Casting Spells/Conjuring Chaos: Bewitcher Hit The Road to promote Spell Shock

Portland, Oregon's Bewitcher has been casting a spell over the heavy metal scene, and their latest incantation, Spell Shock, is a testament to their growing power. The band's signature blend of classic metal, blackened-thrash, and occult-themed lyrics, joined by a high-energy live performance, has captivated audiences. Their recent tour with Skeletal Remains, in support of Spell Shock, further strengthens their status as a force to be reckoned with.

Formed in 2013, the trio was composed of guitarist/vocalist Matt Litton (aka “Matteo Von Bewitcher” or “Unholy Weaver of Shadows & Incantations”), bassist/backing vocalist Andy Mercil (aka “Andreas Magus” or “Infernal Magus of Nocturnal Alchemy”), and their original drummer Randal Crusher. Bewitcher’s self-titled debut album, released in 2016, showcased their raw energy and classic metal sound. Before COVID-19 shutdowns, the band toured relentlessly, increasing their fanbase with every performance.

Building on this success, they released their second album Under The Witching Cross in 2019, further solidifying their position in the metal scene. The album contained incredible and anthemic tracks like “Too Fast For The Flame” and “Hexenkrieg”, both quickly becoming high points at every live performance. In 2019, Aris Wales joined the band as their new drummer, and the band signed to Century Media Records. They released their critically acclaimed album, Cursed Be Thy Kingdom, in 2021. The album explored the rock and roll and rebellious foundations of metal. Mercil summed it up best, saying:

“When everyone else is trying to outdo each other with brutality, we prioritize the core elements of rock and roll. We draw inspiration from the rich history of the genre, from blues legends like Robert Johnson to heavy metal pioneers.”

Spell Shock, the band's new album, is a testament to their evolution and unwavering dedication to their craft. Recorded at Sharkbite Studio in Oakland, California, and produced by the legendary Lars Frederiksen of Rancid, the album showcases invigorating raw energy and technical prowess. The involvement of renowned engineer Chris Dugan, known for his work with Green Day, elevated the production to new heights, adding a layer of polish without sacrificing the band's signature grit. Litton would go on to explain working with Dugan:

"We weren't initially going to have Dugan mix it, but he was so easy to work with and understood our vision. We decided to entrust him with the mixing process, and it was the right decision."

Spell Shock delivers an intense fusion of blistering riffs and an apocalyptic atmosphere. The album is filled with scorching lead guitar work and solos that gleam like jewels in the darkness. The rhythm guitar transitions fluidly from brooding black metal undertones to aggressive speed-driven riffs, jagged thrash elements, and refined heavy metal flair. The tracks are infectious, marked by gritty hooks and anthemic energy—the title track, in particular, is strikingly memorable, joined by other equally compelling tracks. Bewitcher weaves these influences effortlessly, creating songs that leave a lasting impact. This is blackened thrash powered by heavy metal—and it is exceptional.

On the road promoting the new album, Bewitcher's journey hasn't been without its share of unexpected twists. In early October, the band found themselves in a bizarre incident in Illinois when they were mistaken for potential bank robbers. The situation escalated, leading to a tense encounter with law enforcement.

"We had a bunch of police point guns at us," Wales recalled. "It was a frightening experience, but fortunately, it didn't derail our tour." Litton added, “I've never had a gun pointed at me before, and I don't want to do that again.” Despite this incident and an initial shoulder injury for Wales, Bewitcher’s tour with Skeletal Remains was a success, filled with high-energy shows.

The band strives to maintain a genuine rock and roll spirit in their metal, eschewing trends and focusing on creating timeless music. At the heart of these efforts lies the enduring partnership between Litton and Mercil. Their musical journey began in the late 1990s, forged in the fires of shared passion and a relentless pursuit of heavy metal excellence. “We had another band that slogged away for a fucking decade. And it was very clear that that wasn't going to go anywhere,” Mercil disclosed.

“We were pretty down and out when we started this whole thing,” Litton added. “I think we were both struggling with the band that we were in, kind of falling apart. Our personal lives were in a bit of a shambles. But when we started Bewitcher, it definitely gave us some purpose.”

Bewitcher's music is a sonic journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche, a celebration of the macabre and the mysterious. Their live performances are a cathartic experience, a chance to lose oneself in a whirlwind of sound and fury. As they continue to tour and release new music, their influence is only set to grow, ensuring that the name Bewitcher will be etched in the Necronomicon that is heavy metal history.

You can purchase the band’s new album Spell Shock or any of their music on Bandcamp or Spotify.