Ashes of Billy is currently the biggest “prodigy” story in the Danish rock and metal scene. Based in Roskilde, this teenage trio has taken the country by storm with a sound that blends 90s Seattle grunge with modern punk and heavy metal. Despite their young age (the members are currently between 16 and 17), they have already performed on major stages like Copenhell and NorthSide.
Band Overview
- Origin: Roskilde, Denmark
- Formed: 2022
- Genre: Grunge / Alternative Metal / Punk
- Label: Prime Collective
- Current Members:
- Daniel Aabenhus Hermann: Vocals, Guitar
- Anton Stampe: Bass
- Johan Borgaa: Drums
History & Rapid Rise
The band’s origin story is almost cinematic: Daniel and Johan met by chance in a music store in Malmö in 2020 and began jamming in a garage. In 2022, Anton joined on bass, and they officially became Ashes of Billy.
Their breakthrough came incredibly fast. They caught the attention of legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica’s Master of Puppets), who worked on their early material. Within two years of forming, they went from playing local hobby shows to being featured in Classic Rock Magazine and having their singles placed in high rotation on national radio (MyRock).
The “New Hope” of 2026
Gaffa and other major Danish music media have tipped Ashes of Billy as the breakout name for 2026. Having spent 2025 supporting massive acts like Ugly Kid Joe, Siamese, and Psyched Up Janis, they are now entering their first major headlining era.
Upcoming Releases & Tour (2026)
The band has been releasing a steady stream of high-impact singles (such as “Bleed” and “Never Gonna Get Me”) throughout late 2025, leading into a massive year for 2026.
Notable 2026 Tour Dates:
- March 13: Stars, Vordingborg
- March 27: Tapperiet, Køge
- April 10: Paletten, Viborg
- April 18: Lille VEGA, Copenhagen
- April 24: HeadQuarters, Aarhus
- June 4-6: NorthSide Festival, Aarhus
Musical Style
They are frequently compared to the “young versions” of Dizzy Mizz Lizzy or Silverchair. While their heart is in the grunge of the 90s (Nirvana, Soundgarden), they inject a level of technical metal proficiency—specifically in Daniel’s guitar work—that sets them apart from typical indie-rock bands.
Fun Fact: During their 2025 Copenhell performance, the crowd was so impressed that the band received a standing ovation from the entire breakfast buffet area the next morning at their hotel—a moment that has become part of their local lore.
These videos give a great overview of why they are being called the “new hope” of the Danish scene for 2026!
Here are 5 live performances from Ashes of Billy, showcasing their high-energy sound at major festivals and intimate studio sessions:
- Live @ Copenhell 2025 – “Rediscover”Watch them command a massive crowd at Denmark’s premier metal festival. This performance highlights their transition from a “garage band” to a major stage act.
- Baum Sessions – “Something About Your Smile”A high-quality studio live session that captures the band’s technical precision and their 90s-influenced alternative rock vibe.
- Baum Sessions – “Don’t Let Go”Another session from Baum Guitars, focusing on their melodic sensibilities and raw vocal delivery.
- Live in Denmark (Nov 2025) – “The Right Place”A more recent fan-captured video from their November 2025 tour, showing their growth and tighter performance after a long year of touring.
- Live @ Copenhell 2025 – “Burned Out”A raw look at their debut at Copenhell, specifically the track “Burned Out,” which has become a staple of their live set.