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Last Updated on 10:51 PM by Giorgos Tsekas
Hellbringer are coming from Australia and their second album ‘Awakened From The Abyss’ is maybe the best thrash album for 2016. Mr. Josh Bennet is giving some explanations and info for the band and the masterpiece they have released.
Congratulations for the great ‘Awakened from the Abyss’, what is the feedback received so far?
Thanks! Most of the feedback so far has been great with people saying how much they enjoy it.
Many are saying that the album has many similarities with ‘Hell Awaits’, is this something that happened on purpose or you don’t agree at all with those rumours?
There are of course similarities but I don’t believe it to be ripped off. We were influenced by early Slayer a lot during the writing of this album but there were other influences too. We wanted this album to be as dark and evil as possible in the vein of the early classics.
From High Roller to Iron Pegasus. Why you had to change label? Were you satisfied with High Roller and how you see, until now, the cooperation with your new label?
During the recording of ‘Dominion …’ we had thought about trying a bigger label for the album. I had known about High Roller having owned some of their releases and I thought they were a solid label. We thought we’d see if Steffen was interested in releasing the album and he was.
We’ve been cooperating with High Roller now for a few years so it’s not really a new label for us. They have been very good. Very professional and no bullshit.
Which are the main differences between ‘Awakened from the Abyss’ and ‘Dominion of Darkness’?
I’d say the main differences would be that ‘Awakened …’ is more aggressive, has stronger and more thought out song writing and better, dirtier production.
Can you tell us few details about the artwork and the recording sessions?
The artwork was done by Finnish artist Samu Salovaara. I think I found out about him from seeing artwork he had done for other bands and then checking out his website. His style was exactly what we needed and the cover art turned out perfect. Twisted, dark and evil.
The album was recorded in about one week. We were much more particular about the sound we wanted to achieve this time around. It was tough work and there some stressful moments but we got it done.
Venom, Motorhead, Sodom, Celtic Frost, Destruction… trios in metal is something unique, but is this a problem for the live shows? Playing with one guitar i mean. Will we ever see a second guitarist in the line-up?
It’s possible. I think with the way our music is now we could benefit with a 2nd guitarist for live but that will happen when the right person presents themselves.
Australian metal scene is on fire the last years, what is your opinion? Also is there any band you would suggest to us?
Yes and no I suppose. There are some great bands of course but it’s still a very quiet, slow type “scene”. The good bands don’t play gigs often so shows with solid line ups are few and far between. However when there is a good line up a good crowd will usually show up. Sometimes from other cities around the country because it’s worth it and they rarely happen.
I would have to suggest the band Convent Guilt. Great, classic and tough heavy metal. They are good friends of ours.
You have been member to the great band Trench Hell, what is going on there? There are years since we’ve heard something…
I can’t really say anything final since it’s not my band but for the moment it is on hold. Who knows what the future holds though! They are a great band, good mates and I enjoy playing drums for them.
Any good album you heard lately?
I actually haven’t listening to anything new in a while so I can’t comment too much on that unfortunately. Spending most of my time with the classics lately! Although I am looking forward to the new High Spirits album.
Last words are yours, anything you would like to say to Metal Invader readers?
Thanks and look out for our new album out August 19th on High Roller Records!
