The resurrection of German heavy / power metal act Voodoo Kiss came because of the Summer Breeze festival. Originally resting in 2000, come 2022 they would hit the stage with a mix of original members plus others (including Sacred Steel singer Gerrit Mutz), leading to a new self-titled album that same year as they continue forward. Feel the Curse as the natural follow-up serves eight more tracks of old-school catchy heavy metal, with the continuation of Dr. Evil’s story as he seeks out a bride, only to find he needs to make a pact with the devil to consummate this complicated relationship into full fruition.
When it comes to the musical foundation, the power chords, hooks, and stirring melodies span everything from aspects of Manowar, Iron Maiden, and Pretty Maids to even the angst and energy of Motörhead. “Spellbound In Your Eyes” reverts back to early Maiden days, although the straightforward bass/drum work keeps the sinister main riffs top of mind – Gerrit slithering his word delivery in a bone-chilling mid-range that keeps the listener engaged to the subsequent verses through the dramatic chorus. Fluid acoustic guitar passages give “Dr. Evil” a progressive feel before turning sideways into a highway driven anthem template, while “Lords of Darkness” contains some 70s-like atmosphere circa Rainbow, guitarist Martin Beuther showcasing multiple facets of his thoughtful playing, keeping the transitions intuitive while switching between electric and acoustic instrumentation. The nature of this material contains all the major jumping off points to cause people to stand, shout, and join in unison celebrations to the pure energy that makes you think this band could easily transport themselves back to 1984 and fit in with their brethren.
We all know at this point in time that Voodoo Kiss isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel when it comes to Feel the Curse – they feel exhilaration in just keeping forward momentum so that classic heavy, power-driven metal will not die. Those into that early NWOBHM, American and German type of music that hit the streets from the late 70s through the mid-80s need this discography in your collection.