Blake Judd

Judd was raised in Wheaton, Illinois, and took an early interest in music due to his parents' taste in classic rock.{{cite news | first=Vince | last=Neilstein | title=INTERVIEWS NACHTMYSTIUM’S BLAKE JUDD | date=2008-07-01 | url =http://www.metalsucks.net/?p=5857 | work =metalsucks.net | access-date = 2008-08-15 }}{{cite news | first=Mark | last=Hensch | title=Nachtmystium Interview | year=2008 | url =http://www.rocknworld.com/thrashpit/reviews/08/NachtmystiumInterview.shtml | work =thrashpit.com | access-date = 2008-08-15 }} 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. Judd took up the guitar when he was twelve years old, and began to listen to heavy metal shortly later.{{cite news | first=Jeff | last=Pizek | title=Nachtmystium shines black light on black metal | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=Daily Herald | url =http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=208961 | access-date = 2008-06-20 }}

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. In his spare time, he worked at Metal Haven, a heavy metal record store in Chicago.{{cite news | first=Trevor | last=Fisher | title=Judd’s Dread | date=2008-01-30 | publisher=Illinois Entertainer | url =http://illinoisentertainer.com/2008/01/judds-dread/ | work =illinoisentertainer.com | access-date = 2008-03-23 }} Judd eventually founded Nachtmystium with a friend as a side-project, which he originally operated out of his parents' basement.{{cite news | title= Genghis Tron & Nachtmystium Part II | date=2008-06-16 | publisher=Contraband Candy | url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIATRl-xwsA | work =Youtube | access-date = 2008-06-18 }} He started to become more involved in Nachtmystium, then a raw black metal band, after receiving positive feedback from his audience. 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,{{cite news | first=Bob | last=Gendron | title=Nachtmystium's new album | date=2008-06-01 | publisher=Chicago Tribune | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/chi-nachtmystium-0601jun01,0,4847672.story | access-date=2008-06-03 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605030849/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/chi-nachtmystium-0601jun01%2C0%2C4847672.story | archive-date=2008-06-05 | url-status=dead }} while also using various black metal elements. Nachtmystium became Judd's primary focus and his most successful music project.{{cite news |last=Babiolakis |first=Andreas |url=http://www.liveinlimbo.com/2014/08/08/news/blake-judd-new-nachtmystium-and-the-separation-of-the-artist-and-the-art.html |title=BLAKE JUDD: NEW NACHTMYSTIUM AND THE SEPARATION OF THE ARTIST AND THE ART |work=Live in Limbo |date=2014-08-08 |access-date=2016-11-29 }}

Outside of Nachtmystium, Judd founded an independent record label, Battle Kommand Records, with Rebecca Clegg in St. Charles, Illinois. 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.{{cite news | first = Michael | last = Nelson | title = The Genocide March | date = 17 March 2013 | url = http://stereogum.com/1282251/hate-meditation-the-genocide-march-blake-judd-from-nachtmystium/mp3s/ | work = Stereogum | access-date = 2013-03-10}} Additionally, Judd was a session musician on Krieg's final album Blue Miasma (2006). Judd for many years performed under the pseudonym "Azentrius". 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".{{cite news | title=Nachtmystium - Mar 2005 | date=March 2005 | url =http://www.metalreviews.com/interviews/interviews.php?id=61 | work =metalreviews.com | access-date = 2008-06-20 }} 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."{{cite news | first=Mitchell | last=Chris | title=Interview with Azentrius | date=2004-03-11 | publisher=The Metal Crypt | url=http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/interviews.php?intid=133 | work=metalcrypt.com | access-date=2008-03-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215051530/http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/interviews.php?intid=133 | archive-date=2019-02-15 | url-status=dead }} However in a 2008 interview with The Daily Herald, he claimed to respect what he viewed as "real" black metal, and added "as a fan of black metal, I'm offended by someone who calls their music black metal and incorporates outside elements." 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."{{cite web |url=http://www.thrashhits.com/2008/12/2008-into-2009-nachtmystium/ |title=2008 into 2009: Nachtmystium |publisher=Thrash Hits |date=2008-12-06}}

In 2013, after advising that Nachtmystium was on "something of a hiatus", Judd announced that his new band, Hate Meditation, would be his "main focus". 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. The band signed a two-album deal with Indie Recordings and released its debut album, Scars, in 2013.

