If you think of the brasilian metal scene, the big stars of the hardcore / thrash genre, experimental neo thrash, modern blast deathmetal and happy melodic speed attempts will come to your mind, as it seems that raw breakneck speed heavy metal attacks in the veins of the 80s are definitely a relic of the past. HELLISH WAR, formed in 1995 in the Sao Paulo area, are going to change this misbelieve.

On their two records issued in a n interval of seven years, getting their first european release as a double CD now, the classic european metal of the early to mid 80s rules supreme with raw but charismatical vocals, straight, yet anthemical melodies and a powerful instrumentation that feels even more furious due to it's natural sounding production.

Obvious references to teutonic powerspeed metal or, edgy, earthy heavy acts from France, Benelux, Denmark or England are wanted by these brasilians and meant as an hommage to better times. HELLISH WAR appear as a metal band from fans for fans that covers all aspects of metallic arts from the golden era, stays authentical and passionated allover the place and even knows how to create characteristical tunes, that only show a lack of mainstream superficiality. They never deny their influences, but they also do not stay behind them.

One of their highlights is the raging „We are living for the metal“ from their 2001 debut album, that recalls the earliest HELLOWEEN and german WARRANT concerning speed, raging guitar attacks and catchy melodies and revives the good old times. The „Defenders of metal“ has all in all gained even more power due to the new mastering. And as the icing on the cake, both albums come up with an exclusive bonustrack. So you can easily say that the classic, unpolished heavy metal sound is still at best health, even in Brasil.