Hexenhaus

Hexenhaus is a Swedish thrash metal band formed in 1987 by guitarist Mike Wead, known for his work with Mercyful Fate and King Diamond. The band originally evolved from the speed metal group Maninnya Blade and quickly made a mark with their debut album *A Tribute to Insanity* in 1988. Over time, Hexenhaus incorporated more progressive elements into their sound, notably on their 1991 album *The Edge of Eternity*, while their 1991 release *Awakening* is considered a classic of Swedish thrash metal. After a hiatus beginning in 1992, as Wead pursued other projects like Memento Mori, Hexenhaus made a comeback with the 1997 album *Dejavoodoo*. Their style combines thrash aggression with melodic and progressive touches, earning them a cult following among metal fans.

The band's name, meaning "witch's house" in German, references the Malefizhaus in Bamberg, historically known for witch trials, adding a dark thematic element to their music. Hexenhaus’s sound was influenced by thrash icons like Metallica and Slayer, blended with the dark atmospheres familiar from Mercyful Fate. The lineup has seen various changes over the years, with Mike Wead remaining the core force behind their songwriting. Their work continues to be celebrated in metal circles, with recent reissues of classic albums keeping their legacy alive.