When you think of theatrical, boundary-pushing heavy music, one name immediately commands the global spotlight: In This Moment. Led by the mesmerizing, chameleonic frontwoman Maria Brink and riff-master Chris Howorth, this band has spent nearly two decades turning live alternative metal into a dark, cinematic art form. Now, the Grammy-nominated force is back to claim their throne, unleashing their highly anticipated ninth studio album, Witch, on August 28 via Better Noise Music. It marks a bold new era for the group, following up on the raw energy of 2023's Godmode with something much more ritualistic, intense, and deeply introspective.
Witch isn't just another collection of heavy moments; it’s a full-blown musical incantation. Across 11 tracks, the album showcases the band's legendary sonic spectrum—the fury, the femininity, and the absolute fire. Brink describes the record as her personal "declaration of inner transformation," a visceral deep-dive into alchemizing pain, ancient trials, and personal persecution into pure, unadulterated strength. Musically, it’s as heavy as it is haunting. Lead single Crawl seethes with an inescapable, gut-punching riff and a vocal performance that will bring you to your knees, while early teasers Heretic and Sleeping With the Enemy have already proved that In This Moment is operating at the absolute peak of their powers.
True to form, the band isn't stepping into the dark alone. They’ve summoned an eclectic coven of special guests for this record, including Aussie alt-provocateur Kim Dracula on Heretic, post-hardcore titans Dayseeker on I Want To Believe, and an unexpected, star-studded cover of Pink Floyd's classic Another Brick In The Wall featuring the iconic Kat Von D. It’s an ambitious, uncompromising body of work that takes the band's signature fusion of industrial groove and soaring melodic hooks, and pushes it right to the absolute edge.
HEAVY caught up with Chris Howorth to unpack the magic and malice behind Witch. In the full interview, Chris dives deep into the creative process behind the new material and what it was like collaborating with such a diverse group of artists. We also chat about the upcoming Taste of Chaos tour with Hollywood Undead, how they plan to translate these complex, mystical themes into a jaw-dropping live spectacle, and why the concept of the witch resonates so heavily in modern times.
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