There’s a new name tearing through the heavy metal underground, and she’s not messing about. Leatherwitch is the brand new project from vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Marta Gabriel, and if the debut single ‘Beast Inside’ is anything to go by, this is going to be one to watch.
We love a badass heavy metal lady, and Marta Gabriel is exactly that. Having built a formidable reputation as the driving force behind Crystal Viper across nine studio albums, tours spanning over 20 countries, and conquering festival stages at Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, and Keep It True, she disbanded Crystal Viper in autumn 2025. Their farewell live album The Live Quest dropped in June 2025 on Listenable Records, closing that chapter with the respect it deserved.
But Marta clearly wasn’t done. Not even close. In spring 2025 she hit the road with Japanese heavy metal legends Metalucifer as their touring bassist on the Heavy Metal Anniversary European tour, before flying out to Tokyo for two exclusive solo shows. Now she’s channelling all of that energy into Leatherwitch.
‘Beast Inside’ is pure, no nonsense heavy metal. Fast headbanging rhythms, classic speed metal riffing, a pounding rhythm section, and shredding guitar solos all wrapped up in a gothic horror werewolf tale. The vocal lines are catchy as hell, and the track has been mixed by Olof Wikstrand of Enforcer, which tells you everything about the quality on offer here. There’s also a tasty guest appearance from guitarist Giuseppe Taormina (Ellende, ex-Crystal Viper).
The track premieres today, 5th March 2026, with a limited edition 7″ vinyl in red with black splatter dropping on 23rd April 2026. Strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide, the bundle includes a silver logo patch, signed postcard, and beer coaster. The B side features ‘Bound by the Night’.
With a debut full length on the horizon, Leatherwitch is shaping up to be one of the heavy metal acts we’re excited about!
