By now, many fans of industrial black metal have caught wind of the headline-making news: The Kovenant have officially parted ways with longtime guitarist Jamie “Astennu” Stinson, replacing him with Mayhem’s Charles Hedger, aka Ghul. At first glance, it seemed like just another internal shake-up, the kind that happens in veteran bands who’ve been navigating the stormy seas of the metal world for decades. But scratch beneath the surface, and the story spirals into a far darker reality—one where personal demons didn’t just impact the band, but spilled over into the courtroom.
“It’s Not All Fun and Games”
When frontman Stian “Nagash” Arnesen issued a heartfelt public statement after The Kovenant’s Hellfest 2025 performance, fans were met with sobering honesty. Behind the glossy festival sets and high-energy shows was a group struggling to hold it together. Astennu, once an integral part of the band’s sound and legacy, had become the source of disruption. Nagash described “erratic” behavior, failed attempts at intervention, and repeated breaches of internal agreements regarding sobriety, respect, and professionalism.
But for those following the headlines beyond the metal blogosphere, this announcement came as no surprise. Just a month prior, Astennu had made national news in Australia for breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO).
From Blast Beats to Court Hearings
The story is as distressing as it is tragic. Upon returning from a tour, Astennu reportedly showed up unannounced at his ex-partner’s home in Kiama Downs, banging on the door in an attempt to see his 4-year-old son. While the child wasn’t listed in the AVO, Astennu’s contact with the ex-partner—whom he had previously assaulted while drunk—was in direct violation of the court order. For this breach, he received a $1500 fine and a sharp warning from Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund, who told him he was “getting close” to jail time and reminded him of the importance of being a role model.
The conviction came just a year after his three-year community correction order was issued for the initial assault. While his lawyer tried to frame the incident as a low-level breach stemming from a paternal instinct, the court—and the public—weren’t buying it.
The Exit Was Inevitable
For The Kovenant, the writing was on the wall. What might have seemed like a “behind-the-scenes” issue of professional misbehavior was, in fact, an outgrowth of a deeper personal unraveling. Touring with someone entangled in legal trouble and personal chaos is more than a logistical risk—it’s an emotional and ethical minefield.
And so the band chose to walk forward without him.
Enter: Ghul
To fill the newly-vacant guitarist spot, The Kovenant brought in Charles Hedger, better known in black metal circles as Ghul of Mayhem. With an impressive resume, calm demeanor, and a reputation for both technical prowess and professionalism, Ghul is exactly the kind of stabilizing force the band needs. His involvement not only boosts morale, but sends a message: The Kovenant is serious about turning the page and returning stronger, cleaner, and creatively renewed.
When the Persona Cracks
Astennu’s fall from grace is a harsh reminder of the realities behind the glamor of stage lights and black eyeliner. No amount of corpse paint or mythological stage names can shield a person from the consequences of their actions. The metal community has long been a place that embraces chaos—but even chaos has its limits when it turns abusive and toxic.
The Kovenant’s choice to speak openly about the split and acknowledge the weight of their decision deserves respect. They’ve chosen to stand for something more than just sound—they’re standing for integrity.
And as they move forward into a new era, fans are left with a powerful reminder: the show must go on—but not at any cost.
