Apologies to all our other writers but I am claiming Hexvessel as my own and reviewing everything I can lay my hands on from now on. I loved the first two albums so much that I even paid money for them and they are my favourite chill-time albums since I got them. The one problem I have so far with the band is not seeing them live and that was a bitter blow especially during this weekend when people were on about how good they were at Roadburn and also when they trod out on tour with other faves Sabbath Assembly who I am also dying to see. That aside this new EP turned up and I have had difficulty focussing on much else as it has been playing almost non-stop.
It is not just a throwaway between albums lets lob some stuff out so people don’t forget us EP either as far as I am concerned as it contains some of the best songs I have yet heard from Matthew McNerney aka Kvohst in this spiritual folk guise. Yes if you do not know Hexvessel but do know Dodheimsgard, Code etc this is the same person and he has got very much back to nature with his latest project even relocating to Finland to find other kindred souls to help him get this vision together.
Described as the companion piece of the lovely ‘No Holier Temple’ the EP starts with the whopping 13 minute Masks Of The Universe. Soulful trumpet and tear drenched melody pave the way for Doors like vocal chants (that similarity could be as they are talking of The End but it strikes me in more ways than the one). It is a track of many parts and it lightens into those lilting harmonic croons that will be instantly recognisable to anyone who has heard the band before. Hammond takes one right back in time as the retro tinged melody and hippy flow makes you want to go and pick flowers and weave them in your hair. That’s not all though and perhaps taking inspiration from the track title there is a persuasive psychedelic flavour to the second half. Hawkwind get bandied about far too much by people who have not heard them, not here though, their nuances are truly intertwined here along with other obscure psyche entities (Webcore really spring to mind).
After this monster one should not forget the other tracks such as the sublime ‘Superstitious Currents’ an acoustic piece with violin and beautiful vocal harmony. It’s like a dark lullaby and really weaves a magical spell which will stay with you for ages. One of the most striking of the five tracks is actually a cover Women Of Salem. Originally done in 1973 by Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band even if I did not know this on first listen I did recognise the song. Complete with some lush vocal accompaniment from Rosie of Purson this is an absolutely gorgeous song despite the witch hanging subject matter. Rob Zombie really missed out not having the original on Lords Of Salem it would so have suited the film. It’s one of the ‘loveliest’ songs I have heard in aeons (hardly surprising I guess, it’s not a word I use often). Finally we have yet another classic sounding number which with a title like ‘Don’t Break The Curse’ one would be forgiven for thinking was a cover too. Another guest is heard in the background as this quietly ebbs in. It’s Alia of Blood Ceremony adding flute to a spoken word story which is really gentle and atmospheric. I am reminded a bit of Genesis P-Orridge as the oration captivates before the song takes form and twists into a slow-burning folk etched harmony.
This really is fantastic stuff and it has well and truly brought out the hippy in me. Hexvessel are one of those bands that those in the know seem to be fawning over but the proof is really in the listening and as far as I am concerned there are no accusations of hype that I am prepared to put up with. In a word sublime.
(8.5/10 Pete Woods)
03/05/2013 at 9:25 am
You’re going soft, Pete. Claiming all Hexvessel, eh? You must think me a philistine for writing the attached review then, you big hippy! – http://www.avenoctum.com/2012/09/hexvessel-no-holier-temple-svart-records/
03/05/2013 at 10:55 am
Yes I have seen their light!