Last Sunday night, Heavy Metal fans from all over the Sacramento and Bay Area gathered to witness the power of the all-female band Burning Witches. Despite the rain, hardcore fans were not deterred from experiencing this incredible display of female energy and talent. The anticipation was pegging at an 11 (on a 10 scale) as we eagerly awaited the start of the show.

Kicking off the evening was Sacramento's own deathcore/Thrash band, Cemetery Legacy. With brutal guitar riffs from Steve Lujan and Augustin Rivera, Kyle O'Connor on bass, and Timmy Parker on vocals, they set the stage on fire. Even with a last-minute fill-in drummer, their performance was flawless. Cemetery Legacy has previously shared the stage with renowned bands like Otep, Metal Church, Blind Illusion, and Hatriot. Keep an eye out for their next tour, as they are not to be missed.

As we eagerly anticipated Burning Witches, we were treated to another local act, simply known as Black. Unfortunately, there was limited information available about the band, but their performance was nothing short of a metal extravaganza. The lead singer commanded the stage with a mix of toughness and majesty, a unique and exciting combination for a thrash/death metal band. The dueling lead guitars and energetic rhythm section added to the intensity of their performance.

Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. Burning Witches took the stage with an unmatched force and power, opening their set with "Unleash The Beast." The energy in the room was electrifying, with hair blowing back and faces filled with awe. Guitarists Romana Kalkuhl and fill-in guitarist extraordinaire Courtney Cox (currently with The Iron Maidens) showcased their technical prowess on "Wings of Steel," leaving the audience spellbound. With Larissa Ernst on maternity leave, Courtney Cox was incredible from the first note and impressed everyone with her talent. Bassist Jeanine Grob held the heavy sound together with precision, while Lala Frischknecht's drumming provided a solid foundation.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the frontwoman, Laura Guldemond. Her stage presence and powerful vocals on tracks like "Dance With The Devil" were captivating. She engaged with the audience, touching every person in the front row and beyond, creating an unforgettable experience. At one point, she even disappeared into the crowd, only to reappear on stage with even more intensity. Burning Witches performed a diverse setlist, showcasing their career-spanning releases, from their self-produced debut in 2017 to their latest album, The Dark Tower. While they have gained recognition for their covers of Judas Priest and Dio songs, their original compositions truly demonstrate their talent.

Burning Witches is currently scheduled to tour Europe and return to the United States in support of their new release under Napalm Records. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these extraordinary women who are taking the metal scene by storm.  You will thank me later!