Hell (British band)

Hell was a British heavy metal band, formed in 1982 in Derbyshire, England, and dissolved in 1987. They are considered a cult band, known for their theatrical stage shows featuring inverted crucifixes, occult imagery, and vocalist David Bower's painted face makeup and elaborate costumes, predating similar aesthetics later popularized by bands like Cradle of Filth.

The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist David Bower, guitarists Kev Bower and Tony Speakman, bassist Malcolm Allatt, and drummer Tim Bowler. They developed a reputation for their intense live performances and dark, occult-themed lyrics, but struggled to gain widespread recognition during their initial run.

Hell faced numerous setbacks, including financial difficulties and label issues, which ultimately contributed to their disbandment. Tony Speakman's suicide in 1987 further solidified their status as a tragic and underappreciated band.

Despite their relatively short career, Hell's music gained a dedicated following over the years, fueled by bootleg recordings and word-of-mouth. In 2008, guitarist Kev Bower and producer Andy Sneap (who had long been a fan of the band) resurrected the project with a new lineup. Sneap himself took over lead guitar duties, while David Bower returned as vocalist.

The reformed Hell released their debut album, Human Remains, in 2011, featuring re-recordings of classic Hell songs along with some previously unreleased material. Human Remains was met with critical acclaim, finally bringing the band the recognition they had long deserved. They followed this with a second album, Curse and Chapter, in 2013. The band continued to tour and perform at festivals, showcasing their theatrical live show to a new generation of metal fans, before eventually disbanding again.