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England |
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NWOBHM |
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Page online:
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January 27, 2012
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Last update/review:
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January 26, 2014
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Hell
A lot of bands from the NWOBHM period came and went without much
fanfare, only to reform years later tossing around phrases like
"legendary".
But Hell deserved that title, garnering significant underground buzz
in the early 80's for their unique take on the NWOBHM style.
For whatever reason, though, they couldn't get it together, recording
some demos and a lone single ("Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us")
but never rising above cult status.
They finally thought they'd broken through by signing with
Mausoleum
Records, but on the eve of recording their debut album in 1986, the label
folded, and worse, guitarist/singer Dave Halliday committed suicide a
year later.
The remaining trio promptly closed shop and remained inactive until 2008,
when former fan, later
Sabbat guitarist,
and now producer Andy Sneap joined forces with the remaining
original trio and committed to finally recording an album.
Initially fellow Sabbat vocalist Martin Walkyier was set to participate
as well, though eventually he was replaced by the brother of original
guitarist Kevin Bower.
The pieces finally in place, the debut album
Human Remains
was released in 2011.
And, pardon the use of a well-worn cliche, this has been worth the
wait.
Hell's NWOBHM roots are all over the place on this album (in particular,
several musical nods to early
Iron Maiden),
but the band have managed to blend those early influences with a modern
power metal base, bringing out the best of the past without sounding
stale or dated.
Mercyful Fate
is also a clear musical influence, while vocalist David Bower is
a find -- while not a technically perfect voice, he brings the right
blend of forcefulness and power and occasionally shows a bit of range
as well.
Whether this band can move forward long-term remains to be seen, but
Human Remains is a fine testament to the band's legacy, and simply a
great classic heavy metal album.
Current Members
David Bower
vocals
Andy Sneap
guitars (ex-Sabbat)
Kevin Bower
guitars/keyboards (guest for Portrait)
Tony Speakman
bass
Tim Bowler
drums
Discography
Human Remains
2011
Nuclear Blast
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- Overture: Themes from "Deathsquad"
- On Earth As It Is in Hell
- Plague and Fyre
- The Oppressors
- Blasphemy and the Master
- Let Battle Commence
- The Devil's Deadly Weapon
- The Quest
- Macbeth
- Save Us from Those Who Would Save Us
- No Martyr's Cage
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-
David Bower
-
Andy Sneap
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Kevin Bower
-
Tony Speakman
-
Tim Bowler
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2011 Readers' Album
#16
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Curse And Chapter
2013
Nuclear Blast
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- Gehennae Incendiis
- The Age Of Nefarious
- The Disposer Supreme
- Darkhangel
- Harbinger Of Death
- End Ov Days
- Deathsquad
- Something Wicked This Way Comes
- Faith Will Fall
- Land Of The Living Dead
- Deliver Us From Evil
- A Vespertine Legacy
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-
David Bower
-
Andy Sneap
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Kevin Bower
-
Tony Speakman
-
Tim Bowler
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2013 Readers' Album
#27
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