Day of the Saxons

The five songs and 18 minutes that make up 1984's Day of the Saxons EP is all that survives of short-lived Canadian four-piece Witchkiller, who came and went so quickly it's a wonder they even got this much music down on tape. And although there's nothing really brilliant or unique about the band's classic, New Wave of British Heavy Metal-inspired sound, the simple fact that they don't embarrass themselves (well, except for those rather excessive leather and fur costumes on the cover) like so many of their North American peers of the era totally justifies and explains this release's enduring cult status. In fact, Witchkiller are really quite good at what they do: crafting quality tunes like "Day of the Saxons," "Riders of Doom," and "Cry Wolf," and delivering them with a level of musicianship, confidence, and poise not rivaled by most other Metal Blade bands whose names weren't Armored Saint. For these reasons, this is a very recommended release for crate-digging metalheads.