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Blake Judd

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Blake Judd
Blake Judd performing with Nachtmystium at Hole In The Sky - Bergen Metal Fest 2008
Blake Judd performing with Nachtmystium at Hole In The Sky - Bergen Metal Fest 2008
Background information
Birth nameBlakely Judd[1]
Also known asAzentrius
Born (1982-11-13) November 13, 1982 (age 42)
OriginWheaton, Illinois, United States
GenresBlack metal, psychedelic rock, experimental rock
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, bass
Years active2000–2015, 2017–2020, 2024
LabelsBattle Kommand Records, Ascension Monuments Media
WebsiteBattle Kommand Homepage

Blake Judd (born November 13, 1982) is an American musician and co-founder of now-defunct Battle Kommand Records. Formerly the lead vocalist and frontman of the metal band Nachtmystium, Judd also contributed to musical acts and projects such as Twilight, Krieg, and Hate Meditation. He previously performed under the stage name "Azentrius". Judd's heroin addiction was publicly exposed in 2013 after he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor theft. His reputation was further damaged when fans, bandmates, and business partners openly accused Judd of conducting fraudulent business practices. Judd later admitted to deceiving fans and left the music industry in 2014. He later reunited Nachtmystium in 2017 to perform two live shows and record a new studio album before dissolving the band again in 2020. Judd left the music industry to pursue other careers, but returned in 2024 to restart Nachtmystium and release another album.

Biography

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Early life

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Judd was raised in Wheaton, Illinois, and took an early interest in music due to his parents' taste in classic rock.[2][3] He saw The Allman Brothers Band perform live when he was in the second grade, and cites it as a major influence on his musical career.[3] Judd took up the guitar when he was twelve years old, and began to listen to heavy metal shortly later.[4]

Musical career

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He began playing in bands in his late teens. He served as the vocalist and guitarist for Ezurate and in the now-defunct thrash and black metal band Helms Deep.[4] In his spare time, he worked at Metal Haven, a heavy metal record store in Chicago.[5] Judd eventually founded Nachtmystium with a friend as a side-project, which he originally operated out of his parents' basement.[4][6] He started to become more involved in Nachtmystium, then a raw black metal band, after receiving positive feedback from his audience.[6] Judd incorporated psychedelic elements into the band's material, influenced by his love for progressive rock bands such as Pink Floyd and The Allman Brothers Band,[7] while also using various black metal elements. Nachtmystium became Judd's primary focus and his most successful music project.[8]

Outside of Nachtmystium, Judd founded an independent record label, Battle Kommand Records, with Rebecca Clegg in St. Charles, Illinois.[4] In 2005, he was commissioned by the Swedish underground label Total Holocaust Records to create the black metal "supergroup" Twilight. Twilight featured Wrest from Leviathan, producer Sanford Parker, Stavros Giannopoulos of The Atlas Moth, Imperial of Krieg, Malefic of Xasthur, and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth.[9] Additionally, Judd was a session musician on Krieg's final album Blue Miasma (2006). Judd for many years performed under the pseudonym "Azentrius".[3] Also, Judd played guitar on Obscurus Advocam's 2007 album Verbia Daemonicus.

Judd voiced critical opinions towards modern black metal. In an interview with MetalReviews.com, he claimed "most bands are just carbon copies of each other, musically, lyrically, image-wise and ideologically, although I question how big and evil half these maggots are".[10] Judd voiced a similar opinion in an interview with The Metal Crypt, stating "Fuck modern black metal. There are a few good bands, but there are millions of horrible clones and overrated bands that are doing nothing new."[11] However in a 2008 interview with The Daily Herald, he claimed to respect what he viewed as "real" black metal,[4] and added "as a fan of black metal, I'm offended by someone who calls their music black metal and incorporates outside elements."[4] While Nachtmystium was founded as a black metal band, Judd insisted the band had "left the black metal scene" after 2004. In an interview with Thrashpit.com, Judd stated, "It was cool at first but we're really not a traditional 'spikes and paint' band."[3][12]

