Cannot wait for this.

Written by Druss on 30.08.2013 at 03:16

Cannot wait for this.

Just finished listening to this album, and it is a very worthy follow up to the awesome "Human Remains". That album was such a kick up the backside for the traditional heavy metal genre, which was ironic, considering those songs were over 25 years old before finally being professionally recorded for that album.

This album, much like it's predecessor, makes traditional metal sound wild, magical, and exciting again, just as if it were the 80's again! In many ways, this band reminds me of prime Mercyful Fate, with their occult overtones doing much to enhance and embue the music with a wonderful sense of atmosphere and melodrama. I love this album a lot, and I hope Hell stick around for a long time to come!

I like it already after the first listen, though it's nowhere near as good as its predecessor, it's still pretty damn good.
I really miss the usage of samples in the intros, though.

Written by Guest on 23.11.2013 at 06:55

I like it already after the first listen, though it's nowhere near as good as its predecessor, it's still pretty damn good.
I really miss the usage of samples in the intros, though.

I've listened to the album a few times now, and it gets better and better with each listen. Or at least it did for me! "Human Remains" was always going to be a very difficult album to follow up, but I'm surprised at the level of quality of the new material. This album is interesting, as it's a mix of newly written material, and some more of the older Hell stuff which wasn't put on the first album. It's to the band's credit that new songs like "Darkhangel", "A Vespertine Legacy", and "Something Wicked This Way Comes" are not outshone by the likes of "Land Of The Living Dead", and "The Disposer Supreme", which are amongst the old classic Hell songs featured here. This album may not be quite as good as the debut, but it does come very close to matching that album's quality, which is high praise indeed. These guys are definitely traditional metal at it's best.

Written by Guest on 23.11.2013 at 06:55

I like it already after the first listen, though it's nowhere near as good as its predecessor, it's still pretty damn good.
I really miss the usage of samples in the intros, though.

Aye, the lack of samples are one thing I don't particularly like about the new one. Them and the tie-in of the intro into the song seem to expose the vocalist more, and I don't think it holds up well.

Nonetheless, its still very recognisably a Hell album, so I'm glad they've kept their core sound. I just wish there were more "epic" length songs in this album, seen as "Darkhangel" is a bit of a disppointment to me so far, tho granted I've only listened to the album two or three times.

In my opinion, HELL is one of the best bands to come around in the last few years. They resurrect a sound that I have been seeking for years and years, and this new album does not disappoint. I think it might actually be better than the first one. I just fucking love these guys, and hope they stay around for at least a few more albums.

Written by Guest on 25.11.2013 at 04:07

In my opinion, HELL is one of the best bands to come around in the last few years. They resurrect a sound that I have been seeking for years and years, and this new album does not disappoint. I think it might actually be better than the first one. I just fucking love these guys, and hope they stay around for at least a few more albums.

Hell certainly are a breath of fresh air in todays metal scene, which is amazing when you consider the history of the band. It's just a shame it's taken so long for the band to reap the rewards of their immense talent. Comparing the new album to the debut is difficult... Although I think the debut is the better album, the difference between the two albums quality wise, is marginal, and the best songs on "Curse And Chapter" are easily a match for any of the songs on the debut. The best thing I can say about this album, is that while it mixes new material with more updated songs from the band's 80's demo days, the whole thing simply sounds like Hell. The album's songs sound as if they were all created during the same time period, which is no mean feat, taking into account the nearly 3 decade difference between the old and new songs' times of writing.

There's no glaring discrepancies between the old and the new songs. The album has cohesion, and consistency of style, and that is the album's greatest strength, and what gives me immense hope for the future of this band. They have shown they can do justice to their legacy with new material, and I have high hopes that an album composed entirely of new material can shine without the need of the crutch of the classic demo material of the past.

Took me a lotta listens to process it (same as its predecessor), but its definitely a great followup to Human Remains. I take back what I said about "Darkhangel" in my previous comment as well, the trio of "The Age of Nefarious", "Disposer Supreme" and "Darkhangel" are superb songs, any of them could have made it onto the previous album, imo. Its nice to see David's input is yielding fruit in terms of lyrics.

Aaand AoTY in its category.

