WITCHORIOUS - Join The Sabbat ! (Doom-Metal - Interview with Lucie).
- Please introduce yourself and let me know how it all began with the band ?
I’m Lucie, the bassist of Witchorious. Antoine (guitar/vocals) and I first met about fifteen years ago in a previous band, and we’ve been making music together ever since. Paul, on the other hand, is my younger brother, so I’ve known him for quite a while too!
While playing in a more hard rock-oriented band, we felt the need to explore a heavier sound and create something that better reflected our tastes. At the same time, we wanted a project that would allow us to address themes that were important to us. So, I bought a fuzz pedal, Antoine slowed down his riffs and Witchorious was born.
- Describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all cost ?
Witchorious delivers hellish, fuzzy riffs that echo the influence of Black Sabbath but with a modern edge. Our sound combines crushing heaviness with atmospheric depth, creating something both raw and immersive. Our music also incorporates a dynamic interplay of vocals, featuring both male and female voices, along with sections of screaming. This combination adds significant contrast and depth to our sound, making it even more compelling.
There’s an undercurrent of anger in our music—a defiant rage against the dysfunction and injustice of the world. We channel that fury into every riff and lyric, making our songs as cathartic as they are heavy.
We like to say that our music resonates with people who share our outlook: if you feel out of place in the world we’re forced to navigate, if you’re angry and disillusioned, and if you love doomy riffs, fuzzy bass and crazy drum fills, you’ll feel right at home with Witchorious.
- Lyrical and musical inspirations/influences ? How important are the lyrics for you ? Are there any specific messages or thoughts you try to develop and share through your lyrics ?
Our musical influences are diverse.The project was initially quite simple in theory: start with old-school guitar riffs à la Black Sabbath, add prominent, fuzz-laden basslines like Monolord, and mix it all with rich, Mastodon-inspired drumming. Each of us brings our own unique influences to the mix. For the lyrics on this album Antoine was inspired by bands like Black Sabbath (I feel like Black Sabbath could actually be the answer to all your questions here), Jinjer, Korn, but also some movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones.
Lyrics are incredibly important to us. We believe music—and by extension, lyrics—are a powerful medium to convey messages and offer a perspective on the world around us. To me, music is inherently political, and that’s certainly true for Witchorious. Our songs tackle themes of injustice, inequality, and our disdain for the so-called “powerful,” as seen in tracks like “Monster” and “Blood”.
We also let our anxieties and fears seep into our music, reflecting the dysfunctional and unjust world we live in. This includes the sense of powerlessness in the face of climate change, as in “Watch Me Die.” Other songs explore mental health and inner struggles, like “Catharsis” and “Eternal Night.”
The figure of the witch allows us to weave in compelling metaphors. She represents a powerful and rebellious feminine archetype—both terrifying and fascinating. It’s a recurring theme either for the band name or our song “The Witch.”
- About your latest release ?
Our first album was recorded by Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe and released in February 2024. We spent a whole month in the studio, it was an immersive experience and Francis really helped us bring to life the semi-vintage, semi-modern sound and the haunting atmosphere we had envisioned.
The artwork was created by Vaderetro Studio, it is a linocut displaying what could be a sick and dying medieval town ruled by evil figures with several occult symbols. It was a summary of the metaphors we wanted to use in the album. I encourage you to check their incredible work!
It’s available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. You can find physical copies on Bandcamp, and it’s also available for streaming on most platforms.
- Future plans ?
For now, we’re continuing to tour in support of our debut album. We played around thirty shows in 2024, and we still have some exciting dates to announce for 2025. At the same time, we’ve started writing and preparing for what comes next.
- Your most insane dream with the band would be ?
Opening for the Black Sabbath reunion tour with the complete ORIGINAL LINEUP. (Let me know when it happens, I don't want to miss THAT ! Ed.)
- Your BEST & WORST concert - as a band - and why ?
As for our best concert, we have unforgettable memories of Westill 2023, where we had the honor of opening. It was our first big stage, and we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to play there. Worst concert? Honestly, we can’t say we’ve had any bad experiences live (yet).
- Next live-appearance(s) ?
I don’t know when this interview will be published, but we’ll open for Monkey3 on the 2nd of december, at Backstage by the Mill, Paris, and on the 3rd of december, at Le Ferrailleur, Nantes. We’ll soon announce some shows for 2025 as well !
- Some words on your local scene - bands you're friends with and you'd like to name ?
The Paris scene is bursting with incredible bands, and we’re lucky to be part of such a vibrant community. If you’re into evil, doomy riffs, you need to check out Oda and Margarita—their sound will absolutely transport you to darker realms. For those who enjoy a more progressive touch, Homecoming delivers a blend of technicality and emotion that’s worth diving into. If you’re after something heavier and more brutal, I would recommend Clegane. There’s also Vantre, if you think “the more bass, the better,” you’ll feel like you’ve found paradise. We also want to give a special shoutout to Oaks, an intense and atmospheric instrumental trio who we had the pleasure of touring with this autumn.
We highly recommend checking all of these bands out, listen to their music and catch them live if they’re playing near you. You won’t be disappointed!
- Last word is yours..
Thank you, Rough Times, for this interview and for highlighting the French doom scene (You're welcome ! Ed.). For those reading this interview, don’t hesitate to support the bands, attend their concerts, and keep the music alive!
Credits :
Band photo : Faallaway
Live photo (B & W) : Brian Downie
Live photo (Color) : Charlotte Lelimousin
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