Mexican black-doom metal band HAGEL have announced their second release, “The Veil of Shadows”, revisiting the musical identity they shaped in the 1990s through their current lineup. Set for release on CD via Personal Records, the mini-album consists of five tracks spanning 21 minutes.

Based in Monterrey, HAGEL were formed in 1995 by Carlos Velázquez, Luis Galindo, Fernando Galindo, and David Benavides. During their initial period between 1995 and 2000, the band combined melodies rooted in the character of '90s black metal with dense atmospheres before ending their activities following Luis Galindo's departure in 2000. Some of the material that remained unreleased at the time would later form the foundation of the band's return.

Carlos Velázquez reactivated the project in 2014, bringing HAGEL back with a new lineup. Juan Reyes, Elizabeth Castillo, and Iván Saldaña joined during this period, followed by the return of founding keyboardist Luis Galindo in 2018. In 2019, HAGEL entered the studio to record their debut album, “Veneration of the Black Light”, which consisted largely of material written between 1995 and 1997. The album was released through Personal Records in 2021.

Following Galindo's final departure in 2023, the lineup changed once again. In 2024, Iveth Herrera joined the band as lead vocalist, allowing Iván Saldaña to focus exclusively on guitar. “The Veil of Shadows” is the result of HAGEL's work with this renewed lineup.

On the new mini-album, the band continues to explore their black-doom metal approach through dreamlike imagery, ritual atmospheres, and mystical motifs. Drawing influence from bands such as early MOONSPELL, ROTTING CHRIST, OPHTHALAMIA, MORTUARY DRAPE, KATATONIA, EMPIYRIUM, SAMAEL, and TIAMAT, HAGEL combine these references with their own approach, built around melodic and atmospheric darkness.

The five-track release runs for a total of 21 minutes, with 'The Withering Tongues' serving as the first track to be released. The song is available via Personal Records' Bandcamp page. Preorder information for “The Veil of Shadows” is also available here.

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The tracklisting for “The Veil of Shadows” is as follows:

  1. 'The Withering Tongues' — 5:02

  2. 'Flesh Of The Gods' — 4:45

  3. 'Effluvium' — 4:28

  4. 'Obsidian Mirrors (The Veil Of Shadows)' — 5:01

  5. 'Echoes From Beyond The Veil (Chaconne in D Minor)' — 1:45

“The Veil of Shadows” will be released internationally on CD by Personal Records on November 6.

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