In 2002, Sacramento-based post-hardcore misfits Will Haven disbanded after vocalist Grady Avenell left in order to focus on his education and raising a family. It seemed like a "forever" type of thing – no more Will Haven for the masses who loved them. But in 2005, to the surprise and pleasure of their fans, the band regrouped, with Avenell on board, and began recording new songs.

Unfortunately, history had repeated itself. Avenell left again in 2007, only to be replaced by Red Tape's frontman Jeff Jaworski as Will Haven's new singer. While this shift may have made skeptics out of their followers, throwing Jaworski into the mix seemed only a natural step. Natural because, on 1999's WHVN, the band named a song after him, appropriately titled "Jaworski" (he was guitarist Jeff Irwin's tech guy at the time). And now, after signing to Indie record label Bieler Bros., Will Haven, whose lineup consists of Jaworski, Irwin, bassist Mike Martin, and Mitch Wheeler on drums, has released The Hierophant.

The album opens with the chiming "Grey Sky at Night," a one-minute plus atmospheric new-age instrumental, that leads into the brutish number "King's Cross." Jaworski's vocals on "King's Cross" are gruff and aggressive, and often. He is backed up perfectly by a salvo of intense sludge guitars that grind against hammering drums, further proving they are a force to be reckoned with. This tyrannical styling is used by Will Haven throughout The Hierophant, especially on the track "Skinner," a threatening number that is hasty, sinister, and heavy.

While some efforts come out disastrous after a beloved act reunites, The Hierophant is a great first effort after the band dropped out of the scene for three years. It may not be up to par with Will Haven's former discs, but the record is definitely something worth slamming to.