It’s not every day that the original Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th shows up with a keytar in hand, leading a high-octane synth-metal band that blends horror, world music, and punk energy. But Ari Lehman—yes, that Jason—has carved out a unique musical identity that goes way beyond his legendary film role.
With his band First Jason, Lehman channels a lifetime of musical exploration—from the clubs of New York City to arena stages around the world—into an unforgettable live experience. The band’s horror-themed performances, high-energy instrumentation, and fiercely independent spirit have built them a devoted cult following. But what sets First Jason apart is the global rhythm beating at its heart.
Q: Ari, you have a rich background in jazz, reggae, and Afrobeat. How have those influences shaped the unique sound of First Jason in a genre that's typically heavy and aggressive?
When I was going to college in New York City in the 1980s, there was a vibrant music scene all around me—jazz, reggae, funk, Latin, punk—it was happening live onstage every night. I heard powerful sounds from many different genres and became drawn to the World Music scene. I began getting hired as a keyboardist and singer for artists from West Africa and the Caribbean.
Just listen to Fela Kuti, King Sunny Adé, Irakere,
Los Van Van, Steel Pulse, Burning Spear—you'll feel the raw power I wanted to learn how to play. For me, it wasn’t enough to simply appropriate the ideas, as so many acts around me did at the time. I wanted to play in these bands as an actual member to understand how they truly created the music. I was very fortunate to be hired by Majek Fashek, a singer from Nigeria, as well as reggae singers Ijahman Levi and Sister Carol from Jamaica.
One of the most powerful performances I’ve ever seen was Steel Pulse in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, playing for tens of thousands at the Palais des Sports, a huge soccer stadium. Being part of shows like that was crucial to my musical transformation. It was also a great experience working for both Interscope Records and Tuff Gong Records, alongside producers like Little Steven from the E Street Band. Groups like Santana and Mahavishnu Orchestra really reflect that same impulse—to blend global influences while delivering a powerful message.
How this connects to First Jason is through storytelling. Thanks to the fans, Jason Voorhees has become part of American mythology and folklore—just like the stories told through world music. The tale of a mother who loves her son so much she’d do anything for him is universal. Telling horror stories has become a big part of modern rock, and I believe my background in world music shaped my capacity to tell those stories in any genre. If you had told me back then that I’d be playing heavy metal keytar in a synth-punk band—I’d have been very surprised, that’s for sure!
Q: Your live shows are known for their high energy and theatrical edge. What goes into creating a First Jason performance that leaves such a lasting impression?
I really appreciate your kind words. Knowing that every First Jason show is telling the story of Jason Voorhees, we know it has to be powerful, dark, and dynamic. Our vision is that there’s nothing more evocative than music itself—it hits the emotions directly, like Jason’s razor-sharp machete, without mercy.
The audience is invited to journey with us back to Camp Crystal Lake, to see it through my perspective—as the actor who originally portrayed young Jason in Friday the 13th (1980). That authenticity gives our driving metal an added layer of authority that fans truly connect with. My heavy metal keytar has an irresistible sound—like the pounding heart of a victim being hunted—while Eddie Machete shreds brutal guitar solos that scream like birds of prey.
Q: First Jason has built a loyal cult following over the years through a strong DIY ethic. Can you talk about that journey and why it’s important to the band?
First Jason started out touring small venues all over the USA and Canada. More recently, we've been honored to open for bands like Incantation, Twiztid, and Ice Nine Kills at arena shows. What matters most to us is entertaining the devoted fans of Jason Voorhees and horror films, while also connecting with the amazing horror rock bands worldwide.
We never take our role in the horror music community for granted. We aim to support fellow acts as we all lift each other up. The camaraderie at these shows is what truly inspires me—it reminds me of the same DIY spirit that Sean Cunningham, Tom Savini, and the rest of the crew had on the set of Friday the 13th in 1980. That film was a low-budget indie project, and they made it a hit with the resources they had—just like we do every night on tour!
Q: You’ve just signed with CDN Records—a big step in any band’s career. What does this new partnership mean for First Jason’s future direction and reach?
It means so much that Cannibal Cam and the CDN Records team have signed us. This marks a new era for First Jason. We just completed seven new songs—"Into the Fray," "On My Feed," "Kill Count Zero," "Slashist," "First Things First," "Foul Deeds," and "The Machete Mambo"—at Uptown Recording in Chicago. The album will feature unique artwork for each track, and we’ll have music videos coming soon as well.
This partnership means the new album will reach thousands of new fans worldwide—and that’s incredibly exciting!
Q: You're forever linked to horror history as the original Jason Voorhees. How do you weave that legacy into the band’s identity without letting it define or limit your music?
I’ve actually found that using Jason’s story as a focal point frees me as a songwriter. It gives me a framework to explore a wide range of themes and ideas while staying rooted in something iconic. And there’s another layer—writing lyrics based on my own experience as the original Boy Jason, and my interactions with fans over the years. There are so many stories to tell… I could go on and on… and I will!
Many thanks from Camp Crystal Lake. GREAT QUESTIONS. JASON NEVER DIES!!!
Ari Lehman — The OG Jason
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow First Jason on their Website, Spotify, Facebook and catch them when they come to your town.
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