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Witch Mountain - Biography


Biography

For fifteen years, Witch Mountain has flown the flag of doom over its cloudy hometown of Portland, OR. Formed in 1997 by guitarist/songwriter Rob Wrong (M99, Iommi Stubbs) and drummer/manager Nathan 'Nanotear' Carson (Point Line Plane, Two Ton Boa), the group has stayed loud and proud through a variety of lineups and musical epochs. Today, the band is recognized as a leader in some of the most renowned metal communities in the world?locally alongside Agalloch, YOB, and Red Fang?and internationally as part of the Profound Lore label and Nanotear Booking rosters.

From 1998-2002 Witch Mountain established itself as a prime force in the Northwest rock scene, releasing the critically acclaimed demo Homegrown Doom and subsequent full-length album ?Come The Mountain. Both were issued in the UK, and first pressings sold out immediately. During this period, the group became a live staple, touring with Weedeater and Spirit Caravan, and gigging with the likes of Goatsnake, Acid King, High on Fire, Orange Goblin, Electric Wizard, YOB, Unsane, EyeHateGod, Clutch, Unida, Solitude Aeturnus, Isis, Soilent Green, Agalloch, Thrones, and countless others.

From 2003-2008, the band stuck close to home. Family life and other musical projects took precedence, though the Mountain reared its head when the urge arose.

Witch Mountain found a voice to match its mighty instrumental prowess in 2009. Uta Plotkin (Aranya, Stalking Jane) is a highly skilled vocalist with soul to match. She also grew up in Nate's hometown of Corvallis,OR. The chemistry was instantaneous. She made her debut in front of 400 diehard rockers at a Pentagram reunion show at the old Satyricon. Since that fateful gig, things have only gone right.

In January of 2010, sophomore album South of Salem was finally recorded with producer Billy Anderson. In September of the same year, Adult Swim launched its METAL SWIM compilation, which featured the brand new WM track "Veil of the Forgotten" amongst tunes by Boris, Torche, Kylesa, Isis, Skeletonwitch, and other underground metal luminaries. Then Saint Vitus hand-selected Witch Mountain to support its NW gigs.

In 2011, Witch Mountain got back on the road, touring to SXSW with Christian Mistress in the Spring, and then with Wino's new band Premonition 13 in the Fall. The South of Salem LP was officially self-released by the band in April?completely sold out by December, eventually being named '#4 Metal Album of 2011' by NPR. In short order, the band signed with its favorite label in underground metal?Profound Lore.

Bassist Neal Munson (Billions and Billlions, Hauskness) joined in 2012 immediately lending his thundering talent to third album Cauldron of the Wild (due June 2012). Witch Mountain is now preparing to headline its first full US tour since 2001. Neal Munson left the band in 2013 and bassist Charles Thomas takes his place in the band.

Uta Plotkin announced his departure after the release of fourth full-length album from the band in 2014, Charles Thomas also left the band at the end of his tour in late 2014. In early 2015, the band announced the entry of the new vocalist and bassist: Kayla Dixon a singer of 19 years was selected through an audition video and Justin Brown, bassist of sludge metal band "Lamprey".