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.{{cite news |last=KENNELTY |first=GREG |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/av/nachtmystium-is-booked-for-louisville-deathfest-premieres-new-instrumental-track |title=NACHTMYSTIUM Is Booked For Louisville Deathfest, Premieres New Instrumental Trackt July Show |work=Metal Injection |date=2017-03-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314053010/http://www.metalinjection.net/av/nachtmystium-is-booked-for-louisville-deathfest-premieres-new-instrumental-track |archive-date=2017-03-14 |access-date=2017-03-17 }} Judd stated he did not have plans to record or produce new music in the near future, and Earache Records 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.{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Christina |url=http://teamrock.com/news/2016-11-01/earache-acquire-nachtmystium-catalogue |title=Earache acquire Nachtmystium catalogue |work=Metal Hammer |publisher=TeamRock |date=2016-11-01 |access-date=2016-11-06 }} Judd uploaded a copy of the album onto YouTube for fans to stream for free.{{cite news |last=Rosenberg |first=Axl |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2016/04/11/nachtmystium-retox-remixes-rarities-lp-2016/ |title=Blake Judd Releases Nachtmystium Remixes/Rarities Collection, Vows to "Make Things Right" with Fans |work=MetalSucks |date=2016-04-11 |access-date=2016-04-12 }} 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."

Judd dissolved Nachtmystium in June 2020.{{cite news |last=Mudrian |first=Albert |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2020/06/15/blake-judd-disbands-long-running-usbm-act-nachtmystium/ |title=Blake Judd Disbands Long-Running USBM Act Nachtmystium |work=Decibel |date=2020-06-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617122102/https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2020/06/15/blake-judd-disbands-long-running-usbm-act-nachtmystium/ |archive-date=2020-06-17 |access-date=2020-06-17 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.facebook.com/Nachtmystium.Official/posts/2982176191817569 |title=Nachtmystium - |work=Facebook |date=2020-06-14 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614210439/https://www.facebook.com/Nachtmystium.Official/posts/2982176191817569 |archive-date=2020-06-14 |access-date=2020-06-14 }} Judd stated he would continue to work on writing and producing music, which will be released anonymously. However, he sporadically worked on an unfinished Nachtmystium album in 2022, which was ultimately released in 2024 as Blight Privilege.{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2024/08/06/news/nachtmystium-return-with-new-album-blight-privilege-phoenix-predator-music-video/|title=Nachtmystium Return With New Album “Blight Privilege” & “Phoenix Predator” Music Video|publisher=ThePRP|access-date=August 6, 2024|date=August 6, 2024}} Judd stated he has no further plans to continue Nachtmystium during a 2024 interview.

