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Burn at the Stake, Rise of the Coven: St. October - VVitchcraft (Track Review) Released: 1/28/26

 

From the plains of Iowa emerges St. October, a four-piece force that merges blackened death metal with melodic sensibility to create something genuinely arresting. "VVitchcraft," the third revealed track, from their upcoming album Salem, showcases the band's ability to balance crushing heaviness with haunting, siren-like atmospheres that demand attention from the first note.

The track explores themes of persecution, solidarity, and reclamation through a witch trial narrative that feels both historically grounded and urgently contemporary. Monica Leibert's vocals are the centerpiece here, shifting between clean, chilling melodies and visceral screams that embody the song's defiant spirit. When she declares the coven's refusal to be silenced, there's a raw power that transcends the genre. Dusten Leibert's guitar work creates a dense, oppressive soundscape that mirrors the subject matter perfectly, layering blackened tremolo passages with melodic hooks that actually stick, while his vocal contributions add depth without cluttering the mix. Sid Summerson's bass provides a rumbling foundation that drives the song's relentless energy forward, while Joseph Pement's drumming navigates seamlessly between blast beats and more measured, tension-building patterns.

What makes "VVitchcraft" particularly effective is its structure; the repetition of the "when you burn one, you burn us all" refrain becomes increasingly anthemic, transforming from accusation to battle cry. The bridge sections offer brief moments of atmospheric respite before plunging back into the maelstrom, creating dynamic shifts that prevent the song from becoming monotonous despite its intensity. The production strikes a balance between raw aggression and clarity, allowing each instrument to occupy its own space while maintaining the claustrophobic, oppressive atmosphere the song demands. The deliberate use of "VV" in the title adds a nice period touch that reinforces the historical framing without feeling gimmicky. St. October has crafted something genuinely compelling here, a track that works both as a headbanger and as a meditation on collective resistance. For fans of bands that blend extreme metal with gothic atmosphere and social consciousness, "VVitchcraft" is essential listening.

Here is the official music video for VVitchcraft:


Go give them a follow on Instagram:  St. October

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