Review | Hellfighter’s Damnation’s Wings

Damnation's Wings

A monster riff accompanied by a scream that will send chills down your metal spine lifts Hellfighter into the heavens upon ‘Damnation’s Wings‘ to launch an all out assault on your senses that will knock you down, but leave you begging for more.

After rising from the ashes of the battlegrounds of the 90’s UK Thrash Metal scene ex-Xentrix, vocalist Simon Gordon, guitarist Kristian Havard and drummer Den Gasser recruited guitarist Pete Smith and Den’s brother Mel Gasser (bass) to forge new Metal with their band Hellfighter. Signed to Heavy Metal Records in late 2009 the band got busy writing material for their debut record.

Simon Gordon’s strong vocal performance on Damnation’s Wings ranges from guttural lows to stratospheric highs. In between is a gritty razor sharp delivery that is reminiscent of the legendary Metal vocalist from the past. But Gordon has a unique sound all his own that suits Hellfighter’s heavy hard driving sound perfectly.

The songs on Damnation’s Wings reflect the bands Thrash and Metal roots with a more mature tone and heady song writing that contain subjects including an 18th century murderer of the female persuasion, the horrors of World War II and the world economic collapse and struggles. This record is intense, precise, melodic mayhem that will have you banging your head from start to finish.

The twin axe attack of guitarist Kristen Havard and Pete Smith never lets up. Crunchy heavy riffs and technical yet not over blown pretentious soloing throughout Damnation’s Wings, creates a feeding frenzy of  power and riffage. It’s obvious Hellfighter poured their hearts and souls into this effort without even a hint of a filler. From the opening chords of ‘Tower Of Sin‘ to the epic closer ‘Firewalker,‘ Damnation’s Wings is a modern day Metal masterpiece.

Listen to ‘Firewalker‘ below.

Click The Play Button Below To Listen

Drummer Den Gasser is a man possessed, his ever present but not over powering drumming has him pounding out dizzying drum patterns and tasty double kick drum beats that will have you feeling like you’re up against the ropes with a prize fighter working you’re mid section. Mel Gasser’s thundering locomotive bass lines compliment Den’s drumming and the duo make far a rock solid rhythm section.

Producer Andy Sneap’s brilliant performance behind the mixing board at Backstage Studios, Derbyshire, England and at Viscon Studios, Lancashire, England lends to the sonically perfect mix of Damnation’s Wings without the presence of the all to often heard ‘loudness war’ that makes for a distorted recording. The mix has the vocals, guitars, drums and bass out front, strong and crisp without any one thing over taking the other. This record jumps out of my speakers and makes it’s presence known immediately. Excellent mix Mr. Sneap.

All songs were written by Hellfighter except for, “Bring Only Pain,” which was co-written with ex-Xentrix bassist Paul “Macka” Mackenzie.

Damnation’s Wings is out now on itunes and will be released in the UK and Europe February 28th and  April 5th in the U.S. on Heavy Metal Records. Believe me if your are a fan of kick ass Heavy Metal music you don’t want to pass on this one.

Rating: 4-1/2 Stars out of 5

Favorite track: All of them!

Damnation’s Wings track listing:
1. Tower of Sin (4:50)
2. A Lesser God (5:32)
3. Legacy of Hate (4:52)
4. Faith in Lies (4:17)
5. Damnation’s Wings (5:25)
6. Revolution Within (4:17)
7. Epitaph (5:19)
8. Bring Only Pain (7:38)
9. Descent (4:58)
10. Firewalker (7:18)

3 Responses to “Review | Hellfighter’s Damnation’s Wings”

1. Danny says:

   May 15, 2011 at 10:09 am

   I have been listening to it for 2 weeks now and haven’t got past the 4th track? Why you may say. Well, the journey into work is about 30 minutes, and every time I start the CD I want to hear the same songs again. Bloody hell this is a great album. The Riffs are huge and the Vocals suit it so well, they sit in the mix like Halford or even Ozzy. Next week I will try track 5!!
2. Rob Bridge says:

   February 6, 2011 at 9:52 am

   Awesome band with a great album…Brilliant! If you want a real experience you should see these guys live at the first opportunity. Hellfighter are the real deal a proper metal band, they really do have it all and a proven pedigree to boot, damn good blokes as well! Hellfighter will surely become British metal royalty.
3. Rabid Dog says:

   February 5, 2011 at 1:50 am

   What a great refreshing album…excellent!
   You can also follow the band here:
   http://Www.hellfighter.co.uk