“When bands like Shihad, HLAH or Beastwars come along we tend to get pretty excited. Auckland’s Hunt the Witch give you that same feeling.” – Darryl Kirk, NZ Musician

Hunt The Witch have unleashed their debut album Strange Gods after 6 years of crafting their sound, and are popping the cork with a run of North Island release shows in June and July.

The album Strange Gods showcases the talents of singer Sam Whitley, Bevan Carbines (guitar), Jason Clarke (bass) and Pumpkinhead's Jason Peters on drums, presenting a supernatural combo of scorching stoner-rock riffage, powerhouse percussion and Whitley's possessed vocals.

The live shows introduce new bassist Andrew Woods.

Hunt The Witch are Auckland-based now, but Peters spent most of his life in Christchurch. Following the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes, he made the tough decision to re-locate, reflected in the track Magnitude. Lyricist Whitley listened to Peters' experiences, and was himself shocked by the devastation when Hunt The Witch first played in Christchurch.

They may be heavy, but Hunt The Witch have eclectic influences – their name comes from the Bloc Party track Hunting for Witches.

Here's a great review of Strange Gods:

"Overall, with the combination of huge vocals, a ton of epic riffs, bass lines to die for in a band and drums that help bring it all together, this is one of the greatest rock albums I have heard come out of New Zealand...If you like bands like Queens Of The Stone Age, this is one you need to check out." - Ben Ruegg, Muzic.net.nz

What can you expect from Hunt the Witch live?

“Sam Whitley’s vocals were on fire, as were the epic rhythm section, and man, drummer, Jason Peters gives Dave Grohl a run for his money on those skins!” – live review, Kerry Monahgan, Muzic.net.nz

Hunt The Witch ‘Strange Gods’ North Island tour dates

Saturday 22nd June - The Wine Cellar, Auckland with Animalhead and Quinn the Human

Friday 5th July - Nivara Lounge, Hamilton with Dead Beat Boys (Auckland) and Bones Inc. (Hamilton)

Saturday 20th July - The Mayfair, New Plymouth with Darkwater and Radio Therapy

And South Island friends - fear not, the band are very keen to head your way soon.

Hunt The Witch Strange Gods is available now on:

Bandcamp

Spotify

iTunes

Previously, 2015 saw the release of EP Into The Black to excellent reviews. Hunt The Witch played Churchill's in Christchurch shortly before it closed, and have played with Skinny Hobos and Dead Favours at the Kings Arms.

Reviews of Hunt The Witch’s debut EP Into The Black

“When bands like Shihad, HLAH or Beastwars come along we tend to get pretty excited. Auckland’s Hunt the Witch give you that same feeling.” – Darryl Kirk, NZ Musician

“The scorching guitar intro commands your attention and declares you better be ready to rock. This superb new song by Hunt the Witch rocks along with a guitar sound that is white hot and feverish…” – Andrew Smit, Muzic.net.nz

“Sam Whitley’s vocals were on fire, as were the epic rhythm section, and man, drummer, Jason Peters gives Dave Grohl a run for his money on those skins!” – live review, Kerry Monahgan, Muzic.net.nz