Hexella - The Ancient Gaping Mouth
My brain doesn't immediately gravitate towards Texas when I think of black metal but maybe I should change that.
Hexella's debut album is an interesting One for sure. It has a deceptively straightforward sound. The songs are not overly long and are pretty straight to the point for the style they are going for. However, Each of the songs have just enough changes and Dynamics to them so that they stand out far more than other bands who might more complicated music.
The old school approach, borne out of a love of 80s black scene in its burgeoning days, goes a long way it making the album as memorable as it is. Yes, the songs are powerful and mystic but they are also clearly the result of much care for the songwriting process.
The result is a well balanced black metal album that offers a lot of replay value. I really appreciate just how well the bass slaps---it's not buried in the mix but, rather, it compliments it. The drums are fast and crisp but with a robust feel that doesn't overdo it. Vocally, it's pretty tight with the right amount of echo/effects while still sounding genuine.
“Malefic Warpath,” begins with blackened fury—fantastic drumming. Then the song slides into a groove that's super catchy believe it or not. Around the halfway mark, the band press the gas pedal and rips through like a maelstrom.
The album is at its best when the songs take on a chaotic sense of urgency such as “Ophitic Revelation.” It's violent and unrelenting–the whole song feels like falling infinitely.
The guitar tone must be praised too—check out the killer sound on “No Return.” It's very biting, capturing the essence of black metal. The sharp, crisp drums help accent this necrotic attack making the whole song big eager.
The later half of the album keeps up the energy too. The blistering “Storms of Creation” nearly made me dizzy, especially with the duel attack of the drums and bass going for broke.
The beginning of the final song, “Where The Scythe Falls,” is slower paced but it works for their sound. The powerful drums hit at just the right time, growing the embers into an inferno. By the song's end, it's a foward march of speedy energy.
“The Ancient Gaping Mouth,” is a roaring black metal album that captures the essence of the genres foundations–while still being a fun blast to play as loud as possible.
Rating: Great
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