Information/Write-up
Forged in the fires of Ottawa, Ontarioa in the early 1980s, Witchkiller stormed the scene with a blend of epic heavy metal and NWOBHM-inspired riffage. Founded by drummer Steve Batky and guitarist Kurt Phillips, the band quickly carved out a place in metal history with their now-classic 1984 EP, Day of the Saxons, released through the legendary Metal Blade Records. The record’s powerful vocals, galloping rhythms, and dramatic flair earned Witchkiller a loyal cult following that has only grown stronger with time.
After several lineup changes—including the departure of original vocalist Doug Adams and guitarist Kurt Phillips—Batky kept the flame alive with various lineups before eventually relocating to Los Angeles. There, he launched the melodic metal act I, Napoleon and later founded a successful leather goods company. Meanwhile, Adams and bassist Todd Pilon joined Toronto outfit Reckless, recording several albums before Doug took his explosive energy global with the acclaimed pyro company Pyrotek. Phillips, too, made waves with a brief stint in Savage Grace before returning to Canada to lead his current power metal project, WARHAG, based on Vancouver Island.
Though Witchkiller’s original discography remains small, their legacy is enduring—built on quality, not quantity. In 2012, the band briefly reunited to begin work on new material and revive the lineup that toured Canada in 1986/87.
Now, in 2025, the iron is hot once again. Witchkiller is officially back on the road, ready to bring their iconic sound to a new generation of headbangers. After over 40 years away from the stage, they’ll be returning with a vengeance in Vancouver (July 19th), Germany (July 26th), and Victoria (July 30th)—sharing the stage with a powerhouse lineup of fellow metal warriors. These long-awaited live shows mark a monumental return, and fans can expect raw power, unrelenting energy, and the kind of loud, proud noise that only Witchkiller can deliver.
-Robert Williston
We look forward to humbly servicing the new metal world. Warmest Regards, Witchkiller.
Find us on Facebook “Witchkiller Band Page” or Email us @ officialwitchkiller2012@gmail.com
Doug Adams: vocals
Kurt Phillips: guitar
Todd Pilon: bass
Steve Batky: drums
Produced and engineered by Joe "The Pounder" Primeau, impaled and assisted by Tom Balint
Recorded in July of '83 at Phase One Studios, Toronto, Ontario
Mixed by Bill Metoyer and Brian Slagel at Track Record, Los Angeles, California, USA
Photography by Peter Wyslouzil
For Information:
Warhag Productions
1971 St. Laurent Blvd
Suite 3B
Ottawa, Canada
K1G 3P4
Special Thanks To:
Our parents (we apologize for the occasional hell we put you through), Brian Slagel, Wayne Archibald, Gerry Bate (leather technician), Val Berube, Joan Miller, Kirk Pilon, Duff of the Saxons Brown, “Metal” Mike, Walter Sweeney and Steve’s Misti, Ottawa, Peter Adamson and John Scharf of Phase One, Joe “Pounder” Primeau, Tom (Impaled) Balint, and everyone at Phase One, Mike and Mark of Hagar Metalworks, Shark Custom Guitars, Ludwig Drums and Sabian Cymbals, Lars and Shelly (Iron Fist) Hammer, Mike Verge, Carl Wright, J.B. Bechler and Exeter Productions, Yves Cole of Le Bar Rock and Discos Extraordinaire, the Warhag, “Al” (Animal) Wilmore, Ron (I’m So Burnt) Swinford. Spikes to the Metal.
No Comments