One of These Nights...: An Interview with Blake Judd (Nachtmystium)
The opening track to one of Nachtmystium’s most well-regarded albums, 2008’s Assassins: Black Meddle, Part I, contains only one lyrical line: “One of these nights, I’m going to fucking die.” Though when it was written it was an homage to Pink Floyd, that phrase could easily apply to the lifestyle frontman Blake Judd was living not too long after the album’s release. The U.S. black metal legends ascended from the underground Chicago scene to sign with Century Media Records, only to see the bottom fall out due to a number of controversies connected to Blake’s heroin addiction. Judd would eventually be arrested for theft, dropped from Century Media, living in and out of homeless shelters and on the streets of Chicago at the absolute low point of his addiction. A number of questionable decisions connected to merchandise purchased by fans that was never delivered spurred more negative media attention to both Blake and the band, which at this point had ceased operations. On the day Judd decided to check himself into rehab after living on the street and ripping off drug dealers, he recalls being robbed at gunpoint of every last possession he had. And had he not gotten that help eventually, his opening words from Assassins would have been prophetic.
Now about a decade after these events, Blake seems to have gotten the kind of help he needed to treat his addiction and now maintains a “California sober” lifestyle. Though there have been missteps along the way, he says that he has taken steps to make amends with friends, family, fans, and fellow musicians to atone for his mistakes from the past. Nachtmystium has been revived as well, as the band was a surprise addition to this year’s Milwaukee Metalfest, playing two sets across the weekend. I had a chance to speak with Blake there, amongst other fans who all shared a common sentiment to him: “We’re happy you’re alive.” I sat down with Blake to talk about his journey to where he is today, and a number of other topics, including:
- getting back on stage during Milwaukee Metalfest, Jamey Jasta’s role in making it happen, his thoughts on the band’s performance, and how he pulled it all together in just eight weeks.
- his reservations about playing live, interactions with fans during the festival, our conversation at the merch stand, and the positive nature of it all.
- his journey towards recovery from heroin addiction, living on the streets of Chicago, tragic events that triggered relapses, and how he helps people who reach out to him about recovery and addiction.
- the future of Nachtmystium and the potential for more shows, plans for an Assassins 20th anniversary tour in 2028, and possible festival appearances.
- how he has tried to make amends with those he has hurt in the past with his actions to those around him and reflections about what he has learned about himself throughout the entire ordeal.
You can watch the entire interview HERE:
Though the controversies of the past should not be forgotten or condoned, in speaking with Blake, he acknowledges the wrongs and a willingness to move forward with his life without making excuses for his past behavior, trying to make fans from the past whole along the way. It’s clear that the mistakes he made have caused him to reflect and carry himself in a more humble manner, and above all, he is happy to have cleaned himself up and remain alive throughout the entire ordeal. Not everyone who falls into drug addiction gets a second chance at life – I’m excited and optimistic to see what Blake does with his.
For updates regarding Nachtmystium and further shows and new music, stay tuned to their website linked below.
Nachtmystium
