Witchfynde
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1974 in Derbyshire, England |
| Founder | Richard Blower, Neil Harvey |
| Headquarters | Derbyshire , England |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums, singles |
Witchfynde is an English heavy metal group, recognized as trailblazers of the new wave of British heavy metal during the late 1970s. Their sound fused straightforward pub rock with intricate progressive rock influences.
Formation and Early Years
Originating in Derbyshire, England, in 1974, Witchfynde was initially established by bassist Richard Blower and singer Neil Harvey. Following Blower’s exit, the band reassembled in 1975 with lead guitarist Montalo (Trevor Taylor), bassist Andro Coulton, drummer Gra Scoresby, and vocalist Steve Bridges. Their first single, "Give 'Em Hell," was released in 1979, followed by their debut album of the same name on Rondelet Records in 1980. Significant exposure came through regular airplay on BBC Radio 1’s Friday Rock Show and a UK tour supporting Def Leppard that same year. Their musical style merged elements of doom, progressive, and hard rock with heavy metal foundations, often incorporating prominent satanic themes.
Sophomore Album and Stylistic Shift
The band’s second album, Stagefright, arrived in 1980 and was recorded at Fairview Studios in Willerby, East Riding of Yorkshire. This release is regarded as their most experimental effort. Around this time, bassist Andro Coulton was succeeded by Pete Surgey, who brought greater technical proficiency to the lineup.
Split from Rondelet Records
During the rollout of their second album, Witchfynde experienced increasing conflicts with Rondelet Records, culminating in the label withdrawing financial support. This situation contributed to Steve Bridges leaving the band. Subsequently, Luther Beltz joined as vocalist. The group proceeded to produce their third album, Cloak and Dagger, which was issued through the small label Expulsion Records. Unfortunately, due to the label’s bankruptcy shortly after release, the album suffered from substandard production quality and lacked adequate promotional backing.
Mausoleum Records Era and Disbandment
In 1984, Witchfynde signed with Mausoleum Records for their fourth studio album, Lords of Sin. During recording sessions, bassist Pete Surgey departed and was replaced first by Edd Wolfe and then by Al Short. Despite considering this album their strongest work creatively, it faced poor critical reception and insufficient promotion following Mausoleum’s financial collapse. Frustrated with industry challenges, the band decided to disband.
Reunion Period: 1999–2020
Renewed interest emerged after the 1996 release of Best of Witchfynde, leading Montalo, Gra Scoresby, and Luther Beltz to discuss a reunion in 1999. Pete Surgey returned on bass; however, Luther Beltz withdrew during rehearsals and was replaced by devoted fan Harry Harrison. The band released their fifth record, The Witching Hour, via Edgy Records in 2001.
Early albums were reissued by Cherry Red and Lemon Recordings, accompanied by a new compilation titled Best Of in 2007. Their sixth studio album, Play It to Death, recorded at Bandwagon Studios, came out in July 2008. Later that year, Harrison’s health concerns led to Luther Beltz resuming vocal duties for a UK tour.
In July 2014, Tracey Abbott from Overdrive joined as a second guitarist. Witchfynde performed at several major festivals including Metalcova Festival (Barcelona) in 2015, Alpine Steel Festival (Innsbruck) in 2016, HOAF Festival (Germany) in 2019, Sweden Rock Festival in 2019, and Metal Conquest (Rome) in January 2020.
The last concert featuring original members Montalo (Trevor Taylor) and Gra Scoresby took place at Newcastle’s Trillions rock bar in 2020; shortly thereafter, Luther Beltz retired from performing.
Impact of the Global Pandemic
Due to the worldwide pandemic in 2020 and health complications affecting members, Witchfynde ceased live performances. Their concluding concert took place at Newcastle's Trillians in 2020. Guitarist Tracey Abbott carried on performing Witchfynde's repertoire under the name Witchfynde-X, alongside bassist Ian Hamilton. After completing a year-long tour across Europe in 2023, the group returned to the United Kingdom but ultimately disbanded following disagreements involving original members and former bassist Andro Coulton.
In 2023, Andro Coulton registered the Witchfynde trademark without approval from the founding members, which led to him being booked under that name at the Keep It True Festival. This situation caused dissatisfaction among promoters and fans who anticipated appearances by original members Gra, Montalo, and Luther. Subsequently, Coulton received a cease and desist order requiring him to surrender the trademark and cease using the Witchfynde name.
Musical Style
According to Vlad Nichols of Ultimate Guitar, Witchfynde’s sound centers on rhythmic hard rock infused with some progressive influences, despite their use of satanic-themed imagery.
Final Live Line-up of Witchfynde
- Luther Beltz – lead vocals (1980–1986, 1999, 2008–2022)
- Montalo (Trevor Taylor) – guitar (1973–1984, 1999–2022; retired from live shows)
- Gra Scoresby – drums (1973–1984, 1999–2022; retired from live shows)
- Tracey Abbott – guitar (2014–2022)
- Ian Hamilton – bass (2020–2022)
Previous Members
- Steve Bridges (vocals)
- Alan Edwards ("Edd Wolfe") (bass)
- Dave Lindley (drums)
- Ron Reynolds (guitar)
- Dave Hewitt (bass/vocals)
- Neil Harvey (vocals)
- Richard Blower (bass guitar)
- Tez Brown (drums)
- Harry Harrison (vocals)
- Andro Coulton (bass)
- Pete Surgey (bass guitar)
- Al Short (bass guitar/vocals)
Studio Albums
- Give 'Em Hell (Rondelet Records, 1980; reissued by Lemon via Cherry Red Records, 2004)
- Stagefright (Rondelet, 1980; Lemon reissue, 2005)
- Cloak and Dagger (Expulsion, 1983; reissued by Witchfynde Music, 2000)
- Lords of Sin (Mausoleum, 1984; initial 10,000 copies included live EP Anthems)
- The Witching Hour (Neat, 2001)
- Play It to Death (Neat, 2008)
Live Albums
- Royal William Live Sacrifice (Neat, 2011)
Compilation Albums
- The Best of Witchfynde (British Steel, 1996)
Singles
- "Give 'Em Hell" / "Gettin' Heavy" 7" (Rondelet, 1979)
- "In the Stars" / "Wake Up Screaming" 7" (Rondelet, 1980)
- "I'd Rather Go Wild" / "Cry Wolf" 7" (Expulsion, 1983)
- Anthems 12" (Mausoleum, 1984)
- "Conspiracy" / "Scarlet Lady" 7" (Mausoleum, 1984)
See also
External links
- [ Allmusic Witchfynde biography]
- Witchfynde @ Lemon Recordings