BAND BIO
THE INCEPTION
Driving music, powerful vocals, and unforgettable hooks of The Haunted North merged in the band’s debut release, Monster. Randy V and Canadian guitarist Sean Francis, along with ‘JD’ DeServio and Jeff Fabb (Black Label Society), created crushing groove rock as fresh as it is familiar.
Monster has the impact of a steamroller… straightforward, raw, with no pretense. It incites a marching sensation you’re compelled to give in to. The memorials, “Body & Soul” and “Without a Dawn” correspond solidly with the project’s brand; moving and moody.
The opening track (Mojave Moon) originated from hallucinations induced by hours of blistering heat as Randy rode his motorcycle across the Mojave Desert in the middle of July. The other songs, seething with an attitude about determining one’s fate, challenging religious dogma, battling with codependency, and deciding how one lives and dies… are all in your face and undeniable.
Sean & Randy
Jeff, Randy, JD & Sean
The THN single "Body & Soul" came about because of a fated meeting between Randy and the mother of Layne Staley (Alice In Chains). Her story inspired Randy to write tribute lyrics. Shortly after that, he and guitarist Sean Francis met at a Black Label Society concert in Seattle. Randy mentioned he was looking for music and the two were off and running.
In 2017, Sean asked bassist ‘JD’ DeServio and drummer Jeff Fabb to lay down tracks for Monster. They agreed and the pair began writing in February of 2017. Sean sums up the project, “The winds of fate were working their magic when a small-town Canadian kid and an American badass singer happened to be at the same place, at the same time, with the same ideas and work ethics, and wanting the same things to happen. It was a perfect storm.”
2016 Grammy nominee Justin Shturtz (Shinedown & Slipknot) put the final mastering touches on Monster and world-class illustrator Rob Prior created the cover, making this product polished and ready for immediate distribution.
The honesty of THN’s overall concept “to simply be” is clearly heard on Monster and Randy relates, “We don’t need to prove ourselves to anyone. These songs are raw, honest, hard-hitting, and undeniably relevant. Sean has written some truly great riffs and it’s been an honor working with JD and Jeff. They are true pros and exceptional players.”
The Haunted North stands out because, in a world where it’s all been done before, these men maintain their identities. That rare, pure authenticity is at the heart of their music.
THEN
Driving with the raw energy of classic hard rock, The Haunted North pour their souls into creating authentic, original, and intense rock anthems, and paving the way for a brand new era of indie.
Bringing together the talent and passion of frontman Randy V and lead guitarist Sean Francis 2019 sees the band welcome in a fresh set of ears and equally impressive musicianship, with newly joining merciless bass-player Troy James welcomed into the brotherhood.
Already boasting a plethora of original releases to their name, The Haunted North is a trio born and bred to keep groove metal alive and kicking. Their stunning album ‘Monster’ pours through with every bit of intensity, poetic angst, and musical brilliance, as any of the great power metal releases of a simpler time. The same is true of the riff-heavy boldness and weight of their follow-up crushing singles, and the deeply provocative new single "The Beast" (Sept. 22, 2025)
On top of quality songwriting and compelling storytelling, the band’s EP 'LiT' (Live in Toledo) openly showcases the unquestionable fact that this is an act with absolutely nothing to hide. Their live shows are as intense and memorable as their music, and a great deal more immersive. The energy and skill they deliver make for an unmissable show that well and truly deserves its place within the modern rock world.
Their new single, "The Beast", featuring Black Label Society's Jeff Fabb on drums, is creating quite the buzz - The Haunted North are rightly on track to hit the music scene once again with power, precision and absolute passion.
While this is far from the beginning of their journey, it’s undoubtedly the start of an epic new chapter.