Born in the fall of 2012, Heylel are a progressive dark rock band from Porto, Portugal.
The band combines influences ranging from classic to hard and even symphonic rock, with a very personal touch. The outcome is a dark, atmospheric and involving sound.
In 2014 the band released its debut album "Nebulae" and caught the attention of international progressive and rock press:
"...Heylel made a very strong debut album of an international level..."
Background Magazine
"...Mind you, this is but a debut album. If Heylel develops along the lines of this album, their future might be very bright. I for one look forward to that..."
Dutch Progressive Rock Page
Known for crossing genres and creating haunting but also hopeful songs, Heylel remain trustful to their musical priority - delivering songs that the listener can connect with.
"..Dark, haunting, and brooding overall, the album surprisingly blooms into a beautiful piece of art..."
Lithium Magazine
In September 2015 their second effort "Flesh" established the band in the international alternative rock scene, having been featured in the February/2016 edition of Prog Magazine.
The band returned in Spring 2017 with "Shades of Time", the first album to feature the six piece lineup.
It's an album full of surprises, featuring well known guests from the international prog scene : Ky Fifer (Philhelmon (USA)), Kristoffer Gildenlow (ex Pain of Salvation (SE)), Erik Laan (Silhouette (NL)) and the portuguese singer Francisca Ribeiro (Malaboos).
After performing several showcases to perform "Shades of Time", the band returned to studio and recorded "Metamorphosis", released October 26th 2018. Metamorphosis shows a heavier and (even) darker side of the band and was promoted with a national tour on 2019.
The band returns in 2020 with a comeback to their smooth and mellow sound, releasing a special album with orchestral mixes of old songs and a couple new songs too. There are several guests participating, with a highlight on the return of Ana Batista and Ky Fifer as guest vocals and the introduction of the young new singer Marcos Coelho.
(2020)