Lauren Hart (heavy metal musician)
Lauren Hart | |
|---|---|
Hart performing with Once Human in 2015 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 8 April 1986 Anaheim, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist[1] |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Labels | |
| Member of | |
| Formerly of | |
Lauren Hart (born 8 April 1986) is an American heavy metal musician, best known as the former lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the American melodic death metal/groove metal band Once Human,[2] and current lead vocalist of the Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy.[3] American heavy metal band Divine Heresy recruited Hart as their vocalist in 2022,[4] but have not released any music since then. Hart's vocal style includes a mixture of growling and clean singing.[5] Hart has appeared on multiple occasions as a guest vocalist for power metal band Kamelot both on stage and in the studio for their 2018 studio album The Shadow Theory.[6]
Early life
Hart was born in Anaheim, California, USA, but was raised in Australia. Shortly before being put in contact with Logan Mader and kickstarting her professional music career, Hart relocated to Los Angeles.[7]
Career
Once Human (2014–2022)
In 2014, music executive and A&R representative Monte Conner discovered Hart via clips uploaded to social media of her performing guitar riffs,[8] and contacted Machine Head guitarist Logan Mader to inquire about a record deal for Hart. This led to the formation of the band Once Human. The band released three studio albums and one live album between 2015 and 2022. Following the release of 2022's Scar Weaver, Once Human appeared to go on an indefinite hiatus, with the band's final social media post being uploaded in December 2022.
Divine Heresy (2022)
On 1 August 2022, Dino Cazares (best known as the guitarist of Fear Factory) announced via Facebook that he was working on new Divine Heresy music with Hart, writing "I'm almost ready to write some new material w/ singer Lauren Hart".[9] However, there has been no news regarding this project since that announcement, and Divine Heresy appears to be on an indefinite hiatus.
Arch Enemy (2026–present)
On 19 February 2026, alongside the release of their single "To the Last Breath", Arch Enemy announced that Hart is the new vocalist of the band, following the departure of their former vocalist Alissa White-Gluz a few months earlier.[10]
Arch Enemy founder and guitarist Michael Amott commented on Hart upon this announcement, saying “Connecting with Lauren has marked an important step in my journey," says Arch Enemy guitarist and band leader Michael Amott. "Working with her was an exceptional experience - her remarkable voice, coupled with her dedication and professionalism, brings a rare level of excellence. I look forward to continuing the collaboration!".[11]
Discography
Once Human
- 2015 – The Life I Remember
- 2017 – Evolution
- 2018 – Stage of Evolution (live album)
- 2022 – Scar Weaver
Arch Enemy
- 2026 – "To the Last Breath" (single)
Guest appearances
- 2018 – The Shadow Theory (tracks 2, 9, 12) – Kamelot
- 2018 – Repulsion for Humanity (track 7) – Sinsaenum
- 2020 – I Am the Empire – Live from the 013 (track 2) – Kamelot
- 2024 – Warp Speed Warriors (backing vocals) – DragonForce
References
- ^ "Lauren Hart: Once Human – interview". Lithium Magazine. 11 February 2022.
- ^ "Once Human - Artists". earmusic.com. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Arch Enemy". centurymedia.com. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Lauren Hart (Once Human) is The New Singer of Divine Heresy, According to Dino Cazares". Ghost Cult Magazine. 3 August 2022.
- ^ "Once Human Interview". Sonic Cathedral. 11 July 2015.
- ^ "Kamelot - The Shadow Theory (Album Review)". metalmasterkingdom.com. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Once Human Interview". soniccathedral.com. 11 July 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Lauren Hart – Once Human". femmemetalwebzine.net. 19 October 2015.
- ^ "Fear Factory's Dino Cazares Recruits Once Human's Lauren Hart For Divine Heresy Project". blabbermouth.net. 2 August 2022.
- ^ "Arch Enemy's New Singer is An Australian Metal Hero". wallofsoundau.com. 20 February 2026.
- ^ ""Make no mistake - this song is a reckoning." After much anticipation (and some bogus rumours), the new singer for metal veterans Arch Enemy has been revealed - alongside pulverising new single To The Last Breath". loudersound.com. 19 February 2026.