Melvins and Butthole Surfers Members Launch Gatta Morta

The Debut of Gatta Morta and Burn Witch Burn

On August 4, 2026, a new musical collaboration was unveiled featuring prominent figures from the Sludge Metal, stoner metal, and psychedelic rock scenes. The quartet, known as **Gatta Morta**, released their debut EP, titled "Burn Witch Burn", which is now available through Amphetamine Reptile Records. The release is further supported by a visualizer for the track "Black Hall", while the digital single for the same song has been made available via Ipecac Recordings.

The group consists of four established musicians: Buzz Osborne on guitar and vocals, JD Pinkus on bass and vocals, Coady Willis on drums and vocals, and Clinton Jacob on guitar and vocals. The formation of the band brings together members from Melvins, Butthole Surfers, Big Business, and Mr. Phylzzz. According to the project's founders, the band was born out of a desire to create "solidly weird rock music" that explores the boundaries of their collective styles.

Origins and Creative Vision

The concept for Gatta Morta was developed by Buzz Osborne during a tour in the fall of 2025. Osborne, a founding member of the Melvins, realized the potential for a new project while working alongside Pinkus, Willis, and Jacob. Reflecting on the timing of the launch, Osborne noted the world’s readiness for their specific brand of experimental music.

"It's always a good time for the world to embrace a new heavy/weird band. I had the idea for GATTA MORTA while touring last fall. I realized I needed to start a band with these three. Seemed like a no-brainer. Solidly weird rock music that needs to happen."

— Buzz Osborne

JD Pinkus, the bassist for the Butthole Surfers, expressed a similar sentiment regarding the creative process. He highlighted the synergy between the four players and indicated that the current EP is only the beginning of their collaborative output.

"It's been way too long since I got to write a heavy album from scratch with such high-caliber players with such complimentary styles… and we're just cat scratching the surface of what we got goin' on."

— JD Pinkus

Clinton Jacob, the creative force behind the Chicago-based noise rock duo Mr. Phylzzz, joined the group after developing a friendship with Osborne over several years of performing together. Their previous professional relationship included Osborne contributing guitar work to a Mr. Phylzzz track.

"I just had this feeling that one day we would work together. I became friends with Buzz over the past few years doing shows together and having him play guitar on a MR. PHYLZZZ song. When I was asked to be a part of GATTA MORTA, I was speechless, but I was 100% ready for it."

— Clinton Jacob

Musical Style and Release Details

The music featured on "Burn Witch Burn" is described as lurching between "thick, riff-driven heaviness" and "warped, psychedelic passages." The project aims to create a sound that is simultaneously reminiscent of the members' previous work in genres like grunge and acid rock while remaining entirely new. The visual elements of the release were captured by photographer Keturah Bishop.

The "Burn Witch Burn" EP features the following track listing:

• 01. Taco Bellboy

• 02. Victims of the Universe

• 03. Black Hall

• 04. Clear Smoke

The official lineup for Gatta Morta is confirmed as:

• Buzz Osborne: Guitar and Vocals

• JD Pinkus: Bass and Vocals

• Coady Willis: Drums and Vocals

• Clinton Jacob: Guitar and Vocals

The EP is currently available through Amphetamine Reptile Records, marking the official introduction of this new supergroup to the heavy music landscape.