Wizard is a power/heavy metal band from Germany that has been patrolling the stages since 1989, however, this is my first experience with them. This is something that has been happening more and more frequently in recent weeks. Not that I am complaining, it has been great discovering some of these bands, especially when the albums are as good as Goochan.
This is Wizard's seventh album and their first with the Massacre Records label (distributed in the US by Locomotive Records). It is a concept album that centers on the witch Goochan who is needed to help defend the remainder of humanity as the planet is being destroyed by an invading alien force. It is standard fantasy lore given a strong musical playground.
I am very impressed with this album, it is powerful in execution, featuring great vocals, fast drums, epic solos, great riffs, and is just an excellent metal album. As I listened to it, bands such as Iron Maiden, Manowar, Iced Earth, and Blind Guardian come to mind. There is some great technical work here as the songs go through the story, offering variety in tempo, tone, and structure. There is nothing boring about Goochan.
The narrative structure of the concept builds to a doom ridden peak as Goochan faces off with the Pale Rider's minions, with the aid of the last living dragon they are the last line of defense. I do not want to give away the tale, as it is actually pretty good, though it does build to a moment of dire need for lose last survivors, before the evil one gets his comeuppance. I know, I gave away the end, but is there any other way for this to end? Wizard does not strike me as a band that wants to leave on a sour note. However, the story has a nice progression that is punctuated by some intense music of epic scale.
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