ST. LOUIS — LVX, the new project led by former 3TEETH and Lesser Key drummer Justin Hanson, is carving out a distinct lane in alternative music with a fusion of progressive rock, electronic ambience and industrial intensity.
Formed in St. Louis after Hanson returned from Los Angeles in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic, LVX brings together a lineup that includes former Tool bassist Paul D’Amour alongside musicians Garrett Smith, Adrian Brown and William Smith. Hanson said the project represents both a personal and artistic transformation after years spent primarily behind the drum kit.
“I decided that being a lead singer was going to be my role moving forward instead of just a drummer,” Hanson said.
The shift came after a near-fatal car accident in 2022 that left Hanson rebuilding much of his body and reevaluating his creative direction. The experience sparked what he describes as a spiritual transformation that ultimately shaped the vision behind LVX.
The band has already released two singles, “Writhe” and “Hexer,” accompanied by visually driven music videos directed by artists including Astrid Gnosis and Mysticult. A third single, “Supplicant,” is scheduled for release ahead of the band’s upcoming six-song EP, “evildœr.”
While Hanson’s résumé includes touring and recording work with industrial metal act 3TEETH and Lesser Key — the latter featuring D’Amour, known for his work with Tool and Ministry — he emphasized that LVX is a fully realized artistic statement of its own.
“We are sonically doing stuff differently than everyone else by having a hybrid sound of traditional prog rock and electronic ambience and industrial grit,” Hanson said.
The project also embraces emerging technologies in its creative process, particularly in visual production. Hanson said the band sees artificial intelligence as a tool for expanding artistic possibilities rather than something to resist.
“We want to use the technology for our music videos to capture more surreal atmospheres for the listener,” he said.
That experimental approach aligns with LVX’s broader ambition: creating immersive experiences that extend beyond music alone. Hanson said the band hopes listeners engage with both the sonic and visual dimensions of the project as a transformative experience.
Despite challenges facing the music industry in the post-pandemic era, Hanson remains optimistic about the future of independent artists and alternative music.
“The old networks are gone,” he said. “We’re looking to invent a new niche in alternative music.”
Looking ahead, Hanson envisions LVX expanding into film, television and video game soundtracks while building a touring presence and releasing additional records.
“I see full industry support behind it,” Hanson said. “It’s exciting new music and authentic.”
LVX’s singles “Writhe” and “Hexer” are available now, with “Supplicant” and the EP “evildœr” expected later this year.