Johnny Hagel, known for his work with Tiamat and Sundown, continues to explore darker sonic territory with Ashen Sun — a project shaped by atmosphere, restraint and decades of experience.
Now, Ashen Sun return with “Worlock”, a reinterpretation of the classic track by Skinny Puppy, available today alongside an official video.
Rather than revisiting the original’s industrial intensity, the track moves in a different direction — slower, more immersive and rooted in a gothic aesthetic that recalls the mood-driven approach of 90s dark rock while maintaining a modern edge.
The result is less a cover and more a transformation, shifting the emotional weight of the track into something colder and more introspective.
The release features Lucifer’s Aid, whose contribution adds further depth and contrast to the track’s sonic landscape. This high-profile collaboration perfectly bridges the gap between classic industrial music and modern doom-laden metal, making it an essential listen for fans following the genre’s current cinematic revival.
Ashen Sun operates as a studio-driven project, with Hagel overseeing composition and production while working with multiple vocalists across releases, blending performances into a unified voice. This approach allows the project to remain fluid and independent, without relying on a fixed lineup.
Following the recent EP “Velarium”, the project continues to expand toward a full-length album planned for later this year, alongside additional standalone releases. Hagel’s unparalleled mastery of dark, atmospheric soundscapes confirms that Ashen Sun is a project metal media must keep on their radar.
Stream the single “Worlock”, on all major digital platforms, here and watch the official video below.
