Demons & Wizards - Demons & Wizards

When I first heard about the Demons & Wizards project involving Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth and Hansi Kursch of Blind Guardian, I must confess that I was not overly thrilled. I was certainly a fan of Schaffer and his American power metal outfit, but German metallers Blind Guardian never really did anything for me. In fact, the first time I ever heard Kursch shrieking to a double-bass beat about dwarves marching over a mountain and eating chicken legs by a fire I immediately thought, "Who could listen to this crap?" It was bad enough that these Germans worshiped J.R.R. Tolkien to the point that every song they wrote was based on one of his works (make up your own lyrical material!). Did the world really need another fantasy-based project in this new millennium, albeit one with legendary slasher Schaffer? And was Kursch that good a vocalist that he would make us forget Matthew Barlow of Iced Earth and elevate this project? I simply didn't think so.

Boy, was I wrong! When I finally did hear Demons & Wizards self-titled release I was completely blown away. I had failed to anticipate the inherent possibilities in this relationship. You see, Schaffer had brought the necessary ingredient to Kursch's life: EVIL! This was no "Happy Metal"-fest with choruses of elves chanting about how pretty trees are. This was a cold, dark, bitter powerathon with songs about banishment to hell, rat-infested squalor, ancient curses, and bloody war. HAIL!

The album begins with "Rites of Passage," an eerie intro that greets us with strident power chords and pounding floor toms, before Schaffer unleashes a slashing riff to bring us into "Heaven Denies." And quickly we realize what a force Kursch truly is. With a booming voice and tremendous inflection that makes every note sinister he sings to us: Darkness will cover my mind and oblivion shall reign. Yes, that is an apt description of what is going on here. "Poor Man's Crusade" comes next with it's creepy chorus, Kursch lowering his voice and haunting us; condemning religious leaders of days' past. Then comes the beautiful "Fiddler on the Green," with Schaffer stepping to the forefront with gorgeous, sparkling acoustic and electric leads. Other highlights include the earth-shaking "Blood on my Hands" and "My Last Sunrise," where Kursch peaks, screaming to us about his last terrifying moments in this world. The song culminates in an absolutely sepulchral lullabye, with Kursch chanting "Hear no evil, speak no evil. . .All I see and hear is evil, all I think and feel is evil." But even that is not enough, for the last song on the disc, the a capella Gregorian-esque "Chant," makes us feel like we have traveled back in time to stand with monks in the Middle Ages.

The players on this album are a revelation. Schaffer plays all rhythm, lead, and bass guitars and is his typical shredding self. His riffs are of the head-banging variety, his leads singe the listener, his acoustic parts have taste and understated class. Kursch is simply phenomenal on this album. His eerie harmonies, his screams, his moans, his chants! This is easily one of the finest vocal performances of the year. Guest musicians include the producer of the album Jim Morris on lead guitar, and Mark Prator on drums. Both do solid work and Morris has made Demon & Wizards sound as huge and frightening as it rightly should.

Many critics have described Demons & Wizards as "Iced Earth with Hansi Kursch on vocals." And while this might sound somewhat limiting, it is certainly a combination that has brought out the best in both men. This is pure power metal at its finest. All balls, with no happiness or hand-holding. I now feel compelled to conclude this review with a throat-rattling battle-cry. . .

F*%# the dwarves! Long live the demons and wizards!