The Pitch: "Following on the heels of 2017's Tando Ashanti comes five brand new songs from Denmark's black metal/hardcore hybrid Hexis" through Crown & Throne Ltd/Moment of Collapse/Truthseeker Music/Division Records. FFO Bastard Feast, LLNN, Sibiir
What I Like: Ah, Hexis. Always a safe bet for some solid blackened hardcore. This new short release, titled simply XII, more or less sticks to the band's formula while incorporating the occasional doom and sludge here and there. Again: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. As with all of the band's consistent catalogue, expect primal, blackened screams framed by intensely vicious, grinding riffs that tread between the worlds of Cowards and Mayhem. These 17 minutes will devour you in an unapologetic rendering of hopeless decay and soul torture.
Critiques: While on the one hand I commend Hexis for their consistency, it also leads me with every new release to as "why?" Why does this EP need to exist? What does it say that previous outings have not? Put all of their discography on shuffle and only die-hard fans will be able to tell you which song comes from where. I'd like to see some maturation in the future. What ominous new direction that takes I'll leave up to the band.
The Verdict: XII delivers on Hexis' usual promise of razor-sharp hardcore and black metal. If you're already a fan of the band or this particular sound, you're going to love it. Personally, I'm ready to hear Hexis take things to the next level. Stream it early HERE.
Flight's Fav's: Nefarius, Derelictus, Moseria
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