Time molds sound. Thirty years in, Will Haven knows the weight of sonic legacy. With the release of their vinyl-exclusive retrospective LP, No Stars To Guide Me: 30 Years Of WHVN, they carve out a moment to look back at the noise that shaped them, but also mark new territory.
The Sacramento-based hardcore outfit has never been about comfort—they are dark, brooding, relentless, and more than anything, honest.
This isn’t just an anniversary release for nostalgic value. The tracks collected on No Stars To Guide Me trace Will Haven’s evolution, not by presenting a linear story but through the dissonance that characterizes each record. From “Choke” off their self-titled debut to the 2024 single “KIRE,” the album bridges both the raw aggression of their early years and the atmospheric weight that has become more prevalent in their recent work.
“KIRE,” the brand-new track, stands out. Described by guitarist Jeff Irwin as a piece that bridges old and new, it’s more than a single; it’s a glimpse into the unknown future of the band. Irwin admits, “Even as an original member of the band, I have no idea how our sound will continue to evolve from here on out.” It’s a statement of creative freedom—an acceptance of chaos and change that has always defined Will Haven’s sonic journey.
While the LP delivers a retrospective look at the band’s legacy, it doesn’t shy away from the evolution. From the visceral punch of “I’ve Seen My Fate” to the haunting weight of “No Stars to Guide Me,” each track represents a piece of the band’s defiance against being boxed into any singular form of hardcore.
What’s compelling about Will Haven is their ability to stay grounded while pushing boundaries. Their sound, described by Kerrang as “the antithesis of easy listening,” is not for casual consumption. It demands attention, emotional investment, and a willingness to confront the discomfort of the world they create. And perhaps that’s why they’ve never broken into the mainstream in a conventional sense—they’ve never pandered to it. The cult following they’ve amassed over the decades isn’t built on radio play or major label support, but on the integrity of their sound and the fierce loyalty of their fanbase.
The band’s live energy remains a crucial part of their story. Upcoming shows, including a performance at The Troubadour on October 19th with Barbarians of California, Strife, and Berthold City, will undoubtedly continue to solidify their place in the hardcore pantheon. Not to mention their confirmed appearance at Copenhell in Denmark next summer—a testament to their continued relevance on an international scale.
As they prepare for the release of their eighth studio album in 2025, Will Haven shows no signs of slowing down. The retrospective isn’t a closing chapter—it’s a reminder of where they’ve been as they step into whatever comes next.
