Witch Doctor

Witch Doctor was formed in 1992 by Ben Flowers, Carl Shelly, Adam Askew, William Cartrett, and Brandon Medford. Witch Doctor stormed the Atlanta Music scene playing shows at the Wreck Room, Masquerade, International Ballroom, Roxy Theater, and Cotton Club. Sometime in 1993 Patrick Moore became the bass player for Witch Doctor. Marching on the shows continued and the crowds got bigger and bigger as did the following gained by Witch Doctor. Several shows stood out for Witch Doctor including the Moshfest show of 1993 where over 1000 tickets were sold through Ticket Master alone. In 1993 Christian Burdett took the reigns of playing bass. 1994 was also the year Witch Doctor decided to record our only officially mass produced demo, this was also the year in which it was Witch Doctor that headlined the Moshfest show which was held at the Cotton Club. In 1995 Witch Doctor amassed over 500 two song demo tapes for promotional give away. With airplay from WREK91.1FM Radio Station the Witch Doctor name became common place when you spoke about metal bands in Atlanta. Witch Doctor was headlining most of the shows they were playing and packing most of the clubs they played. Witch Doctor also took their shows to other cities including several shows played in Jacksonville, FL at Shades. By the time 1996 rolled around Witch Doctor had already sold close to 1000 T-shirts with the branded circle logo and “Vicious” skull on the front and the words “Take The Pain!” written in bold on the back. 1996 was the year Witch Doctor entered and placed as a finalist in “The Battle of the Bands” hosted by 96 Rock and held at the Masquerade in Atlanta. Two of Witch Doctor’s most crowning achievements came in 1996. The first was opening for Benediction a British Death Metal Band whom was on tour with Bolt Thrower when Bolt Thrower unexpectedly broke up mid tour right before their scheduled Atlanta appearance. How does this tie to Witch Doctor you ask? Well not only was Benediction touring with Bolt Thrower they were also sharing gear. This brings us to the Southern Hospitality extended by Witch Doctor. Witch Doctor graciously allowed Benediction the use of their Instruments and Gear. The other crowning achievement made during 1996 was opening for a band Witch Doctor idolized growing up….Overkill on their “Killing Kind” tour. Over the 4 year span Witch Doctor played over 100 shows, many of them with bands such as Stuck Mojo and Seven Dust whom went on to pursue the dream and make it happen. 1996 was the last year Witch Doctor would grace a stage as with all good things most come to an end. But wait….The end might just not be over. 13 years later Ben Flowers, Carl Shelly, Adam Askew, and Christian Burdette have come back together with full intentions of writing, recording, and playing a few shows here and there thus leaving this story for the next chapter……