscreancy (1990)", the music on "Omnipotent Convocation" won´t be a major surprise to you, as it pretty much continues where it´s predecessor left off. 19 years down the road and this still sounds unmistakably like Hellwitch. The material are generally a bit more sophisticated and there are more mid-paced heavy riffing on "Omnipotent Convocation", than was the case on the more savage and fast-paced predecessor. Lead vocalist/guitarist Patrick Ranieri voice has also changed slightly in the years since the debut album came out. He typically alternates between a raw deeper voice and higher pitched screaming vocals. The ultra aggressive snarling vocals from the debut album are not as dominant anymore.

Musically the 11 tracks on the 39:53 minutes long album (including a cover of "Infernal Death" by Death) work really well with tempo changes (from mid-paced to blasting), raw death/thrashy riffing, guitar harmonies, screaming solos, the above mentioned vocals, and a generally passionate delivery. The sound production is also professional and well sounding (although the clicky bass drums could have prospered from a more organic sound) and upon conclusion "Omnipotent Convocation" is a quality release by Hellwitch. Personally I prefer the more savage and unpolished sound of the debut album, but that´s probably an aquired taste and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is still deserved.
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