Phantom Witch is a relentless force tearing through California’s thrash metal scene like a hurricane. Since storming onto the stage in 2012, this Salinas-based band has forged a legacy of crushing riffs, breakneck rhythms, and unbridled intensity. Their debut album, Death As We Know It, cemented their reputation with its ferocious sound, while their latest record, Forced to Worship, raises the bar with complex arrangements and razor-sharp precision. Now, with the powerhouse trio of vocalist Josh Clark, bassist Colin Kyger, and guitarist Jeromy Ray adding fire to the lineup, Phantom Witch is redefining thrash for a new generation. This isn’t just music—it’s an unrelenting sonic onslaught that refuses to be ignored.
Phantom Witch wastes no time kicking things into overdrive as they rip into their opener, The Guillotine. From the very first note, the room erupts with energy—heads thrashing, fists in the air, and an electric charge that spreads like wildfire. The relentless riffs and pounding rhythm feel like a call to arms, setting the stage for a night of pure, unfiltered chaos. It’s more than an opening song; it’s a declaration that Phantom Witch has arrived, and they mean business.
Mid-set, the band takes things to another level with Volcanic Calamity. The song is a force of nature, living up to its name with every thunderous drum hit and molten-hot riff. The room feels alive, teetering on the edge of eruption as the dynamic shifts keep everyone guessing—one moment blisteringly fast, the next a crushing breakdown that shakes the walls. The energy is volcanic, raw, and impossible to ignore, leaving the crowd drenched in sweat and craving more destruction.
When it’s time for the finale, Something Evil Approaches delivers in a way only Phantom Witch can. The haunting intro creeps through the room like a dark omen, pulling everyone in as the tension builds. The riff hits, and the entire place is consumed by a storm of sound—guttural vocals, screaming solos, and drums that pound like the heartbeat of some sinister force. It’s heavy, it’s chaotic, and it’s impossible to look away. By the time the last note fades, the crowd is left stunned, caught somewhere between awe and adrenaline-fueled euphoria. If this is how Phantom Witch ends a show, you better believe you’ll want to be there for every second leading up to it.
