Following the classic metal punch of 2023’s “The Dark Tower,” Burning Witches come back swinging with “Inquisition” – a record that’s all fire, menace and unstoppable energy. With razor-sharp production from Damir Eskic and V.O. Pulver and riffs that feel forged in steel, this is the sound of a band fully hitting their stride.
From the opening gravitas of “Sanguini Hominum,” you know what’s coming. It bursts into “Soul Eater,” and suddenly you’re knee-deep in a storm of riffs and sorcery. It’s proper heavy metal, sure, but not some tired throwback. This belongs to 2025, even if Judas Priest would be proud to have written half of it.
The secret weapon is the chorus work. “The Spell Of The Skull” soars, “Shame” bites hard but hooks just as deep, and the title track drips with menace. Then there’s “High Priestess Of The Night” – surely destined to be their anthem – delivered with a glee that makes it irresistible.
Elsewhere, “Burn In Hell” gallops with abandon, “Release Me” proves they can do the power ballad thing exquisitely, and “In For The Kill” bristles with violence before “In The Eye Of The Storm” takes things down slower, heavier, more deliberate. By the time the twin guitars blaze through the finale of “Look Into The Mirror,” the point is hammered home.
Maiden might still rule the big stages, but they can’t last forever. On this evidence, Burning Witches are more than ready to seize the torch and carry it, horns up, into the future.
RATING 8.5/10
