Henry Derek Elis’ origins are about as strange as his career in the music business. Raised by his grandmother, Henry grew up next to Central State Hospital, once known as the largest psychiatric facility in the world. Throughout his childhood, Henry observed the ravages of illness, addiction and suicide first hand.

Henry came to prominence upon moving to Atlanta, playing in mostly rock and metal bands before joining The Sweet Meat Love & Holy Cult, a folk collective with legendary artist Jarboe (formerly of the influential band Swans) This inspired him to create acoustic-based folk music under the moniker: To The Boy Elis, a reference from the work of Austrian born poet, Georg Trakl.

He eventually moved to Los Angeles and recorded demos with various bands, including members of Gorgoroth, Type O Negative and Anthrax. In 2013 he joined the band Scar The Martyr with drummer Joey Jordison of Slipknot fame. After releasing one album on Roadrunner Records, Henry went on to help form the thrash metal band Act Of Defiance, featuring former members of Megadeth and Shadows Fall.

The full length album “The Devil Is My Friend” featuring contributions from Aubrey Richmond & John Schreffler Jr. (Shooter Jennings), Jarboe (Swans), Tara Vanflower (Lycia) Neal Tiemann (DevilDriver) Sera Timms (Black Mare) and more.

Track list: 1. No Skin 2. The Devil Is My Friend 3. What’s Left Of Us 4. Sing For The Dead Man 5. Weeping Willow 6. Corpse Carver 7. If It’s Not Too Late 8. Only Bones 9. M.O.M. 10. Graveyard Country Blues |

Artwork by Travis Smith (Opeth).

Recorded in Los Angeles, Produced by: Steve White & HDE at Red Light Studios. Mastered by: James Murphy at Safehouse Studios.