Due to some lingering gender biases in this tragically special world, it is often still overlooked when an entire group of women accomplishes great success in one aspect or another. However, in the world of Heavy Metal, women are gaining power through their musical creations. In particular, the Swiss Power Metal all-female band, Burning Witches, has steadily turned heads with their heavy, energetic sound.
A band founded by Guitarist Romana Kalkuhl, after years of searching for the right members, Burning Witches at last released their debut album in 2017. Building from here, they signed with Nuclear Blast in 2018 and released their second album, Hexenhammer, that same year. Moving forward and earning more attention, the next big eye-openers came in 2020 with Dance with the Devil, in 2021 with The Witch of the North, and in 2023 with The Dark Tower (their first release through Napalm Records). Now in 2025, Burning Witches are back on the attack with their exciting new album Inquisition.
Released on August 22, 2025, through Napalm Records, Inquisition marks the fifth overall Burning Witches album and features twelve electrifying tracks. After a few lineup changes over the last decade or so, the current group features the 2023 addition of Lead Guitarist/Backing Vocalist Courtney Cox (formerly of the well-known The Iron Maidens). With Vocalist Laura Guldemond joining founding Guitarist Romana Kalkuhl, longtime Bassist Jay Grob, and Drummer Lala Frischknecht, the present compatibility of this Heavy Metal group swirls together quite nicely.
As a truly thriving member and empowering female, Courtney Cox, since her years as one of The Iron Maidens, transitions well into this world of shredding power metal, introducing even more of her talent and skill. Vocalist Laura Guldemond boasts a stellar vocal range that can range from reminiscent of Rob Halford to a touch of the late Jill Janus from Huntress. Musically, Burning Witches could also possibly be influenced by Sanctuary, as they explore some high-powered, dynamic competition between the loudness of the guitars and the vocals.
Fast and furious wins the race, and on the track “In The Eye Of The Storm,” that epic vocal journey mixed with some heavenly guitar solos expels the blazing witchcraft that this band embodies. They even include the ever-loving ballad track “Release Me,” which reminds nostalgic ’80s Heavy Metal fans why these ‘breath of fresh air’ ballads were included back then to break up the heavy. Of course, it also has a modern twist throughout.
A lot to enjoy, Inquisition kicks off with an aggressive soldier-type march intro, “Sanguini Hominum,” and fades out with a ritualistic, serene departure titled “Malus Maga.” The structure of the songs, as well as the album’s structure, is really well-produced. From “Soul Eater” to “Burn In Hell” to “In For The Kill,” the album showcases the best of this special female team.
Overall, Burning Witches really fire up heaviness on Inquisition, creating a confident, modern trajectory that clearly defines their path forward while also acknowledging their roots. Hail to these rising heavyweights of Heavy Metal for a well-produced and well-thought-out album, because Cryptic Rock gives Inquisition 5 out of 5 stars.
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