W’t’M – Witness the Madness

W’t’M
Witness the Madness
Label: Popshit Records
Out: May 9^th, 2025
Playing time: 01:00:09

W’t’M is a Rock and Metal band with musicians from Denmark and Italy. As has often been the case recently, I had to check Facebook to guess the approximate founding date. The first entry there dates from April 17th 2023, which should be around the time the band was founded. The band consists of experienced musicians. They have already played in various other bands before. Musically, the listener can expect Hard Rock with great hooks and sharp-edged riffs. Thin Lizzy and Halestorm are cited as references. This range naturally made me curious.

The opening song ‘A Symphony Of Brilliance’ starts quietly with acoustic guitars and strings. Singer Marica Moire impresses with her expressive voice. But soon the entire rhythm section kicks in. Despite the heaviness, the instruments do not drown out her vocals. In typical Metal manner, there is also a sophisticated guitar solo. ‘For The Sake Of It All’ is similarly strong and melodic Power Metal. This is also the first time that vocal partner Michael Bastholm Dahl is heard. After another guitar solo, the Hammond wobbles. Hard drumming and hard riffs can be heard at the beginning of ‘Moments Of Light’. But when Marica’s vocals come in, it briefly becomes contemplative. But then powerful guitars alternate with calm, melodic piano parts. The singer sometimes sounds seductive and then again hard rocking. In ‘Wake Up To A Breakdown’, the musicians also set a fast pace from the very beginning. The riffs are blasting out of the speakers. During Michael’s powerful vocals, the tempo is reduced from time to time. Once again, a short keyboard solo can be heard, framed by guitar solos. There is a little industrial atmosphere at the beginning of ‘There Is Only One’ before majestic riffs pound away. Marica Moire shows her soulful side on the quiet vocals. Even if not throughout, we hear a contemplative ballad alternating with a power ballad for long stretches. Towards the end, the song switches into high-speed realms. ‘Shadows & Light’ then rocks lively along. Here you can hear what I have been expecting for a long time, a ‘real’ duet from Marica and Michael. Both voices fit together perfectly. ‘When Silence Falls’ is characterised by rhythmic riffs that are underpinned by the keys. Marica once again beguiles with her vocals. ‘One Reason’ starts with the sounds of a musical clock. But later, hard guitar riffs also dominate. And Michael lets his powerful rock voice ring out. Another musical clock passage ends the song. Lower-pitched distorted guitars and keyboard tapestries introduce ‘Sorry’. An often rather quiet song that later changes to melodic Power Metal thanks to some heavy riffs. We’ve had songs that start quietly before. So did ‘Tears Of Ice’. But here we now have a contemplative ballad (almost) throughout, with strings and piano. And once again both Marica and Micheal can be heard on the microphone. Simply enchantingly beautiful. The guitar solo towards the end is outstanding. With ‘Cold Has Come’ the silence is over. Hard guitar riffs, rhythmic and at the same time powerful drums dominate for long stretches. Michael Bastholm Dahl sings clearly and powerfully. This is probably one of his best vocal performances on the album. ‘Eternal Echoes’ starts once again with a slight industrial flavour. But the drums, guitar and Hammond ensure that Power Metal continues to dominate. And it almost seems as if the two vocalists are organising a singing contest with the last two songs. Vocally, W’t’M have saved the best for last. And these are just the bonus tracks on the CD!

I’ve only heard a few Power Metal releases with so much variety in recent times. Even after just over one hour, it doesn’t get boring to listen to. Not even after several runs. On “Witness the Madness” you can actually hear what the press release announced – “Hard Rock with huge hooks and crisp-edged riffs”. The only minor criticism is that Marica Moire and Michael Bastholm Dahl mostly sing ‘side by side’ and not together. Nevertheless, a convincing debut album. And a recommendation for every Power Metal and Hard Rock fan.

W’t’M – Shadows and Lights: https://youtu.be/vLaCgJFVFoM?si=93NkLuCgePkH444M

Lineup:

Michael Bastholm Dahl – Vocals
Marica Moire – Vocals
Peter Mogensen – Drums
John Brandt – Keyboard
Michael Sørensen – Guitar
Ole Quist – Bass

Track list:

• A Symphony Of Brilliance
• For The Sake Of It All
• Moments Ff Light
• Wake Up To A Breakdown
• There Is Only One
• Shadows And Lights
• When Silence Falls
• One Reason
• Sorry
• Tears Of Ice
• Eternal Echoes (Bonus on CD)
• Cold Has Come (Bonus on CD)