WITCH CLUB SATAN "Another Point Of View" Review 2 from Seattle, WA June 16, 2026
WITCH CLUB SATAN
Official Witch Club Satan Website
Another Point Of View - Review 2
June 16, 2026
Seattle, WA
I decided to do something I’ve never done before - write a second review of the same event. Why? The ritual from June 16, 2026 by Witch Club Satan has been on my mind and my heart since I experienced it nearly a week ago. This second review will be more from the fan’s point of view - a bit journalistic in its style but equally important.
For those who have been a part of the Witch Club Satan coven since their inception, I fully acknowledge that I am new to the band - going on only a few months now. I have more to explore and learn about the band but the following is my experience at the live ritual in Seattle at the Substation.
The first thing worth mentioning is that the Substation has two stages - the front room and the annex in the back. The front room sold out so the club moved the show to the back annex which reportedly holds twice as many fans. I’ve been to shows in both rooms and I would agree with the increase in capacity quote. I know Seattle wasn’t the only stop on the North American Tour that sold out but it’s worth noting just how much interest there was in the tour. A very good sign for their potential return to these shores in the future.
As the days counted down to the show, I was getting more and more excited for June 16th to arrive. As I thought about it, I don’t think I’ve ever attended a gig on my birthday. So, that was an extra nugget of enthusiasm prior to the show.
As the lights went down in the club, which was already glowing with red from every corner of the stage, the entire mood in the venue changed as many fans were surprised to see the band come out into the crowd to start the show. With burning incense in hand, Nikoline (guitars/vocals), Johanna (drums/vocals), and Hedda (bass/vocals) walked through the front of the crowd very purposefully. As they walked past, I made sure to take in the incense over my spirit with my hand - Johanna in particular moved the incense even closer to my face as she locked eyes with me for a few seconds. The Witch Club Satan ritual was about to begin.
The band got back on stage and Nikoline took to the mic (three across the front of the stage) to address the crowd. There was no “hey Seattle - what’s up” sorta typical stage talk. On the contrary, she spoke much more like someone setting expectations. That this was a space where you can react to what you see and hear on stage. From a guttural scream to body movement and everything in between, this was to be an experience felt to the fullest. So - let it out!
The trio proceeded to go from black metal inspired songs to spoken word moments. The contrast between the two worked seamlessly well with the crowd. Each band member owned the stage - there was a ferocity that came across that could not be denied. I hate to mention other shows but it was reminiscent of when Mayhem played "De Mysteriis ..." in its entirety here in Seattle. There was another power in the room that night and the same could be said for Witch Club Satan. This wasn’t another gig at the Substation, this truly was a ritual of epic proportions.
The band changed into their second stage outfits and came to the front of the stage to blood fans (blood on the forehead). The intensity of the music and the atmosphere continued as the band further entrenched the fans into their ritualistic coven.
I found myself completely caught up in the ritual (the best type of experience). I’ve been fortunate to attend and/or interview some fantastic black metal/extreme metal acts over the years. Some come across as any other live metal show, others turn things up a notch or two with the atmosphere and that indescribable “it” factor. And, yet, a precious few present themselves in such a way that you feel like they just had their way with you. This was one of those performances.
The last part of the show with a third change in outfits, Hedda climbed off the stage and went directly into the crowd - again, very purposefully shouting the lyrics to, “You Wildflower” at the fans (particularly female fans). In this day and age, many fans didn’t know how to react. They would rather film it with their smart phone than engage and be present in the moment. Don’t get me wrong, there were a few that mouthed or shouted the words along with her. But, more of them looked like they didn’t know what to do. They’ll learn, eventually.
I can’t stress this enough - the band maintained a presence throughout the ritual like few that I’ve ever seen. You could feel the energy in the room all focused on the stage from beginning to end. It was glorious.
