Happy 20-Year Anniversary, Witches

Icarus Witch’s first recorded output was in 2004 when the band was invited to participate on Evil Lives: A True Metal Tribute To Black Sabbath. This album also included Primal Fear, Jag Panzer, Racer X, George Lynch with Vince Neil, and more.

Following the success of that tribute, the band quickly went back into the studio to cut their version of the song “Roses On White Lace” for An Allstar Salute To Alice Cooper. This compilation also included Dio, Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickenson, Dave Mustaine, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Children of Bodom, members of Guns ‘N’ Roses, The Who, Dokken, Mötley Crüe and more.

With the young band now on a hot streak and gelling as a unit, they went back into the studio in Pittsburgh with producer Erik Klinger to track their first round of original songs for what would become their “demo” and eventually their debut EP through Magick Records / Cleopatra Records.

Quinn's NAMM Adventures

Our axeman on the street, Quinn Lukas had a hell of a time at NAMM (naturally). In addition to catching up with all of our old Icarus Witch buddies & taking in some killer shows, Quinn picked up his first signature guitar – Shadow Chaser – from Siggi Braun & was asked to debut Lichtlaerm Audio’s new Prometheus amp & cabinet for Premier Guitars.

What can we say, Germans love Quinn. He’s like the David Hasselhoff of traditional metal.

To watch & listen to this demo hosted by Premier Guitars senior editor, Nick Millevoi – click HERE.

Decibel Magazine Premiers "Shadowchaser" Video

Thanks to Decibel Magazine for premiering the new Icarus Witch video for “Shadowchaser”. Click to read the feature and watch the video.

Check Out the New Single and Video for "Rise Of The Witches"

We just released an occult-inspired lyric video for our anthemic new single, “Rise Of The Witches” & we think you’re going to dig it.

“Rise Of The Witches” is the 2nd video in advance of the release of No Devil Lived On.

As a genre, underground metal has long been about empowering marginalized people to stand together against hypocrites and bullies. “Rise of the Witches” is a metallic battle cry for modern occultists that emphatically declares to close-minded zealots – You’re done here, never again.

To infuse additional power into this sonic spell, a super coven of twenty-one actual Witches were summoned to lend their voices to the backing vocals on the chorus. When you hear this mystical congregation chanting “We are witches we shall rise, united far and wide” that is the sound of wise folks who are not afraid to fight for freedom.

Guitarist Quinn Lukas discusses the musical creation for the new single.

“The riffs for ‘Rise of the Witches” came effortlessly. The main chorus riff was simply inspired by late-night jamming through a new amp that I was testing out for the first time. I just slid my hand down the neck and that was the first thing I played. I’ve always liked the way that big colorful chords sound when ringing out against interesting rhythmic patterns. I think I get a lot of that from players like Jake E. Lee, Michael Wilton, and Chris DeGarmo.”

The song “Rise of the Witches” is part of an upcoming sci-fi pagan concept album, called No Devil Lived On. The single is currently available on all major streaming services today including Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Amazon, and more.

Catch Icarus Witch debuting the new song live this week for their first hometown show of the year at Helltown Taproom in Mt. Pleasant PA. They also have upcoming shows at Storm Crusher Festival in Püchersreuth, Germany on September 7 and Metalfest at Musigburg in Aarburg, Switzerland, on September 9. 

Jason's Ceremonial Blade Enshrined in Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick

Our head witch Jason was recently honored by the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick when they asked him to donate a ritual item for their exhibit. Myers, who has been practicing witchcraft for nearly four decades, presented his hand-crafted ceremonial athame, Shadowchaser, in a private ceremony at this world-renowned Cleveland institution.

When asked what this unique honor means to him, Myers explained.

"I'm proud to contribute this majickal tool to the museum because I made this piece, I’ve used it for thirty years and it was the blade I used in my circle casting test to become a 2nd-degree priest of the Cabot Witchcraft tradition. It also represents my deep connection with and reverence for animals and nature.

To have my athame enshrined in this esteemed gallery alongside artifacts from occult icons like Crowley, Gardner, Leek, Buckland, Zell, and my Reverend Mother, Laurie Cabot is an honor I don't take lightly and will cherish forever." 

🚨 SCAM ALERT

Just a friendly reminder that the only place you can currently buy authentic new Icarus Witch merch (ie: shirts, patches, and any items aside from music) is on our Big Cartel shop here at icaruswitch.com. (so icaruswitch.bigcartel.com in your browser).

