black midi – ‘Hellfire’: New album from the UK trio

The black midi present a new album. The British trio of Geordie Greep (guitar, vocals), Cameron Picton (bass, vocals) and Morgan Simpson (drums) – announce their third album, ‘Hellfire‘. The record was released on July 15 by Rough Trade Records (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). It will also be accompanied by headline appearances at Somerset House and at
Central Park in New York. Along with the announcement, they're sharing the
single video, "Welcome To Hell“. 

Written in isolation in London after the release of their previous album 'Cavalcade', 'HellfireHellfire' builds on the melodic and harmonic elements of its predecessor. At the same time, it expands the violence and intensity of their debut, 'Schlagenheim'. If 'Cavalcade' was a drama, 'Hellfire' is like an epic action film. It delves into overlapping themes of pain, loss, and anguish.

Their most thematically cohesive and deliberate record so far.

While Cavalcade's stories were narrated in third person, Hellfire is presented in first person and narrates the stories of morally suspect characters. There are direct dramatic
monologues, ostentatiously addressed to a degraded sense of right and wrong. You're not sure whether to laugh or be terrified. 'Welcome To Hell' specifically narrates the story of the excesses of a shell-shocked soldier and
military discharge. 

The setting is a distant military campaign. An exotic seaside town,
commandeered by the invading army and teeming with soldiers. It's night, men run around in various stages of drunkenness, neon signs light up the bar and smoke pours out of the open doors. Deafening motorcycle engine roars linger everywhere around, accompanied by a mix of languages. Although they're all garbled, crude, hoarse and avoid any genuine emotion. The track is recorded with funky guitar parts, driving the horns and progressively the vocals. The accompanying video was directed
by Gustaf Holtenäs (who also directed the video for "Slow" by black midi).

Music that evokes a film

The music of black midi seems to be pulled straight out of a soundtrack. It creates an atmosphere as backdrop that could accompany any scene. It's vivid, intense and fast. Full of colours. Its key element remains its unpredictable character. The listener can never predict where it will go next. The band has done a really good job with its flow, which stays very smooth. 'Hellfire' is definitely one of the strongest albums by the trio and builds anticipation for the artists' next, future stories.Hellfire' is definitely one of the strongest albums by the trio and builds anticipation for the artists' next, future stories.

Tracklist:

1. Hellfire
2. Sugar/Tzu
3. Eat Men Eat
4. Welcome To Hell
5. Still

6. The Race Is About To Begin
7. Dangerous Liaisons
8. The Defence
9. 27 Questions