At last: HolyHell releases their long awaited, self-titled, debut album 'HolyHell'. Since their beginning in 2005 the US Americans, built around female singer Maria Breon, have been touring several festivals with MANOWAR, growing fan base that has been waiting with great anticipation for an album.
'HolyHell' is the masterpiece everybody was hoping for. Dramatic, emotional and epic! The thirteen songs of this apocalyptic concept album are electrifying from the very beginning, and with further listening they reveal new details and facets. From the catchy opener 'Prophecy' to the sinister, unearthly 'Angel Of Darkness' and the multi-layered winner 'Holy Water' into the triumphant finale 'Armageddon' a complex arc of dramatic storytelling captures the listener. Few bands achieve such brilliance with their debuts.
This achievement is the result of the remarkable combination of individual talent, of outstanding musicianship, an overwhelming creative urge and a wisely endured ripening process. These characteristics are united in condensed form within the person of Maria Breon. It was the classically trained front woman who laid the foundation for HolyHell, when - with the overwhelming determination to sing in a rock band - she approached MANOWAR legend Joey DeMaio. Impressed by her talent and drive he has supported her and her band with expertise and advice.
From the periphery of MANOWAR, Breon recruited the band's former drummer 'Rhino' as her first ally. The popular old school pro started the band with the highest precision. With the cornerstone for HolyHell placed, Guitarist Joe Stump, another famous name, joined next.
The New York guitarist lives for his instrument and thanks to his breathtaking dexterity on guitar, has earned the nickname 'Shred Lord'. For a virtuoso he also has the rare gift of being a teamplayer: This guitar hero sacrifices ego trips in the form of constant solos for song structures. His outstanding proficiency shines through, as proven on the current album. Thanks to existing ties to Joe Stump, the accomplished studio musician Jay Rigney from the Boston area was also introduced to the band. The bassist is burning for action and proves to be a welcome addition.
For the keyboards, Francisco Palomo joins and thus completes the team. A lucky strike: not only does this amazing talent have university degrees in composition, music education and dramatic arts; his calm and wise nature brings many invaluable qualities into the band.
Yet, a gathering of highly talented musicians does not make a band. HolyHell take their time to grow together, to become a unit and find their own way. While the first MCD 'Apocalypse' (2007) was produced with help from the outside, the band soon discovered in multiple live sessions and even more in rehearsals their own strengths and preferences. The Americans make a crucial step in the early stages of their first longplay album, 'HolyHell' when taking complete, creative control and developing their own characteristic style, blending elements of Heavy Metal, Gothic and Rock into a unique sound.
Maria Breon's powerful, dark voice, her versatile talents and emotional depth become the trademark of the band. As a lyricist the front woman entirely convinces with her self-developed allegorical concept for 'HolyHell'. Inspired by the biblical Apocalypse she sends the audience on a metaphorical ride that allows multiple individual interpretations and will, without a doubt, set off vivid discussions.
After HolyHell took their time for songwriting and lyrics, and preparing everything to the final note, the production too concentrates on every detail. Nothing happens without reason; after all, the album is produced by self-confessed perfectionist, Joey DeMaio. He produces the album with crystal-clear, massive sound. For mixing and mastering only the best is good enough. In Galaxy Studios, Belgium - one of Europe's most renowned studios, award-winning sound engineer Ronald Prent and the two time Grammy Award winner Darcy Proper are responsible for the finishing touches.
For HolyHell, the years of hard work and patience have paid off. "HolyHell" exceeds the high expectations for the debut of this US band by far. But instead of leaning back and resting on their laurels, HolyHell will soon return to the world's stages to proudly present their masterpiece to their fans. Not the apocalypse is waiting for HolyHell and their fans, but a bright future.
(Sep. 2009)
For more information and updates as they occur, visit www.holyhell.com & www.magiccirclemusic.com
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