Wretch – Visitors (Arkeyn Steel)

 

Wretch is a long-running heavy metal band from Ohio.  While the band is more known and successful in Europe, there is no doubt they make great records and are certainly worthy of your attention.  Their new album, “Visitors,” is truly an exceptional record.  It’s a quiet classic that captures small parts of your heart with each listen.

The band’s mastermind, guitarist Nick Giannakos, is a main writer, and his music has a definite style to it.  His riffs are deeply rooted in the classic way of American heavy metal, with a fair amount of European influence.  The man definitely understands Ritchie Blackmore’s approach, and his music reflects it.  Also, there is a very gentle classical music influence, and it truly enriches the songs.  The texture is very rich here, and there is a lot to explore.

Let’s not forget an excellent vocal delivery from Juan Ricardo.  It is a third record for Ricardo and Wretch, and by far it appears to be the most perfect one.  Ricardo’s vocal abilities complement the music and give it that special edge.  The unifying sense of melody between the music and vocal lines is perhaps the most appealing aspect of “Visitors.”  Also, the incredible guitar dialogue from Giannakos and Mike Stephenson speaks volumes here. At the end of the day it comes down to a song, and each track is equipped with all the ingredients that it needs.

The album consists of 8 tracks and one instrumental written and performed by Kevin Mazey.  All the songs are great, but there are few that stand out.  “In My Time of Reckoning,” “The Voice,” and “Trapped in a Lucid Dream” are definitely championed at the moment by this writer.  Although the sequence created by the instrumental “The Arrival” and “Visitors” is definitely a breathtaking combination.  The album flows very naturally and is best enjoyed when played as a whole.

“Visitors” is a great record, and it has a way of getting into your system in a very unsuspecting way.  As each listen plays out, you find yourself becoming addicted to the songs and the overall feel of the album.  The experience itself reminds you why you fell in love with the music in the first place.  Wretch definitely has that charm about them.

Mark Kadzielawa