Current and former members of Ice Nine Kills and From Ashes to New recently formed a brand new band called Hillhaven. Today, they shared the official video for their third track “GAPS,” which follows the buzzy prior singles “Damned to Dream” and “The God You Think You Are.” Watch it below.
“GAPS” is a slight change of pace for the band, but still captures who Hillhaven is at its core.
“This song was quite literally the conception of Hillhaven,” says vocalist Chris Kelly. “I had originally written it for another project, but when that didn’t work out, I sent it to Maty [Madiro, drums] and, almost immediately, the conversation became one about starting something new. The thought was exciting, but terrifying at the same time.”
He continues, explaining. “I had never been a frontman, I was VERY new to writing lyrics, and this was going to involve a level of vulnerability that would surely push beyond my comfort zone. Still, though, it was a no-brainer — having the chance to make something fresh with guys at this level. A lot of Hillhaven’s lyrics are deeply cathartic, covering darker subjects as a way of healing. This is one of the hopeful songs.
Kelly finishes. “It’s got a little more of a ‘feel-good’ vibe than the last two songs we’ve put out and I think listeners are gonna dig that. The usual ‘doom and gloom’ lyricism in rock and metal can be a little numbing at times, so it’s nice to throw some positivity into the mix.”
The lineup is comprised of Chris Kelly (ex-Ice Nine Kills, ex-Galactic Empire, and who is rumored to play for Babymetal‘s band) on vocals, as well as From Ashes to New‘s Maty Madiro on drums; Ice Nine Kills‘ Ricky Armellino on guitars; From Ashes to New‘s Jimmy Bennett on guitars; and bassist Jaime GoWell.
“Hillhaven is two-and-a-half year’s life experience, distilled into a single body of work and bolstered by four monster-level players,” Kelly said. “We’ve all been in this business for a long time and releasing something new, outside of what we’re all typically known for, is both exciting and nerve-racking. A lot of thought has gone into planning this year of releases.”
