Hell Is For Heroes

Hell Is For Heroes

Hell Is For Heroes are a British post-hardcore band formed in Camden, London, in September 2000. The line-up includes Will McGonagle and Joe Birch, both of whom were previously in Symposium. The band first plays live in January 2001 at the Half Moon in Putney.

Early releases and record labels

In March 2001, Hell Is For Heroes release their debut EP, Sick Happy, and tour with Biffy Clyro. They sign a record deal in July 2001 and record their first album in January 2002 with Swedish producers Pelle and Eskil. Their debut album, The Neon Handshake, is released in February 2003.

After leaving EMI in 2004 following the Payola scandal, the band releases its second album independently. In August 2004, they issue the handmade CD single and free download One Of Us through Captains Of Industry. Their second album, Transmit Disrupt, is released in the UK in March 2005 on their own label. They later sign a worldwide deal with Burning Heart Records, which re-releases the album in 2006.

Later albums, break-up and reformation

The band’s third album, a self-titled release, comes out in June 2007. Hell Is For Heroes continue touring for a period after that, but stop in 2008 and post a final farewell message on their official website in January 2009. They reform in November 2012 to support Hundred Reasons on their final tour dates.

Hell Is For Heroes tour again in 2018 with A and in 2023 with Hundred Reasons and My Vitriol. In early 2023, they release two new songs.

Other notes

Alongside their own work, the band’s early touring includes dates with Biffy Clyro, and their recording history includes work in Sweden. Their career is marked by releases on both major and independent labels, including EMI, their own label, Captains Of Industry and Burning Heart Records.