Jill Janus Apparently Puts End to Huntress [Updated]
Update: Huntress' Blake Meahl has issued a statement based on Jill Janus' post from last night. The guitarist reveals that the band is not breaking up and that the post was unfounded and that the band will be touring in December as scheduled. Read his full commentary below:
It looks like Huntress are no more. Frontwoman Jill Janus took to social media earlier this morning (Oct. 28) to announce the end of the band, though she promised to continue making music on her own terms.
Since forming in 2009, Huntress have emerged as one of metal most exciting new bands. After releasing two EPs, Off with Her Head and Eight of Swords, Huntress gave us their first full-length album, Spell Eater, back in 2012. This was followed by Starbound Beast in 2013 and Static, which was released September of this year.
Earlier this year, Janus revealed she battles bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health issues, plus she underwent a hysterectomy to combat uterine cancer.
Janus maintained that she would write three Huntress albums to complete the trilogy, and now it seems as she's content to move on. In a since-deleted Facebook post this morning, Janus said she's "packing it up," citing her health issues, and calling out internet trolls:
The end. I told ya the Huntress trilogy would fulfill my purpose. I'm packing it up. Maiden, Mother, Crone. I struggle through life with bipolar, schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorders. I beat uterine cancer with a devastating hysterectomy. I will continue to create music. On my terms. F--- the meaningless noise and trolls. My way, forever. Suck it. Done.
Following her successful surgery hysterectomy to battle uterine cancer, Janus continued to suffer from intense pain with her recent return to performing. Under the suggestion of doctors, Huntress removed themselves from a tour with Avatar to allow Janus to rest and heal up.
Huntress most recently performed on Motorhead's Motorboat cruise, and they are currently booked to play six dates with Black Label Society to close out the year. It is unclear whether the band will still be around to honor those dates. To check out the full list of dates, head over to Huntress' official website.
Update, 2:45PM ET: Statement from Guitarist Blake Meahl:
Our vocalist Jill Janus posted an announcement last night that she was having difficulty dealing with devastating health issues. Four months ago she had major surgery to remove cancer from her uterus. She needs time to fully recover from her hysterectomy and to continue treatment for her mental health issues. Her bouts with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and disassociative identity disorder have been particularly difficult lately and are ultimately responsible for her unfounded statement last night.
We will resume touring in December when Huntress joins Black Label Society 12/26-12/31. Thank you for your kindness and understanding. Blake Meahl.
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