After hanging up the Crystal Viper spurs last autumn, the ever-busy Marta Gabriel hasn’t stayed quiet for long. She’s just unveiled her brand new project, Leatherwitch, and they’ve hit the ground running with their debut single and video, “Beast Inside”.
If you were worried Marta might be heading off in a jazz-fusion direction, you can breathe a sigh of relief. This is pure, unadulterated Speed Metal. We’re talking fast-paced rhythms, classic riffs, and the kind of shredding guitar solos that’ll have you reaching for the air guitar. Lyrically, it’s a proper old-school gothic horror tale about a werewolf, which fits the vibe perfectly.
The track has some serious pedigree behind the scenes, too. It was mixed by Olof Wikstrand of Enforcer and features a guest appearance from guitarist Giuseppe Taormina (known for his work in Ellende and formerly of Crystal Viper). It’s a cracking introduction to what Marta is calling a “Heavy Metal galore” project.
For the collectors among you, there’s a limited edition 7-inch “splatter” vinyl coming out on 23rd April 2026. It’s restricted to just 300 copies and comes with a patch, a signed postcard, and a beer coaster – because what’s a metal record without somewhere to put your pint? The B-side features another new track titled “Bound by the night”.
Marta’s been a staple of the scene for years, having toured over 20 countries and smashed it at festivals like Wacken and Hellfest. She was even out on the road recently, popping up at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow last year to guest with Saracen. While we’re still gutted about Crystal Viper calling it a day, this new chapter looks like it’s going to be every bit as loud.
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