The latest from USA traditional metal merchants hits you between the eyes from the start. No big intro, 'Black Candles' opens the proceedings with a head on vintage Priest feel to it, think Painkiller era. While not stuck in time, Icarus Witch delivers an 80's trad metal feel, influenced by the likes of Mercyful Fate, Jag Panzer and Maiden (there's a point on the track 'Dying Eyes' where bassist Jason Myers pulls off a near perfect Steve Harris interlude), yet manage to pull off a totally fresh sound. Certainly their tightest and most mature release to date, the production values on Draw Down The Moon are spot on. Vocalist Matt Bizillia has a sneering style, kind of channeling King Diamond meets Halford, that works very well, and again suits the Priest feel. Album highlights are the aforementioned 'Dying Eyes', 'Black Candles' and the title track, which has a main riff which evokes classic Iommi! The album closes out fittingly with a cover of Priest's 'The Ripper'. Easily their best to date.
