Hailing from Cleveland, OH, Olathia (oh-lay-thee-ah) is a four-piece female fronted Heavy Metal band. Their music is a captivating blend of traditional Heavy Metal, Power Metal, and Thrash influences, creating a melodic and powerful sound that pushes the boundaries of the genre.

On November 17th, 2023 Olathia released their new full length album The Forest Witch on all digital platforms and on CD from the Olathia Bandcamp page.

Olathia’s music is often characterized as “Power Thrash,” offering a melodic, driving, and purposeful experience that supports storytelling of dark and light themes while fearlessly pushing the boundaries of songwriting and musicianship. Their ability to meld together catchy melodies, heart stopping rhythms and bone crunching chords has given them a rabid fan base in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.

Olathia embodies the heart and passion that defined 1980s Heavy Metal, infusing it with a melodic twist that resonates with the spirit of the metal world today. They draw inspiration from iconic acts such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Heart, Halestorm, and Dio. Yet, what truly sets Olathia apart in the modern Heavy Metal landscape is their extraordinary female vocalist, Chris E., whose versatility captures the emotional essence of their songs.

The band members bring their own unique talents to the stage. Terry “Bull” Johnson handles the bass and contributes menacing backing vocals, delivering a stage performance that’s not to be missed. Joe Lowrie, behind the drum kit, provides metronome-perfect timing with powerful precision. Dylan Andras, with his lightning-quick fingers, unleashes crushing riffs and blistering shredding solos that set listeners ablaze.

1. Insatiable (3:36)
2. The Forest Witch (5:10)
3. Shotgun (5:05)
4. Fight (4:48)
5. Who’s the Devil (4:25)
6. Last Breath (8:01)
7. Satan on My Mind (4:24)
8. Hall of the Mountain King (Savatge cover) (6:07)

This mighty fine, albeit thunderously propulsive album opens on the pulsating Insatiable and the forcefully melodic, titular The Forest Witch, and then comes the ’80s-esque rocker Shotgun and rhythmic guitar work found within Fight.

Along next is the headbanger Who’s the Devil which is in turn backed by the melodic, drum-led rocker Last Breath, the album rounding out on the strident Satan on My Mind, coming to a close on a pulsating Hall of the Mountain King (Savatge cover).

“On our latest album, The Forest Witch, we weave tales of light and darkness, riding the line between thrash and traditional metal,” reveals Chris E. “We are staying true to our roots and doing what feels right to us, weaving in the battles we’ve faced and the good time that rage on. Riffs, melodies and lyrics burrow down deep. Let ‘em in and see where they take you”.

Official Purchase Link