Finnish death metal band formed in 2007.
Hooded Menace was formed by Lasse (also known from the cult Finnish death metal band Phlegethon and death/grinders Vacant Coffin) in the summer of 2007. Very much influenced by the first Cathedral album, Winter, and Asphyx the band wanted to do play really doom-laden death metal that combined crushing and somber riffs with just a slight hint of melody that comes from their love for the early Candlemass albums from the 80's.
Lyric-wise the band drew inspiration from the classic 70's Spanish horror series the Blind Dead that included the films Tombs of the Blind Dead, Return of the Evil Dead, Horror of the Zombies, and Night of the Seagulls. The rotting, eyeless Templar knights who rode on horses and drank the blood of their victims had an influence on the music as well. The slow, heavy pacing of the Knights Templars is there... in the riffs.
The band recorded a 2-song promo demo, titled The Eyeless Horde and quickly began promoting it in the underground. Pretty soon a Czech label Doomentia Records wanted to put out the demo on 7 EP. Razorback Records released the debut album Fulfill The Curse on CD in 2008 and the vinyl version released by Doomentia Records followed during the same year.
In 2009 the band got signed to Profound Lore Records and the Canadian label released the CD of the anticipated second album Never Cross The Dead in 2010. Split 7 EPs with Anima Morte and Coffins were released by Doomentia Records as well as the vinyl version of Never Cross The Dead. In 2010 Doomentia also re-issued the debut album Fulfill The Curse in digipack CD. A split 7 with Asphyx is lined up for 2010. In June 2011 Hooded Menace signed to Relapse Records.
Hooded Menace are looking to spread their music to fans of totally heavy and ultra-crushing doom and old school early 90's style death metal.