At 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Foundry, local metal band the Jötunn will host the inaugural Jötunn Winternights, an event inspired by the ancient Norse Vetrnætr (Winter Nights) and Jól (Yule). Band leader Paul Kahan says it’s something he’s wanted to do for years now.
“I’ve always wanted to create something that brought heavy music, great food, and a unique theme together,” he says via an email exchange. “Years ago, I helped orchestrate bringing [the now-shuttered eatery] Noodlecat to [the local music venue] Peabody’s for metal shows, which was such a cool experience. This time, I wanted the food to actually complement the night. I drew inspiration from Vetrnætr (Winter Nights) and Jól (Yule), both of which celebrate community, feasting, and honoring the winter season. A Norse/pagan theme paired with giant turkey legs just felt like the perfect fit.”
He says the annual Chimaira Christmas shows also provided an inspiration.
“One thing that really bummed me out this year was learning that Chimaira Christmas wouldn’t be continuing,” he says. “I always loved that Cleveland had this big winter metal celebration to look forward to. Eventually I just thought, ‘Fuck it, why not do it myself?’ Maybe it won’t last as long or be as iconic, but it genuinely comes from a place of love for this community.”
A special menu will feature smoked turkey legs, and the décor will include lanterns, trees, art pieces, and “a handful of surprises.”
“The goal is full immersion,” says Kahan. “Let’s see if we can pull it off.
The show also serves as a release party for the band’s new album, which includes tracks recorded over the past few years by different lineups. Kahan says the process of putting the release together was “therapeutic.”
“One major shift for us was letting go of the idea that the album had to come from one specific moment in time,” says Kahan. “We’ve changed a lot as a band over the last two years, and we didn’t want to hide that evolution. These songs were recorded under completely different circumstances and phases of life for the band, and putting them together shows a clear evolution in our sound. Part I captures a very specific moment, while all three songs on Part II were recorded at milestone points for us. It feels like we’re presenting a real history of the band and closing a chapter as we move forward with our current lineup.”
The album includes a cover of “Suicide Nation” by the metal band At the Gates.
“[At the Gates’] Slaughter of the Soul is a hugely important album for us, and losing Tomas around the time we were working on this was a real gut punch. Sharing that song with a younger audience has been incredibly meaningful — it’s truly a privilege to play such a powerful piece of music.”
Five of the six songs were recorded in Cleveland with former guitarist, Cole Martinez. The final track was the first time recording without him; the group recorded it in Michigan with Josh Wickman (Within the Ruins, King 810). Part I was mixed and mastered by Henrik Udd (Architects, Bring Me the Horizon, Imminence) in Sweden. Martinez mixed and mastered both “Suicide Nation” and “Bloodflower,” and Wickman handled everything on the last track.
“The album was shaped in Ohio, Michigan, and Sweden — a pretty wild and meaningful blend,” says Kahan.
The artwork was created by Miyuki Morris, an artist out of Columbus, OH.
“I’m a huge fan of her work and have several of her pieces in my home,” says Kahan. “Part I is a three-part story, and Miyuki took that concept and crafted a stunning snapshot within that narrative. It’s a beautiful piece that captures the spirit of the album perfectly.”
The show will also feature the local group Years of Fire, and Jötunn’s bassist Londyn Snow will play with them alongside his father, Jason Hager (Spineshank guitarist and Chimaira co-founder).
“Sharing the stage with musicians who helped shape Cleveland metal history is going to be incredible,” says Kahan. “I’ve been going to Years of Fire shows since I was 14, and now I’m 36. It’s surreal.”
The bill also features Sterilizing the Deceased, a local deathcore band fronted by Angelo Vespucci.
“Alex Phillips and other insanely talented musicians round out the lineup,” says Kahan. “Their latest album is one of the strongest Cleveland metal releases in recent memory — it’s been on constant rotation for me.”
Lower 13, a group that Kahan describes as “a ridiculously skilled trio blending System of a Down, Gojira, and thrash influences,” and Chalked, a band that plays “a killer mix of hardcore and metal,” will also perform.
“I’ve known some of the members for years, and it’s awesome seeing them step into the spotlight,” Kahan says of Chalked. “I expect big things from them.”
Jade Ring (alter‑ego of Christopher Marinin, frontman of The Missing and bassist of ZuP) will spin house music between each band.
“[Marinin] has been a close friend for years, and it’s incredibly cool to bring him in for this,” says Kahan. “He’s an amazingly talented artist, and as a fan of his work, I’m genuinely excited to see what he brings to the night.”
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