Black Wizard

The departure of two members, as well as the act's subsequent hiatus, cast doubt on the prospects of ever hearing from Black Wizard again. Not only have they managed to regroup, they've quelled those doubts with their most fun and assured record yet. On Young Wisdom, the Vancouver, BC quartet make quick work of dismissing any concerns about their new line-up, as well as claims they're just slavish '70s metal revivalists. Opener "Spacer" finds its way into a slow groove that's repeated and teased out before summoning a dual-guitar assault from Adam Grant and new six-stringer Kenneth Cook (Anciients). The title track follows, careening at a vicious speed, with Grant's vocals haunting the band's rhythms. Throughout this kinetic effort, they sound comfortable as a whole, as on "Something Sweet," which has a bluesy, swinging quality that's indicative of a band that work well together. Young Wisdom is a sharp sophomore record from Black Wizard, and a reminder that "retro" isn't a bad thing — looking back is necessary to remember how uncomplicated great metal can be.