In the consecrated chaos of Bristol’s Trinity Centre, a space once devoted to spiritual sanctity, now pulsates with the sacrilegious symphony of Witch Fever. Amy, the charismatic high priestess of this doom punk congregation, orchestrates a spellbinding spectacle alongside her acolytes Alisha, Alex, and Annabelle. Their dark silhouettes, etched against the backdrop of blood-red lighting, carve an indelible mark on the sold-out crowd.
The caustic contrast of the venue, once a church, now a haven for the unorthodox melodies, is not merely a coincidence but a beautiful irony. Witch Fever’s sonic liturgy draws from the ancestral shadows of Black Sabbath, the post-punk intensity reminiscent of Savages, and the raw, breathless energy akin to Nirvana’s Bleach era. The Manchester quartet crafts a confrontational cacophony, an unyielding force that takes the audience hostage without mercy.
Their debut album, “Congregation,” serves as a manifesto of punk without borders, a rebellious testament that propels us into a dimension where heavy music is not just accessible and confrontational but a visceral release of societal pressure. As Amy, with white eyes and fully dilated pupils, unleashes a sermon, the heavy riffs of “Bloodlust” reincarnate the souls of onlookers into the fervent embrace of the Witch Fever coven.
Having witnessed Witch Fever’s evolution over the past two years, one cannot help but acknowledge the transformation from raw talent to the epitome of sought-after heavy bands gracing UK stages. From a safe distance, Amy’s gaze locks onto something unseen, pulling the crowd into the churning mass like sailors following the North Star through a storm.
The musicianship of the band is a delicate dance of “Beauty & Grace” for the senses, punctuated by the Smiths-like sounds of the penultimate track. The crowd, shedding any remaining shackles, succumbs to the bass that threatens to peel flesh from bone. “Blessed By Thy” to be part of this journey witnessing the rise of the Witch and embracing the fever dream, the audience becomes an integral part of a sonic pilgrimage. Witch Fever emerges not just as a musical act but as an immersive experience, an unpredictable force of nature leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to be part of their congregation.
📸📝 @bristolnomad_gigphotography
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
