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WHITE WITCH - NEVER DIES THE DREAM...
INDEPENDENT
METAL TO INFINITY
White Witch their third album ''Never Dies The Dream'' was released just before Christmas 2007 and can easily be described as an inventory of their career so far. Some songs were written and originally recorded back in 1988, but since most of their friends are either dead or missing, they decided to put them on the new album as 'carte de visite' for the new generation Hard Rock and Metal fans. So, it will be an unknown band for most of the European metalheads, but I guess that they created a buzz in and around Pennsylvania in the USA.
Lead vocalist Jeff Pittinger seems to be the main man in the band. He's holding the strings and he's the one that sets the tone for the musical direction of White Witch. His unique voice sounds like good old Ozzy while musical wise they can be pigeonholed as Sabbath meets AC/DC, all performed in a trendy 70's – 80's area.
For example the song 'Game That I Play' has Angus Young driven guitar riffs, while the vocals are into the old Sabbath style. There is a second version of this track, a kind of radio friendly version, and it even includes the chiming of a bell. AC/DC is really close by!
Although the musical direction of White Witch is typical for the whole album, I really must underline that all songs have enough variety to entertain the listener. There is a mix of great metal hymns combined with straight forward hard and heavy music. All musicians are skilled and add their own personal influence to the song. Carl Berry is the man behind the sticks, while Jack Death is completing the rhythm section with his 4 string bass. Next to vocalist Jeff, we find Doug Lehman as lead guitarist, and this foursome is capable to bring great hard rock with a lot of enthusiasm.
All songs on this album are written and arranged by White Witch, except 'Paranoid' that was recorded in a live version. And what a jewel! This is top notch amusement as I haven't heard any better version in years! The band is roaring wild, while the vocals are better than Ozzy ever was capable to.
Concerning production and engineering, we advice to check the band's homepage! They entered various studios and worked with a lot of people to become this result. It won't bring us any further to enumerate, so surf to www.whitewitchrocks.com or www.myspace.com/whitewitchrocks where you will be able to find out for yourself. While you are at this location, don't forget to order your copy, you won’t be disappointed!
As this album is dedicated to ''Crazy Eddie'', their best friend and bouncer for more than 25 years, it might be laudable to end with the bands own words: ''Yay though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I fear no evil, for I am the biggest, baddest motherfucker here!'' My rating: 86/100
Patrick de Sloover on behalf of Metal To Infinity Webzine
WHITE WITCH - NEVER DIES THE DREAM...
INDEPENDENT
METAL TO INFINITY
Williamsport, Pennsylvania based White Witch' "Never Dies The Dream..." is the band's third album, released independently and if you're hooked on Classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music, better watch out for this awesome silver, bright shining disc. It has been already proved before (more than often actually) that great music is totally timeless. I'll take my chances to prove it once again by discussion White Witch' third strike which is loaded with both old and new songs, the old school tradition.
Most of the songs on this CD was put in each other with the aid of Bret Alexander, a long time friend who took care of the mixing duties, engineering, production, additions,...a few other (new tracks) were produced by Joseph Paul Hauserman and White Witch themselves. Not beating around the bush, "Never Dies The Dream..." has not been arranged for the younger / new generation of Hard Rock / Metal music. All the songs bring forward the 80s tradition for sure. A blend of Classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music the American way, sometimes slices of AOR to come show up. Some of the songs sounds a bit too decent to me what cannot be said of the production which is completely 80s minded (not too polished!).
What can charm me entirely is the way guitarist Doug Lehman's plays its instrument . Pure eighties styled, he picks strings in a gentle manner...he's a true shredder with uncountable skills, let that be clear. All those who still remember the US Metal (Shrapnel Records) compilation albums released in the early 80s period, better check out White Whitch too, especially for Doug's axe movements. As for singer 'uncle' Jeff Pittinger...he's a guy who definitely knows how to keep his vocal lines under control. In perfect balance, Jeff's voice sounds crystal clear, nearly sharp but okay to me. A Classic Rock singer with style. Carl Berry's drums and Jack Death's bass works are outstanding. What is notable to me is that each one of them are also able to deliver backing vocals. Certainly and for sure, everything goed smoothly...no problems indicated for the guys of White Witch.
My preference concerning favourite songs, here they are: 'Slaughter In Salem', 'Prince Of Darkness', 'Game That I Play' (this one is also added to the CD as radio version), 'Underneath The Lights', 'Street Corner Madness'. There's a nice cover song of Black Sabbath's 'Paranoid' added to this disc too...a great live version of a legendary monster track!
With a running time of almost 42 minutes, White Witch delivers a nice piece of Classic stuff varied with a few new tracks which will be added to their fourth album to what they presently work on. I'm curious anyway...some of you maybe never heard of these guys but don't care about that. You still have the chance to learn more about their music AND talent, at least if your heart screams for Classic Hard Rock / Metal music the American way in the vein of Ozzy Osbourne, Black 'N' Blue or even early Kiss.
I have amused myself in any case during listening "Never Dies The Dream...", good memories from former years came up and that's what i like. Unforgettable years, you have to nourish!! Order possiblities via: www.whitewitchrocks.com or www.myspace.com/whitewitchrocks MY POINTS: 86 / 100 (Review by Stefan)