{"id":418739,"date":"2026-04-30T17:51:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T17:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/418739\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T17:51:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T17:51:11","slug":"we-live-in-a-secluded-village-where-the-belief-in-witches-was-still-very-much-alive-just-a-few-decades-ago-meet-the-forest-dwelling-duo-exploring-hungarys-wild-and-magical-folklore-through-black-m","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/418739\/","title":{"rendered":"“We live in a secluded village where the belief in witches was still very much alive just a few decades ago.” Meet the forest-dwelling duo exploring Hungary’s wild and magical folklore through black metal"},"content":{"rendered":"

The forests and wilds of Hungary are home to myriad folk tales and ancient practices. It\u2019s these that two-piece WitcheR – keyboardist\/vocalist Karola Gere and guitarist\/ vocalist Roland Neubauer – channel into black metal<\/a> as archaic and mystical as their surroundings.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe live in a secluded village where, believe it or not, the belief in witches was still very much alive just a few decades ago,\u201d Roland details on the roots of their obsession. \u201cI didn\u2019t need to look back as far as the Middle Ages \u2013 it was enough to just listen to the stories of the elders. We live right next to the forest, so every day we are confronted with the beauty and force of nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

Witcher – \u00d6r\u00f6ks\u00e9g (Official Music Video) – YouTube
\n\"Witcher<\/p>\n

Watch On <\/a><\/p>\n

“Close your eyes and let us transport you to another era”<\/p>\n

Roland Neubauer<\/p>\n

A complementary pair in their witchy preoccupation – Roland is more interested in the history and traditions, while Karola actively practises – WitcheR\u2019s music feels steeped in this ancient connection between the land and its pagan customs. Their fourth album, \u00d6r\u00f6klet (\u2018Eternity\u2019), explores the endurance of this culture that, despite the evermoving world, has never truly died.<\/p>\n

Article continues below <\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

\u201cAmong witches, the passing down of knowledge is especially important and deeply intimate,\u201d considers Roland. \u201cThe album cover depicts a young witch bidding farewell to an old one, who in truth does not die, because her knowledge and spirit live on.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a deeply romantic idea that means WitcheR\u2019s black metal is triumphant and even reassuring, rather than violent or hyper-aggressive. For Roland, their music is more a sanctuary of escapism and calm than an assault.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust close your eyes and let us transport you to another era,\u201d he says. \u201cOf course, we know that many people look down on those who look to their past or traditions. But I\u2019d rather be a fool in my own world than a \u2018normal\u2019 person in the modern world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00d6r\u00f6klet is out now.<\/p>\n

Sign up below to get the latest from Metal Hammer, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n

IN SHORT<\/p>\n

SOUNDS LIKE: A quietly burning wicker fire amidst a primeval woodland
FOR FANS OF: Summoning, Dimmu Borgir, Caladan Brood
LISTEN TO: \u00d6r\u00f6ks\u00e9g<\/p>\n

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