Witchery
Swedish blackened thrash metal band formed by ex-Satanic Slaughter members.
Witchery is a Swedish blackened thrash/speed metal band that came together in 1997 from former members of Satanic Slaughter. The group currently includes guitarists Patrik Jensen and Rickard "Rille" Rimfält, vocalist Angus Norder, drummer Chris Barkensjö, and bassist Victor Brandt.
The band's origins trace back to the breakup of Satanic Slaughter, which left only singer Ztephan Dark in that act. The early Witchery lineup featured Satanic Slaughter members Patrik Jensen and Rickard "Rille" Rimfält, along with vocalist Toxine (from Seance and Total Death), drummer Mique (Seance), and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo (Arch Enemy, Mercyful Fate). In 1998, they released their debut album *Restless And Dead* on Necropolis Records, its title a pun on Accept's *Restless and Wild*. Witchery quickly built a cult following by blending serious, technical thrash metal with morbid subject matter—executions, murder, necrophilia, and resurrection—delivered with tongue-in-cheek humor. This attitude appears in song titles, album names, and their mascot, an animated skeleton named "Ben Wrangle," a pun on the Swedish word "benrangel" (meaning skeleton).
The band also created their own heavy metal salute, "The W," a variation of the "Evil Eye" hand sign popularized by Ronnie James Dio. To form the W, only the ring finger and thumb touch. According to rumor, the gesture originated when a band member tried to make the metal salute while holding a cigarette between his fingers. This is not to be confused with the Shocker.
Later in 1998, Witchery released the *Witchburner* mini-album, featuring three original tracks and four covers of bands like Accept, W.A.S.P., and Judas Priest. The title track was not the band's first recording—they had earlier demo recordings in 1997—and the other originals—"The Executioner" and "The Howling"—remain exclusive to that EP. In 1999, the band toured the U.S. with Emperor and Borknagar. Their second album, *Dead, Hot and Ready*, came out soon after, followed by a six-week European tour in 2000. The 2001 album *Symphony For The Devil* was recorded at Berno Studio in Malmö with new drummer Martin "Axe" Axenrot (Bloodbath, Opeth). That year, Witchery toured North America with The Haunted. In 2004, they returned to Berno Studio for *Don't Fear The Reaper*, with mixing handled by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studios.
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Origin
- Linköping, Sweden
- Genre
- Thrash metal, speed metal, death metal, black metal
- Years Active
- 1997–present
- Label
- Century Media
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Witchery formed in 1997 after Satanic Slaughter split, leaving only singer Ztephan Dark. The proto-version included Satanic Slaughter members Patrik Jensen and Rickard Rimfält, along with vocalist Toxine, drummer Mique, and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo. Their debut album 'Restless And Dead' was released in 1998 via Necropolis Records, its title a pun on Accept's 'Restless and Wild'. The band quickly gained a cult following for their serious, technical thrash metal and deadpan humor about executions, murder, and necrophilia, embodied by their mascot 'Ben Wrangle' (a pun on the Swedish word for skeleton).
In 1998, they released the 'Witchburner' EP featuring three originals and four covers of Accept, W.A.S.P., and Judas Priest. The title track was not the band's first recording—they had earlier demo recordings in 1997—and the other originals remain exclusive to that EP.
Reader's Guide
Witchery's significance lies in their fusion of blackened thrash and speed metal with a macabre, self-aware aesthetic. Their debut 'Restless And Dead' and subsequent albums like 'Dead, Hot and Ready' and 'Symphony For The Devil' helped define a niche within Swedish extreme metal, balancing technical musicianship with dark humor. The band's mascot Ben Wrangle and their signature hand salute 'The W' (distinct from the Shocker) became recognizable symbols. Their lineup changes, including members from The Haunted, Arch Enemy, and Opeth, connected them to broader metal scenes. While not mainstream, Witchery maintained a cult following through consistent releases and tours, influencing later blackened thrash acts. Their legacy includes seven studio albums and a reputation for blending serious metal with playful morbidity.
Did You Know?
- The band's mascot 'Ben Wrangle' is a pun on the Swedish word 'benrangel', meaning skeleton.
- The 'W' salute originated when a band member tried to make the metal horns while holding a cigarette.
- Their debut album title 'Restless And Dead' is a pun on Accept's 'Restless and Wild'.
- The track 'Witchburner' was the band's first ever recording and is only available on the 'Witchburner' EP.
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