Witchery

Sweden's Witchery was born in 1997 after Satanic Slaughter founder Ztephan Dark decided to fire his band, which then consisted of guitarists Patrik Jensen (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 Jensen, 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, 1999's Witchburner EP, found the band paying tribute to the groups that have influenced their sound with covers by W.A.S.P., Judas Priest, Accept, and Black Sabbath, along with three originals. Dead, Hot, and Ready followed shortly thereafter, becoming their third release in less than a year's time. 2006's Don't Fear the Reaper marked the band's debut for Century Media Records, and featured a cover of Satanic Slaughter's "Immortal Death." Witchkrieg dropped in 2010, with In His Infernal Majesty's Service, the band's sixth studio long-player, arriving in 2016. A year later, they returned with the ful-length I Am Legion, featuring the single "True North." ~ Kevin Odle