The Heretic Order

The Heretic Order

The Heretic Order is a British heavy metal group that forms in London in 2014 and remains active. The band is led by guitarist Danny Felice, also known as Lord Ragnar Wagner, who begins writing its songs in 2013. His material draws on classic 1970s and 1980s metal and on 1970s Hammer horror films.

Style and influences

The group plays classic heavy metal with an emphasis on theatrical presentation, searing riffs and guitar solos. Its sound draws on Mercyful Fate, Black Sabbath, Dio, Motörhead and Angel Witch. The band also uses pagan and satanic themes, but presents them with a stated sense of humour and a focus on performance.

Line-up

The Heretic Order is built around Danny Felice on guitar. The other named members are Stuart Cavilla, also known as Rotted Skull, on bass; Ernie Nogara, also known as Evil E, on drums; and Marcel Contreras Chalk, also known as Count Marcel La Vey, on guitar. Cavilla previously plays with Breed 77, Nogara with Savage Messiah, and Contreras Chalk with Affluenza.

Recordings and live activity

The band records its debut album with assistance from Will Maya, from Breed 77 and Adrian Smith among others, and Danny Felice produces it himself. Its debut video, “Burn Witch Burn”, is inspired by Hammer horror and premieres online before the band’s Bloodstock appearance. The Heretic Order signs to the German label Massacre Records and prepares to release All Hail the Order. The band’s first live show is Black Easter Sunday on 20 April 2014, when it appears as special guests at the London Metal to the Masses competition. It later plays at Bloodstock Festival on the Jägermeister stage and is also scheduled for Hammerfest VII.