MEMBERS: Henry Montoya (guitar/vocals), Frank Daniel Duarte (bass) and Lerby Sanchez (drums).
CITIES OF ORIGIN: “Both [Henry] and Frank are from Pomona. Lerby lives in Hesperia.”
KINDERED SPIRITS: “Prominently our main influences are punk and heavy metal [like Iron Maiden or Judas Priest], but it can range anywhere from classic rock bands like REO Speedwagon, Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers to funk bands like The Gap Band, The Whispers and The Ohio Players.”
RECENT RELEASES: Sacrificial Burnt Offering E.P. (Jan. 2012).
WEBSITES: www.facebook.com/WitchavenOfficial and www.youtube.com/WitchavenOfficial.
FREQUENTS: Maya’s Café.
Self described as a “blackened D-beat thrash band,” Witchaven draws on the dark side to bring to life a new form of music. It’s fast, it’s loud and it’s hard to believe that this band formed in 2006 when some high school friends got the great idea to become a Venom cover band. After releasing a few demos with original material, one thing became clear to Witchaven . . . the skill and originality could not be wasted on a mere cover band. The guys quickly burned their dreams of bringing Venom back to life at the stake in order to pursue the full potential of Witchaven. After a self released album in 2010, a few lineup changes and many tours later, the group finally solidified. It may be pure metal on stage, but inside is something more. “A musician should appreciate all forms of art and if one constricts the choices of music, you can never expand and bring in new influences that only enhance the music.” Well said for a band of misfit metal-heads that rock over 180 shows a year.
How would you describe your sound?
Right off the bat we play thrash metal, but we try to bring new influences by using elements of European black metal and traditional hardcore punk. Our music combines all three styles of extreme music. We like to play fast and with catchy guitar riffs. We don’t like slowing it down too much, unless we are trying to build something up or give a climax to the music.
Got any new CD releases coming out?
Right now we have all the material ready to record a second album. We should be hitting the studio around September. As for the date of the release, I assume it will be sometime around Winter or early Spring.
How often do you tour?
We tour all the time. Basically we tour when it’s touring season starting from Early March until September. We have toured North America and the West Coast multiple times (too many to count). Our Future plans are to begin touring out in Canada, Europe and hopefully Malaysia since we have a small fallowing out there.
What are some of your favorite bands you’ve played with?
Hands down some of the best moments were playing to thousands of people at the Maryland Deathfest in 2011. The billing had many bands that we looked up to such as Nuclear Assault, Voivod, Coroner and Inquisition to name a few. Another special moment was being able to open up for Danzig at the Irvine Meadows (also knows as the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater). That indeed was a special moment to be on that stage, an experience I will never forget. Possibly my favorite band to play with out of everyone would be our good friends from Colorado called Speedwolf. I’m not too fancy with most music that comes out today, but Speedwolf has the kind of sound that I really enjoy and like. Their live show is always amazing and has high energy. So when we play with them it really pumps us up and makes us want to do just as good.
With the growing fan base, have you ever thought about making an official band website?
As for a website we have been procrastinating on getting our own page up, unfortunately. But with social networking sites and the use of our big cartel, we haven’t felt the pressure of making our own website.
Anything else you would like us to know?
If you want to check out our music just go to Facebook or YouTube and look up Witchaven Official.