Widow – Carved in Stone Release Date: June 24, 2016 Label: Pure Steel Records
It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 15 years since the release of their No Stone Unturned. In that time, North Carolina’s Widow has made quite a name for themselves as New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. The years of touring both in the US and all over Europe have made Widow quite a big name in the underground but it also has them sounding like a well oiled machine. After what seemed like forever (really, five years) since the release of Life’s Blood, Widow has returned with their best album to date, Carved In Stone.
Now I was a fan of Widow before this album but sometimes it takes something new and something exciting to remind you why you are a fan of a band in the first place. Kicking things off with “Burning Star” I was immediately nodding my head with a shit eating grin and as “Carved in Stone” kicked in, I could feel it just growing with intensity but it was “Wisdom” that literally had me throwing horns at my speakers and saying, “Fuck yeah!” Johnny Wooten’s vocals are so distinct and then coupled with the harmony vocals of lead guitarist Chris Bennett just adds a whole layer of depth. The acoustic track “Time On Your Side”, in my opinion, is where Widow shows their vocal talents and while it’s a melancholy track, it still works so well with its dark and haunting yet beautiful lyrics.
Not only is Carved in Stone Widow’s best work to date but it is a NWOTHM masterpiece for the ages. This, my friends, is what NWOTHM is all about. It’s about taking something old and injecting some new, youthful energy into to keep it from sounding rehashed or dated. If you are a fan of bands such as Holy Grail, Striker, and Enforcer, Widow is the band for you and Carved in Stone is the album you need to be feeding into your ears. Like all great bands, Widow just continues to age like a fine wine but don’t wait forever to tap into it. Enjoy it now and know that there is much more to come.
I have been running this blog since 2009. AKA as the Great Southern Brainfart, Southeast of Heaven is my baby now and forever. I’ve had my ups and downs with bands over the years but they are all great experiences and memories. My Swedish friend Charlie said once, “Don is known for being one of the meanest bastards in American rock journalism.” It’s nice to be loved.
I also once took a shit in Anthrax’s dressing room toilet and didn’t flush.