Nikoline crowd surfed toward the end of the show. I was glad to see the fans carry her back toward the middle of the club and then back to the stage. Side note here: as she was coming back to the front of the stage near me, some fans clearly didn’t know what to do - perhaps they were concert or crowd surfing newbies - but a few not only stayed in place (we weren’t sandwiched together like at some gigs I’ve been to) but in some cases they actually stepped away from her that created gaps. Don’t do this please! As fans we need to move closer together so in this case Nikoline can safely be carried back to the stage and not get dropped on her head on the concrete floor. Goodness. Seems like a no-brainer to me but then again I’m an old fart so I know the drill. But I digress.
The band finished the show, waved to the crowd, and exited stage right. The house lights came back on and I stood there in front for a while, trying to process what I had just experienced.
Witch Club Satan made a statement with their last show of the North American Tour. It was powerful, full of intent in the lyrics, music, and presentation, as well as sending the band's message about what they stand for. Feminism, social justice issues in the world, and empowering women to own their power. To remind men - to not sit silent as the patriarchy consistently repeats the same, gross, repetitive societal norms that got us to this fucked up state that the world is in. To be loud at all times. To be loud in all circumstances to initiate change. Do not go along to get along. Speak up - be loud - and don’t ever give up.
Thank you Witch Club Satan for coming to Seattle, for bringing your message, and for having your musical way with me. I am forever changed.
With respect,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
I want to mention that Patriarchy opened the show. The duo set the tone right from the first song. While their music pulled from different influences, their wall of sound really got the crowd pumped. I knew nothing about them but I was left impressed by their performance - and that’s the highest compliment I can give any artist. I hope to see them back in the area soon.
And a last note: thank you to the fans that engaged with Nikoline well after the show was over. One in particular who had an amazing logo painted (?) on the back of his jean jacket got her to sign it and then also asked if Johanna and Hedda would be coming out. Nikoline left for a few seconds and then the whole band came out to meet those that were still in the club. This gave me the opportunity to meet the band as well. Thank you to the fellow fans and to Nikoline, Johanna, and Hedda!
Official Witch Club Satan Website
Another Point Of View - Review 2
June 16, 2026
Seattle, WA
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
I decided to do something I’ve never done before - write a second review of the same event. Why? The ritual from June 16, 2026 by Witch Club Satan has been on my mind and my heart since I experienced it nearly a week ago. This second review will be more from the fan’s point of view - a bit journalistic in its style but equally important.
For those who have been a part of the Witch Club Satan coven since their inception, I fully acknowledge that I am new to the band - going on only a few months now. I have more to explore and learn about the band but the following is my experience at the live ritual in Seattle at the Substation.
The first thing worth mentioning is that the Substation has two stages - the front room and the annex in the back. The front room sold out so the club moved the show to the back annex which reportedly holds twice as many fans. I’ve been to shows in both rooms and I would agree with the increase in capacity quote. I know Seattle wasn’t the only stop on the North American Tour that sold out but it’s worth noting just how much interest there was in the tour. A very good sign for their potential return to these shores in the future.
As the days counted down to the show, I was getting more and more excited for June 16th to arrive. As I thought about it, I don’t think I’ve ever attended a gig on my birthday. So, that was an extra nugget of enthusiasm prior to the show.
As the lights went down in the club, which was already glowing with red from every corner of the stage, the entire mood in the venue changed as many fans were surprised to see the band come out into the crowd to start the show. With burning incense in hand, Nikoline (guitars/vocals), Johanna (drums/vocals), and Hedda (bass/vocals) walked through the front of the crowd very purposefully. As they walked past, I made sure to take in the incense over my spirit with my hand - Johanna in particular moved the incense even closer to my face as she locked eyes with me for a few seconds. The Witch Club Satan ritual was about to begin.
