Renowned for their electrifying live performances and revered discography, WILL HAVEN has remained an enigmatic force, well-known within certain circles despite not achieving mainstream success. Esteemed bands like Deftones, Soulfly, and Slipknot, who have shared the stage and collaborated with them, champion the Sacramento-based crew, recognizing their prowess in delivering challenging, aggressive metallic hardcore and sonic dissonance since their inception in 1995.
WILL HAVEN’s musical journey began with their 1997 debut, “El Diablo,” where they fused doomy hardcore with experimental angst, earning recognition in the metalcore community alongside bands like Converge and Coalesce. Their sophomore album, “WHVN,” released in 1999, achieved classic status among skaters, punks, and hardcore enthusiasts. Subsequent albums like “Carpe Diem” (2001), “The Hierophant” (2007), and “Voir Dire” (2011) showcased their evolution, solidifying their reputation as a pioneering force in the genre.
The band’s foundation consists of lifelong friends, frontman Grady Avenell and guitarist Jeff Irwin, who met in fifth grade. Drummer Mitch Wheeler joined over two decades ago, while bassist Adrien Contreras joined in 2010. Together, they form an inseparable bond and a powerful creative force, anticipating each other’s moves and reactions during the songwriting process.
WILL HAVEN’s latest 2023 release, “VII,” is a natural culmination of their nearly thirty-year journey in the heavy metal world, embodying all the elements that have made them cult heroes. With an argument to be made for it being the heaviest and darkest material in WILL HAVEN’s discography, VII presents ten compelling songs that harken back to the band’s early releases, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of their atmospheric and immersive qualities. Recorded at Pus Cavern Studios in Sacramento and skillfully engineered by Joe Johnston (known for his work with Deftones, Dance Gavin Dance, Hoods), the album was produced and mixed collaboratively by Joe Johnston and WILL HAVEN.
The finishing touch was given by the mastering expertise of Alan Douches at West West Side Music. Adding to the intensity and depth of the album, “Evolution Of A Man” includes guest vocals and additional lyrics contributed by Reykjavik Osburn Bigfeather, while the closing moments of “La Ultima Nota” were performed by devoted WILL HAVEN fans. This latest release showcases the band’s commitment to their roots while embracing new dimensions of their musical prowess.
Along with the release of their seventh album, “VII,” on Minus Head Records available now, the seasoned veterans of Sacramento’s metallic hardcore scene, WILL HAVEN, will also be embarking on their first extensive tour in support of the record. Fans can look forward to witnessing the band’s electrifying performances as they hit the road on the Carpe Diem/VII Tour, scheduled from August 24th to 31st.
The tour will be covering various West Coast locations in California, Nevada, and Utah. Notably, they will perform at Furnace Fest in Birmingham on August 23rd, sharing the stage with notable bands like Hatebreed, Turnstile, Bane, Youth Of Today, Judge, Terror, Strife, and many others. They will also perform at Crucialfest in Salt Lake City on August 26th, alongside an impressive lineup including Whores, Portrayal Of Guilt, Bongzilla, Cloakroom, and more throughout the four-day festival. WILL HAVEN will treat fans to a special performance of their Carpe Diem album in its entirety, along with showcasing new material from VII and other favorites. Adding to the excitement, original bassist Mike Martin will be returning to the lineup for these shows.
WILLHAVEN Live:
8/23/2023 Furnace Fest @ Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark – Birmingham, AL
Carpe Diem/Vll Tour:
8/25/2023 Alturas Bar – Reno, NV
8/26/2023 Crucialfest @ Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
8/27/2023 Divebar – Las Vegas, NV
8/29/2023 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
8/30/2023 Knitting Factory – Los Angeles, CA
8/31/2023 DNA Upstairs – San Francisco, CA
In the ever-evolving landscape of heavy music, WILL HAVEN continues to stand out with their unique blend of influences and distinctive approach, leaving a lasting impact on those who have had the privilege of experiencing their sonic prowess. Jeff Irwin (guitar) was a recent guest on the Vulgar Display of Podcast in which he discusses the early days of WILL HAVEN, the Neurosis metal affect, and personally growing up with other Sacramento bands like Deftones, Papa Roach, and Far. Give it a listen here, or anywhere you get your podcasts!
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