DARK WIZARD - Reign Of Evil / Devil's Victim (DIGIPAK CD)
Netherlands | Heavy
Detailed Description
This reissue, expertly remastered by Neudi, surpasses the sound quality of Mausoleum Classix's 1994 CD release. In addition to two previously unreleased live tracks, the album also features a brand-new song recorded exclusively for this edition. The comprehensive booklet includes a wealth of photos, memorabilia, and detailed liner notes, offering fans a complete look into this underrated piece of heavy metal history.
In 1984 and 1985, the Belgian label Mausoleum Records released a flood of albums, primarily from up-and-coming artists, creating some confusion among listeners. However, Golden Core/ZYX revisited the label?s catalog and unearthed several musical gems that have since gained cult status. One of these treasures hails from the Netherlands: DARK WIZARD. Their 1984 EP Devil's Victim foreshadowed trends in the years to come, offering a blend of traditional heavy metal infused with a dark, melodic undertone. Although mistakenly labeled as black metal at the time, this categorization feels inaccurate today.
Their follow-up album Reign of Evil remains an overlooked masterpiece, having been lost in the sea of Mausoleum's releases. Tracks like "Evil Spirits" showcase a diverse and epic European heavy metal sound from the '80s, with the band?s doom metal-like aesthetic adding an extra layer of intrigue, despite not fully embracing the genre. The gritty, independent vocals lend a raw, aggressive edge, all while maintaining infectious melodies and memorable choruses?a rare combination in today's music.
