As reported by Metal Addicts, Cobra Spell guitarist Sonia Anubis has opened up about her difficult experiences during her tenure with Burning Witches, contrasting it with her more positive time in Crypta. In Facebook stories, she shared the personal and professional challenges she faced while in the band.
While her time in Crypta was short-lived, Sonia had only praise for the band:
“Crypta is the most professional band I ever had the honour to work with, they are hardworking, inspiring and so extremely talented ♥ I left the band because I just wasn’t ready. My Burning Witches past damaged me, and I was unable to commit for their position as lead guitarist – I was too scared to be hurt again and only felt safe in my own band Cobra Spell. I am extremely proud of being a founding member, and being part of the debut album. – Please support these women forever! I really wish I could have gone on, but it wasn’t in the stars for me guys ♥”
Her words underscore the contrast between the supportive environment in Crypta and the difficulties she faced with Burning Witches.
Sonia’s account paints a troubling picture of her time in Burning Witches from 2018 to 2020. She revealed that she was never paid as an official member and was subjected to strict and controlling rules:
“Nope. I never was paid by Burning Witches as an official member and I never knew why – maybe you should ask them.
I fully committed myself to this band and they forced me many things such as:
I wasn’t allowed to present myself without makeup – their manager told me I looked ugly without it and that I made a fool of myself
I was forced to play standing at all times, also in personal guitar videos
I was prohibited interviews because they said it was bad to talk about my influences as they didn’t align with theirs
I was talked to in a very rude and offensive way – to the point I spent many moments crying behind the scenes
I wasn’t allowed to use my artistic name
I never got paid for my session work in all the albums I was part of
The list goes on and on…and I never spoke my truth on the internet because of fear they put on me”
She also described seeing firsthand how the band profited while she received nothing:
“Just for the perspective, seeing in front of me how the band earned thousands at the merchandise.
Here is an example: +10k people in the biggest metal fest in the world ‘Wacken’.
And I never got paid for that. None of the countless shows I have played. This was not a ‘newcomer band’ that ‘can’t afford it’. This is a corrupt band that treats sensitive musicians like garbage.”
Sonia made it clear that the experience left a lasting mark on her:
“I struggle every day from my horrible experience with Burning Witches. They destroyed what was my youthful enthusiasm. They made fun of my youthful happiness. Every single part that made me shine was a threat for them – they always found a way to break me and make me small.
I am fighting everyday to get it back. And I go to therapy for it.”
Because of this trauma, she has chosen to focus on her own band and solo work:
“Maybe that will help a lot of you understand why I am reluctant on playing in bands that are led by someone else. I have lots of trauma with it and I can’t do it anymore because of how scared and damaged I am from it.
I will remain playing in my own band and/or as solo musician 🙏 because I feel safe. Music is too meaningful for me – and I just don’t want the risk of being hurt anymore.”
Sonia concluded by promising fans that she will provide evidence to back up her claims:
“The fans deserve the truth and I will open up with actual proof soon.”
