Biography
Will Haven originated in Sacramento as a durable California noise-rock ensemble whose approach draws from sharp-edged alt-metal and the storied tradition of West Coast hardcore. The group put out three unyielding studio albums, among them the landmark 1999 release WHVN, before suspending activity in 2002. Reassembling in 2005, they delivered the severe Hierophant in 2007 and the widely praised Voir Dire four years afterward. Later albums Muerte in 2018 and VII in 2023 incorporated sludge and groove-metal textures into their hardcore foundation without relinquishing the forward-leaning, dissonant character established earlier.
The band took shape in 1995 following the breakup of local hardcore favorites Sock. Adopting the name of an invented fictional persona, it was started by Grady Avenell on vocals and Jeff Irwin on guitar—both veterans of the defunct Sock—alongside bassist Mike Martin and drummer Wayne Morse. By 1996 the quartet had become regulars on regional stages, appearing with the Beastie Boys and issuing a self-titled EP through Landscape Records. A 1997 contract with Revelation Records led to the debut full-length El Diablo and extensive road work alongside the Deftones, Limp Bizkit, and Soulfly. Their second album, the well-received WHVN, appeared in 1999, with Carpe Diem following in 2001. Operations halted in 2002 when Avenell stepped away to pursue studies and family commitments while the remaining members explored separate projects.
Re-forming in 2005, the band completed its fourth studio album, The Hierophant, in 2007 with a lineup comprising Jeff Irwin, Mike Martin, Mitch Wheeler, and Jeff Jaworski. Avenell contributed to the songwriting process but did not participate in the recording sessions. He rejoined for the intense 2011 release Voir Dire, which included Slipknot percussionist Chris Fehn on bass. An EP titled Open the Mind to Discomfort surfaced in 2015, and the sixth album, the sludge-infused Muerte, arrived in 2018 with guest contributions from Mike Scheidt of YOB and Stephen Carpenter of the Deftones. The group further developed its darker, groove-oriented direction on the seventh album, VII, issued in 2023.
The band took shape in 1995 following the breakup of local hardcore favorites Sock. Adopting the name of an invented fictional persona, it was started by Grady Avenell on vocals and Jeff Irwin on guitar—both veterans of the defunct Sock—alongside bassist Mike Martin and drummer Wayne Morse. By 1996 the quartet had become regulars on regional stages, appearing with the Beastie Boys and issuing a self-titled EP through Landscape Records. A 1997 contract with Revelation Records led to the debut full-length El Diablo and extensive road work alongside the Deftones, Limp Bizkit, and Soulfly. Their second album, the well-received WHVN, appeared in 1999, with Carpe Diem following in 2001. Operations halted in 2002 when Avenell stepped away to pursue studies and family commitments while the remaining members explored separate projects.
Re-forming in 2005, the band completed its fourth studio album, The Hierophant, in 2007 with a lineup comprising Jeff Irwin, Mike Martin, Mitch Wheeler, and Jeff Jaworski. Avenell contributed to the songwriting process but did not participate in the recording sessions. He rejoined for the intense 2011 release Voir Dire, which included Slipknot percussionist Chris Fehn on bass. An EP titled Open the Mind to Discomfort surfaced in 2015, and the sixth album, the sludge-infused Muerte, arrived in 2018 with guest contributions from Mike Scheidt of YOB and Stephen Carpenter of the Deftones. The group further developed its darker, groove-oriented direction on the seventh album, VII, issued in 2023.
Albums
Singles
