Witch Rock Music: 5 Bands You Need to Know

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Do you like your music with a side of dark occult vibes? If you do, then you need to check out these 5 witch rock bands that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!

Witch rock music: what is it and where did it come from?

Witch rock music is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s. It is characterized by its use of occult and witch-themed imagery and lyrics, and its focus on themes of darkness and evil. The genre has been described as “a cross between black metal and psychedelic rock”.

Witch rock music can trace its origins back to the late 1960s, with bands such as Coven and Black Widow. Both of these bands were influenced by the occult and used witch-themed imagery in their music and lyrics. In the 1970s, bands such as Witchfynde and Salem’s Wych continued to explore these themes in their music.

In the 1980s, the witch rock genre began to gain popularity in the underground metal scene. Bands such as Mercyful Fate and King Diamond released albums that featured dark, occult-themed lyrics set to heavy metal melodies. These bands helped to pioneer the subgenre of black metal, which would go on to become one of the most popular genres of metal music in the 1990s.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in witch rock music, with new bands such as Ghost and Witch Mountain releasing albums that continue to explore the darkness and evil first explored by early pioneers of the genre. If you’re interested in exploring this unique form of rock music, be sure to check out some of these essential bands!

The 5 witch rock bands you need to know

If you’re a fan of rock music, then you need to know about witch rock. This genre of music is growing in popularity, and there are some great bands out there making some truly amazing music. Here are five witch rock bands that you need to know about.

1. Witch Mountain

Witch Mountain is a band from Portland, Oregon that has been making waves in the witch rock scene for years. Their sound is a unique blend of heavy metal and psychedelic rock, and their live shows are truly incredible. If you’re looking for a band that will blow your mind, then Witch Mountain is definitely one you need to check out.

2. Doomriders

Doomriders is a band from Boston, Massachusetts that has been playing together since 2002. They have a very dark and heavy sound that is sure to please fans of all things metal. If you’re looking for a band that will make your head bang, then Doomriders is definitely one to check out.

3. The Necromancers

The Necromancers are a band from Seattle, Washington that formed in 2014. They have a very classic hard rock sound with elements of doom and stoner metal thrown in for good measure. If you’re looking for a band that will take you back to the classic days of hard rock, then The Necromancers are definitely worth checking out.

4. Wizard Rifle

Wizard Rifle is a band from Portland, Oregon that formed in 2007. They have a very unique sound that blends elements of black metal, punk rock, and noiserock. If you’re looking for a band that is truly unlike anything else out there, then Wizard Rifle is definitely worth checking out.

5. Venomous Maximus

Why witch rock is having a moment right now

From Hallelujah the Witch to The Craft, witches have always been a popular source of inspiration in music. And lately, it seems like witch rock is having a moment. If you’re not familiar with the genre, it’s basically rock music with a dark, occult-inspired edge. Here are 5 bands you need to know.

1. Ghost

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of metal and hard rock, look no further than Ghost. With their eerie melodies and Satanic themes, they’re sure to get your head nodding – and maybe even make your skin crawl a little bit.

2. Witch Mountain

Witch Mountain’s sound is best described as slow and heavy – perfect for anyone who loves doom metal or stoner rock. But don’t let their slow pace fool you – there’s definitely an undercurrent of menace running through their music.

3. King Dude

King Dude is the solo project of musician Tyler T., and it definitely falls on the more gothic side of witch rock. If you’re a fan of darkwave or gothic rock, you’ll find a lot to love in his music.

4. The Black Angels

The Black Angels are one of the most well-known bands in the genre, and for good reason – they make some seriously catchy tunes. But don’t be fooled by their catchy hooks – there’s a darkness lurking just below the surface of their music.

5. Jex Thoth

Jex Thoth is another band that leans more towards the gothic side of things, but their atmospheric sound is sure to appeal to fans of all kinds of rock music. If you’re looking for something truly spellbinding, give them a listen.

How witch rock is subverting traditional ideas about gender and sexuality

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in witch rock, a subgenre of rock music that is often characterized by its exploration of themes of gender and sexuality. This genre of music has its roots in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when bands like Coven and Black Widow were formed. These bands often dressed in elaborate costumes and makeup, and their lyrics often dealt with taboo subjects such as sex and drugs.

In the decades since, witch rock has continued to evolve, with new bands emerging that are subverting traditional ideas about gender and sexuality. Here are five witch rock bands that you need to know about:

1. Babymetal

Babymetal is a Japanese metal band that formed in 2010. The band consists of three teenage girls who sing and dance while performing complex metal arrangements. Babymetal’s music often deals with themes of girl power and feminism, and their stage show is an over-the-top spectacle that is not to be missed.

