Hell is an American doom metal solo project formed in 2008 by M.S.W., a multi-instrumentalist from Salem, Oregon.[1] Hell began as a creative outlet for M.S.W., but it eventually gained momentum and grew to include a touring band.[2] According to M.S.W., the project disregards typical religious themes and instead focuses on the concept of a "personal Hell".[3]
History
In 2008, M.S.W. created Hell as a solo endeavor.[2] Regarding the project developing into something greater, he said:
Initially I just used Hell as an emotional outlet, but when people started to ask when Hell would perform a live show, I started thinking about a possible lineup. I never thought Hell would be where it is today. I envisioned the project remaining a solo endeavor, which it has, but never thought it would ever get as far as full U.S. tours with a full perfect line up of session musicians or anything like that. Right now, we're about to take off to Europe which is unreal to think about.[2]
In 2009, the project's first album, Hell I, was released through Woodsmoke as a cassette limited to 100 copies.[4] The debut's follow up, Hell II, was released a year later in 2010, and incorporated new subgenres of extreme metal for the project, like black metal.[5] The conclusion of the initial trilogy, Hell III, was released in 2012 and adopted operatic and symphonic elements.[5] After gathering an underground following,[6] Hell performed at Roadburn 2016 and 2018[7] In 2017, Hell released its self-titled album to critical acclaim.[8]
Many of Hell's studio albums borrow their cover art style from the work of Gustave Doré, albeit tinted red.[2]
^Hell I (digital liner notes). Hell. Woodsmoke. 2009. canto 014. Retrieved April 15, 2018.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
