Swedish Metal band Hexed are not what you would expect from a loosely thrown Symphonic Metal tag. They weren’t what I expected when I was fortunate enough to review their debut full-length back in 2018 and now, on their follow-up, it appears that the band intend to immerse themselves in the unpredictable even more and push things even further, which fills me with joy and anticipation. They’ve been dubbed Symphonic Progressive Metal amongst other things, but this doesn’t really convey the heaviness and downright belligerence of the band in full flight and to really appreciate the band, it might be advantageous to be a part of their journey.
2018’s “Netherworld” saw them full of ideas, a band with talented songwriters and musicians fronted by vocal powerhouse Tina Gunnarson. If at times she stole the show on that debut, she wastes no time in asserting her authority this time around. As the title track unfurls, it’s increasingly more difficult to see the Lacuna Coil/Delain starting point I lobbed their way four years ago, other than to acknowledge the full-on Metal style the band have honed, as opposed to any Symphonic type whimsy. Right to the fore are the classic Speed Metal influences displayed previously, but this time around delivered alongside an intense Trail Of Tears or Sirenia feel, also enhanced by occasional powerful male harsh vocals.
This is indeed Hexed in a darker, heavier place, and it really suits them. The mix gives the chunky guitars as well as the resounding rhythms equal billing, seemingly because Gunnarson could basically be shut in a separate room and still make her powerful vocal presence felt. There’s even a bit of Unleash The Archers’ Brittney Slayes about her delivery here as her confidence has grown, which is also evident as she too has the ability to dial it down when needed, giving further dimensions to her style. She also nails everything in between, easily mixing it all in together and delivering exactly what each individual track needs.
But that relentless, fabulous. classic, double-kick driven Power/Speed Metal that Hexed display is what is at the heart of every song, keeping the energy levels up, giving ample opportunity for each band member to shine, as well as continuing to make this excellent band stand apart from others of any genre they might be lumped in with. Because there really isn’t any particular label you can easily slap on Hexed. They are a great Metal band with an excellent singer who play (take a deep breath…) Heavy/Melodic/Progressive/Power/Speed/Symphonic Metal their own way, how they want to do it. This is a band who are taking the time to evolve and show the ability to grow with each album, whilst utterly revelling in the whole process.
(8.5/10 Andy Barker)
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