2. Gothic Tropic

Gothic Tropic is a Los Angeles-based band led by singer/songwriter Cecilia Della Peruta. Gothic Tropic’s music draws from a range of genres including dream pop, surf rock, and post-punk, and their lyrics deal with issues such as love, loss, and heartbreak. Della Peruta’s powerhouse vocal performances are the highlight of Gothic Tropic’s live shows.

3. Magic Sword

Magic Sword is an electronic music duo from Boise, Idaho who create dark, cinematic soundscapes inspired by video games, movies, and comic books. Magic Sword’s live shows are immersive experiences that often feature projected visuals and pyrotechnics.Their music deals with themes of good vs. evil, light vs darkness,and heroes vs villains. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4. The Besnard Lakes

The Besnard Lakes are a Canadian indie rock band from Montreal, Quebec who have been compared to My Bloody Valentineand Slowdivefor their ethereal soundscapes and dense wall of sound production values. The Besnard Lakes’ music deals with themes of love , loss ,and grief ,and their live shows featureiLead singer/guitarist Olga Goreas’ mesmerizing voice front-and-center .5 . Zola Jesus

Zola Jesus is the stage name of American singer/songwriter Nika Roza Danilova . Zola Jesus’ music blends elements of gothic , industrial ,and classical music ,and her lyrics deal with topics such as religion , identity ,and mental health . Zola Jesus’ live shows are intense experiences featuring her operatic vocal performances front-and-center .

The dark, spellbinding appeal of witch rock music

Since the early days of rock music, there have been bands who have drawn inspiration from the dark, occult side of life. These bands have often been labelled as “witch rock” or “occult rock”, and they have gained a cult following over the years.

If you’re a fan of dark, spellbinding music, then here are five witch rock bands you need to know:

1. Coven

Coven are one of the original witch rock bands, formed in 1967. They are best known for their hit song “One Tin Soldier”, which was used in the 1971 film Billy Jack.

2. Black Widow

Black Widow were another early witch rock band, formed in 1969. They are best known for their hit song “Come to the Sabbath”, which was used in the 1971 film The Wicker Man.

3. Witchsorrow

Witchsorrow are a more recent band, formed in 2006. They take their inspiration from early doom metal and NWOBHM bands such as Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. Their debut album Witchsorrow was released to critical acclaim in 2009.

4. Jex Thoth

Jex Thoth are a US-based band, formed in 2005. They take their inspiration from classic psychedelic and garage rock bands such as The Doors and The Stooges. Their debut album To Summon a Demon was released to critical acclaim in 2008.

The politics of witch rock: using music to empower marginalized communities

Since the 2016 presidential election, there has been a resurgence in popularity of witch rock, a subgenre of rock music that often deals with themes of feminism, social justice, and occultism. For many fans, witch rock is about more than just listening to catchy songs; it’s about using music as a tool for political empowerment.

Here are five witch rock bands you need to know:

1. Hexenhaus: This all-female band from Los Angeles is known for their powerful lyrics and dark, catchy melodies. Their 2016 album “Burn the Witch” was a call to arms for marginalized communities in the wake of the presidential election.

2. The Crone: This San Francisco-based band is fronted by transgender woman Scout Burch. Their music deals with themes of gender fluidity, love, and loss. Their latest album ” Witchblood” was hailed by critics as one of the best witch rock albums in recent years.

3. Spellcaster: This Oakland-based band is known for their high energy live shows and their politically charged lyrics. They’re currently working on a new album that will be released later this year.

4. Wolfsbane: This all-female band from Seattle draws inspiration from folk music and punk rock. Their music often deals with issues of sexism, racism, and homophobia. They’re currently working on their debut album, which is due out later this year.

5. Spiderlilly: This Portland-based band is fronted by trans woman Lily Arlosoriou-Martin. Their music blends elements of punk rock and gothic pop to create a sound that is both dark and danceable. They’re currently working on their debut album, which is due out later this year.

How witch rock is reclaiming the power of the feminine

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in the occult, and with it, a new wave of “witch rock” bands that are reclaiming the power of the feminine. Here are five of the most interesting bands making music today.

1. Hexvessel

Hexvessel is a Finnish band that draws on folk, psychedelia, and black metal to create a sound that is both dark and beautiful. Their lyrics are often based on pagan and occult themes, and they have been known to perform rituals onstage during their shows.

