Today,Hells Headbangersannounces the signing ofHaXXan. The first fruit of this union shall be the band'sdebut album,Loch Ness Rising, set for release this autumn. Although "new" in name,HaXXanfeatures underground legend Killjoy DeSade (Necrophagia, The Ravenous, Wurdulak, et. al.) on vocals and synth. Formed in 2011 by Killjoy and guitarist Shawn Slusarek, the duo decided to write material that had an old-school black metal vibe, citing such influences as Beherit, Archgoat, and Blasphemy with hints of Candlemass and Mercyful Fate. The duo then added bassist Jake Arnette and drummer Serge Streltsov, and soon recorded their debut album,Loch Ness Rising.
Spread over 10 tracks,HaXXan'sLoch Ness Risingis conceptually based on Aleister Crowley, as Killjoy has been a life-long Crowley enthusiast. As a full-band unit,HaXXansoon celebrate the life, works, and magick of Crowley through patiently unfolding vistas of doom and dread, eerieness and unease. Recorded at Thelema Studios and mixed/mastered by Grzegorz Kulawiak at Sin Mix Studios,Loch Ness Risingrichly resonates with a pure (and purely eerie/uneasy) tone that lends these songs a unique character: undoubtedly heavy in a manner not unlikeTo Mega Therion-era Celtic Frost, there's likewise a ghostly aspect to its conversely crushing stomp. As expected, Killjoy delivers a peerless performance, stretching all extremes of his twisted 'n' tortured throat, almost narrating the slowly enveloping fog of unearthly horror. Taken together,Loch Ness Risingis an experience both atmospheric and caustic, bleeding black blood and drinking it from a ceremonial cup - just as Crowley would've wanted it.
As longtime fans of Killjoy's incredibly prolific work in the metal underground for the past 30 years,Hells Headbangerswarmly welcomesHaXXanto the label, and will be working with Killjoy on a special reissue of Necrophagia's classic debut album, 1987'sSeason of the Dead. A statement from Killjoy reads: "HaXXanare extremely pleased to be a part of theHells Headbangersfamily. We feel as if this was the only real home for our visions and sounds. Do what thou will shall be the law!"Cover, tracklisting, and release date forHaXXan'sLoch Ness Risingshall be revealed shortly.
