Witchfinder General was an influential British heavy metal band that played a significant role in the development of the doom metal genre. Emerging from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Witchfinder General stood out with their gritty, down-tempo riffs and dark, occult-themed lyrics, evoking imagery inspired by the historical witch trials in England. The band was formed in Stourbridge, England, by Zeeb Parkes (vocals) and Phil Cope (guitar) and soon became known for their raw sound, reminiscent of contemporaries like Black Sabbath, which they twisted into their own macabre brand of metal.

Their debut album, "Death Penalty," released in 1982, is a cornerstone of the doom genre, featuring tracks like the eponymous "Death Penalty" and "Burning A Sinner," both of which showcase the band's characteristic blend of heavy riffing and themes of supernatural horror. A year later, they followed up with their second, and what would be their last full-length album for over two decades, "Friends of Hell." Included in their notable releases is the "Soviet Invasion" EP, an early offering that helped cement their status among heavy metal fans. Although Witchfinder General disbanded in the mid-1980s, their legacy endured, inspiring a new generation of doom and stoner metal bands. The enduring appeal of Witchfinder General's music is a testament to their craftsmanship and the indelible mark they left on heavy metal's darker sub-genres.