Sometimes a band’s evolution is so striking that it feels like a quantum leap—and for Hell Fire, their fourth album, Reckoning, is exactly that. Having already made a name for themselves as the premier hybrid of Bay Area thrash and NWOBHM, Reckoning marks the moment where the band transcends, delivering their defining statement. This album is their Master of Puppets, their Number of the Beast, their Defenders of the Faith. From the first notes of the opening title track, there's an undeniable surge of newfound energy and focus that sets Reckoning apart from anything Hell Fire has done before. The band took the global downtime of the pandemic to dig deep and fully refine their sound—calling this a reckoning is no exaggeration.
"This album amplifies every aspect of our band to its maximum potential," says vocalist and guitarist Jake Nunn. "It’s the record we’ve always wanted to make, and it feels like we’re only just beginning," adds guitarist Tony Campos. Drummer Mike Smith describes how they pushed themselves to capture the frustration, anger, and isolation of living through the pandemic. "We wanted the music to reflect all the emotions we were dealing with during those days when no one knew how to navigate life anymore."
With no tours in sight during 2020, Hell Fire hunkered down to write and demo nearly an entire album. "I set up a little studio in my garage to record guitars, bass, and vocals," Campos explains. "Mike got an electronic drum kit, and we demoed everything to make sure we were as prepared as possible going into the studio." The extra time allowed each band member to practice individually, refining every detail before reuniting in person. The band’s professionalism and dedication paid off, with guest bassist Matt Freeman (of Rancid and Operation Ivy fame) stepping in after longtime bassist Herman Bandala amicably left the band during the writing process. By Fall 2021, new bassist Kai Sun joined Hell Fire to complete the lineup.
Recorded and mixed at Atomic Studios in Oakland, CA, with Chris Dugan, Reckoning strikes a balance between being their heaviest and most melodic work yet. "I’m proud of the discipline it took to make this album," Nunn reflects. "It’s wild to think how far we’ve come."