2. Belle Morte

Belle Morte is an American gothic rock band with a dark, atmospheric sound. Their music often explores themes of death, loss, and mourning, and they have a reputation for putting on very intense live performances.

3. The Devil’s Blood

The Devil’s Blood is a Dutch band that plays what they describe as “psychedelic black magic rock ‘n’ roll.” Their music is heavily influenced by horror films and classic rock, and their live shows are known for being very theatrical and visually stunning.

4. Ghost B.C.

Ghost B.C. is a Swedish heavy metal band that formed in 2008. They dress up in provocative nun costumes and sing about Satanism, sex, and drugs. They’re one of the most controversial bands in the metal scene today, but there’s no denying their talent or their ability to put on a great show.

5 .Jex Thoth

Jex Thoth is an American doom metal band with a psychedelic edge. Their music is dark and atmospheric, with elements of folk and jazz mixed in. They’re one of the most unique sounding bands in the genre today, and their live shows are always an experience to behold.

The witch rock bands to watch out for in the future

The witch rock genre is one that is often overlooked, but there are few upcoming bands that are definitely worth a listen. If you’re looking for some new music to add to your collection, here are five witch rock bands you need to know.

1. Haxan Cloak

Haxan Cloak is a London-based producer and DJ who creates dark and atmospheric music. His debut album, Excavation, was released in 2013 to critical acclaim, and he has since collaborated with Björk and performed at festivals such as Glastonbury.

2. Bat Shalom

Bat Shalom is a four-piece band from Israel that combines witchy folk sounds with heavy metal influences. Their music is dark and eerie, and their live performances are said to be incredibly intense.

3. Blood Ceremony

Blood Ceremony is a Canadian band that formed in 2006. They mix elements of classic rock, psychedelic music, and horror movies to create a sound that is both retro and modern. Their latest album, Lord of Misrule, was released in 2016 to positive reviews.

4. The Circles Trail
The Circles Trail is an American band that formed in 2009. They have been described as “a cross between the Doors and Nico” and their music features spooky themes and ethereal vocals.Their debut album, Strange Days, was released in 2011.
5. The Witch Trials
The Witch Trials are a four-piece band from England that mix punk rock with gothic influences. Their music is fast-paced and energetic, and their live shows are said to be particularly wild. Their debut album, Hang ‘Em High, was released in 2015 to positive reviews.”

The impact of witch rock on the music industry

Witch rock is a term used to describe a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The sound is characterized by heavy guitars, chanting vocals, and dark, occult-inspired lyrics. Witch rock bands often dress in gothic or witchy attire, and many of them are known for their theatrical stage shows.

While witch rock is sometimes dismissed as simply gimmick music, there is no denying the impact that it has had on the music industry. Witch rock bands have been responsible for some of the heaviest and most popular rock music of the past two decades, and they show no signs of slowing down.

If you’re looking to get into witch rock, here are five bands you need to know:

1. Ghost

Ghost is a Swedish witch rock band that formed in 2008. The band is known for their theatrical live shows, which often feature members dressed as ghouls and witches. Ghost’s musical style combines elements of heavy metal, hard rock, and pop music, and their songs often deal with themes of death, loss, and betrayal.

2. Zombi

Zombi is an American witch rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band’s sound is heavily influenced by horror movies and video games, and their songs often explore dark themes such as death and decay. Zombi’s live shows are immersive experiences that often make use of strobe lights and fog machines to create a dark and eerie atmosphere.

3. Acid Witch

Acid Witch is an American witch rock band from Detroit, Michigan. The band’s music combines elements of doom metal, stoner metal, and psychedelic rock, resulting in a sound that is both heavy and trippy at the same time. Acid Witch’s lyrics often deal with dark subjects such as drugs, sex, Satanism, and horror movies.

4. Bloody Hammers

Bloody Hammers is an American witch rock band from Asheville, North Carolina. The band draws inspiration from classic horror movies such as Friday the 13th    and Halloween , and their music has been described as “spooky MOTORHEAD-meets-MERCYFUL FATE.” Bloody Hammers’ live shows are high-energy affairs that feature plenty of pyrotechnics and blood-spattered props.
    5. Cirith Ungol

Why we need more witch rock in our lives

The world of rock music is full of subgenres, each with its own unique sound and flavor. One of the most interesting and underrepresented subgenres is witch rock. This genre is characterized by its dark, atmospheric soundscapes and themes of magic, darkness, and the occult.

Witch rock artists offer something unique and exciting, and we believe that more people need to discover this genre. In this article, we’ll introduce you to five witch rock bands that you need to know about. So turn down the lights, light some candles, and get ready to rock out with some witches!

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