International traditional doom fiends Friends of Hell are set to return with their second album God Damned You To Hell, the follow-up to their eponymous debut two years ago. We interviewed the band and premiered a track from their album back then, and there have been some large-scale changes in their roster since then.
Out are vocalist Albert Witchfinder and guitarist Jondix, leaving drummer Tas Danazoglou and bassist Taneli Jarva to find new members. Luckily, replacing them are metal lifers Nifelheim frontman Hellbutcher, Mirror guitarist Sprits Moutafis, and Brazilian guitarist Beelzeebubth. When asked about the new record and personnel changes Danazoglou had this to say:
The second album is way superior to the first one. The songs are better, and the music is heavier and more evil! That was the plan from the beginning. The only surprise was that the line-up changed. Hellbutcher’s vocals are just devastating and Beelzeebubth and Sprits are just amazing guitarists! Most of the recording took place here in Cyprus with Sprits at the helm of production. This time things were easier [to complete] than the first album. We were more focused and willing to deliver a devastating blow to weak and fake metal music!
Our song themes are and always will remain the same. Satanism, witchcraft, horror and death! If the public loved the first album, the second one will blow their minds. It’s on another level. Another level downwards into the pits of hellfire! The one thing that that has really changed is that with this line-up, we will play live and bring mankind to its knees. We want to play and destroy stages. Other than that, we will then focus on the third album which will be the final nail in the coffin lid for mankind!
Today we’re premiering the video for “Bringer of Evil” showcasing all the band’s members, new and old. These dudes know how to doom better than most and one thing is for sure: we are heading into the eternal hellfire with smiles on our faces, head banging into Hades at Sabbathian speeds.
…
…
God Damned You to Hell releases April 12th via Rise Above Records.
