PERHAPS THE DREAM of becoming a big-shot, world-renowned rock star really isn't as distant as it seems. Sure, internet piracy and file sharing have strangled album sales down to their last gasp, but if a band is willing to sacrifice everything, tour like lunatics, be truly dedicated—and most importantly, if they don't suck—they can go as far as their will can take them. Seattle's Witchburn is currently climbing that mountain, and judging by guitar player Mischa Kianne's tone over the phone, the journey is a pleasure.

"We just employ the philosophy that nothing good can come if you're not working hard for it. We prefer to earn everything we achieve. We're doing anything and everything we can... with integrity of course, to take it as far as we can," she says.

That passion comes through clearly in Witchburn's hard, heavy rock 'n' roll. Equal parts doom and stoner rock are grooved up with some swagger and accessibility, making Witchburn's riffs tough to ignore. On any stage, big or small, the band exudes professionalism and comfort—they look like they were born in front of an audience.

It comes as no surprise that, collectively, the band has logged lots of time rocking and rolling. For example, vocalist Jamie Nova fronted the all-female AC/DC cover band Hell's Belles for six years, living off that revenue alone; Kianne is the assistant promotions director at Seattle's rock station KISW. They've got their fingers in lots of pies, but Kianne assures that Witchburn's achievements have not been due to their past or current endeavors.

"Honestly, we keep those very separate from what we do with Witchburn. Of course, we do end up working with and getting to know a lot of people that can help the band in certain ways, but just asking for favors is not our style."

The band's list of accomplishments grows daily. They've done small jaunts with bands like Orange Goblin, big tours with Crowbar and Dio Disciples, and they even made it to Europe for a month-long stretch, going from Spain to Sweden to Portugal. In that time they've also recorded and self-released two full-lengths with legendary producer Jack Endino.

All of this pushing, and still no record contract. Kianne claims the band has had offers, but nothing worth grabbing yet. "We're a hard-working band and we enjoy working hard, so it's not like we're looking for handouts. [We] know when a situation is right and when it's not."