Emerging from Toronto’s underground in 2018, Witchrot has captivated audiences with their heartfelt fusion of doom metal, fuzzed-out psychedelia and haunting shoegaze. Founded by vocalist Lea Reto and guitarist Peter Turik, the quintet crafts hypnotic soundscapes where hazy vocals intertwine with massive waves of distortion, sludge and sleaze. Joined by keyboardist Patrick Sherrard, Witchrot continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. Their atmospheric melodies and crushing heaviness push genre boundaries, creating a sound that lingers like an echo in the abyss. Joining the lineup are Jon Ferreira (ex-Panzerfaust) on bass and Myles Deck (Cauldron) on drums.
Witchrot’s new record, Soul Cellar, sees the band pushing their creative boundaries by injecting more melody and fine touches of keyboards and developing atmospheres while staying true to their ethereal, doom-infused roots. Soul Cellar reflects the lives of its creators, delving into themes of hopelessness, betrayal, paranoia, and societal frustration. Deemed as dark, deep, and heavy doom metal to break your neck to, their haunting, hopelessness-filled soundscapes invite listeners to immerse themselves in the raw emotion and sonic depth they have become known for – you can watch the video for the record’s first single, “Throat Cutter”, below this article. About the single, the band says, “Throat Cutter is specifically based on an experience Peter had witnessing his dog’s eye being ripped out. The video incorporates an amalgam of imagery and textures caught on tape, true MK Ultra style. Our friend who made the video felt the song and video together were possessed. He was sure he would have to offer blood to the final tapes”. Soul Cellar was recorded at Simcoe Mechanical by Nixon Boyd and Palace Sound by Dylan Frankland, mixed by Dylan Frankland and mastered by Tony Reed at Heavy Head Recording Co., featuring artwork by ZZ Corpse.
Soul Cellar will be released on May 23rd via Majestic Mountain Records. Pre-orders are now available here.