We've seen a rise in fake profiles targeting our followers and unauthorized sites like "AlbumCoverStickers.com" selling products without our consent, ie: bootleg merch.

While it's "flattering" to know we've made it to a level where bootleggers and scammers want to make money from us, the truth is, underground bands rely on things like shirt sales to make up for the financial hit we've all taken in the streaming era.

Sometimes a good night at the merch booth will help put gas in our van to get us to the next show or allow us to pay for things like video and album production.

More importantly than the money that bands lose from fraudulent merch sellers, we want to protect YOU from receiving shoddy merch and especially from giving criminals your payment info.

In the future, we may expand our merch sales to partner with other retailers or distros and we will make those announcements on our official website and socials. Until then, protect yourselves and the bands you care about. When in doubt, reach out and we'll let you know if something is legit or bullshit.

Thanks & rock on…

-The Witch

New Icarus Witch Album Complete

Anyone who’s followed the Witch over the years knows that the past few albums have taken several years to create and produce. The upcoming album, No Devil Lived On is no exception, as serious writing for it began in 2019 at the tail end of the Goodbye Cruel World show cycle. It’s wild to think how much the world has changed in the past 4 years and you’re likely to feel the energy of those cosmic shifts in the grooves and lyrics of the new record.

We’re thrilled to announce the record is finally complete. The masters were delivered this week. We’ll keep you informed of further details such as release dates as we get that info. Until then we thank you for your patience and support. We feel confident you will think it was worth the wait once you hear the new album, easily our most adventurous recording to date.

Fun Classic Rock Reviewed Career Retrospective Spanning 20 Years of the Witch

Recently, Jason was interviewed buy Andrew Daly of Classic Rock Reviews and the conversation took us back in time to the start of the Witch, touching on different aspects of the evolution of the band album by album.

To read the full interview click here.

Jason Interviewed By Witches Magazine

Witches magazine reached out to our resident priest for an article on contemporary covens. This is the third consecutive issue to feature Myers and can be found in bookstores and magazine racks near you.

New Single, New Video, New Album Title

The World Premier Video For “10,000 Light Years From Home” by Icarus Witch

We’re thrilled to release “10,000 Light Years From Home” the first single from the upcoming Icarus Witch album, No Devil Lived On.

This fiery banger takes place in the near future as a greedy crew of elites plot to take off in a private space fleet to escape a planet they’ve exhausted of resources and search for a better life on a distant planet. Meanwhile, back on earth, a gathering of spiritual sages have banded together in the shadows to protect mother earth while allowing the doomed astronauts to choose their own sentence based on the universal principles of free will.

Sound like the plot of a mystical sci-fi thriller? It is. It’s the first glimpse into the band Icarus Witch’s ambitious concept album, No Devil Lived On which will be released on Cleopatra Records in 2023.

The players on this new song are:

• Andrew D'Cagna – Vocals

• Quinn Lukas – Guitar

• Jason Myers – Bass & Synthesizer

• Noah Skiba – Drums

The voice of the countdown is Paul Messerle, a sage in the true sense of the word.

The song was recorded by Andrew & Quinn at Sacred Sound Studios and QL Audio, respectively. It was mixed and mastered by Brad Cox. The video features Midjourney AI art and was produced by Jason with graphic design by Aubrianna Myers and animation by Emre Alan.

The single can be streamed or downloaded at most major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, qobuz, Tidal, YouTube Music, and more.

The band will be revealing more details of the concept behind the album in time. Until then, crank the volume and enjoy this melodic metal journey, the first new Witch music since 2018’s Goodbye Cruel World, and the first ever to feature the drumming talents of Noah Skiba.

Myers Interviewed By Yahoo About Halloween Witchcraft Traditions

Jamie Davis Smith interviewed a few modern Witches (including Icarus Witch founder Jason Myers) for this Yahoo article on Halloween traditions. Click the image to read what they have to say about Samhain celebrations.

Cabot priest and Icarus Witch founder Jason Myers speaks to Yahoo about Witchcraft and Halloween.

Europe Was Rad

That’s a wrap. The Witch is back on US soil after a quick whirlwind trip overseas.

Thanks to our tireless tour manager Alex at Metalworld Booking for the hard work & hospitality.

Thanks to Comaniac for the backline & friendship.

Thanks to IRONFLAME for working twice as hard to include Icarus Witch on this run.