Judd's musical career was abruptly halted when he was arrested on October 5, 2013 and faced misdemeanor theft charges.{{cite news | title = Individual Inmate Report | date = 2013-10-05 | publisher = Cook County Sheriff's Office | url = http://www2.cookcountysheriff.org/search2/details.asp?jailnumber=2013-1005183 | work = www2.cookcountysheriff.org/ |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011194549/http://www2.cookcountysheriff.org/search2/details.asp?jailnumber=2013-1005183 |archive-date=2013-10-11 |access-date=2014-09-13}}{{cite news | title = NACHTMYSTIUM Mainman Arrested On Theft Charges | date = 2013-10-06 | url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nachtmystium-mainman-arrested-on-theft-charges/ | work = blabbermouth.net | access-date = 2013-10-06}}{{cite news | first = Wyatt | last = Marshall | title = Nachtmystium | date = 2013-10-07 | url = http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2013/10/nachtmystiums_b.html | work = Brooklyn Vegan | access-date = 2013-10-08}} He admitted to stealing and pawning his roommate’s guitar while trying to buy heroin. Judd had previously openly admitted to using cocaine, hallucinogens, marijuana and other recreational drugs since he was a teenager.{{cite news |url=http://www.thrashhits.com/2008/12/2008-into-2009-nachtmystium/ |title=2008 into 2009: Nachtmystium |work=ThrashHits |date=2008-12-06 |access-date=2016-11-28 }}{{cite news |last=Downing |first=Andy |url=http://articles.redeyechicago.com/2012-11-08/entertainment/34998734_1_nachtmystium-blake-judd-local-q-a |title=Local Q&A: Nachtmystium |work=RedEye |date=2012-11-08 |access-date=2016-11-23 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.theprp.com/2016/09/19/news/nachtmystiums-blake-judd-speaks-dark-days-heroin-scamming-fans/ |title=Nachtmystium’s Blake Judd Speaks Of His Dark Days On Heroin, Scamming Fans & More |work=The PRP |date=2016-09-19 |access-date=2016-11-23 }} 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/blake-judd-gives-first-interview-in-two-years-i-had-so-many-opportunities-to-get-better-but-i-was-convinced-that-i-was-special/ |title=Blake Judd Gives First Interview in Two Years: "I Had So Many Opportunities to Get Better, but I Was Convinced That I Was Special" |work=Vice Media |date=2016-09-16 |access-date=2016-11-23 }} Judd purchased medication with opiates from the black market when his prescription had expired and later regularly abused heroin while touring with Nachtmystium. 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. Judd claims the therapy was initially helpful, but he relapsed after embarking on a tour. 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."

File:Nachtmystium2008-judd-wilson.jpg

Judd disbanded Nachtmystium on November 13 after the band finished recording their final studio album, The World We Left Behind.{{cite news | first = Bram | last = Teitelman | title = NACHTMYSTIUM’S BLAKE JUDD RELEASED FROM PRISON, ISSUES STATEMENT | date = 2013-11-03 | url = http://www.metalinsider.net/updates/nachtmystiums-blake-judd-released-from-prison-issues-statement | work = Metal Insider | access-date = 2013-11-03}} 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.{{cite news | first = Jason | last = Fisher | title = Nachtmystium Is No More | date = 2013-11-13 | url = http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/29236/Nachtmystium-Is-No-More | work = The Gauntlet | access-date = 2013-11-14}}{{cite news| first = Doug | last = Moore | title = Nachtmystium officially calls it quits in new statement | date = 2013-11-13 | url = http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2013/11/nachtmystium_of.html | work =BrooklynVegan | access-date = 2013-11-14}}{{cite news | title = NACHTMYSTIUM Is Over, Says BLAKE JUDD | date = 2013-11-13 | url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nachtmystium-is-over-says-blake-judd/ | work = Blabbermouth.net | access-date = 2013-11-14}} Judd was encouraged by his fans' support during this period and considered reforming Nachtmystium to pursue future musical projects.{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Benjie |url=http://metalmayhemunderground.jimdo.com/2014/07/22/nachtmystium-interview/ |title=Nachtmystium Interview |work=Metal Mayhem Underground |date=2014-07-22 |access-date=2014-08-01 }}{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Wyatt |url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2014/07/blake_judd_says.html |title=Blake Judd now says Nachtmystium isn't finished, but won't tour |work=Brooklyn Vegan |date=2014-07-31 |access-date=2014-08-01 }} In July 2014, Judd re-entered the music industry as an online re-seller of heavy metal albums and band merchandise.

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.{{cite news |last=Michael |first=Nelson |url=http://www.stereogum.com/1515721/how-nachtmystiums-blake-judd-betrayed-the-black-metal-community-and-wound-up-in-jail/news/ |title=How Nachtmystium’s Blake Judd Betrayed The Black Metal Community And Wound Up In Jail |work=Stereogum |date=2013-10-03 |access-date=2014-09-06 }} Nachtmystium's Facebook storefront was suddenly taken down and fans were not given closure about their orders. 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.{{cite news |url=http://www.centurymedia.com/newsdetailed.aspx?IdNews=14836&IdCompany=2 |title=Nachtmystium: pre-order label statement |work=Century Media |date=2014-09-05 |access-date=2014-09-06 }}

