Gods of Hellfire

Gods of Hellfire

Gods of Hellfire are a metal group from the United Kingdom, associated with doom metal and heavy metal. They are based in Bradford and the North of England, and form around a heavy, down-tuned riff-driven sound.

Formation and line-up

The band begins as the project of former Lazarus Blackstar guitarist Rich Savage. It takes shape in August 2007 when drummer Aldo, bassist Ian and singer Al join him, with the group initially working as a four-piece. Aldo comes from Let ’em Burn and Ian from Bloodstream. In mid-2008 Aldo leaves and Lee Durham joins on drums. Around the same period, Si Stather of Bradford band Ozzbest adds a second guitar, expanding the group to five members.

Style and influences

Gods of Hellfire start out intending to be a doom band, but they also develop a faster, semi-thrash side. Their sound draws on bands such as Trouble and Black Sabbath, while also taking in the heavier modern style of Grand Magus and High on Fire. They are described as using these influences openly while keeping their own identity, with a focus on thick riffs, fuzz and a twin-guitar approach.

Recordings

The band records its debut EP after only a few months together. In early February 2008 they enter Fullstask Studios to record a debut demo CD called Dagon’s Gift, which includes the tracks “Kicked out of hell”, “Dagon’s Gift” and “Devoured by space”.

Reception

The group receives attention in the UK metal scene, with coverage describing them as a heavy metal act with a particularly forceful sound and a clear affinity with classic doom and groove-led metal traditions.