Widow was formed in the winter of 2000 when guitarist Cristof got together with John E. and Joshua to express their vision of horror. Placko also possessed the same dark ideas and their union was inevitable. The lineup was complete to execute their brand of horror metal! The group is influenced by many of their own experiences, plus groups such as King Diamond, Crimson Glory, Warlord, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Widow explores the neo-classical side of heavy metal combined with their death metal roots. The morbid personality of each member comes together to form the unique sound of the band.
MIDNIGHT STRIKES ... TWICE! (DELUXE EDITION) (2001,
2003/2010) DIVEBOMB RECORDS/TRIBUNAL RECORDS
Midnight Strikes (2003)
No Stone Unturned (2001 Demo)
Live @ The Lincoln Theater 03/26/2004 (Enhanced Video)
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Line-up: Cristof Bennett - Lead Guitars, Vocals John E. Wooten IV - Guitars, Vocals Joshua Pantke - Bass Tim Haisman- Drums 1-8 + video Michael Lancaster - Drums 9-13
original artwork |
Widow started life just the same way as most bands do, by recording a demo. In 2001 they released 5 songs under the title 'No Stone Unturned'. This demo landed them a deal with Tribunal Records. The band then re-recorded (or remixed?) all the songs from the demo, plus 3 more tracks, and released their debut album, entitled 'Midnight Strikes' in 2003. The album became an arrow in the traditional metal resurgence. In 2010 Tribunal Records decided to reissue the album, through their Divebomb Records sub label, as it was long out of print. The 2010 Deluxe Edition is packed with bonuses in the form of the entire 2001 demo and an enhanced video part, a concert filmed in 2004. The booklet features an interview with bandleader, Christof, about the demo and album in question, photos and lyrics.
'Midnight Strikes' must have dropped like a bombshell when it was first released in 2003. It sounded like nothing else! The music is a blend of traditional metal and power metal, with galloping rhythms, blistering leads and guitar solos. The lyrics are all inspired by horror-movies, either directly from specific titles, or horror stories written by Chris. What sets Widow apart is the mix of both clean vocals and death metal inspired, gruff shrieks. 3 Inches Of Blood is the only band that sounds remotely the same.
'Midnight Strikes' starts off very good with a strong opener in 'The Pleasure Of Exorcism', complete with what I imagine are sound samples from a horror film. 'Witch Way' follows suit, and all is good in the world of metal. Still, as the album paddles along you sort of sit there with a deja-vu feeling. Pretty much all the songs sounds the same. There is clearly a lack in the songwriting department here. Still, if you like any of the songs here, you're bound to like the rest also. The album as a whole just appears a tad samey, even though it only holds 8 songs. The "problem" becomes even more apparent with the deluxe edition, as 5 of the songs are repeated in demo formats. Luckily Widow carried on to even greater things on following albums, and 'Midnight Strikes' still stands as a fine debut.
Killer tracks: The Pleasure Of Exorcism, Witch Way, Angel Sin
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Line-up: Cristof - Lead Guitars, Vocals John E. - Guitars, Vocals Joshua - Fretted & Fretless Basses Marc Anthony - Drums Lili - Lead Vocals |
'On Fire', Widow's second album, opens with a sound clip from the classic movie 'An American Werewolf in London'. Then the opening track is blazing in with it's speed metal riff. Widow found it's formula on 'Midnight Strikes', and they are not about to change it!
But wait a second, there are changes here. The band have added a 3rd vocalist, named Lili. So in addition to the clean vocals and the death vocals, they now also have female vocals. This still deliver no holds barred heavy metal, combining power metal, 80's metal, death metal (vocals) and female vocals. The closest band I can think of might be 3 Inches of Blood, but without the modern elements. Luckily 'On Fire' is a bit more varied compared to 'Midnight Strikes'.
The lyrics are very much influenced by horror movies, to a point that it becomes a stereotype. But if you can look past that, you will find that 'On Fire' is a fine metal album, based on the traditional heavy metal of the golden years. Blazing guitar leads, blistering solos, galloping rhythm and songs you'll remember after listening! My only complaint would be that I could have done without the death-like vocals. They are fine here and there, but get a bit too much throughout the album.
Killer tracks: An American Werewolf In Raleigh, Sinderella, Not Alone, Dead End, Misstery, I'll Bury You Alive
ON FIRE (2005) CRUZ DEL SUR