When Burning Witches take the stage, they don’t just play heavy metal — they summon it. On their brand-new sixth studio album, Inquisition (out now via Napalm Records), the Swiss powerhouse dives headfirst into medieval darkness, religious persecution, and defiant resilience. Packed with anthemic riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals that scorch the sky, Inquisition feels like the heaviest, most focused spell the band has ever cast.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Jay (bass) and Lala (drums) — the rhythmic backbone of Burning Witches — for a deep dive into the making of Inquisition, their earlier 2025 run of Australian shows, and the unbreakable chemistry that fuels this band of firebrands.
The Darkness of Inquisition
Jay spoke passionately about the creative process behind Inquisition. Produced by Damir Eskic (Destruction) and V.O. Pulver (Little Creek Studio), the album channels the vision of founding guitarist Romana Kalkuhl, while every member’s contributions sharpened it into a cohesive beast.
Tracks like “Soul Eater” and the title cut “Inquisition” showcase the band’s thrash-tinged ferocity, while “High Priestess of the Night” carries an irresistible swagger that fans have already embraced. For me, it was the opener “Sanguini Hominum” — with its eerie chants and booming drums — that immediately set the stage for the album’s atmosphere of danger and mysticism.
Evolving the Circle: Courtney’s Impact
We also touched on guitarist Courtney Cox joining the fold. Jay spoke highly of her influence, not just musically but personally, noting how friendship and connection are vital ingredients in the band’s magic. That chemistry shines throughout Inquisition, where every part — riffs, rhythms, and vocals — feels inseparable from the whole.
Pride, Power, and Future Flames
Jay and Lala both singled out the title track “Inquisition” as a personal favorite, a rallying cry that distills everything Burning Witches represent: ferocity, unity, and unyielding spirit. As the band celebrates their sixth album, the sense of pride is palpable.
The interview closed with Jay and Lala thanking fans worldwide for keeping the Witches’ flame alive and urging everyone to dive into the album’s full spectrum — from mystical ballads to shred-fests that’ll raise the dead.
Get Inquisition
🔥 Order the album now via Napalm Records:
👉 Order Inquisition
