December 22nd, 2018 - The Misconception Of The Hexenhammer

Good afternoon evildoers!  The Meista here getting heavy and a little evil with "Hexenhammer" by Swiss metal band Burning Witches and a Misconception IPA from Shades Of Pale Brewing Company!!

Album Info:

• Artist: Burning Witches
• Title: "Hexenhammer"
• Recorded: April through May 2018
• Release date: November 9th, 2018 (2nd studio album by Burning Witches)
• Record company: Nuclear Blast
• Production: Vo Pulver, Damir Eskic, and Schmier Eskic
• Album cover art: Gyula Havancsák
• Personnel: Lala Frischknecht (drums), Jeanine Grob (bass), Romana Kalkuhl (guitars), Sonia Nusselder (guitars), and Seraina Telli (lead vocals)
• Guest musician: Courtney Cox (guitar solo on "Maiden Of Steel")
• Musical style: Heavy metal, power metal
• Sound: Heavy, energetic, and fun as hell, Burning Witches' sophomore album is a powerhouse metal album in the classic metal tradition of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Dio, and Doro! 
• Major themes: Evil, darkness, the occult, magic, witchcraft, war, knowledge, power, aggression, rebellion, folklore, etc.
• Tracks:   

1. "The Witch Circle"
2. "Executed"
3. "Lords Of War"
4. "Open Your Mind"
5. "Don't Cry My Tears"
6. "Maiden Of Steel"
7. "Dungeon Of Infamy"
8. "Dead Ender"
9. "Hexenhammer"
10. "Possession"
11. "Maneater"
12. "Holy Diver" (Dio cover)

    Brew Info:

• Brewery: Shades Of Pale Brewing Company (Salt Lake City, Utah)
• Website: http://shadesofpale.com/
• Brew: Misconception IPA
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 12 ounce bottle
• ABV: 8.0% 
• Pour: The Misconception IPA pours a very murky golden peach color with a 1-finger, firm and creamy bright white head with good sustain that leaves sticky, intricate lacing.
• Nose: The nose is very citrusy, fruity, hoppy, and floral.  There are aromas of grapefruit rind, navel orange peel, orange juice, tangerine, grassy hops, wild flowers, fresh herbs and spices, pale malt, and a hint of soft caramel.
• Taste: The taste of the Misconception IPA is citrusy, resiny, earthy, and herbal.  There are notes of pink grapefruit, orange peel, pine, black tea, minerals, and a hint of honey or toffee/caramel.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel is very crisp, rather bitter, and juicy, with a dry and peppery finish.

Overall pairing: The Shades Misconception IPA is a feisty, hop-forward brew with a kick... a great beer to throw back on a Saturday afternoon whilst headbanging to the depth, power, and aggression of the excellent "Hexenhammer" by Burning Witches!

Cheers!!  Hails!!