Burning Witches: Swiss Heavy Metal Band's Rise to International Fame
In the heart of Brugg, Aargau, Switzerland, a metal dream began taking shape in 2015 when rhythm guitarist Romana Kalkuhl finally assembled the lineup she had long envisioned for an all-female heavy metal band. Burning Witches emerged with a clear mission: to channel the raw power and energy of 1980s heavy metal through a modern lens, creating something both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
The band's foundation rested on the talents of Kalkuhl alongside bassist Jeanine Grob, drummer Lala Frischknecht, and original vocalist Seraina Telli. When guitarist Alea Wyss joined in 2016, Burning Witches reached their initial complete form. Their first demo single earned immediate recognition, being voted "Demo of the Month" by both Rock Hard and Metal Hammer magazines, signaling that the metal world was ready to embrace their sound.
The 2017 self-titled debut album marked a significant milestone in their journey. Produced by V.O. Pulver and Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer from Destruction, the album showcased their reverence for metal masters with a cover of Judas Priest's Jawbreaker. The album's success, reaching number 73 in Swiss charts, caught the attention of Nuclear Blast Records, who signed the band in early 2018.
Musical evolution came with their second album, Hexenhammer, released in November 2018. This release demonstrated Burning Witches' growing confidence and songwriting maturity, featuring themes inspired by the historical witch-hunting manual while delivering another powerful cover version with Dio's Holy Diver. The album's improved chart performance in both Germany and Switzerland proved their expanding reach.
Personnel changes became part of the band's evolution as they navigated the challenging landscape of professional music. Dutch vocalist Laura Guldemond joined in 2019, bringing fresh energy after Seraina Telli's departure. The band continued to showcase their adaptability and resilience through subsequent lineup adjustments, always maintaining their core identity while embracing new musical perspectives.
Dance with the Devil in 2020 and The Witch of the North in 2021 solidified their reputation as serious contenders in the heavy metal scene. Each release climbed higher on the charts, with The Witch of the North reaching number 6 in Switzerland, demonstrating their growing domestic and international appeal. Their collaboration with metal legends Ross the Boss and Michael Lepond on a Manowar cover showed the respect they had earned within the metal community.
Musically, Burning Witches draws deeply from the well of classic heavy metal, particularly the influence of Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, and Judas Priest. Their sound captures the twin-guitar harmonies, powerful vocals, and driving rhythms that defined metal's golden age while incorporating modern production techniques and contemporary sensibilities. This approach has allowed them to appeal to both longtime metal fans and newer audiences discovering the genre.
The band's commitment to their craft extends beyond studio recordings to commanding live performances at major festivals including Wacken, Summer Breeze, and Rockharz Open Air. Their 2022 United States tour alongside The Iron Maidens marked their successful expansion into international markets, proving that their appeal transcends European boundaries.
With their signing to Napalm Records in 2022 and continued chart success with subsequent releases, Burning Witches has established themselves as a formidable force in contemporary heavy metal. Their journey from a Swiss metal enthusiast's dream to an internationally recognized band demonstrates both their musical talents and their determination to honor metal's rich heritage while forging their own path forward.