Top Tracks: Icarus Witch – “Capture the Magic”

Released on October 25, 2005, through Magick Records “Capture the Magic” introduced Pittsburgh heavy metal band Icarus Witch with a sound that looked back to the days when strong melodies, memorable guitar work and a good story could carry an entire album.

This was not a record built around endless double bass drumming, huge orchestral parts or layers upon layers of vocals. Icarus Witch wanted something different: a rawer sound with an unmistakable 1980s feel, a steady groove, and room for every instrument to be heard.

There is plenty to discover here, from catchy choruses and classic metal guitar work to ghost ships, divination, and a band name that reportedly came to bassist and keyboardist Jason Myers during a séance in California.

But which songs deserve the most attention? Let’s revisit some of the standout tracks from “Capture the Magic”.

1. Capture the Magic

The title track is an obvious place to start. The chorus is incredibly catchy and will get stuck in your head all day and the soaring vocal gives it the heavy metal punch that makes classic heavy metal so easy to return to.

It captures what the album does best. Strong melodies without losing the weight of the guitars. If you’re looking for one song to introduce someone to Icarus Witch, this is a good place to begin.

2. The Ghost of Xavior Holmes

Forget the usual fantasy metal stories about dragons and distant kingdoms. This track takes a darker route with an elaborate ghost-ship legend, delivered with the kind of storytelling that brings classic Iron Maiden to mind.

The song has a dense, dark structure, giving it more to offer than a straightforward verse and chorus approach. Frank Aresti of Fates Warning adds a guest guitar solo, another reason this track stands out.

For fans who like their heavy metal with a story to follow, “The Ghost of Xavior Holmes” is one of the album’s essential listens.

3. Storming the Castle

The album starts with a huge burst of energy. “Storming the Castle” sets the tone right away with a heavy, aggressive style that shows Icarus Witch isn’t taking the easy way out.

It’s a great opener because it gets straight to the point. The guitars drive the whole track forward, giving the record a strong start before the band moves into its more melodic and atmospheric songs.

4. Forevermore

“Forevermore” is a bit lighter and more upbeat, but it’s still heavy metal. Thanks to a driving rhythm and classical sounding guitar melodies, it stands out from the darker tracks arround it.

That change of mood helps the album breathe. Not every track needs to sound ominous, and this one adds some speed and melody to the mix.

5. Soothsayer

With its mid-tempo pace and mystical atmosphere, “Soothsayer” takes a darker turn. The song deals with divination and the burden of being cursed to predict the future, giving its heavy mood a clear subject.

Matthew Bizilia’s sharp, emotional vocals fit the dark theme perfectly. Instead of relying on speed, the song builds its character through atmosphere, weight, and the feeling that its story has a darker side waiting to come out.

6. S.A.T.O.

The album’s bonus cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “S.A.T.O.” brings a familiar heavy metal song into Icarus Witch’s world. The track picks up the pace toward the end of the record, and the guest appearance from George Lynch of Dokken and Lynch Mob makes it even more interesting.

Lynch delivers the guest guitar solo, giving this version an extra reason to catch the attention of guitar fans. It also makes for a fitting way to finish the album on a burst of energy.

More Songs Worth Your Time

The album has more to offer beyond these six tracks.

“Nemeton Forest” takes its name from the ancient Celtic term for a sacred grove or ritual space. It’s a small detail, but it fits the record’s interest in mysticism and the supernatural.

The title track, “The Ghost of Xavior Holmes” and “Soothsayer” each approach darker themes in their own way, while the more melodic moments keep the album from feeling stuck in one mood.

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The Story Behind the Sound

Part of what makes “Capture the Magic” interesting is how Icarus Witch approached its recording. Jason Myers later recalled that, the band recorded the album before the members had played a live show together. The chemistry heard on the record was developed in the studio before the band took its music to the stage.

The band also pushed against some of the production trends common in metal at the time. There are no extended double bass drum runs, no full-time orchestra, and no huge stacks of vocal tracks. Instead, the goal was a raw, mid-tempo sound inspired by 1980s metal, with the bass and drums left clear enough to hear.

The lineup featured Matthew Bizilia on lead vocals, Steve Pollick on lead and rhythm guitars, Jason Myers on bass, keyboards, and artistic direction and Keith Hurka on drums and percussion.

The guest list added even more character. George Lynch played the solo on “S.A.T.O.”, Frank Aresti contributed the solo on “The Ghost of Xavior Holmes” and Michael Sweet of Stryper provided backing vocals on “Out for Blood”.

And the band’s name has a story of its own. Myers reportedly came up with “Icarus Witch” during a spiritual seance in California. His interest in the occult was more than an album theme: His ceremonial ritual knife, named Shadowchaser is housed at the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick.

That mix of classic heavy metal, dark storytelling and genuine interest in the occult gives “Capture the Magic” its own identity. It isn’t trying to bury the listener under production tricks. It lets the songs do the work.

Which Track Would You Pick?

“Capture the Magic” has catchy melodies, a strong opening track, darker stories, and a guest list that any classic-metal fan can appreciate.

For me, the title track and “The Ghost of Xavior Holmes” are two of the first songs to revisit, but the album has enough variety to make a case for several different favorites.

Which track from Icarus Witch’s “Capture the Magic” gets your vote? Is it the title track, “The Ghost of Xavior Holmes”, “Storming the Castle” or another song? Let us know your pick!