Rock N Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, OH
July 19, 2024
Originating in Switzerland, Burning Witches has been taking over the metal scene for the past 9 years, releasing 4 full length albums, 4 EPs, and a combo album. Described as a heavy metal/power band, this fully female team fills their audience’s ears with rich harmonies, melodic screaming, shouting and singing, and enthusiastic crowd interaction.
Influenced by 80s heavy metal, you’ll likely find a home with Burning Witches if you’re a fan of Maiden and Priest. In fact, one of their guitarists, Courtney Cox, was formerly in the well-known Iron Maidens (a fully female Iron Maiden tribute band). Burning Witches founder Romana Kalkuhl (also guitarist for the band) as well as bassist Jeanine “J” Grob and drummer Lala Frischknecht are all still holding strong and keeping the heavy music flowing in Witches. Vocal Front Laura Guldemond, with her happy and powerful stage presence, joined the band in 2019, and has been the main front ever since.
You’ll find all five members of the band taking over the whole stage, harmonizing together, some raising their guitars in the air during solos, and other raising their fists. Guildemond can also often been seen jumping into the crown toward the end of the set, after getting the crowd riled up, shouting and sining along. This was my fourth time seeing them live, and it felt the most cohesive to me. I felt like each member had their time in the spotlight with solos and crowd interaction, which was refreshing. They are all very talented artists, and deserve their time to shine.
On the setlist was a nice mix of previous albums, including 5 songs from their most recent album, The Dark Tower. Opening with Unleash the Beast, they also played the title track, Evil Witch and World on Fire. Dance with the Devil (the album and title track also made an appearance, with four songs, including Wings of Steel and Sea of Lies. The album I first discovered Burning Witches to, also got representation, which made me happy. This was the album I fell in love with them through. It was great to hear that title track, With of the North, as well as Flight of the Valkyries and crowd participation chanting favorite, We Stand as One.
A solid performance by Burning Witches, and only one of the many more times I hope to see them perform live.
Opening for Burning Witches was Pittsburg Metal band Lady Beast. Energized and enjoyable, Lady Beast put on a great set, got the crowd built up, payed tribute to the Rock Hall and local music, and seemed genuinely happy and excited to be there. Keeping them on my radar.
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