REVIEW: WITCHUNTER – Crystal Demons

 

WITCHUNTER – Crystal Demons (2010)

High Roller Records

The latest trend in the underground metal scene is a wave of bands obsessed with recreating the early ’80s atmosphere — not only in sound, but in image, aesthetics, and attitude. Many of them loudly proclaim their devotion to the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement, and while the influence is real, the originality often isn’t. They’re fun to watch, sure, but after a point you start wondering whether the scene really needs yet another group of copy‑cats. Personally, I’ve always preferred bands like WOLF or 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, who channel the ’80s spirit while still injecting their own identity into the formula.

WITCHUNTER, hailing from Italy, belong to the other category: bands that reproduce the early ’80s metal blueprint almost to the letter. Their debut “Crystal Demons” first appeared in September 2010 through My Graveyard Productions, and now receives a well‑deserved vinyl reissue by High Roller Records, a label known for championing traditional heavy metal and reviving obscure gems from the past.

The band’s influences are worn proudly and openly: ANGEL WITCH, HOLOCAUST, and the dirt‑and‑speed attitude of MOTÖRHEAD form the backbone of their sound. The album’s tracklist — Shadow of the Night, Speed Killer, Princess of Hell, Witchhunterd — reads like a love letter to the era, and the production deliberately mirrors that raw, unpolished charm associated with early NWOBHM demos and first‑wave European heavy metal.

The album also features “Hellbound,” a faithful cover of TYGERS OF PAN TANG’s “Hellbound” from the landmark Spellbound LP (1981). It’s a fitting choice, since Tygers were one of the defining forces of the NWOBHM era WITCHUNTER worship so intensely. Their rendition stays close to the original, further underlining the band’s devotion to early‑’80s British steel — though it also highlights the broader issue: WITCHUNTER are far more comfortable emulating their heroes than carving out their own identity.

Historically, it’s worth noting that Italy had a surprisingly active underground metal scene in the late ’70s and early ’80s, with bands like Death SS, Black Hole, and Dark Quarterer shaping a uniquely occult and theatrical identity. WITCHUNTER, however, choose not to tap into that heritage; instead, they aim squarely at the British template. Their visual aesthetic — leather, studs, Marshall stacks, and a logo straight out of 1982 — reinforces that mission.

As for the music itself, “Crystal Demons” is undeniably fun if you’re a devotee of the era. The riffs are energetic, the choruses are catchy, and the band clearly understands the mechanics of classic heavy metal. But the album suffers from two major issues: lack of variety and lack of personality. Many tracks follow the same structural pattern, making the listening experience predictable even for fans of the style. The band reproduces the sound faithfully, but rarely adds anything of their own — no twist, no signature element, no moment where you say “this is unmistakably WITCHUNTER.”

It’s enjoyable, yes. It scratches that nostalgic itch. But it’s not the kind of album that will thrill you or demand repeated listens. Dedicated NWOBHM collectors will appreciate it; everyone else will likely move on to more distinctive releases.

In short: Crystal Demons is a lovingly crafted tribute to early ’80s metal — but a tribute is all it remains.

Nick Parastatidis