ROX Alive: Occult Witches new single and interview!

We are loving the enigmatic allure of 70’s rock with OCCULT WITCHES' new video, "The Fool". "The Fool" is taken from the band's latest album, Sorrows Pyre, which was released July 12th via Black Throne Productions

Watch the video!

OCCULT WITCHES has quickly risen through the ranks, defining a unique space within the rock genre with their captivating blend of music and storytelling. Their songs, rich in narrative and emotion, draw on elements of darkness, witchcraft, and existential struggle, resonating with a wide range of listeners.

The band's journey from Rimouski, QC, to Hamilton, ON, on their first tour last summer has only solidified their presence in the music scene. With plans for mini-tours this summer, OCCULT WITCHES is poised to reach new heights and captivate more audiences with their powerful performances and profound lyrical themes.

OCCULT WITCHES invites listeners to embark on this dark yet enlightening journey through their music. Stay tuned for more from OCCULT WITCHES as they continue to explore the depths of the human condition and the eternal dance between light and darkness.

Intrigued? So were we and wanted to sit for a spell with the band and weave an interview.

As we sit on a moss laden fallen tree in a dark forest we asked Occult Witches to Please, introduce yourselves; who is in the band?

Hey there! We are Occult Witches!

Singer : Vanessa San Martin

Bass : Danick Cournoyer

Guitar : Alec Sundara Marceau

Drums : Eliot Sirois

2. Where are you from?

We are from Sherbrooke, QC

3. When did the band form?

We formed during covid in 2020.

4. Were any of you in bands before?

Yes, our bassist and drummers were in different bands before!

5. Who are your musical influences?

Just to name a few, John Bonham, Black Sabbath, Cozy Powell, Victor Wooten, Geezer Butler, Ritchie Blackmore, Dunbarrow, Sleepwulf..

6. And how about personal influences? You write a lot about Witchcraft and Satan. Are you writing from personal experiences with the Occult or just draw from mythology and historical tales?

I (Vanessa) write most of the lyrics so I would say both. I’ve read a lot about it, but I also grew up in a very religious family. I talk a lot about choosing paths and almost making deals with the devil but not quite, I believe in all of that for sure.

7. What are your views on Witchcraft and Satan today?

Each member has different views about that, but Satan is definitely around.

We’ve never dealt with witchcraft but like Vanessa said she’s done her research and we believe in that as well, there’s different kinds of witchcraft it’s not all about magic.

8. Your lyrical work and music have certainly struck a chord (pun intended ). You are on album number 4 “Sorrow’s Pyre” and building on amazing success. How did writing and recording the album go?

It was by far the hardest one we have done yet! We had about 5-6 months to write the whole album and record it because for the first time we had a deadline. Also our drummer was gone 2 weeks a month for work so it was for sure a challenge. We have to give a huge thanks to our music engineer Rolie Olie, he helped us out a lot!!!!! As we were not as prepared as we usually were for the other albums. But in the end we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished.

9. How does this album differ from your previous releases?

It is the first album that we are only the four of us. I think everyone really stands out and it is for sure everything we’ve been wanting to do since we started. Each of us were really able to put their own touch. It’s smoother, more 70’s, more blues but it also rocks hard! We think that there’s a bit of every album in this one!

10. You’ve also paid your live dues with a successful tour last summer and I understand you’re planning mini tours?

Yes! We are going on our mini tour from July 18th to July 21st. Starting in our hometown Sherbrooke, then Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal.

11. Are you superstitious on tour?

Not at all, we just go with the flow. We don’t expect the worst nor the best we’re just happy if people enjoy our music how ever many comes.

12. Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans out there?

Just a huge thank you to everyone who’s been following us and supporting us from the beginning, from now and the future. We’re just happy people enjoy what we do!

Want to hear more music? Check out the new album “Sorrow’S Pyre”