Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2013: The Best of British Metal

Hell

There's certain things that you can't get from listening to a cd for example: being scared shitless in your first mosh pit, feeling the heat from the pyros and having your ear's not so gently massaged by Motorhead. Derbyshire's Hell brought the main stage alive with what can only be described as "metal theatre". Sure King Diamond had a glowing pentagram, but what's more metal than an 8 foot tall man/ goat/ faun hybrid as your frontman? Not much, that's what.

Formed in 1982, Hell were regarded as a NWOBHM band (New Wave of British Heavy Metal), but in reality were so much more than their contempories. They just didn't seem to crack it in the 80's, and tragically original singer Dave Halliday committed suicide, signally the end of teh band in 1987. Looking to re-record some of their earlier material, the remaining members approached metal producer extraordinaire Andy Sneap, who ended up playing guitar for the band; whilst the introduction of current vocalist David Bower was pure chance. With an illustrious acting career, Bower (interestingly brother of guitarist Kev Bower) was due to do some spoken word parts on the record, and as fate would have it ended up taking main vocals. If you like your metal a little old school with a dollop of awesome live show on the side, Hell are out on the road touring new album "Human Remains." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpkuYxyYM2A