In 2014, there were a lot of allegations regarding Nachtmystium's Blake Judd ripping off his bandmates and fans alike. The whole thing culminated with Nachtmystium releasing one more album and calling it quits, more allegations flying and Century Media helping out fans any way they could.
Judd disappeared and there were rumors that he had gone to rehab. He said he was going to as well, but if you've ever dealt with an addict in your life then you know just how much that statement really means. Now Judd has resurfaced and, from what he says, he's actually gone to rehab, has a job and won't be doing music anymore.
"I went to rehab (somehow, I survived) and now live in another state, have been sober for a few months, am employed and have absolutely nothing to do with music anymore nor do I wish to. My girlfriend has nothing to do with drugs at all or metal at all, so you're barking up the wrong tree there. She knows all about all of this though and understands that it all happened and it is what it is. Today I am just trying to be healthy and happy and the farthest thing from the person I used to be, taking it one day at a time. I am truly sorry for anyone who fell victim to my behavior when I was in the throes of addiction, and when I am capable of making amends to those people, I will. Harassing me or my loved ones here will do nothing to fix anything. Fortunately I survived and I intend on doing the right thing in places where I did wrong in the past. That's all I have to say. Direct anything any of you want to say at me. Don't bother other people who have nothing to do with any of this."
So hey, if this is all true, then that's great. Good on Blake Judd for getting his shit together. It's not an easy road to go down at all and the other side is worth it, if you can make it that far.
Some fans are still understandably upset and got on his case for ripping them off, and Judd offered this response to one fan:
"You are really smart. Did you know that? When I am capable means when I am capable. I am not going to promise anyone anything when I dont have the means to follow through on it. Right now, I dont have those means. You have no idea what Im coming back from, kid. And if I wasnt who I am, you wouldn't care nor would anyone else. Every junkie lies, cheats and steals from someone….I'm no different. Not pretending to be. But what I'm not today is full of shit. And I'd be full of shit to say I am going to start paying back debts when I don't have the ability to do it. My road back to normalcy is going to be a long one. Some day though, I will do something with the list I have compiled of the people whom I owe money to for merch. Until then, yeah, it'll be 'when Im capable'."
He certainly has a large hill to climb. Photos on his personal page, seen above, show a much happier, and healthier Blake.
[via Lambgoat]
