Witchfinder General are an English Heavy metal band formed in Stourbridge, England by Zeeb Parkes and Phil Cope, as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement in the early 1980s. Strongly influenced by Black Sabbath, they became one of the earliest bands to shape what would later be recognised as Doom Metal, combining slow, heavy riffs with occult and horror-driven themes.
Formed in 1979, Witchfinder General emerged during the height of the NWOBHM era, but distinguished themselves by slowing down the genre’s typical speed and introducing a darker, heavier atmosphere. Their sound drew heavily from Black Sabbath, and they are widely regarded as one of the pioneering acts of early Doom Metal.
The band’s importance was not fully recognised until after their initial split, as their blend of occult themes and heavy riffing later became foundational to the doom metal movement.
Witchfinder General disbanded in 1984 amid reported controversy surrounding their sexually explicit album artwork in the UK. Despite their short initial run, their recordings went on to gain cult status and long-term influence within underground heavy music, becoming highly regarded in the development of early Doom Metal.
The band reformed in November 2006 without original vocalist and lyricist Zeeb Parkes, instead featuring new vocalist Gary Martin. This reunion renewed interest in their early catalogue and legacy, leading to the release of Buried Amongst the Ruins in 2006, a compilation featuring the “Burning a Sinner” single, the Soviet Invasion EP, and live recordings including the previously unreleased track “Phantasmagorical”.
In 2008, Witchfinder General released their third full-length album Resurrected, continuing their connection to early doom aesthetics while revisiting their classic heavy metal roots.
Despite a relatively brief original career, Witchfinder General are now widely recognised as one of the key early influences on Doom Metal, helping bridge the gap between NWOBHM and the slower, darker evolution of heavy music that followed.
Fans of Saint Vitus, and Pentagram will find Witchfinder General essential listening within the foundations of heavy doom.
All Witchfinder General releases we carry are high-quality CD and vinyl, sourced from authorised labels and trusted distributors. We focus strictly on physical audio formats — CD and vinyl only.
Stock rotates regularly, so if something catches your eye, it’s worth picking it up while available. We are always working to expand the range with more releases when they become available from approved suppliers.
Witchfinder General were part of the NWOBHM and have been cited as a major influence on the Doom metal genre, so if you fancy exploring more like-minded artists, have a look through our DOOM and HEAVY METAL categories, might also like to read our blog on the different subgenres of Metal \m/
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