The single "Burning a Sinner"/ "Satan's Children" (Heavy Metal Records, Heavy 6) was released on 7" vinyl (PS)in 1981. This is extremely rare. This was the bands first official release.
Zeeb Parkes-Lead Vocals
Phil Cope-Guitars
Toss McCready -Bass
The first 12" release was called SOVIET INVASION, and was a 3 song 12" EP (Heavy Metal HM 17 1982 ) This is a very rare release, as the songs did not appear on either album. TRACKS: Soviet Invasion- Rabies- + R.I.P.(Recorded Live)
R.I.P. Live is the only known live recording of Witchfinder General in circulation.
The first WITCHFINDER GENERAL Album was titled DEATH PENALTY(Heavy Metal HMRLP 8 1982). In addtion to regular black vinyl, this album was also issued with clear vinyl and red colored vinyl. (Heavy Metal HMRLP 8 1982 )
TRACK LISTING: Invisible Hate-Free Country-Death Penalty-No Stayer-Witchfinder General-Burning A Sinner-R.I.P.
DEATH PENALTY LYRICS HERE!
This album was also released as a limited edition Picture disc. (Heavy Metal HMRPD 8 1982)
The first CD reissue was released in Japan in 1990, and includes a booklet with Japanese and English lyrics.(Thanks to exploding ned for the info and pics):
It was also re-issued on CD in 1996.
The second (and unfortunately the last) release from Witchfinder General was the album FRIENDS OF HELL (Heavy Metal HMRLP 13 1983). This album was also issued on Silver colored vinyl(Heavy Metal HMRSD 13 1983), in addition to the regular black vinyl release. It was also re-issued on CD in 1998. I am uncertain if this album was also separately issued on CD from Japan, and if so, if the sleeve differs or not.
TRACK LISTING: Love On Smack-Last Chance-Music-Friends Of Hell-Requiem For Youth-Shadowed Images-I Lost you-Quietus Reprise
This album was also released as a limited edition picture disc. (Heavy Metal HMRPD 13 1983 )
A 7" Single for "MUSIC"/"Last Chance" was released, which included a PS. (Heavy Metal HEAVY 21 1983), as well as a Silver vinyl version (Heavy Metal HMPD 21 )
The "BURNING A SINNER" Single was re-released in 1997 on 7" vinyl as well, with the same PS, however, Black and White instead of color.
Rumors of a RARE and Unreleased Witchfinder General CD coming out were circulating.This was supposedly to be released in 1999 and titled "Singles & Rarities" (Heavy Metal Records) and Will include the "Burning A Sinner" single and "Soviet Invasion" EP. I have not heard of anything since this information was released in 1998.
NOTE: There is no known official Witchfinder General merchandise(T-shirts,etc.) ONLY Bootleg or custom made ones that have been selling online lately. These are not 'vintage' or original WFG merchandise.
There is one original, I assume, Witchfinder General baseball hat (featuring the 'witchfinder' & logo from the Death penalty LP) that appears to be authentic and an item from the 1980's that I've found.
There is no known Witchfinder General Video footage or unreleased tracks/outtakes that are in circulation to my knowledge at this time.
I am interested in any information on this, as well as any other information on the band, other releases, live recordings, video footage, demos, or anything else that might turn up, including magazine articles, pictures, interviews, memorabilia, etc. OR if you were in the band or worked with them Contact me.