A small token of hellish divinity, the sinew of theatrical prowess both in the studio and on stage, something to hang on to until the face of the demon will be revealed in full. Subsequent to their maelstrom comeback with "Human Remains", the British Heavy Metal HELL, consisting of Andy Sneap in its ranks both as guitarist and producer, unshackle the first initial chain out of their upcoming sophomore album, "Curse And Chapter" with the issue of the EP, "The Age Of Nefarious". Frankly, after noticing that there is only one actually song, also could easily serve as a single, I was slightly disappointed and wished for just a bit more, yet I guess that it was probably Nuclear Blast Records' intention, well planned.

Essentially, while traveling this largely live affair, it was hard not to notice how closely HELL have been reshaping their image into something closer to early MERCYFUL FATE, particularly with the powerful guitaring signatures, several elements of sound that are bombastic thanks to Sneap, and of course David Bower's dramaturgical centerpiece enactment. "The Age of Nefarious" is quite good, a bit of a newfound NWOBHM spiritual mix with modern traditions, less British more Scandinavian heated, tremendous vocal demonstrations of a fine measure of skill with that right bit of maniacal pseudoscience. "Blasphemy And The Master" is one of the previous album's divine showcases, a masterful epic, like a Metallic aria out a crazed opera, probably one of HELL's foremost pieces ever released, there is a fine intensity within this live version that is very appealing.

In overall, a good burnt offering, developing a healthy expectancy for the sophomore release to come forth, ask the devil for a piece of it.