This is a follow up to their comeback record ‘Wrath of the Reaper’. Traditionally Hexx are SF Bay Area Power Metal and delved into technical thrash/death with 91’s ‘Morbid Reality’. Their ‘Wrath of the Reaper’ comeback back more traditional US metal and for this new release, its more US Power Metal influenced, similar to their seminal first two releases.
You only have to listen to ‘Watching Me Burn’ to get the US power metal traditional sign, there great soaring vocals and dexterous fretwork on show coupled with a classic USPM arrangement. The title track is a touch harder, more speed/thrash with some undertones of the Hexx classic sound. ‘Vultures Gather Round’ is straight up metal with modern inclinations. ‘Beautiful Lies’ gets more classic metal, I love the lead break and up tempo style with a solid and fresh drum sound, it’s an early contender for my favourite song on the album.
The album features two re-recorded versions of songs from their ‘No Escape’ debut. Have a listen for yourself, I never like re-recordings personally, as a record is a moment in time and should be kept that way, but hey, that’s just me! ‘Power Mad’ and ‘Internal Enemy’ are more power thrash influenced, these are lovely aggressive tunes. I feel overall, the way this album progresses, it’s an improved account of the Hexx legacy, so much more than their last effort 3 years ago. ‘Touch of the Creature’ well listen to the lyrics! The track ‘Wise to the Ways of the World’ getting back to power metal, the groove that comes through keeps you busy with the many riffs and interchanges.
Overall, ‘Entangled in Sin’ is a step up from ‘Wrath of the Reaper’, it’s much more focussed with more detail in the guitar work and arrangements, just listen to ‘Over But Bleeding’ for a change if vision. The energy transmitted to the listener is much greater in terms of impact, the songs are basically better! This is a damn fine release and respectful of the bands legacy.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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