Jill Janus

Huntress

Californian Heavy Metal force HUNTRESS are due to release their most brutal release to date soon and it is not one to miss; it is titled "Static" and it will do more than blow minds. One of our representatives Lotty Whittingham spoke to no-nonsense frontwoman Jill Janus about this upcoming release, her struggles with mental health and cancer. "Static" is due for release 25th September 2015 via Napalm Records.

By Lotty Whittingham

• September 13, 2015

Hello Jill, lovely to be speaking with you again. Last time we spoke you supported Amon Amarth in January; how have you been?

Hello again! It's been a challenging year for me personally, but I'm healing fast and will be full beast mode very soon.

Would also like to say I'm very pleased you are now cancer free; you seem like a fighter and a strong survivor, I understand you are determined to give your fans the best. Has this given you more motivation?

I've become more of a warrior. I am more motivated, life has an unexpected new wonder about it, however I need to remember to take time to heal properly.

So you are due to release a brand new album very soon, tell our readers what they can expect? I remember you stating it would be more brutal which I can concur is correct.

Static is more brutal in the sense of the context, especially. The lyrics reflect the struggles I've faced for a lifetime, and the most recent turmoil surrounding Huntress as I recover from surgery and get stable. The music has a sense of this beauty and brutality as well.

Do you have a favourite track/s on the album?

All the songs are like my children, I love them all the same but for different reasons. "Mania" is the most cathartic for me.

I really liked Mania; I sensed a more Doom feel. Was this intentional?

Yes, Blake Meahl (guitarist) wanted to write doom beneath the mania. It's nearly 9 minutes long, haunting, rapid cycling. I'm so impressed with the guitars on Static. I feel like everyone in Huntress the band has elevated their musicianship.

I see you've released a lyric video and due to release an official music video; would the songs you made them for be your first choice? Since I understand sometimes the record label can influence the decision

Absolutely, we chose the songs that would become singles and videos. Our label Napalm Records is very supportive of our creative choices and we work together on planning our attack. Our manager Jackie Kajzer is magic, she's been so supportive of all the choices we make.

Great news to hear you're joining Motorhead's Motorboat Cruise; this will definitely be hailed as a heroic return for Huntress, is this the first time you'll be doing anything like this? (i.e. performing on a boat)

I've always said "No" to playing on a cruise ship. Until Lemmy Kilmister asked Huntress to be part of the Motorboat. Lemmy is a good friend and co-wrote "I Want To Fuck You To Death" on our last album Starbound Beast. I get to sing it to him live for the first time, so I'm stoked.

You recently spoke out about struggling with mental health particularly schizophrenia, which I first would like to say is brave and admirable as I struggle with anxiety, what advice would you give to people who are struggling?

I'm still figuring it out! I've got my tricks, but what works for me is being on medication, exercising and staying sober. I'm not a purist; I enjoy a shot of Jägermeister after shows and smoke weed for anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has also been a good way to cope.

As well as Motorhead's Motorboat Cruise, what have Huntress got planned for the rest of the year?

My doctor's will decide what happens after Motorhead's Motorboat cruise. We'll be announcing new tour dates soon. I'm in it to win it!

Thank you Jill, it's been a pleasure.

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