I love their nod to 'The Age Of Aqaurius' by Fifth Dimension in 'The Age Of Nefarious' and I have heard most of 'Deathsquad' before I am sure it was on an album by Magnum somewhere.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.11.2013 at 19:39

I love their nod to 'The Age Of Aqaurius' by Fifth Dimension in 'The Age Of Nefarious' and I have heard most of 'Deathsquad' before I am sure it was on an album by Magnum somewhere.

"Deathsquad" is a 30 year old song, and was the b'side to the "Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us" single, which was released in 1983... It's more or less the same song which is on the new album, just slightly updated with better production and instrumentation. You've probably heard the original version somewhere along the line...

Written by Angelic Storm on 27.11.2013 at 00:44



"Deathsquad" is a 30 year old song, and was the b'side to the "Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us" single, which was released in 1983... It's more or less the same song which is on the new album, just slightly updated with better production and instrumentation. You've probably heard the original version somewhere along the line...

No I never heard the Original I know it is a reworking of the old song but the new has more keyboards to it than the original. And it reminded me of Chase The Dragon, Live, Magnum II era Magnum, which is before 83

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 27.11.2013 at 01:12
No I never heard the Original I know it is a reworking of the old song but the new has more keyboards to it than the original. And it reminded me of Chase The Dragon, Live, Magnum II era Magnum, which is before 83

Which translated means: "Of course I've heard the original, silly woman." hehe

Yep, the more prominent use of keyboards is one of the main differences between the old demos and their newly recorded counterparts. I'm partial to a bit of Magnum from time to time, but I can't remember that particular song... I'll need to listen to it again! lol I'm surprised of you being knowledgeable of Magnum's material though, I'd never have had you down as a fan of them...

Written by Angelic Storm on 27.11.2013 at 11:12

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 27.11.2013 at 01:12
No I never heard the Original I know it is a reworking of the old song but the new has more keyboards to it than the original. And it reminded me of Chase The Dragon, Live, Magnum II era Magnum, which is before 83

Which translated means: "Of course I've heard the original, silly woman." hehe

what I mean was I never heard the original at the time. I only heard the original after hearing this new one when I searched for it on Youtube

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 27.11.2013 at 11:33
what I mean was I never heard the original at the time. I only heard the original after hearing this new one when I searched for it on Youtube

Oh! Whoops... looks like the silly cap still fits though. hehe That really surprises me, I thought you'd have heard that years ago... ah well.

Written by Angelic Storm on 25.11.2013 at 09:05

Written by Guest on 25.11.2013 at 04:07

In my opinion, HELL is one of the best bands to come around in the last few years. They resurrect a sound that I have been seeking for years and years, and this new album does not disappoint. I think it might actually be better than the first one. I just fucking love these guys, and hope they stay around for at least a few more albums.

Hell certainly are a breath of fresh air in todays metal scene, which is amazing when you consider the history of the band. It's just a shame it's taken so long for the band to reap the rewards of their immense talent. Comparing the new album to the debut is difficult... Although I think the debut is the better album, the difference between the two albums quality wise, is marginal, and the best songs on "Curse And Chapter" are easily a match for any of the songs on the debut. The best thing I can say about this album, is that while it mixes new material with more updated songs from the band's 80's demo days, the whole thing simply sounds like Hell. The album's songs sound as if they were all created during the same time period, which is no mean feat, taking into account the nearly 3 decade difference between the old and new songs' times of writing.

There's no glaring discrepancies between the old and the new songs. The album has cohesion, and consistency of style, and that is the album's greatest strength, and what gives me immense hope for the future of this band. They have shown they can do justice to their legacy with new material, and I have high hopes that an album composed entirely of new material can shine without the need of the crutch of the classic demo material of the past.

While I agree there isn't a huge difference between the old and new songs, the lyrics and melodies on this album are definitely a bit more complex. It took longer for this one to grow on me, but now that it has I think I like it slightly more than Human Remains.

I absolutely love Hell, and this is definitely one of the top albums of 2013 for me. It's great to see them release another killer album, which in my opinion, is slightly better than the first. I was worried that anything they did after Human Remains wasn't going to be as good due to the fact that those songs had 25-30 years to marinate. Of course I realize that half of the material on this one is also from 25-30 years ago, but the new stuff is just as good because I can't tell what is new and what is old.

Wow, this does get better with every listen! Still not topping HR, but it's pretty damn awesome at this point.

Nice to see a great deal of love here for Hell. It doesn't matter to me whether the songs are new or old or a combination, they are simply fantastic. I love the theatrics of the whole thing & musically they just tear it up. This album is nothing short of superb, equally as good as the first album & certainly an album of the year contender for me. More listens before I bestow that on any band for 2013 as it has been a banner year !