In 2013, after advising that Nachtmystium was on "something of a hiatus",[9] Judd announced that his new band, Hate Meditation, would be his "main focus".[9] Hate Meditation featured Judd on vocals and guitar, Wrest on bass, Job Bos of Dark Fortress on synth, and Sam Shroyer of Vitandus on drums.[9] The band signed a two-album deal with Indie Recordings and released its debut album, Scars, in 2013.[9]

Judd suspended his musical career due to substance abuse and legal problems in 2013. He announced Nachtmystium would reunite to perform two live shows in 2017 and work on new studio material.[13] Judd dissolved Nachtmystium in June 2020.[14][15] Judd stated he would continue to work on writing and producing music, which will be released anonymously.[15] However, he sporadically worked on an unfinished Nachtmystium album in 2022, which was ultimately released in 2024 as Blight Privilege.[16][17] Judd stated he has no further plans to continue Nachtmystium during a 2024 interview.[17]

Personal life

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Judd's musical career was abruptly halted when he was arrested on October 5, 2013 and faced misdemeanor theft charges.[1][18][19] He admitted to stealing and pawning his roommate’s guitar while trying to buy heroin.[20] Judd had previously openly admitted to using cocaine, hallucinogens, marijuana and other recreational drugs since he was a teenager.[21][22][23] However, Judd alleges he began using heroin after he severely injured his leg in 2009 and a doctor prescribed opioids to help him cope with pain.[20] Judd purchased medication with opiates from the black market when his prescription had expired and later regularly abused heroin while touring with Nachtmystium.[20] Before Judd's arrest, Century Media Records, Nachtmystium's label at the time, paid to send him to a drug rehabilitation clinic in Los Angeles operated by MusiCares.[20] Judd claims the therapy was initially helpful, but he relapsed after embarking on a tour.[20] In a later interview, Judd reflected on his addiction to heroin, commenting, "If I was a 'rockstar,' in my mind, it made it my divine right to be all fucked up on drugs—that's a rockstar's divine right, to be a drug addict."[20]

Judd (left) performing with Nachtmystium in 2008.

Judd disbanded Nachtmystium on November 13 after the band finished recording their final studio album, The World We Left Behind.[24] Judd thanked Nachtmystium's fans for their support over the band's 13-year run and then retreated from his music career to seek additional treatment for his heroin addiction.[25][26][27] Judd was encouraged by his fans' support during this period and considered reforming Nachtmystium to pursue future musical projects.[28][29] In July 2014, Judd re-entered the music industry as an online re-seller of heavy metal albums and band merchandise.[30]

A few months later, fans accused Judd of withholding merchandise that they had purchased from his Facebook storefront. Judd defended himself by stating that Century Media Records did not provide him with sufficient albums and amounts of merchandise for distribution.[30] Nachtmystium's Facebook storefront was suddenly taken down and fans were not given closure about their orders.[30] Century Media Records ultimately announced that they would provide a copy of the band's latest album to fans with a proof of purchase, and that they were parting ways with Judd and Nachtmystium.[31]

On September 10, Neill "Imperial" Jameson, one of Judd's former bandmates and close friends, released an article for Vice Media detailing his first-hand accounts of Judd's heroin addiction. Jameson accused Judd of cheating him and his fellow Twilight band mates out of money on numerous occasions. He also alleged that Judd was accepting purchase orders from fans and then pocketing the money with no intention of providing them with merchandise.[32] Yosuke Konishi, owner of Nuclear War Now! Productions, publicly accused Judd of withholding several albums that he had purchased in 2012.[30] Another business partner, Alexandre Martinez of Deadlight Entertainment, alleged that Judd commissioned him to produce Nachtmystium merchandise and press albums, but never paid for the services.[30][33]

