Witchrider Builds a Fortified Wall of Sound with New EP "Metamorph"

 

Witchrider band photo

Witchrider is a stoner/alternative rock quartet from Graz, Austria. Formed in 2012, the group released their self-titled debut EP in 2013, which was followed by two full-length albums: Unmountable Stairs in 2014 and Electrical Storm in 2020. Though Witchrider is highly respected in the underground music scene, they received some international attention when their single Bad Boy was featured on the final season of the US television series Shameless. 

Witchrider is celebrated for their soaring alternative rock melodies underlined by gritty stoner turbulence, qualities that have led them to be likened to early Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters. However, it's the band's electrifying onstage performances, fueled by the unquestionable chemistry between the members, that sets them over the top. 

After a moderate break, Witchrider is back with Metamorph, their first release in five years. On this EP, the band promises a "rebirth" of sorts, breaking away from the ultra-polished yet mercurial tunes found on Electrical Storm. Instead, the band opts for a less processed tone on Metamorph, a "wall of sound" that frontman Dan says took several attempts to get just right. 

Metamorph was released on August 15 2025 via Fuzzorama Records. 

Here are my thoughts:

Witchrider - Metamorph

Witchrider Metamorph Album Cover Photo

First and foremost, Witchrider does not waver from their mellifluous inclinations throughout Metamorph, and the band primarily works with a framework of stormy verses and hooky, emotionally charged choruses. Dulcet, expressive vocals are gruffly melodic at their most coarse, occasionally rising to a near falsetto pitch for emphasis. 

So, is Witchrider still bringing massive QOTSA vibes underlined by a more radio-friendly, post-grunge influence, creating often saccharine sweet melodies? Absolutely. The thing is, I don't think anyone is going to complain about that. In fact, that's exactly why we love Witchrider. 

With that said, is Metamorph "cookie-cutter" or predictable? Absolutely not. 

The band begins building up that aforementioned "wall of sound" from the first note of the EP, breaking ground with gravelly riffs and saucy lead, establishing a prominent bass groove, wedging it all in place with booming, adaptable percussion, and fortifying the passion with melodic vocals. There's a heightened intensity in play throughout Metamorph, marked by frequent surges of fervor and a loyal, heavy pulse of the instrumentals against the sweetness of the vocals, all layered between teases of dreamy reprieves. This results in the addition of a massive amount of depth to Witchrider's sound. 

There are also some interesting surprises lurking on Metamorph, primarily at the EP's end, where you'll find the eerie, futuristic buzz that kicks off the haunting notes of the song Wake Me Up. Perhaps most notable in the realm of unforeseen but intriguing curveballs is the ending track Alive, with its stripped-down campfire acoustics and spur-like jangle, dotted with spacey sounds and silky-smooth vocal harmonies. This gives the song a space cowboy feel as it creates a mood that's simultaneously hypnotic and introspective, ending the EP on a beautifully ghostly note. 

In short, Witchrider retains everything we know and love about them on Metamorph, from the relatable verses veiled in just a bit of darkness to the soaring choruses and honeyed vocal delivery. However, there's a newfound and noticeable intensity found on this EP that maybe, just maybe signals a grittier, stoner rock-forward direction for the band. Only time will tell, but either way, I'm here for it.

More About Witchrider

You can follow Witchrider and listen to their music at the following links: 




A massive thank you to Grand Sounds PR for the promo! 



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