Leatherwitch – ‘First Spell’

(Listenable Records)

There is something deeply satisfying about a musician that understands exactly what heavy metal is supposed to be. Leatherwitch is not only Marta Gabriel’s new band following her departure from Crystal Viper but she plays everything on what is essentially all but in name a solo project. Other than some guest guitarists doing some solos this is all Garbriel. No unnecessary gimmicks, no desperate attempts to chase trends, and certainly no glossy overproduction that sands away every rough edge. Leatherwitch arrive with First Spell, a debut that proudly plants its flag in traditional heavy metal territory, wearing its influences on studded leather sleeves while still sounding like an artist with genuine passion rather than a museum exhibit.

From the opening moments, First Spell captures that unmistakable old-school spirit. This is the kind of record that feels built for denim jackets covered in patches and festival crowds throwing fists into the air in perfect unison. It doesn't try to reinvent heavy metal because, frankly, it doesn't need to. Instead, Leatherwitch focus on delivering the fundamentals with conviction, and that confidence becomes one of the album's greatest strengths.

Marta Gabriel’s guitar work deserves immediate praise. Twin-guitar harmonies flow naturally throughout the record, recalling the golden era when melody and muscle went hand in hand. The riffs are chunky without becoming repetitive, balancing speed with groove, while the lead work carries enough flair to remind you why guitar heroes became legends in the first place. Solos aren't simply inserted because every metal song needs one; they feel earned, lifting the energy and adding another layer of excitement whenever they appear.

Equally impressive is the rhythm section, which provides a rock-solid backbone from start to finish. The bass refuses to disappear beneath the guitars, adding welcome weight to every riff, while the drumming understands that power doesn't always mean playing as fast as humanly possible. Instead, every beat serves the song, whether driving the momentum forward or allowing the guitars room to breathe. The result is an album that never feels cluttered despite its consistently energetic approach.

Vocally, Marta Gabriel hit’s another sweet spot. Rather than leaning into overly theatrical performances or modern extremes, the delivery embraces the classic heavy metal tradition of soaring melodies, gritty determination, and memorable hooks. There's enough bite to convince you every lyric is being lived rather than simply sung, yet enough melody to keep the choruses lodged firmly in your memory long after the album has finished. It's a performance that perfectly complements the music without ever trying to dominate it.

Production can often make or break a traditional metal release, and thankfully First Spell gets the balance right. Everything sounds warm, organic, and refreshingly human. The guitars possess genuine crunch, the drums have natural impact, and the bass enjoys enough presence to give the entire mix welcome depth. Most importantly, nothing feels overly compressed or digitally sterilised. There's air around the instruments, allowing the performances to breathe while maintaining plenty of punch.

One of the album's biggest achievements is its pacing. Across its running time, Leatherwitch avoid the common debut trap of throwing every possible idea at the wall. Instead, she maintains remarkable consistency while introducing enough variation in tempo and atmosphere to keep the experience engaging. Moments of all-out galloping aggression comfortably sit alongside more melodic passages, creating an ebb and flow that encourages repeated listens rather than exhausting the listener.

What really stands out, however, is the Gabriel’s authenticity. It's incredibly easy to spot when an artist is simply copying the classics, but Leatherwitch never feel like they're playing dress-up. Yes, you'll hear echoes of the greats who shaped traditional heavy metal during the late seventies and eighties, but those influences are filtered through a musician who genuinely love’s the genre rather than seeing it as a fashionable aesthetic. That sincerity gives First Spell an infectious energy that's difficult to fake.

There's also a refreshing lack of excess throughout the album. Modern metal sometimes falls into the trap of endless technical displays that impress the brain more than the heart. Leatherwitch remember that memorable songs always matter more than showing off. Marta Gabriel’s musicianship is unquestionably strong, but it exists in service of the material rather than ego. Every riff, harmony, solo, and chorus contributes to a cohesive whole that feels crafted rather than calculated.

If there is any criticism to level at First Spell, it's that the band occasionally play things a little too safely. Those searching for radical innovation or genre-defying experimentation won't find it here. Leatherwitch remain firmly committed to traditional heavy metal conventions, rarely stepping outside the established blueprint. However, that observation feels less like a genuine flaw and more like an acknowledgment of the album's mission statement. This record isn't trying to drag heavy metal into unfamiliar territory; it's celebrating everything that made the genre timeless in the first place.

Perhaps the greatest compliment you can pay First Spell is that it feels like an album made by fans for fans. Every riff carries enthusiasm. Every chorus invites participation. Every solo celebrates the joy of electric guitar. It's impossible not to smile while listening because Marta Gabriel sounds like she’s having an absolute blast, and that excitement quickly becomes contagious.

‘Heroes and the Dice’ gets First Spell off to a flying start, combining galloping riffs, soaring melodies and enough energy to grab your attention from the opening bars. It immediately establishes Leatherwitch's love for classic heavy metal and sets the tone for everything that follows.

‘Beast Inside’ raises the intensity with a heavier, more aggressive approach. Crunching guitar work drives the song forward while the vocals strike a fine balance between grit and melody. It's a powerful reminder that Gabriel can deliver muscle without sacrificing memorable hooks.

‘Bound By The Night’ leans into darker territory, wrapping its infectious chorus around some excellent twin-guitar harmonies. The atmosphere feels bigger here, with strong dynamics helping the song stand out as one of the album's most confident performances.

‘Silver Stallions’ injects a welcome sense of melody without losing any momentum. The guitars shine throughout, weaving together memorable leads and harmonies while the rhythm section provides a solid backbone that keeps everything moving at full pace.

‘Living In The Fast Lane’ lives up to its title with an upbeat, driving performance packed with old-school attitude. The riffs come thick and fast, while the energetic vocal delivery ensures the chorus sticks long after the song has finished.

‘The New Beginning’ offers a slightly more expansive feel, allowing Leatherwitch to stretch out musically without abandoning their traditional metal roots. The balance between melody and power is particularly effective, making this one of the album's most rewarding listens.

‘Two Tons Of Steel’ is exactly as weighty as its title suggests. Built around massive riffs and a thunderous rhythm section, it delivers one of the record's hardest-hitting moments while still leaving plenty of room for impressive guitar flourishes.

‘In The Middle Of The Night’ captures the classic spirit of Eighties heavy metal with an instantly engaging chorus and confident performance from the entire band. Strong pacing and excellent musicianship ensure it never loses its momentum.

Closing with ‘Walls Of Jericho / Ride The Sky’, Leatherwitch finish the album on an exhilarating high. Marta Gabriel clearly relishing tackling this legendary material, delivering a performance that honours the originals while fitting naturally alongside her own songs. It's a bold way to end the record and reinforces just how comfortably Leatherwitch sit within the classic heavy metal tradition.

For longtime devotees of traditional heavy metal, this is exactly the kind of debut that inspires optimism. Leatherwitch clearly possess the songwriting ability, musicianship, and understanding of the genre needed to build something lasting. She respect’s heavy metal's rich history without becoming trapped by it, delivering an album that feels comfortably familiar while still carrying enough personality to stand proudly on its own merits.

First Spell may not rewrite the rulebook, but it reminds us why those rules existed in the first place. Packed with powerful riffs, confident performances, memorable melodies, and an undeniable love for classic heavy metal, it's an immensely enjoyable debut that captures the spirit of the old school without sounding dated. Leatherwitch have cast an impressive first spell indeed, and if this album is any indication, they've only just begun their journey. Traditional metal fans should consider this essential listening, because sometimes the oldest magic remains the most powerful.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘In The Middle Of The Night’

Review by Woody