Swiss heavy metal band Burning Witches are gearing up to release their new album, Inquisition, on Aug 22 via Napalm Records. While Inquisition is a fresh release, the band’s songwriting process remains consistently collaborative. Guitarist Romana Kalkuhl, the primary riff writer, kicks things off. “It’s always a little bit the same,” bassist Jeanine Pirro explains. “Romana writes the main riffs and checks out with Lala, the drummer, and then with Courtney with solos and Lara with their lyrics and with me with the bass.” These individual contributions then come together in the studio for recording and finalization.
Kalkuhl often captures her initial musical ideas on her iPhone, even in unexpected moments. “When I have ideas, I mostly record it on the iPhone, so it’s really simple,” she says. “Or I’m giving a lesson and have an idea, and when the student is taking a break, I jot it down.” These raw ideas are later refined and shared with the rest of the band, allowing each member to practice and contribute their parts, like coordinated solos.
The album’s title hints at its deep dive into historical themes. While vocalist Laura provides the lyrics, Kalkuhl and her husband often contribute ideas. “It’s about the past, about history; you can write a lot about it,” she says.
Burning Witches are set for extensive touring, with significant time spent in the U.S. and Europe. Touring the U.S. has been a dream come true for the band. “For us, it’s a really big dream that we are now most of the time in the US,” Kalkuhl expresses. “Before, we were thinking we will be more in Europe. But then we started coming to the U.S. more, and we love it.”
A particular highlight of their American travels is a bit unexpected for those of us who view bargain shopping as a more mundane part of life. “Walmart is like a dreamland,” Pirro exclaims unironically. “You know, you go in, and we could stay a day in Walmart.” Kalkuhl recounts an instance where they spent an entire day off exploring the superstore.
Even with Inquisition yet to be released, Burning Witches are already brimming with new ideas. Pirro notes Kalkuhl’s prolific songwriting: “Every time when the new album is written or recorded, I know she has five new song ideas on her phone, so it will never end.”
Inquisition is out on Friday, and you can preorder it here. Follow Burning Witches on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.
Photo courtesy of Burning Witches