Written by Angelic Storm on 22.11.2013 at 13:27

Just finished listening to this album, and it is a very worthy follow up to the awesome "Human Remains". That album was such a kick up the backside for the traditional heavy metal genre, which was ironic, considering those songs were over 25 years old before finally being professionally recorded for that album.

This album, much like it's predecessor, makes traditional metal sound wild, magical, and exciting again, just as if it were the 80's again! In many ways, this band reminds me of prime Mercyful Fate, with their occult overtones doing much to enhance and embue the music with a wonderful sense of atmosphere and melodrama. I love this album a lot, and I hope Hell stick around for a long time to come!

I couldn't have said it better myself! All Hail HELL!!! \m/

I find it to be as good of a listen as their debut. An amazing band, for sure!

Written by Angelic Storm on 27.11.2013 at 00:44

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.11.2013 at 19:39

I love their nod to 'The Age Of Aqaurius' by Fifth Dimension in 'The Age Of Nefarious' and I have heard most of 'Deathsquad' before I am sure it was on an album by Magnum somewhere.

"Deathsquad" is a 30 year old song, and was the b'side to the "Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us" single, which was released in 1983... It's more or less the same song which is on the new album, just slightly updated with better production and instrumentation. You've probably heard the original version somewhere along the line...

Wait, that's not right. Apart from "better production" and "instrumentation", they changed the vocal part too. Originally, it sang by Dave Halliday and then he died from CO. Lately, David put it some vocals and slightly changed the way the original version was.

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 10.01.2014 at 12:27

Written by Angelic Storm on 27.11.2013 at 00:44

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.11.2013 at 19:39

I love their nod to 'The Age Of Aqaurius' by Fifth Dimension in 'The Age Of Nefarious' and I have heard most of 'Deathsquad' before I am sure it was on an album by Magnum somewhere.

"Deathsquad" is a 30 year old song, and was the b'side to the "Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us" single, which was released in 1983... It's more or less the same song which is on the new album, just slightly updated with better production and instrumentation. You've probably heard the original version somewhere along the line...

Wait, that's not right. Apart from "better production" and "instrumentation", they changed the vocal part too. Originally, it sang by Dave Halliday and then he died from CO. Lately, David put it some vocals and slightly changed the way the original version was.

'Deathsquad' was and is an instrumental song, so noone sung it originally and noone sings it now. So Angelic is right.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 10.01.2014 at 12:37

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 10.01.2014 at 12:27

Written by Angelic Storm on 27.11.2013 at 00:44

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.11.2013 at 19:39

I love their nod to 'The Age Of Aqaurius' by Fifth Dimension in 'The Age Of Nefarious' and I have heard most of 'Deathsquad' before I am sure it was on an album by Magnum somewhere.

"Deathsquad" is a 30 year old song, and was the b'side to the "Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us" single, which was released in 1983... It's more or less the same song which is on the new album, just slightly updated with better production and instrumentation. You've probably heard the original version somewhere along the line...

Wait, that's not right. Apart from "better production" and "instrumentation", they changed the vocal part too. Originally, it sang by Dave Halliday and then he died from CO. Lately, David put it some vocals and slightly changed the way the original version was.

'Deathsquad' was and is an instrumental song, so noone sung it originally and noone sings it now. So Angelic is right.

Yeah, correct.

Thanx Marcel for putting Cynic in his place about that one! I can't believe he actually thought I didn't know about Dave Halliday's death...

A nice refreshing take on the style.
I like it! ^^

I didn't discover this band until they opened for Carcass and Amon Amarth and then I had the CD lying around unplayed for about a month before I finally got round to listening to it. When I did I was literally blown away. This is incredible.

OMFG It's better than Human Remains.

More concise and immediate than Hell's debut in my opinion. What the band collectively show on Curse and Chapter is that they give a thoroughly consistent, confident performance in their respective departments, and what's more, the energy is oozing from pretty much every song. I guess it helps that Bower's vocal delivery is on form and drives every one of these songs even more than if they had been instrumental, but in no way am I saying that this is an overshadowing aspect. Rather, the rhythm section is as tight and ever, and Sneap's seemingly endless array of riffs and solos is commendable to say the least. Highlights for me would be "Darkhangel" and "End ov Days".