ITP V.026 ONLY ONE PER COFFIN: R.I.P. CJ HERNA (FORMER VOCALIST NOVEMBERS DOOM)

 

 

 

 CJ HERNA , former vocalist of Chicago, Illinois doom metal warriors NOVEMBERS DOOM passed away 11/18/2024, no cause of death has been given. 

 

 

 

 

 

FROM NOVEMBERS DOOM: 

 

Time passes by, we get busy, life throws obstacles and challenges, and our focus shifts. We forget to check in with friends, and months can pass. Months turn into years, and then you find news that hits with instant regret.

We collectively as Novembers Doom recently learned that original member CJ Hejna has passed away.

When Steve Nicholson and I started this band in the late ‘80s, I went to a local opera performance with a high school friend to watch his girlfriend perform. That was the first night I met CJ, and her voice stunned me.

After her performance I pulled her aside and said, “I have an idea, and it involves REALLY heavy metal and that opera style voice!” She wasn’t quite sure what to think, but a squinty-eyed, half-smile grin got me a response of “Sounds like chaos! I’m in!” And just like that, we had a beauty to my beast.

CJ’s talent graced us on Amid Its Hallowed Mirth, “Of Sculptured Ivy and Stone Flowers,” as well as the 3-song EP For Every Leaf That Falls, and our tribute to Ozzy, “Revelation (Mother Earth).”

She stepped away for personal reasons during the years that followed, and when she was ready to return, we would talk.

Talk we did. A lesser known fact — CJ’s return was to be on the album The Pale Haunt Departure. Sadly, those demons returned, and her personal well-being meant more.

As time went on, we kept in touch. I would visit her from time to time, and one day, as no one ever expects, was the last time I saw or spoke to her.

Years have passed once again — sadly many more this time — and now we’ve learned she’s no longer with us.

CJ holds a very special place in my heart. She believed in my crazy idea, and not only embraced it, but encouraged it. She had amazing ideas, a brilliant mind, and an aura that lit up a room when she entered it. Maybe it was that fire red hair, or the free-spirited, barefoot charm. We all loved her in our own ways.

Cathy Jo, I know this is late, but goodnight my muse. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye.

Paul

Novembers Doom

 

 

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal\m/ R.I.P.