Review by Tobias on December 28, 2001.

Carnal Forge is definitely taking shape as one of the prominent bands of the new thrash madness movement in metal. Utilizing the same raging speed and intensity of Soilwork, as well as some of the crunching and ripping precision of Ebony Tears, the band definitely has a solid hold on the growing niche of melodic thrash metal.

The most impressive aspect of the musicianship on this album is definitely the string-work. The guitars create all the melody and variation on the album, ranging from solid riffs to some fantastic and unusual licks.

While the rhythm section is as taught as a high-wire, it seems that its main focus is to blind the listener with blistering speed which can only allow so much room for growth and diversity. Instrumentally, this is where the band needs to take a breather and weigh out the benefits of rigid speed versus dynamic varying speed.

Interestingly enough, while I enjoy the vocal performance and wish that there were many more bands out there that would have the balls to use thrashy screams rather than the ever-safe black metal scream, the vocals of Carnal Forge seem to suffer a similar fate as the percussion; there are not enough dynamics to create the melody or to give a unique edge to individual songs.

Once again, I want to say that the guitars hold a massive intensity and creativity that carries this band well above the mediocre.

Bottom Line: A speed thrashing good time with balls of steel, but thirsting for a few more dynamics to give it an edge above the best.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 7
Originality: 6
Overall: 7

Rating: 6.8 of 10

Review by JD on July 28, 2013.

Texas had spawned one of metal’s most beloved act… the mighty Pantera, and that saved metal in the sadly Grunge laden 90’s. That's thankfully gone now. Other bands have come out of the lone star state, yet have not had the impact like the late Dimebag Darrell and company, yet Texas still can surprise you in the end.

Combining stellar NWOBHM styling, riff driven Germanic Power Metal, cutthroat Thrash and ballsy Speed Metal, this band puts out some impressive metal that seems like your entire album collection in one place. Addictive harmonies and chugging guitars, with a feeling of pure passion flowing throughout the album, Witches Mark attains that balance between old school and putting out metal that can stand up to any of the newer bands out there.

Class tracks include the headbanging inducing 'Salem’s Fire', the Accept styled swagger of 'Swarm' to the track 'We Die' that seems to be a written in the style of the late Ronnie James Dio. They do not change any of the old school vibe or power, yet the music never becomes tiring or seems to be out-of-date. Few bands have done this successfully – but these guys certainly have pulled it off in a huge way.

The only drawback to the album, is the way that it had been recorded. The album sounds muffled and unclear as the vocals and guitars seem to just get lost between one another with no defining separation. It seemed so one dimensional and flat and that is not the hallmark of Classic Metal. The result is a sad sounding monotone like recording that makes the entire experience of listening feel lessened.

Heaven and Hell Records have dropped the ball here, and I for one urge them to open their wallets and pay for a good producer – this album could have been so much more than what it is and it should have been in the first place. A band this fucking good needs that sort of professionalism.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.6 out of 10