Review FRIENDS OF HELL ‘God Damned You to Hell’

Friends Of Hell is the brainchild of Tas Danazoglou (Satan’s Wrath) and together with Albert Witchfinder the project released a remarkable debut in 2022. Surprised by the very positive response on the debut album Friends Of Hell wanted to play live on several festivals. Line-up changes though crossed the plans and Tas Danazoglou had to look for some new ‘friends of hell’. These days it is Taneli Jarva (ex-Impaled Nazarene/Sentenced), Hellbutcher, Sprits and Beelzeebubth, who joined the bandleader, and it is the sophomore album that will be released these days.

‘God Damned You to Hell’ the title of the band’s second effort and it is a nine-song tracklist that spreads its gloomy vibe. Still rooted in traditional metal and doom metal the guys have finished work on an album that convinces with its hellish oldschool spirit. What makes the album stand out is its authenticity. This release isn’t about fame and hype. It is the sound of the dungeon that echoes with each of these nine songs. Sprits gave the longplayer a very evil sound that feels primitive and still comes with a lot of substance and density.

This album is about satanism, witchcraft, horror, and death. These main themes are not only reflected in vocals like on ‘Ave Satanatas’ but are deeply anchored in the devilish riffs and the vibe of each song. The song though is more of an exception as the entire album is more based on the sound of the NWoBHM and the newly established twin guitar power helped the outfit to bring this side of metal to the fore.

In proper style the album starts with a chiming bell, introducing the title track. It is the first diabolic moment of the album and acts as a great entry point to the album. In case anybody was afraid, Per ‘Hellbutcher’ Gustavsson (Nifelheim) performs in great fashion and it is his voice fits very well when it comes to Friends Of Heel’s sound.

‘Bringer of Evil’ is one of the tracks on the album with a stronger crosslink to the NWoBHM. It is a rather melodic and elegantly swinging song that catches listener’s attention immediately. ‘Snakes Not Sons’ is a sinister moment of the album, followed by the spot-on ‘Arcane Macabre’.

The heaviness of doom returns towards the end of the album. ‘Cross Inverter’ and ‘All Colors of the Dark’ are slower paced hymns that gives you the shivers.

All in all, Friends Of Hell stay true to the style they introduced on their debut album. The occult sounding roots of doom are still very present while the added NWoBHM moments provide the album with an extra thrill. All in all good stuff from area 666.