Headkase

Lore & Background

Headkase formed in early 2000 in Brisbane, Queensland, and self-released a demo/EP titled The Beginning. They opened for touring acts such as Hed PE, Killing Joke, Skinlab, Jerk, Blood Duster, Devolved, and Testeagles. Their demo/EP The Worm County Circus was released in early 2009 and was well received outside Australia, with US magazine Infernal Masquerade describing it as 'one of the most interesting albums of this year.' The band's 2010 Australian tour brought them to Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, performing alongside Todd Hansen's Adelaide-based band KcaveMen in every city.

Reader's Guide

Headkase's significance lies in their eclectic fusion of metal, jazz, techno, salsa, swing, and circus music, which set them apart in the Australian underground scene. Their theatrical stage shows, complete with circus-themed masks and facepaint, drew comparisons to Mr. Bungle and earned them a dedicated following. The band's album The Worm County Circus garnered international praise, and their appearances on compilations such as Generation Dead: A Compilation from the Dark Side of Music and Devolution Magazine: Essential Summer Listening extended their reach. Though they disbanded in 2014 for unknown reasons, former members continued in music and performance: drummer Todd Hansen joined Melbourne outfit King Parrot, vocalist Nathan 'Nutty' Spotswood moved to Melbourne, and keyboardist Brett Hansen runs a puppet show business called Larrikin Puppets in Brisbane. The band's Facebook page continued to publish posts as of 2019, maintaining a presence for fans.

Did You Know?

• The band's 2010 Australian tour included performances with Todd Hansen's Adelaide-based band KcaveMen in every city.
• Headkase appeared on the compilation Generation Dead: A Compilation from the Dark Side of Music in 2010.