Burning Witches part ways with Laura Guldemond as Fireborn’s Jennifer Gruber steps in for live shows

Traditional heavy metal group Burning Witches have announced the departure of vocalist Laura Guldemond after seven years. In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, the band said the decision was made by Guldemond and that efforts to find a way forward together had ultimately come to an end.

The group thanked the singer for their time onstage and in the studio, while making clear that previously announced concerts remain in place. Jennifer Gruber, vocalist of Fireborn, will handle the upcoming shows toward the end of 2026. Burning Witches are also auditioning singers for a permanent replacement.

Guldemond plans to focus on her own music

In her own message to fans, Guldemond said she was proud of the four records made during her seven-year tenure. She described the split as amicable and explained that she wanted to devote her attention to her own musical projects.

The singer characterized the decision as a change of direction rather than the end of her career, adding: “This isn’t a goodbye to music — just the start of a new chapter!”

Guldemond joined Burning Witches in 2019, succeeding Seraina Telli. Her final studio album with the band was “Inquisition”, released in August 2025. Burning Witches‘ next announced concert is November 7 at Malta’s Metal At Lust festival.

LAURA SAYS GOODBYE – BUT THE WITCHCRAFT LIVES ON!

Dear WITCHES family,

With heavy hearts, we have to announce that Laura Guldemond has decided to leave BURNING WITCHES.

We have talked things through and tried our very best to find a way forward together, but ultimately, we have to respect and accept her decision. Even the most magical journeys sometimes come to an end.

We want to thank Laura from the bottom of our hearts for all the fantastic shows, the amazing albums, and the unforgettable memories we have created together over the years. Those moments will forever be part of the BURNING WITCHES legacy!

BUT THE FIRE IS STILL BURNING – AND THE WITCHES WILL KEEP FLYING HIGH!

We want to reassure all our fans that ALL ANNOUNCED SHOWS WILL GO AHEAD AS PLANNED! The spirit of BURNING WITCHES remains unbroken – WE STAND AS ONE!

For our upcoming shows at the end of the year, our dear friend and fantastic vocalist Jennifer Gruber of FIREBORN will step in and join us on stage! We are incredibly grateful for her support and can’t wait to unleash some serious metal magic together!

Meanwhile, we are already auditioning for a new permanent frontwoman who will help us take BURNING WITCHES to the next level!

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS – THE COVEN STANDS UNITED!

The witchcraft continues, the flames are rising, and we are more determined than ever to carry the torch forward!

Please read Laura’s personal statement below:

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To the Burning Witches family and metal fans around the world:

After seven incredible years, I’ve made the heartfelt decision to step down as the band’s singer.

These past years have been a phenomenal journey. I’m immensely proud of everything we accomplished, of the four heavy records we made together, and I will forever cherish the unforgettable memories we created along the way. I sincerely wish Burning Witches all the best moving forward, and I kindly ask you, the fans, to respect this decision for everyone involved. There are no hard feelings—sometimes it’s simply time for a change when visions no longer fully align.

Moving forward, I’m excited to focus fully on my own music and embrace whatever exciting creative adventures come my way next. This isn’t a goodbye to music—just the start of a new chapter!

We wish you all the very best for your future, sister!

BOUND BY FIRE – UNITED BY STEEL!

See you soon, dear metalheads, in MALTA and GERMANY !

THE WITCHES ARE HERE TO STAY!