ABOUT
"We came here in a time machine from 1986"
- Phantom Witch -
Phantom Witch was founded by drummer Q Minor in 2012 as "Phantom", taking inspiration from Heavy Metal Greats such as Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Death, & Pantera. Over the years, Minor's demand for musical excellence caused members to cycle in and out of the band until 2015 when Bass player/Vocalist M.R. Abaintza and Lead Guitarist Geordan Austin joined the band. The trio would continue on, relentlessly playing shows and melting faces throughout the California Bay area, playing with acts such as Michale Graves, Spellcaster, Visigoth, Strike Master, Luzbel & Hexx.
Joined by Guitarist Travis Ochoa in 2017, the band's lineup was solidified with talented & dedicated musicians, and with the new lineup, came a new name: "Phantom Witch". The band quickly began tracking for their Debut Album: "Death As We Know it", set to release in Summer 2017.
The Band
Q Minor
Josh Clark
The mastermind behind the monster, Q minor found thrash metal as a high school student and quickly became obsessed with the relentless music. Drawing massive inspiration from Dave Lombardo, he picked up drumming and formed what would eventually become Phantom Witch. Coming from a classical music background as a Saxophone player, Minor's writing has an almost Jazzy feel to it, while retaining the evil sound straight out of 1986. Minor's drumming style is a relentless attack of fast double kicks, and fills that hit you like Bruce Lee.
"You don't go to shows to listen to music, you go to shows to hit shit"
"You must learn the secret of steel."
Hailing from Hangtown, Ca. Heavily influenced by thrash and punk rock Josh has a passion for all live music. Always the inciter, Josh brings savage energy to the stage and thrives on interacting with the crowd. When not on the stage you can find Josh in the Pit. Josh is excited, ready to meet the fans, and terrorize at a venue near you.
Jeromy D. Ray
Travis Ochoa
Hailing from the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Jeromy Ray has been sawing on his fiddle since the late 1980's when he was just a boy. Nephew to legendary guitarist Greg E. Noll, he was introduced to heavy metal at a very young age when it was still in its infancy. Once Black Sabbath landed on the turntable there was no turning back! The metal just got heavier and faster from there. Fluent in making stuff up on the spot, he doesn't just say it's all the same riff, he proves it!
Travis Ochoa was inspired to take up the guitar from watching his father as a child. Starting lessons in high school, Travis dove headfirst into playing heavy metal after being exposed to a lethal dose of Ozzy Osbourne. From there onward, Travis was a Guitar addict, and could not put the instrument down. Taking his inspiration from Michael Amott, Zakk Wylde, Alex Skolnick, and the legendary Gary Holt, Travis forged his playing with finesse & a wild edge.
"Whammy Bars & Tacos. That's all you need."
"It's all the same riff, bro."
Zak Kufeld
"Hot toke: You're beautiful"
Starting his metal journey at the ripe age of 14, Zak was inspired by greats such as Cliff Burton, Victor Wooten, Rob Trujillo, Les Claypool, and more modern influences such as Nick Shinz, Jared Smith, & Forrest Lapointe. Zak has strived to set himself apart within the landscape f bass guitar. As a veteran of the bay area scene Zak has been playing shows in the bay area for more than 13 years, leaving empty beer cans and sore necks in his wake. With an affinity for tapping and slapping techniques, Zak always finds a way to focus his bass in its own sonic space, complimentary to the guitars and locked in with the drunms. With his commanding stage presence and energetic performances, Zak is a player of both confidence and competence, contributing the pulse that keeps the train moving.
