Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
First Spell is the debut album by the band Leatherwitch, released on May 29, 2026 by Listenable Records. It is a classic/traditional Heavy Metal work (with touches of speed metal, NWOBHM, power and hard rock influences), created essentially by Marta Gabriel — multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and former leader of Crystal Viper, who ended that band in 2025.
After the end of Crystal Viper (which had a solid career with international tours and acclaimed albums), Marta Gabriel channeled her creative energy into something purer, rawer and rooted in classic 80s Heavy Metal. She describes the project as a "new beginning" ("The New Beginning"), without deliberately trying to sound retro, but capturing the original energy of the genre: brilliant riffs, inspired solos, powerful vocals and a production that balances clarity with a raw vibe.
The title First Spell is a playful pun: Marta sees herself as a leather-clad “Heavy Metal witch,” Flying V guitar in hand, casting her first musical “spell.” The lyrics don’t follow a single concept, but are like short stories inspired by her life, personal events, classic gothic horror, and fantasy/D&D elements (like the RPG game).
Marta Gabriel: vocals, guitar, bass, and drums (almost all recorded by her).
Special guests: Giuseppe Taormina (lead guitar, ex-Crystal Viper/Ellende) and possibly others like Ginoir (Sabbat/Metalucifer) on solos.
Mixing: Olof Wikstrand (Enforcer).
Production and mastering: Bart Gabriel (Riot V, Pagan Altar, Cirith Ungol).
Cover art: Mario E. Lopez M.
The production highlights shimmering riffs and solos, extremely convincing vocals (considered by many to be Marta's best career performance), and a balance between heaviness, melody, and raw energy. The sound is reminiscent of bands like Enforcer, Ambush, Skull Fist, and Running Wild, with classic heavy metal energy: galloping riffs, blazing solos, catchy choruses, and powerful/shriek vocals. There's variation between heavier/faster tracks and melodic/glam moments, without sounding repetitive. Initial reviews praise the vitality, Marta's charisma, and the fact that it's a distinct (but consistent) project with her previous phase—typical scores around 8/10, described as "fun, brisk," and promising.
In short, First Spell is an energetic, honest album full of passion for traditional heavy metal, serving as a strong statement from Marta Gabriel in her new phase. Perfect for classic metal fans who appreciate sharp riffs, striking vocal performances, and that nostalgic yet fresh "leather and spikes" feel. If you enjoy straightforward, raw, and powerful heavy metal, this album delivers the complete spell!
MEMBERS
Marta Gabriel - Everything
Special guests:
Giuseppe Taormina (lead guitar, ex-Crystal Viper/Ellende) and possibly others like Ginoir (Sabbat/Metalucifer) on solos.
TRACKLIST
1. Heroes and the Dice | 00:00
2. Beast Inside | 05:09
3. Bound by the Night | 09:10
4. Silver Stallions | 13:22
5. Living in the Fast Lane | 17:55
6. The New Beginning | 22:08
7. Two Tons of Steel | 29:51
8. In the Middle of the Night | 33:39
9. Walls Of Jericho / Ride The Sky (Helloween cover) | 36:47
SOCIAL MEDIA
Deezer: deezer.com/artist/369162382
Facebook: facebook.com/leatherwitchofficial
Instagram: instagram.com/leatherwitchofficial
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/2ExPY4dFYSjv1c80lBORFc
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Leatherwitch. All rights reserved to Believe Music on behalf of Listenable Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#leatherwitch #heavymetal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
First Spell is the debut album by the band Leatherwitch, released on May 29, 2026 by Listenable Records. It is a classic/traditional Heavy Metal work (with touches of speed metal, NWOBHM, power and hard rock influences), created essentially by Marta Gabriel — multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and former leader of Crystal Viper, who ended that band in 2025.
After the end of Crystal Viper (which had a solid career with international tours and acclaimed albums), Marta Gabriel channeled her creative energy into something purer, rawer and rooted in classic 80s Heavy Metal. She describes the project as a "new beginning" ("The New Beginning"), without deliberately trying to sound retro, but capturing the original energy of the genre: brilliant riffs, inspired solos, powerful vocals and a production that balances clarity with a raw vibe.
The title First Spell is a playful pun: Marta sees herself as a leather-clad “Heavy Metal witch,” Flying V guitar in hand, casting her first musical “spell.” The lyrics don’t follow a single concept, but are like short stories inspired by her life, personal events, classic gothic horror, and fantasy/D&D elements (like the RPG game).
Marta Gabriel: vocals, guitar, bass, and drums (almost all recorded by her).
Special guests: Giuseppe Taormina (lead guitar, ex-Crystal Viper/Ellende) and possibly others like Ginoir (Sabbat/Metalucifer) on solos.
Mixing: Olof Wikstrand (Enforcer).
Production and mastering: Bart Gabriel (Riot V, Pagan Altar, Cirith Ungol).
Cover art: Mario E. Lopez M.
The production highlights shimmering riffs and solos, extremely convincing vocals (considered by many to be Marta's best career performance), and a balance between heaviness, melody, and raw energy. The sound is reminiscent of bands like Enforcer, Ambush, Skull Fist, and Running Wild, with classic heavy metal energy: galloping riffs, blazing solos, catchy choruses, and powerful/shriek vocals. There's variation between heavier/faster tracks and melodic/glam moments, without sounding repetitive. Initial reviews praise the vitality, Marta's charisma, and the fact that it's a distinct (but consistent) project with her previous phase—typical scores around 8/10, described as "fun, brisk," and promising.
In short, First Spell is an energetic, honest album full of passion for traditional heavy metal, serving as a strong statement from Marta Gabriel in her new phase. Perfect for classic metal fans who appreciate sharp riffs, striking vocal performances, and that nostalgic yet fresh "leather and spikes" feel. If you enjoy straightforward, raw, and powerful heavy metal, this album delivers the complete spell!
MEMBERS
Marta Gabriel - Everything
Special guests:
Giuseppe Taormina (lead guitar, ex-Crystal Viper/Ellende) and possibly others like Ginoir (Sabbat/Metalucifer) on solos.
TRACKLIST
1. Heroes and the Dice | 00:00
2. Beast Inside | 05:09
3. Bound by the Night | 09:10
4. Silver Stallions | 13:22
5. Living in the Fast Lane | 17:55
6. The New Beginning | 22:08
7. Two Tons of Steel | 29:51
8. In the Middle of the Night | 33:39
9. Walls Of Jericho / Ride The Sky (Helloween cover) | 36:47
SOCIAL MEDIA
Deezer: deezer.com/artist/369162382
Facebook: facebook.com/leatherwitchofficial
Instagram: instagram.com/leatherwitchofficial
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/2ExPY4dFYSjv1c80lBORFc
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Leatherwitch. All rights reserved to Believe Music on behalf of Listenable Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#leatherwitch #heavymetal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
