Doomed Confessionary: Andreas Cadaver (Dread Witch)
Dread Witch is a doom/sludge metal band from Aarhus, Denmark.
Formed in 2022, Dread Witch consists of Andreas Cadaver (ex-Stone Cadaver) on guitar, Mikael Rise (Scamp) on vocals and guitar, Dennis Larsen (ex-Olm) on drums, Leifur Nielsen (The World State, ex-Horned Almighty) on bass and Pelle Santana on lead guitar.
The band released their debut album »Tower Of The Severed Serpent« on January 27th, 2023 in digital format which will be reissued on limited edition vinyl through DHU Records in early 2024.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Dread Witch is a new band hailing from Aarhus, Denmark. Originally conceived as a side project in 2022, Dread Witch developed into a full fledged 5 piece band shortly before the release of our debut album »Tower Of The Severed Serpent« on January 27th, 2023.
Dread Witch aims to create intense, low tuned massively heavy doom metal that incorporates different kinds of moods. »Tower Of The Severed Serpent« is very much an album that’s intended to be listened to from beginning to end just like the classic albums from all the classic bands, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath etc., that we grew up on.
What was the biggest challenge for the band this year?
We had to play our second show (Nocturnefest in Copenhagen) without Pelle who handles lead guitar and, to our great dismay, was unable to attend that particular show. We utilize three guitars because we’re really going for that huge wall of sound, so compromises had to be made and Mikael and Andreas had to play parts they don’t usually play. Because of this, we were a bit worried that the overall impression would be somewhat lacking, but, fortunately, we managed to pull it off and play a good show.
What can you be most proud of this year?
Loads of things! It has been a really good (first) year! »Tower Of The Severed Serpent« was released digitally in January and on cassette in August via Slava Productions and has been well received by people, we think. We are very proud of this.
We’re also extremely proud that Tue Madsen (Meshuggah, Sick Of It All) did such a great job mixing and mastering the album. It sounds absolutely phenomenal and hope to be able to work with him again on the next album!
Branca Studio created the most awesome artwork for »Tower«. Andreas is a major fan of Branca Studio and has wanted to work with them since forever, so having them do the artwork was a dream come true.
On top of that, we’ve managed to land a deal with DHU Records for the release of »Tower« on vinyl early 2024, which is just absolutely insane. We’re really looking forward to the vinyl and can’t wait to share it with everyone!
What was your biggest regret (this year)?
We were scheduled to play a cool metal festival in our hometown. However, it was canceled due to poor planning or something, not really sure, which was kind of a bummer seeing as it would have been our first show. Other than that, we have no regrets of any kind!
What was the best concert/tour this year and why?
Dread Witch played three shows this year, two in Copenhagen at well-known venues and one in our hometown Aarhus at an awesome one day festival called Mono Goes Metal. All three shows were great, but the third one, at Mono, was particularly so. The crowd responded well and we had a blast on stage!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Not really sure … maybe that Chris Fielding decided to leave Conan. It seems like it was an amicable split, though, which is nice. Sometimes you just have to make some fundamental changes in your life, and Chris seems to have reached a point where it was time to pull the plug. We’re happy for him that he decided to do so rather than stick around and do something he, for whatever reason, really wasn’t interested in doing anymore.
Where can we see you live next year (concerts/tours)?
We’ve got a few jobs in the making. The first gig at the time of writing, is in late February in the Southern part of Denmark. Next one is in May at a three day metal festival, Metal Magic, in a town called Fredericia. We got other gigs coming, but we can’t really say more about these than that at the present.
What are your plans for the next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
Play gigs, release a second album and have fun doing so.
Do you already know what you are doing on New Year’s Eve?
Eating and drinking a bit, hanging out with friends. We’re not going to celebrate New Year’s Eve together as a band. Maybe next year.
How can people best support your band?
By streaming the shit out of the album, purchasing a download on Bandcamp, purchasing a cassette off Slava Productions and by buying the vinyl when it releases next year via DHU Records.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you, dear reader, for taking your time to peruse this and, if you decide to do so, for checking out our music. You help keep the underground alive and we’re extremely grateful for the support you show us (if that’s the case) and all the other bands you’re into – the underground would die if it weren’t for you and your brothers and sisters in arms! We wish you all the best in 2024!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well