Thanks to the gracious festival & venue staffs for the world-class treatment.

Most of all, thanks to the thousands of crazy dedicated European metal fans who came out to support these events. It took a few extra years to get back & you made it all worthwhile.

The Witch storming the castle before the show in Aarburg, Switzerland

A few shows to re-connect with our friends in Europe

Post-tour smiles with the Comaniac & Ironflame gang in Switzerland

James from Ironflame snapped this Headbangers Open Air shot from the stage

The lineup that changed almost every day (this was pretty close to the final deal)

Opening for Blaze was killer – what a voice (and a cool MF)

No trip to Bavaria would be complete without a Zille sill shot

Brave Words Names Icarus Witch 1 of 3 Best Metal Bands From Pennsylvania

New Aguilar Products Thicken The Witch's Bottom End

In preparation of Icarus Witch’s return to the European festival scene this month, Jason wanted to beef up the tone of his 2014 Fender American Standard Jazz Bass “Blackie” that came stock with some decent Fender pickups. [Vegan beef, naturally]. The sound needed to be a little hotter, a little gnarlier to cut through the din of those summer fest crowds. The solution? Aguilar AG 4J-Hot pickups.

Thanks to Dale Titus and Jordan Cortese at Aguilar for the always fast, friendly service. And thanks to Tom Matyas at Guitar Gallery for the fast install and setup. These things arrived fast with plenty of time to get them loaded before Icarus Wtich’s first hometown Pittsburgh concert of the ‘20s.

As the Aguilar site says: Larger 6mm magnets and over-wound design give this pickup big personality – with an edge. Thick lows and a growly midrange character define the sound of the HOT series, all while capturing the dynamics and nuances of your playing.

Listen for the HOTs on a stage near you this summer and on the new Icarus Witch album that will be recorded in the fall.

Stormbringer Metal Festival Ruled

Thanks to the pandemic and other circumstances it had been three years since Icarus Witch had played live (our longest show drought since forming nearly two decades ago). All of that changed on June 11 when we co-headlined the Stormbringer Metal Festival in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Not only was this event well planned and well attended (particularly for its inaugural year) but we got to hang with our old friends Attacker who took us under their wing when we came onto this scene so long ago.

Though the highlight of the weekend for us was meeting one of our all time biggest inspirations, heavy metal vocal legend, John Arch. He was there with Victor Arduini, meaning we got to hang with and perform for 2/5 of the original Fates Warning.

The festival was a blast from start to finish. Run by a cool crew of dedicated metal fans, populated by a diverse roster of traditional bands, and attended by an enthusiastic crowd of true metal faithful from around the world. We’re still flying high from the vibes and look forward to sharing more photos and possibly footage as it comes in. Keep an eye on social media for that as it’s popping up all over.

Icarus Witch Welcomes New Drummer Noah Skiba

Attention Coveners: We proudly present your starting lineup for the 2022 Icarus Witch concert season with the official addition of our new drummer, Noah Skiba.

For those of you keeping track at home, Noah filled for us briefly in 2019 when Justin Walker was in an accident. Fast forward to the present, our friend Justin has moved on to other projects and Noah gladly stepped in without missing a beat (literally, the dude’s a monster drummer). He also plays with Andrew and Quinn in Ironflame so the comfort level and rapport was already established.

We’re excited to get into the studio with him to track the next album, though before that we’re going to work out some of the new material this summer in a run of dates. Stay tuned.

Quinn Joins Forces with Siggi Braun Guitars

We're proud to announce that our resident guitar guru Quinn Lukas has partnered with German guitar maker, Siggi Braun - Fine Young Guitars.

In conjunction with their US rep, RJ Baughman, Quinn is helping this world-renown luthier design the USA line of guitars and has a signature model in the works.

Until then, check out the sweet sounds and looks of this new handcrafted model – Icarus Nightmare.

New Icarus Witch Album Update

We’re happy to report that writing for the upcoming 7th Icarus Witch release is going well with just a few songs left to finish up before heading back into the studio. It’s easily our most ambitious effort yet and we look forward to sharing more details with you as we get further along in the process.

Best Witches to you and your coven.

Quinn's Top 10 Guitar Tips For Beginners

Our resident guitar guru, Quinn Lukas offers his top 10 tips for beginners in this feature at MerelyMusic.com. To read the entire roundup of 40 guitar experts go to bit.ly/GuitarMistakes or simply click the image above.