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Burning Witches

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Band Timeline

2015-2016

Formation and Early Lineup Establishment

Burning Witches was formed by guitarist Romana Kalkuhl in Brugg, Aargau, Switzerland. Romana had been seeking to establish an all-female heavy/power metal band and through her network found bassist Jeanine Grob, drummer Lala Frischknecht, and lead singer Seraina Telli. The lineup was completed in 2016 with the addition of guitarist Alea Wyss. That year, they released their first self-titled single and demo, which received recognition as "Demo of the Month" from both Rock Hard and Metal Hammer magazines—serving as the band's initial step into the metal scene.
2017

Release of Self-Titled Debut Album and Initial Recognition

In 2017, Burning Witches released their self-titled debut album independently. The album was produced by V.O. Pulver and Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer and helped the band gain traction in the heavy metal community. It featured a cover of Judas Priest's song "Jawbreaker" and was distributed through the crowdfunding platform Pledge Music. The album reached number 73 on the Swiss album charts, marking the band's first chart success. Following this release, Burning Witches began work on their next album, and their growing reputation led to signing with the prominent metal label Nuclear Blast in February 2018.
2018

Lineup Change and Release of 'Hexenhammer' Album

In 2018, guitarist Alea Wyss left the band and was replaced by Sonia "Anubis" Nusselder from the Netherlands. Burning Witches gained further exposure by opening for the German heavy metal band Grave Digger on tour. They released their second studio album, "Hexenhammer," on November 9, 2018, which included another notable cover, Dio's "Holy Diver." The album was partly inspired by the historical witch trials book 'Hexenhammer.' It achieved higher chart success, reaching number 43 in Germany and 21 in Switzerland. The band also released three digital singles to promote this album, solidifying their position in European heavy metal circles.
2019

Lead Vocalist Departure and New Frontwoman

In June 2019, lead vocalist Seraina Telli departed to focus on her own band, Dead Venus. She was succeeded by Dutch singer Laura Guldemond from the band Shadowrise. Burning Witches continued to build their reputation by performing at major European metal festivals including Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze, and Rockharz Open Air during the summer. This period was critical for maintaining momentum and placing their new vocalist in the spotlight with broad audiences.
2020

Release of 'Dance with the Devil' and Additional Lineup Changes

On March 6, 2020, Burning Witches released their third studio album, "Dance with the Devil," produced by Pulver and Schirmer. This album featured a cover of Manowar's "Battle Hymn," which included guest appearances by Ross the Boss and Michael Lepond. "Dance with the Devil" achieved their highest chart positions to date, reaching number 22 in Germany and 14 in Switzerland. Later that year, lead guitarist Sonia Nusselder departed to form the death metal band Crypta with ex-members of Nervosa. Larissa Ernst then joined Burning Witches as the new lead guitarist, marking another significant lineup change during a period notably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021

'The Witch of the North' Album Release and Continued Success

Burning Witches released an EP titled "The Circle of Five" on December 4, 2020, ahead of their fourth studio album. Their album "The Witch of the North" was released on May 28, 2021. Produced once again by Schirmer and mixed by V.O. Powder, the album continued to showcase the band's evolving sound. It achieved their best chart performance yet, reaching number 16 on the German charts and climbing to number 6 in Switzerland. This release demonstrated Burning Witches' growing prominence and consistent delivery of quality heavy metal music.
2022

New Record Deal and U.S. Tour Expansion

In February 2022, Burning Witches signed a new record deal with the Austrian label Napalm Records, known for supporting prominent metal acts. This partnership marked an important strategic move for the band’s international reach. Subsequently, Burning Witches embarked on their first United States tour as headliners alongside The Iron Maidens. This tour expanded their audience beyond Europe and introduced their all-female heavy metal sound to North American fans, broadening their global impact.

Albums

burning-witches_1st_album
Burning Witches
11 tracks
2017
burning-witches_2nd_album
Hexenhammer
14 tracks
2018
burning-witches_3rd_album
Dance With the Devil
12 tracks
2020
burning-witches_4th_album
The Witch of the North
14 tracks
2021
burning-witches_5th_album
The Dark Tower
13 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Seraina Telli

N/A

Lead vocals

Romana Kalkuhl

N/A

Guitar

Jay Grob

N/A

Bass

Lala Frischknecht

N/A

Drums (drum set)

Sonia Nusselder

N/A

Guitar

Laura Guldemond

N/A

Lead vocals

Story of Burning Witches

Burning Witches: A Swiss Power Metal Force to Be Reckoned With

Burning Witches, a Swiss heavy/power metal band hailing from Brugg, Aargau, is a powerhouse of heavy riffs and soaring melodies. This all-female band has quickly gained a reputation for their explosive live shows and captivating sound, channeling the spirit of classic heavy metal icons like Judas Priest while forging their own unique path.

From Humble Beginnings to Chart Success

The band's origins lie in the passion of Romana Kalkuhl, a seasoned guitarist with the band Atlas & Axis. For years, she dreamed of forming an all-female metal band, meticulously searching for the perfect musicians to realize her vision. Finally, she assembled a formidable lineup, including bassist Jeanine Grob, drummer Lala Frischknecht, and vocalist Seraina Telli. The band was completed in 2016 with the arrival of guitarist Alea Wyss.

Their journey began with a self-titled single, which served as their first demo. This initial offering quickly caught the attention of the metal community, earning "Demo of the Month" accolades from both Rock Hard and Metal Hammer magazines.

In 2017, Burning Witches unleashed their self-titled debut album, a fierce and captivating statement of their musical prowess. The album, produced by V.O. Pulver (Poltergeist, Gurd) and Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer (Destruction), was released independently and funded through the crowdfunding platform Pledge Music. The album featured a powerful cover of Judas Priest's "Jawbreaker" alongside original material, showcasing the band's versatility and respect for their heavy metal forefathers. The album's success was cemented by its chart-topping performance, reaching number 73 on the Swiss album charts.

Burning Witches, with their powerful performances and infectious energy, are poised to become a major force in the heavy metal world. Their unwavering dedication to their craft, combined with their undeniable talent, guarantees a thrilling future filled with electrifying music and unforgettable shows.

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