The fans of progressive Gothic rock with sensual female vocals will appreciate the debut album by Portugal band Haylel. Fronted by the angelical tone of singer Ana Batista and anchored by a band dedicated to their creative freedom, their music is dark, atmospheric and somehow mystique.
After a short intro and the sounds of blowing wind and bells comes “The Prophet” – a classic progressive rock track with heavy Gothic influences, followed by the melodic “Watcher Of The Light”. Irregular rhythms, Latin language, dark piano, acoustic guitars, interesting electronic touches and introvert, thoughtful lyrics – the album goes on and Haylel’s sound reminds me of the very early Evanescence with touch of Lacuna Coil. Haylel recapture the classic prog-rock sound with a gothic twist – the result is very mellow and romantic, with interesting touches. “Nebulae” is a perfect album to listen to during a rainy evening hushed in your bed with your favorite book.
Stream the whole album here!
Favorite track? Probably “The Great Abstinence” because of the interesting rhythm and the pretty vocals, combined with electric riffs.
Created in 2012, Heylel enjoy creative freedom and try to escape being interpreted in a single genre. This probably comes from the diverse art background that each band member provides. Heylel’s creator Narciso Monteiro is a former student of Porto’s Jazz School and also guitar player and co-founder of The Gama GT Blues Project – a Portuguese blues band with two released records, while he also works on contemporary art projects including movie soundtracks. The band’s drummer Filipe Braga also has an established and recognized career as a photographer. Later on, Sérgio de Meneses, also from Porto’s Jazz School and member of other projects in the Portuguese music scene, was invited as a live bass player, eventually becoming a full time member and recording backing vocals on “Watcher of the Light”.
More about Heylel can be found on their Facebook & Soundcloud pages, as well as on their official website http://www.heylel.net/
Here is the official video of the first single from Nebulae – “The Prophet”:
