From the black heart of the North to the bright-lights of the Rigger, Liz Rowley caught up with vocalist Simon Gordon before tonight's heavy metal gig in Newcastle

YESTERDAY Simon Gordon was lapping up the sophisticated sights of Bordeaux. Today, the Hellfighter vocalist is preparing to thrash out the sound of Damnation's Wings in Newcastle – quite a contrast for the recently wed singer.

"I only got back from France yesterday, but I think I've got enough time to prepare for tonight's gig," he laughs. "I left myself a day and a bit to get ready, so it should be fine."

Formed by members of '90s heavy metal band Xentrix, Hellfighter look set for success.

The fiery quintet are in the process of signing a record deal with a well-known indie label, and they will be performing tracks from their soon-to-be released debut album, Damnation's Wings, at the Rigger tonight.

Simon says: "We got together as mates and started jamming in 2007. We wrote four songs, stuck them on myspace and did a few local shows. We didn't start the whole album until the middle of last year, but we are really pleased with how it's all turned out."

Taking their influences from the likes of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, Hellfighter is everything you'd expect from a heavy metal band.

"When we got together we really didn't expect much to happen – we just did it for fun because we thought we were getting a bit long in the tooth," he admits.

"It's ironic really, because we wrote a few songs, sent off a demo and were offered a few record deals.

"It's very exciting but at the same time I wish it had happened 20 years ago."

Comprising former Xentrix members Stan Havard, Den Gasser and Simon, as well as new members Pete Stone and Mel Gasser, the band is certain their sound will appeal to old and new heavy metal fans.

"It's got good widespread appeal," says Simon.

"People like us who are in their mid 30s and remember Iron Maiden and Judas Priest in their heyday will like what we do, as well as the younger people who are into the newer bands out there. I think it's safe to say we are a straight forward rip your face off heavy metal – but people from all sections will like it.

"It's almost like we have written the music we liked as kids," he adds, "but at the same time it sounds very current."

A far cry from the delicate French city, Hellfighter is more inclined to start a mosh pit than share a bottle of Bordeaux's finest, but a down-to-earth Simon is more than happy to be making this kind of music again.

He says: "Xentrix split in the late 1990s and it was 10 years before we decided to get together again. We were hearing lots of heavy metal bands on the radio and at gigs, and we wondered why we weren't doing it ourselves because we were quite good."

Writing all their own songs, including Legacy Of Hate, Epitaph, Fire Walker and the title track, Hellfighter are set to pick up where Xentrix left off.

"Xentrix had a five album deal and I joined them for the last album," says Simon.

"People in the area will have heard of them from gigs at places like The Sugarmill, so I'm sure tonight should draw in a good crowd."

Hellfighter will be performing at the Rigger in Newcastle tonight. Doors open at 8pm. Over 18s only.