Johnny Hagel, known for his work with Tiamat and Sundown, returns with Ashen Sun — a project exploring darker, more atmospheric territories shaped by decades of experience in the gothic underground.
The upcoming single, set for April 17th, 2026, takes on “Worlock” by Skinny Puppy — but instead of revisiting its industrial roots, Ashen Sun transforms it into something slower, heavier and more immersive.
Driven by layered atmospheres and a strong gothic undercurrent, the track leans toward the spirit of 90s dark rock while introducing a colder, more modern edge. It’s not a straightforward cover, but a reinterpretation that shifts the emotional weight of the original into a more introspective space.
This reimagined version features a striking collaboration with Lucifer’s Aid, a boundary-pushing act in the industrial underground. Lucifer’s Aid brings an additional dimension to the track, contributing visceral vocals and atmospheric elements that amplify the song’s sense of tension and decay. The collaboration results in a version that feels both reverent and refreshingly dangerous—bridging generations of industrial music fans.
“‘Worlock’ has always been a defining track for us”, says Ashen Sun. “We didn’t want to just recreate it—we wanted to reinterpret it through our own lens, while honoring the raw emotion and chaos that made it timeless. Working with Lucifer’s Aid allowed us to push it even further into darker territory”.
Following the release of the EP “Velarium”, Ashen Sun continues to expand its sonic identity, with more material leading toward a full-length album later this year.
“Worlock” arrives April 17th, 2026.