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
The band got back on stage and Nikoline took to the mic (three across the front of the stage) to address the crowd. There was no “hey Seattle - what’s up” sorta typical stage talk. On the contrary, she spoke much more like someone setting expectations. That this was a space where you can react to what you see and hear on stage. From a guttural scream to body movement and everything in between, this was to be an experience felt to the fullest. So - let it out!
The trio proceeded to go from black metal inspired songs to spoken word moments. The contrast between the two worked seamlessly well with the crowd. Each band member owned the stage - there was a ferocity that came across that could not be denied. I hate to mention other shows but it was reminiscent of when Mayhem played "De Mysteriis ..." in its entirety here in Seattle. There was another power in the room that night and the same could be said for Witch Club Satan. This wasn’t another gig at the Substation, this truly was a ritual of epic proportions.
The band changed into their second stage outfits and came to the front of the stage to blood fans (blood on the forehead). The intensity of the music and the atmosphere continued as the band further entrenched the fans into their ritualistic coven.
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
I found myself completely caught up in the ritual (the best type of experience). I’ve been fortunate to attend and/or interview some fantastic black metal/extreme metal acts over the years. Some come across as any other live metal show, others turn things up a notch or two with the atmosphere and that indescribable “it” factor. And, yet, a precious few present themselves in such a way that you feel like they just had their way with you. This was one of those performances.
The last part of the show with a third change in outfits, Hedda climbed off the stage and went directly into the crowd - again, very purposefully shouting the lyrics to, “You Wildflower” at the fans (particularly female fans). In this day and age, many fans didn’t know how to react. They would rather film it with their smart phone than engage and be present in the moment. Don’t get me wrong, there were a few that mouthed or shouted the words along with her. But, more of them looked like they didn’t know what to do. They’ll learn, eventually.
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
I can’t stress this enough - the band maintained a presence throughout the ritual like few that I’ve ever seen. You could feel the energy in the room all focused on the stage from beginning to end. It was glorious.
Nikoline crowd surfed toward the end of the show. I was glad to see the fans carry her back toward the middle of the club and then back to the stage. Side note here: as she was coming back to the front of the stage near me, some fans clearly didn’t know what to do - perhaps they were concert or crowd surfing newbies - but a few not only stayed in place (we weren’t sandwiched together like at some gigs I’ve been to) but in some cases they actually stepped away from her that created gaps. Don’t do this please! As fans we need to move closer together so in this case Nikoline can safely be carried back to the stage and not get dropped on her head on the concrete floor. Goodness. Seems like a no-brainer to me but then again I’m an old fart so I know the drill. But I digress.
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
The band finished the show, waved to the crowd, and exited stage right. The house lights came back on and I stood there in front for a while, trying to process what I had just experienced.
Witch Club Satan made a statement with their last show of the North American Tour. It was powerful, full of intent in the lyrics, music, and presentation, as well as sending the band's message about what they stand for. Feminism, social justice issues in the world, and empowering women to own their power. To remind men - to not sit silent as the patriarchy consistently repeats the same, gross, repetitive societal norms that got us to this fucked up state that the world is in. To be loud at all times. To be loud in all circumstances to initiate change. Do not go along to get along. Speak up - be loud - and don’t ever give up.
Thank you Witch Club Satan for coming to Seattle, for bringing your message, and for having your musical way with me. I am forever changed.
With respect,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
I want to mention that Patriarchy opened the show. The duo set the tone right from the first song. While their music pulled from different influences, their wall of sound really got the crowd pumped. I knew nothing about them but I was left impressed by their performance - and that’s the highest compliment I can give any artist. I hope to see them back in the area soon.
And a last note: thank you to the fans that engaged with Nikoline well after the show was over. One in particular who had an amazing logo painted (?) on the back of his jean jacket got her to sign it and then also asked if Johanna and Hedda would be coming out. Nikoline left for a few seconds and then the whole band came out to meet those that were still in the club. This gave me the opportunity to meet the band as well. Thank you to the fellow fans and to Nikoline, Johanna, and Hedda!
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
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