Hi Jay! Inquisition leans into persecution, resistance, and survival – all heavy themes. Do you write those stories as history lessons, or are they more of a mirror for what’s happening now?
We wrote about the Inquisition because it’s historical — a dark chapter from humanity’s past that really happened. We like history and find it interesting. Most of the time, we write about history and fantasy, and sometimes about things that have happened in our lives.
The word “Inquisition” itself carries weight. Beyond the history, what does it symbolize for you as a band at this stage?
Women have been demonized throughout history every time they have risen or gained power. This mindset has been deeply ingrained in our culture, even to this day, as young girls are often raised to be submissive housewives, without the opportunity to pursue their own dreams or passions. In a way, this can be considered a modern form of inquisition.
Romana said this record feels like the “best of us.” When you were in the studio, what moment made you think: yeah, this is it – we’ve leveled up?
I think with every album, we grow together year by year. This one, in particular, feels a bit darker. I already felt like we leveled up over the last two years, we played so many shows, and that really brought the band closer together. When I heard Romana’s ideas, I was blown away. I’m a huge fan of her songwriting; she always has so many great ideas. I already can’t wait to hear the new stuff! After every album, she somehow already has new riffs… so let’s see what’s coming next.
You’ve grown up on giants like Priest, Maiden, Slayer. Where’s the line between tipping your hat to them and making something unmistakably Burning Witches?
You can unmistakably recognize our deep influences. On top of that, there was the desire from Burning Witches to simply enjoy playing, without any expectation of success when we started out 10 years ago. Of course, each musician brings their own influences and favorite bands into the mix. All these elements, stirred together in a cauldron, create the energy you can hear in our songs.
“Soul Eater” feels like it was born for the stage. Was that written with the live pit in mind, or was it just a track that exploded on its own?
I think it’s just a track that kind of exploded on its own. Most of the time, Romana writes the main riffs and then works with Lala during practice to go over the drums and with me on bass. They usually record a rough version on the phone and send it to Courtney and Laura, who then add their solo and vocal ideas and send them back to Romana. That’s pretty much how the whole process works. Of course, once we get into the studio, some things change, but that’s the basic flow.
Working with Damir Eskic and V.O. Pulver – did they ever push back hard on an idea you thought was solid, and force you to see a track differently?
They both give us ideas and tips, and we’re totally open to trying new things. If we try something and it works, we keep it and if it doesn’t work or we don’t like it, we just go back to our original idea. For us, it’s really cool to work with them. They’ve been in the music scene for a long time, and you can learn a lot from both of them!
After all these years together, what’s something you’ve learned about each other as musicians that you wish you knew back on the first record?
There are also more personal things we’ve learned along the way, and that’s part of why it works, because everyone really looks out for each other. Musically, it’s like everyone gives 100% and brings whatever they can to the table.
When you practice a lot together and play live shows, you start to really feel each other on stage. It’s like you just know what’s going to happen next, even without looking.
We don’t look back or say things like, “We wish we knew that earlier.” Life is always about learning, and that’s what makes it interesting, right?
Touring can grind people down. Do you have little rituals or unspoken rules that keep the band sane on the road?
Hmm, not really. We know each other well, so when someone’s having a bad day, we just give them some space. If someone’s annoyed, we talk it out. We don’t really have any strict rules, it’s more about feeling each other out, and that makes it work for us.
Being an all-woman lineup in metal still gets pointed out – sometimes celebrated, sometimes questioned. Do you feel that conversation has changed over the years, or are you still battling the same nonsense?
In the beginning, it felt more like a battle, we had to prove that we actually played the music ourselves and that we weren’t just on stage to “look good.” We heard some so-called “jokes” along the way, and it was frustrating at times. But now, after all these years, I think people see how hard we work and how much we truly love playing our music. Things have definitely changed, it’s rare that I hear comments like that anymore.
Burning Witches on stage feels larger-than-life. Off stage, how much of that persona lingers, and how much do you consciously leave behind?
We are the same people on stage as we are off stage. We’re crazy and have fun with what we do. When you love what you’re doing, you can be yourself and that’s exactly who we are on stage. You can see us running around and having fun, and it’s the same when we’re off stage.
Looking at your six records together, do you think of them as chapters in one long saga, or are they more like sealed-off snapshots of where you were at the time?
More like snapshots — when we play songs live from other albums, they bring back a lot of memories from touring and rehearsals.
Metal always debates authenticity versus spectacle. What does “authentic” heavy metal mean to you?
Authentic Heavy Metal isn’t just about how it sounds. It comes from the rebellion inside us, that urge to scream our deepest feelings to the world, whether it’s about love or hate.
If some 15-year-old kid discovers Inquisition in 2045, what do you hope they take away from it?
I hope this kid plays it loud, enjoys the moment, and sparks the passion to learn an instrument, meet up with friends to rehearse, and keep the flame burning strong.
Thinking back – was there a risk, musical or personal, that almost broke you but ended up defining the band?
Not really. Life is always a risk, haha. We support each other a lot, we’re like a family. That way, no one ever gets pushed to the point of breaking.
You’re closing in on 10 years together. Has your idea of what Burning Witches should be changed since the very beginning?
Romana started the band because in her other band, Atlas & Axis, she was the only female, and she wanted to experience playing in an all-female band. She formed this band to have fun and enjoy the music. It’s still the same today, but back then, we didn’t expect everything we’ve achieved. We truly appreciate the opportunity to travel all around the world, and we’re happy and thankful for everything we’ve received.
And looking forward: if Inquisition is where you are now, what doors are still closed that you’re itching to kick open next? Thank you for your time!
There’s a lot more to explore when it comes to history and witchy themes. I’m sure there are many more doors we can open, and we’re looking forward to that!
https://lnk.to/BurningWitches-Inquisition/napalmrecords
https://www.burningwitches.ch/
Share:
