Spellcaster

Silver Talon – Decadence and Decay Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on May 28, 2021 in Reviews, 83 comments

“It’s amazing to me the camps formed from a single band. And I’m not even talking about a popular arena band. I’m talking about Oregon’s laid-to-rest Spellcaster. First, there was Idle Hands—now known as Unto Others—a band that shocked many-o’ peep around these parts. A name that showed up on lists and haunted many a comment section. Where they’ll go from here, no one quite knows. But, I know we can expect big things. Another outfit that launched from the ashes of Spellcaster is Silver Talon.” Idle talons.

Idle Hands – Mana Review

By Huck N Roll on May 6, 2019 in 2019, American Metal, Eisenwald Records, Gothic Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Gothic Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, 90 comments

“Remember Spellcaster? I don’t, but Doc Grier loved their final album: Night Hides the World made his 2016 Top Ten(ish) List. After burning the fuse at both ends, however, the band folded. Now three-fifths of Spellcaster have regrouped as Idle Hands, led by bassist Gabe Franco (who switches to guitars and vocals here). Franco brings with him guitarist Sebastian Silva and drummer Colin Vranizan, and the lineup is rounded out with Brandon Hill on bass. Be warned, though: this is not Spellcaster 2.0. Gone are the almost-thrash, pure metal sounds of that band, as well as the Iron Maiden and Iced Earth influences. Idle Hands aim for something much different, plucking influences from the opposite end of the spectrum and assembling them into a fairly unique sound.” Devil’s Workshop now hiring!

Cauldron – New Gods Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on September 5, 2018 in 2018, Canadian Metal, Dissonance Productions, Heavy Metal, Reviews, The End Records, Heavy Metal, 100 comments

“Bands like Enforcer, Striker, Spellcaster, Skull Fist, and White Wizzard do their damndest to take the baton and run with the same energy and passion of their forefathers. But, no list is complete without Canada’s Cauldron. This heavy-metal threesome embodies this old-school style with heavy bass, smooth vox, chunky guitar licks, and a dark cloak of melody—expressing their love for everything from witches and gloomy haunts to the darker side of life.” Into the kettle with the nonbelievers.

Haunt – Burst into Flame Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on August 14, 2018 in 2018, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Shadow Kingdom Records, Heavy Metal, 75 comments

“A couple years ago, I put Spellcaster’s Night Hides the World on my top ten list. But, now that they appear to have folded, I’m in search of a replacement with the same amount of pizzazz. In walks Haunt and their debut record Burst into Flame. A record with plenty of Spellcaster-meets-Angel Witch vibe. But is it what Grier‘s been waiting for?” Calling Doctor Olde. Doctor Olde, please report to the past.

Dr. A.N. Grier and El Cuervo’s Top Ten(ish) of 2016

By Steel Druhm on December 27, 2016 in 2016, Blog Posts, Lists, 71 comments

When Doctor Grier and El Cuervo get together, the hobo wine and illogical selections run like an ever-flowing stream. Ride the tide of opinion!

Spellcaster – Night Hides the World Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on June 30, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Prosthetic Records, Reviews, Heavy Metal, 59 comments

“I have many friends that share my exquisite taste in music. If this were not the case, I would not have stumbled across Spellcaster and their newest release, Night Hides the World. Suggested to me by a member of War Curse, Spellcaster is a purveyor of the simple and the accessible. Fusing six-string details with strong vocals, these Portlanders combine Iron Maiden-esque hooks with Ghost-ish melody.” Metal friends beat Super Friends any day.