Witchery

• Formed: 1997
• Genre(s): Black Metal
• Representative Albums: "Symphony for the Devil," "Restless and Dead," "Witchburner"





Biography

Sweden's Witchery was born in 1997 after Satanic Slaughter founder Ztephan Dark decided to fire his band, which then consisted of guitarists Patrik Jenson (of Seance and the Haunted) and Richard Corpse, vocalist Toxine, and drummer Mique. The four of them recruited bassist Sharlee D' Angelo of Mercyful Fate and immediately released Witchery's first album Restless and Dead. Witchery's riff-heavy style, hailing back to the melodic metal of the '80s, was well-received by both critics and fans. The combination of Patrik Jenson, known mainly for his work with the Haunted, and Mercyful Fate bassist Sharlee D' Angelo established Witchery as a black/death metal supergroup. Their second release was the 1999 EP Witchburner, made up of four covers and three originals. Covering songs by Wasp, Judas Priest, Accept, and Black Sabbath, Witchery paid tribute to the groups that have influenced their sound. Dead, Hot, and Ready followed shortly thereafter, becoming their third release in less than a year's time. Satanic Slaughter Years appeared a year later.

History


Witchery is a Swedish thrash metal band, formed by former members of Satanic Slaughter in 1997. The current lineup is vocalist Tony Kampner, guitarists Patrik Jensen and Rille Rimfält, bassist Sharlee D'Angelo, and drummer Martin Axenrot. To date, the band has released four full length studio albums and an EP.

Begun in 1997 when their cult band Satanic Slaughter splintered, Witchery started as guitarists Patrik Jensen (The Haunted) and Rille Rimfält, vocalist Toxine, drummer Mique, and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo (Arch Enemy, Mercyful Fate). In 1998 they recorded and released their debut, Restless And Dead by Necropolis Records. Later that year, Witchery released the Witchburner minialbum. The EP featured two originals and four cover songs bearing witness to the individual musicians’ influences. In 1999, Witchery embarked on a U.S. tour with Emperor and Borknagar. Their second full-length album Dead, Hot and Ready was unleashed soon thereafter, and a six-week early 2000 European tour followed. Symphony For The Devil, the band’s 2001 release, was recorded at Berno Studio (Amon Amarth, Dark Funeral) in Malmö, Sweden with new drummer, Martin “Axe” Axenrot (Bloodbath, Opeth). Witchery returned to tour North America later that year with The Haunted. Returning to Berno Studios in 2004, the band recorded Don’t Fear The Reaper, this time entrusting mixing duties to Tue Madsen and his Antfarm Studios (The Haunted, Heaven Shall Burn, Himsa). After recording the album, the band signed a worldwide record deal with Century Media.

Band members



Current lineup

• Tony Kampner - vocals
• Patrik Jensen - guitars
• Rille Rimfält - guitars
• Sharlee D'Angelo - bass
• Martin Axenrot - drums

Former members

• Mique - drums (1997 - 1999)

Discography

Studio albums
• Restless And Dead - Necropolis (1998)
• Dead, Hot And Ready - Necropolis (1999)
• Symphony For The Devil - Necropolis (2001)
• Don't Fear the Reaper- Century Media (2006)
EP's
• Witchburner - Necropolis (1999)