This split arrives not long after Haunted Horses released their newest record, Dweller, which we explored in our special feature back on January 14th. Seattle’s industrial-punk trio doesn’t just compose and play—they construct experiences that edge into the hypnagogic. With Dweller, the band plunges deeper into psychological trenches, pushing themes of transformation, dread, and the obliteration of the ego.
Recorded by Robert Cheek at ExEx Studios and mastered by Eric Broyhill, Dweller was released through the California label Three One G Records, marking another restless chapter for Haunted Horses. The album is unsettling, almost uncomfortable to listen to, yet it transports the listener into an otherworldly realm—somewhere between grimy, underground hardcore punk and the shadowy smoothness of alt jazz experimentalists. It’s dark, bordering on diabolical, while hinting at flashes of light.
Now, Haunted Horses are pairing up with Facet for a new split 12″ that drops on February 7th via Hex Records, and today we’re stoked to give you an early listen of the full thing below!
On one side is Haunted Horses, coming straight off their Dweller sessions and incorporating material from when they recorded The Worst Has Already Happened. Originally formed as a duo of Dawson (vocals, electronics) and drummer Myke Pelly, they’ve expanded to include bassist Brian McClelland (Filth Is Eternal), delivering pulverizing low end beneath their harsh industrial punk.
Pulsing screeches clash with eerie sound textures and a pounding, relentless rhythm. It’s noisy and oppressive, but the songs hide under the grime for those who want something forward-thinking in their punk.
Oakland’s Facet takes the flip side. They emerged in 2019, wasted no time recording a demo, touring, and then releasing their debut LP through Hex Records in 2023. Extensive touring has shaped the five new tracks on this split into some of the band’s heaviest work yet. Facet captures the odd melody and moody edge of bands like Unwound and Quicksand, then drenches it all in waves of distortion and feedback.
Their debut LP felt polished, but here they push grit and aggression to the limit. In February, they’ll set out for another US tour, this time supporting Whores.
This release also stands out thanks to its packaging. True to the style of previous Hex splits, artist Paul Rentler designed patterned visuals for a jacket that’s then wrapped in a die-cut ‘mask’—a horse for Haunted Horses on one side, and a duck (Facet’s chosen mascot) on the other.
The back of each mask includes lyrics and credits, working like an ‘outsert’ instead of a traditional insert. Two color variants of vinyl match the artwork’s color schemes, tying the entire project together.
It’s a strange, menacing, industrial, and punishing affair—heavy yet oddly captivating. Facet’s side hits harder with more aggression and dynamic force, while Haunted Horses supply a deeper, nightmarish vibe.
They complement each other in ways that fans of forward-thinking industrial punk and post-hardcore—somewhere between Unwound, Quicksand, Nine Inch Nails, and Skinny Puppy—will probably find worth exploring.
Catch FACET live at the following shows with WHORES:
Feb 08 – Atlanta, GA: The Earl (NO FACET)
Feb 14 – Little Rock, AR: White Water
Feb 15 – Oklahoma City, OK: Blue Note
Feb 16 – Kansas City, MO: Record Bar
Feb 18 – Denver, CO: Hi-Dive
Feb 19 – Salt Lake City, UT: Urban Lounge
Feb 21 – Portland, OR: Mississippi Studios
Feb 22 – Seattle, WA: El Corazon
Feb 24 – Oakland, CA: Stork Club
Feb 26 – Los Angeles, CA: The Echo
Feb 27 – San Diego, CA: Casbah
Feb 28 – Phoenix, AZ: Last Exit
Mar 01 – Albuquerque, NM: Sister
Mar 03 – Ft. Collins, CO: The Aggie Theater
Mar 05 – Omaha, NE: The Slowdown
Mar 06 – Minneapolis, MN: Zhora Darling
Mar 07 – Milwaukee, WI: X-ray Arcade
Mar 08 – Chicago, IL: Sleeping Village
Mar 10 – Indianapolis, IN: Black Circle
Mar 11 – Detroit, MI: Sanctuary
Mar 13 – Toronto, ON: Lee’s Palace
Mar 14 – Ottawa, ON: Dominion
Mar 15 – Montreal, QC: Foufounes Electriques
Mar 17 – Braintree, MA: Widowmaker Brewing
Mar 18 – Brooklyn, NY: TV Eye
Mar 19 – Philadelphia, PA: MilkBoy
Mar 21 – Chesapeake, VA: Riffhouse
