In a revealing new interview with music writer Joel Gausten, Huntress frontwoman Jill Janus discusses a variety of topics including her band's new album Static, her various mental health issues (including schizophrenia) and the public's response to revelations regarding her past as “Penelope Tuesdae,” a topless DJ and Playboy model. An excerpt from the chat appears below:

Joel: Which song on the album was the most cathartic for you to write? Which track was the most difficult to create in terms of expressing what you wanted to with your lyrics?

Jill Janus: "'Mania' was probably the most cathartic. It’s inspired by my intense bipolar mania, which nearly killed the band. This particular disorder has affected [guitarist] Blake Meahl the most. He’s the closest to me and has pulled me out of the deepest, darkness caves of my insanity. I wrote it for him, really."

Joel: It's clear that music has helped you overcome some of the issues you experience in your private life. What are some other ways you are able to find peace when things become difficult?

Jill Janus: "Cognitive behavioral therapy is a great tool, getting me out of potentially bad situations before they start. I’m also medicated. Some people try to avoid meds, but I have no other choice. I will be on psychiatric medication for the rest of my life. Luckily, it’s finally stabilized me after 20 years of trying."

Joel: What advice would you offer someone – especially a younger listener – who might be facing or acknowledging his or her own mental issues for the first time?

Jill Janus: "I’m not one to give advice; I’m still figuring it out! But one thing that is vital to my existence is sobriety. I am a raging lunatic if I drink or abuse substances. I have come close to being arrested, and drinking has caused me to be placed on 5150 holds in county psych wards. However, I’m not a purist because I do smoke marijuana to ease acute anxiety and drink the occasional shot of  Jägermeister, the only liquor I will ever enjoy again. Huntress is partnered with Jäger Music for a reason. It’s not only a great sponsorship; I find a shot of Jäger medicinal after a show. I found out what works for me, but I know many people with duel diagnoses like alcoholism and mental illness, and the only thing that works is strict sobriety."

Joel: Your past as “Penelope Tuesdae” has been covered quite a bit in the music press in recent years – with some of it being rather condescending and sexist. How do you respond to those Metal fans who might negatively judge this era of your life and pass Huntress over as a result?

Jill Janus: "I don’t respond to them ever! I keep my goals away from trolls. Sensationalism has always followed me. I chose to share very personal struggles when we completed the third album, Static. I have calculated my moves since the beginning of Huntress, all of the albums leading to the absolute truth. Penelope Tuesdae became another identity – not a persona, an identity that replaced me for years living in New York City. She made choices I never would have, the most brutal is coming out of a manic state to discover I had breast implants. I don’t remember the surgery, payment, nothing that had happened a month earlier. I did have friends looking after me; I call them 'keepers' who remember details, but I’m uncontrollable when I want something. My family took me home; I spent time in Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY. I was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder [DID] and schizoaffective disorder, which developed into schizophrenia. I’m an uncommon success story; I’ve survived with no health insurance for most of my life in the worst possible mental states. But music has always brought me back to sanity, even if it’s fleeting."

The complete interview is available at this location.

Huntress released their third studio album, Static, via Napalm Records on September 25th. The band’s new music video for the album’s lead track, “Sorrow”, can be seen below. The video was written and directed by Phil Mucci (Disturbed, Stone Sour, High On Fire), produced by Phil Mucci and Ian Mackay of Diabolik.

Static was produced by Paul Fig (Alice In Chains, Trivium, Ghost) and Jim Rota (Fireball Ministry), engineered and mixed by Paul Fig.

Vocalist Jill Janus comments: "The evolution of Huntress bleeds into Static our third and most prolific album. It is the heaviest and catchiest record we've written. The process of writing and recording was new and exciting, at times very difficult for all involved, having to record in between relentless touring. Never have I been so honest in my approach to songwriting; I reveal life-long personal obstacles that I previously feared weaving into my lyrics. I'm so pleased to reveal the cover art for Static by my treasured art warlock Vance Kelly. Hail Heavy Metal!"

Static tracklisting:

“Sorrow”
“Flesh”
“Brian”
“I Want To Wanna Wake Up”
“Mania”
“Four Blood Moons”
“Static”
“Harsh Times On Planet Stoked”
“Noble Savage”
“Fire In My Heart”
“Black Tongue” (bonus track)
“Vultures Can Wait” (7" vinyl exclusive) (bonus track)

Audio teaser:

“Flesh” video: