Fresh off arena stages, Witch Fever strip it back at Leeds’ Key Club and prove they’re just as devastating up close.

Words & photos by Sabrina Ramdoyal (sabrinaramdoyal)| April 04, 2026

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Seeing Witch Fever in a small space felt strangely suitable in the current circumstances. Following their 2025 arena tour with Danish heavy metal force Volbeat, the Manchester troupe went back to the grassroots level, performing at The Key Club in the middle of Leeds, where the high-energy atmosphere was undoubtedly invested by their spectators.

The evening began with a bold statement as ‘DEAD TO ME!’ erupted from the sound system, instantly capturing the audience’s attention with the lead single from Fevereaten. That album exposed a significant artistic leap for the group, adding a darker dimension to their unique brand of UK rock. As the quartet transitioned through ‘North Star’ and ‘The Garden’ into ‘Drank The Sap’, the extent of Witch Fever’s evolution since their debut became obvious. Nevertheless, their performance lost none of its bite, as they delivered every note with their trademark ferocity.

Alongside effortlessly stylish bandmates Alex Thompson’s thundering basslines, Alisha Yarwood’s fierce guitar work, and supported by Annabelle Joyce‘s powerful drumming, leading lady Amy Walpole held the audience’s care with a natural charisma as ‘Safe’ and ‘Amber’ maintained its electric atmosphere. When fans clamoured for ‘Sour’ with playful bribes, Walpole teased that the band was penniless despite touring arenas, jeering the dismissive view of their career. This witty interaction created a charming and more intimate touch to the evening with the rocking Mancunians.

The set’s older tracks resonated when a selection from their debut, Congregation—including ‘Blessed Be Thy,’ the standout title track, and the punkish ‘Reincarnate’—highlighted the quartet’s origins alongside their creative evolution. Transitioning the atmosphere, Walpole spoke directly to those gathered, stating the importance of acknowledging international crises; she demanded an end to the war occupation and spoke out against systemic greed and tyranny. Her words lacked any pretence, carrying a natural, earned weight. Late in the show, the latest single, ‘I Reflect The Sun’, further enriched the night. Following ‘I See,’ the band departed but soon reappeared for an unexpected encore—a cover of ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’ by Deftones—which was met with the massive reception it earned.

At that moment, Witch Fever are among one of the most energetic and important live groups in the current rock scene, and armed with fresh material from Fevereaten, they gave their anecdotes with heartfelt meaning throughout the night. Don’t miss the chance to catch them live if they visit your city again. Compared to large, hollow venues, they thrive in these smaller spaces.