Some of you might be surprised to see a new face at the Hultsfred festival tonight when WITCHERY enter the stage to declare “Witchkrieg” over Sweden.
Commented WITHCERY guitarist Patrik Jensen (also in THE HAUNTED): “We are saddened to announce the departure of Legion (ex-MARDUK, DEVIAN), singer of last year’s WITCHERY ear-crusher ‘Witchkrieg’. Unfortunately, conflicting schedules made a continued collaboration impossible. We are very thankful for Legion’s input and work on our latest album, and we wish him only the very best for the future. WITCHERY will, however, not remain without a leader to take them through the netherworlds and beyond. None other than Emperor Magus Caligula (ex-DARK FUNERAL) has decided to once again adorn his armor, and go off to battle for the better of darkness and evil.”
Stated Emperor Magus Caligula: “Getting an offer to play with some of Sweden’s finest elite in metal, I just couldn’t resist. Together with WITCHERY, I will once again spread chaos and hatred upon this world. The emperor is back, and together we will conquer ALL!!!”
Fans in Finland, Germany and Norway can soon witness the power of Emperor Magus Caligula throat torture at the upcoming Tuska, Summer Breeze and Inferno festivals.
“Conqueror’s Return”, the latest video from WITCHERY, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band’s new album, “Witchkrieg”, which sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 84 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
“Witchkrieg” was released on June 21, 2010 in Europe and June 29, 2010 in North America via Century Media Records. The CD was mixed and mastered Antfarm studios by Tue Madsen (DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE HAUNTED, HEAVEN SHALL BURN). The cover artwork, which can be viewed below, was created by Andreas “Diaz” Pettersson.
“Witchkrieg” features guest appearances by Kerry King (SLAYER), Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND), Hank Shermann (MERCYFUL FATE, FORCE OF EVIL, DEMONICA) and Jim Durkin (DARK ANGEL).
WITCHERY’s lineup reads like the who’s-who of Swedish metal: Guitarist Jensen plays with THE HAUNTED; lead axeman Rickard Rimfält rocks for SÉANCE; bass player Sharlee D’Angelo is in charge of the low end in ARCH ENEMY and SPIRITUAL BEGGARS; while drummer Martin “Axe” Axenrot pounds the skins for OPETH and BLOODBATH.
Source: www.blabbermouth.net