WIDOW may be crossing the line of cheese, but they are kind of fun. They don't seem to take themselves too seriously, which I find somewhat endearing. Their lack of pretension is definitely a strong point. The self-proclaimed leaders of the sub-genre known as “horror metal” have managed to put out an entertaining piece of music. In their bio their influences include MAIDEN, MALMSTEEN, KING DIAMOND, PRIEST, WARLORD, and CRIMSON GLORY. This t-shirt clad bunch appear to be a lot more down-to-earth (or under the earth with their zombie buddies) than some of these acts. WIDOW is a neo-classical power metal band (they claim to have death metal roots but I’m not hearing it, speed metal maybe) with two lead singers (male and female) and enough double-guitar leads to make Dave Murray and Adrian Smith lose sleep. I need to get me a lyric sheet.

They seem to be able to sing these songs with a straight face. “An American Werewolf In Raleigh”, “The Preacher’s Daughter”, “Re-Animate Her” and “Family Affair” all show this group’s symbiotic relationship to campy fun and have some good lines that the listener can catch with repeat listens. I’m on my third helping of this and that says something, considering most twin-lead guitar playing makes me cringe. Someone please deliver WIDOW and SLIK HELVETIKA to my doorstep down here in the southeast region of the sunshine state so’s I can have some friggin’ fun for a change.

- Herring

OFFICIAL SITE: www.burning-village.com

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