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.{{cite news |last=Jameson |first=Neill |author-link=Neill Jameson |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/neill-krieg-blake-judd/ |title=NEILL JAMESON OF KRIEG ON BLAKE JUDD, NACHTMYSTIUM, AND THE SAD REALITIES OF ADDICTION |work=Vice Media |date=2014-09-10 |access-date=2014-09-12 }} Yosuke Konishi, owner of Nuclear War Now! Productions, publicly accused Judd of withholding several albums that he had purchased in 2012. 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.{{cite news |last=Martinez |first=Alexandre |url=https://www.facebook.com/Deadlight.ent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419003901/https://www.facebook.com/Deadlight.ent |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |title=OFFICIAL STATEMENT |work=Deadlight Entertainment |publisher=Facebook |date=2014-09-11 |access-date=2014-09-13 }} [http://i.imgur.com/iorebfV.png Alt URL]

Judd later admitted to defrauding several customers in order to feed his heroin addiction. Judd terminated his online business and became homeless without a source of income. 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.{{cite news |last=Simon |first=Laura |url=http://playdead-nation.blogspot.com/2016/08/interview-blake-judd-nachtmystium.html |title=Interview: Blake Judd (NACHTMYSTIUM) |work=Play Dead Nation |date=2016-08-02 |access-date=2016-11-23 }} He openly addressed his victims and fans in January 2016 to apologize for his wrongdoings.{{cite news |url=http://lambgoat.com/news/25922/Nachtmystiums-Blake-Judd-resurfaces-says-hes-sober |title=Nachtmystium's Blake Judd resurfaces, says he's sober |work=lambgoat.com |date=2016-01-10 |access-date=2016-01-11 }}{{cite news |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/nachtmystiums-blek-judd |title=NACHTMYSTIUM's Blake Judd Claims He's Sobered Up & Done With Music |work=metalinjection.net |date=2016-01-11 |access-date=2016-01-11 }}

In 2018, MetalSucks published an article containing reports and testimonies from online customers that Judd defrauded within the past year.{{cite news |last=Matasci |first=Matt |url=https://music.mxdwn.com/2018/12/02/news/blake-judd-of-nachtmystium-accused-of-scamming-fans-and-missing-performances/ |title=Blake Judd of Nachtmystium Accused of Scamming Fans and Missing Performances |work=mxdwn Music |date=2018-02-12 |access-date=2020-01-02 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2018/10/25/nachtmystiums-blake-judd-once-again-accused-of-scamming-fans-and-bailing-on-shows/ |title=Nachtmystium’s Blake Judd Once Again Accused of Scamming Fans and Bailing on Shows |work=Metalsucks |date=2018-10-25 |access-date=2020-01-02 }} Judd refuted these specific allegations and claimed he had been sober since 2015. In 2020, Judd stated he wished to pursue a career as a licensed drug rehabilitation counselor in California.

In a 2024 interview, Judd stated he permanently relocated to California and has not used hard drugs in over a half decade.{{cite news |url=https://metalbite.com/interviews/2763/nachtmystium-with-blake-judd-vocals-guitars-bass |title=Nachtmystium - Interview |work=MetalBite |date=September 27, 2024 |access-date=November 16, 2024 }}

File:Blake-nacht1.jpg

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

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

• Reign of the Malicious (2002)
• Demise (2004)
• Instinct: Decay (2006)
• Assassins: Black Meddle, Part I (2008)
• Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II (2010)
• Silencing Machine (2012)
• The World We Left Behind (2014)
• Retox: Remixes and Rarities (2017)
• Resilient (2018)
• Blight Privilege (2024)

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

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

• Blue Miasma (2006)

{{Reflist|2}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081231040555/http://www.battlekommand.com/nachtmystium/nachtmystium.html Nachtmystium Website]
• [http://www.battlekommand.com Battle Kommand Records Homepage]

{{Nachtmystium}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Judd, Blake}}

Category:Living people

Category:American heavy metal guitarists

Category:People from Wheaton, Illinois

Category:Guitarists from Illinois

Category:American fraudsters

Category:1982 births

Category:American male guitarists

Category:21st-century American guitarists

Category:21st-century American male musicians

Category:Nachtmystium members

Category:Twilight (band) members