Judd later admitted to defrauding several customers in order to feed his heroin addiction.[20] Judd terminated his online business and became homeless without a source of income.[20] He lived in a homeless shelter before finally seeking drug rehabilitation therapy in October 2015. Judd eventually left Chicago to stay with relatives in Louisville, Kentucky and continue his rehabilitation.[20][34] He openly addressed his victims and fans in January 2016 to apologize for his wrongdoings.[35][36] While Judd has stated he does not have plans to record or produce new music in the future, he announced that Earache Records had acquired the rights to redistribute Nachtmystium's studio albums. He also announced the label would release a new compilation album, titled Retox: Remixes and Rarities, which contains previously unreleased demos and cover tracks from Nachtmystium and Twilight.[37] Judd uploaded a copy of the album onto YouTube for fans to stream for free.[38] He released the following statement: "Thank you all for your patience and I do hope to make things right with everyone I can who fell victim to my addiction issues by not receiving orders for music or merchandise. I intend on giving away every single record and CD I receive of these reissues, if that’s what it takes, to make things right with the fans whom I wronged and did not fulfill orders for."[37]

In 2018, MetalSucks published an article containing reports and testimonies from online customers that Judd defrauded within the past year.[39][40] Judd refuted these specific allegations and claimed he had been sober since 2015.[15] In 2020, Judd stated he wished to pursue a career as a licensed drug rehabilitation counselor in California.[15] In a 2024 interview, Judd stated he had not used hard drugs in over a half decade ago.[17]

Equipment

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Judd playing live in 2008
  • Gibson SG Standard (D tuning)
  • BC Rich Mockingbird
  • Sunn Model T reissue
  • Emperor 6 by 12 cab w/ vintage 30s Celestion Speakers

Pedals

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  • Digitech Digidelay
  • Moogerfooger MF-104Z delay
  • Boss TU-2 Tuner
  • Dunlop Crybaby Wah

Select discography

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With Nachtmystium

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With Hate Meditation

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  • Condemned to Death (2003)
  • Scars (2013)

With Twilight

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  • Twilight (2005)
  • Monument to Time End (2010)
  • Trident Death Rattle (2018)

