After nearly a decade of traversing the underground metal scene in the United States and Europe, Philadelphia metal act Witching are poised to enter a new era of the band. Following the departure of founding guitarist and main songwriter Nate Zagrimanis, Witching welcomed new guitarist Andre Pickens.
Pickens, who lives in Georgia, is a longtime fan and friend of the band who already knew how to play some of Witching’s music and had previous live experience with USBM outfit Tsuris. When the search for a new guitarist began, Pickens was the band’s ideal member but the distance seemed like an obstacle.
“All of us were just like, ‘Man, I wish it could be Andre, he’s just so far away,’” says drummer Samantha Hyla. “We tried one or two other people, had some conversations and were like, ‘You know what, let’s just have it be Andre and figure out the distance. Andre already knows some of our songs, we already like Andre.’”
The feeling was mutual and Pickens joined the band, flying up to Philadelphia to track at Red Planet Recording with engineer Steve Roche. While Witching look for a label to release their upcoming EP, they are planning a string of live dates, including an October 20 performance with November’s Doom, Ecliptor and Oktas.
Witching’s longtime bassist Tatiana Buonassisi will also relocate to Europe later this year, though she will remain a member of the band and perform with them at overseas dates.
“It’s been a really nice turnaround to be able to continue the band, even though there’s going to be distance,” says singer Jacqui Powell. “When we go to Europe, Tatiana will still be there. Tatiana will still be in the band.”
Though there are a lot of changes happening, Witching see 2026 as a way to put a bow on one period of their career.
“I feel like the EP is the close of the chapter and the tour we’re doing is a farewell to Tatiana being near us,” Powell explains. “This year is kind of the close and once we’ve done our stuff for the year, a new era begins.”
More live dates and news about the EP will be released via Witching’s social media. Their 2023 album Incendium is streaming now.
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