Band history…

2012: 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

2015 (September) their second effort “Flesh” established the band in the international alternative rock scene, having been featured in the February/2016 edition of Prog Magazine.

2015-2018: Heylel teamed up with Dutch manager, Kathy Keller (My Music Matters Management), which efforts resulted in the band being signed to Prog label, Into the Limelight Records.

Spring 2017  “Shades of Time” was released on, Into the Limelight Records.  The album was full of surprises, featuring well known guests from the international prog scene : Ky Fifer (Philhelmon (NL/USA)), Kristoffer Gildenlow (ex Pain of Salvation (SE)), Erik Laan (Silhouette (NL)) and the portuguese singer Francisca Ribeiro (Malaboos).  “Shades of Time” received many reviews and six month release tour.  In 2018, due to many internal band obligations, Heylel went on an unexpected hiatus.  The individual members, founder Narciso Monteiro at the forefront, began experimenting with the Prog Metal scene.  This proved to be a huge success in Portugal with several tours within the first year.  Although Monteiro and several of Heylel bandmates will continue with their metal band, he decided to revive Heylel.

2020 – Heylel returns with a comeback to their smooth and mellow sound, releasing a special album with orchestral mixes of old songs and new songs.  Several guests featured, 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- Heylel signs multi-record deal with new label, OOB Records (Netherlands), with the release of Presence of Mind.