With Krieg

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  • Blue Miasma (2006)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Individual Inmate Report". www2.cookcountysheriff.org/. Cook County Sheriff's Office. October 5, 2013. Archived from the original on October 11, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  2. ^ Neilstein, Vince (July 1, 2008). "INTERVIEWS NACHTMYSTIUM'S BLAKE JUDD". metalsucks.net. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d Hensch, Mark (2008). "Nachtmystium Interview". thrashpit.com. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Pizek, Jeff (June 20, 2008). "Nachtmystium shines black light on black metal". Daily Herald. Retrieved June 20, 2008.
  5. ^ Fisher, Trevor (January 30, 2008). "Judd's Dread". illinoisentertainer.com. Illinois Entertainer. Retrieved March 23, 2008.
  6. ^ a b "Genghis Tron & Nachtmystium Part II". Youtube. Contraband Candy. June 16, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  7. ^ Gendron, Bob (June 1, 2008). "Nachtmystium's new album". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 5, 2008. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
  8. ^ Babiolakis, Andreas (August 8, 2014). "BLAKE JUDD: NEW NACHTMYSTIUM AND THE SEPARATION OF THE ARTIST AND THE ART". Live in Limbo. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
  9. ^ a b c d e Nelson, Michael (March 17, 2013). "The Genocide March". Stereogum. Retrieved March 10, 2013.
  10. ^ "Nachtmystium - Mar 2005". metalreviews.com. March 2005. Retrieved June 20, 2008.
  11. ^ Chris, Mitchell (March 11, 2004). "Interview with Azentrius". metalcrypt.com. The Metal Crypt. Archived from the original on February 15, 2019. Retrieved March 23, 2008.
  12. ^ "2008 into 2009: Nachtmystium". Thrash Hits. December 6, 2008.
  13. ^ KENNELTY, GREG (March 13, 2017). "NACHTMYSTIUM Is Booked For Louisville Deathfest, Premieres New Instrumental Trackt July Show". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on March 14, 2017. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  14. ^ Mudrian, Albert (June 15, 2020). "Blake Judd Disbands Long-Running USBM Act Nachtmystium". Decibel. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  15. ^ a b c d "Nachtmystium -". Facebook. June 14, 2020. Archived from the original on June 14, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  16. ^ "Nachtmystium Return With New Album "Blight Privilege" & "Phoenix Predator" Music Video". ThePRP. August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "Nachtmystium - Interview". MetalBite. September 27, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  18. ^ "NACHTMYSTIUM Mainman Arrested On Theft Charges". blabbermouth.net. October 6, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2013.
  19. ^ Marshall, Wyatt (October 7, 2013). "Nachtmystium". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Blake Judd Gives First Interview in Two Years: "I Had So Many Opportunities to Get Better, but I Was Convinced That I Was Special"". Vice Media. September 16, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  21. ^ "2008 into 2009: Nachtmystium". ThrashHits. December 6, 2008. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  22. ^ Downing, Andy (November 8, 2012). "Local Q&A: Nachtmystium". RedEye. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  23. ^ "Nachtmystium's Blake Judd Speaks Of His Dark Days On Heroin, Scamming Fans & More". The PRP. September 19, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  24. ^ Teitelman, Bram (November 3, 2013). "NACHTMYSTIUM'S BLAKE JUDD RELEASED FROM PRISON, ISSUES STATEMENT". Metal Insider. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
  25. ^ Fisher, Jason (November 13, 2013). "Nachtmystium Is No More". The Gauntlet. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  26. ^ Moore, Doug (November 13, 2013). "Nachtmystium officially calls it quits in new statement". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  27. ^ "NACHTMYSTIUM Is Over, Says BLAKE JUDD". Blabbermouth.net. November 13, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  28. ^ Stewart, Benjie (July 22, 2014). "Nachtmystium Interview". Metal Mayhem Underground. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  29. ^ Marshall, Wyatt (July 31, 2014). "Blake Judd now says Nachtmystium isn't finished, but won't tour". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  30. ^ a b c d e Michael, Nelson (October 3, 2013). "How Nachtmystium's Blake Judd Betrayed The Black Metal Community And Wound Up In Jail". Stereogum. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
  31. ^ "Nachtmystium: pre-order label statement". Century Media. September 5, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
  32. ^ Jameson, Neill (September 10, 2014). "NEILL JAMESON OF KRIEG ON BLAKE JUDD, NACHTMYSTIUM, AND THE SAD REALITIES OF ADDICTION". Vice Media. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  33. ^ Martinez, Alexandre (September 11, 2014). "OFFICIAL STATEMENT". Deadlight Entertainment. Facebook. Retrieved September 13, 2014.[dead link‍] Alt URL
  34. ^ Simon, Laura (August 2, 2016). "Interview: Blake Judd (NACHTMYSTIUM)". Play Dead Nation. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  35. ^ "Nachtmystium's Blake Judd resurfaces, says he's sober". lambgoat.com. January 10, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  36. ^ Kennelty, Greg (January 11, 2016). "NACHTMYSTIUM's Blake Judd Claims He's Sobered Up & Done With Music". metalinjection.net. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  37. ^ a b O'Neill, Christina (November 1, 2016). "Earache acquire Nachtmystium catalogue". Metal Hammer. TeamRock. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  38. ^ Rosenberg, Axl (April 11, 2016). "Blake Judd Releases Nachtmystium Remixes/Rarities Collection, Vows to "Make Things Right" with Fans". MetalSucks. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  39. ^ Matasci, Matt (February 12, 2018). "Blake Judd of Nachtmystium Accused of Scamming Fans and Missing Performances". mxdwn Music. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  40. ^ "Nachtmystium's Blake Judd Once Again Accused of Scamming Fans and Bailing on Shows". Metalsucks. October 25, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
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