Sunday 21 August 2016

ALBUM REVIEW: Hexxus - "Tunguska"

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 18/062016
Label: Doomsayer Records



Hexxus brings something different from the word go, desolation lays in their wake, pain and fear tremble before their sheer levels of decibel destruction.

“Tunguska” CD//DD track listing:

1. Andromeda (10:06)
2. The Great Migration (5:57)
3. Cross Bearer (6:49)
4. Extinct is Instinct (4:11)
5. Tunguska (11:40)

The Review:

The Southern region of the US has been spawning a great deal of talent over the last few years, whether it has gained the proper recognition or not, it still grows and it continues to thrive. There is more to the South than the goings on in NOLA. North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia has had plenty to offer in the ways of amazingly talented bands, and Alabama is no different. It is the home of Hexxus, one of the most oppressively heavy bands to ever surface from the scene, and they are rising fast.

Though a Southern band, you won’t find any of that Southern groove so many bands reflect from around here. Hexxus brings something different from the word go, desolation lays in their wake, pain and fear tremble before their sheer levels of decibel destruction. All tracks bring different elements but all tie in to an astounding release, from beginning to end, it’s a relentless ride of beauty and fierce inner horror.

“Andromeda” begins with such a weighty, oppressive tone and riff, setting the mood for the rest of the album perfectly. Lyrics are abstract, which I love personally, but deal with a personal loss of a close friend in a fire. This knowledge only elevates the dread in the music. Vocals are punishing and all three members claim their range, of highs, mids and lower range growls, but come together with great ease.

“The Great Migration” kicks in with a heavier punch and more of a drive with greatly placed wonky leads. Slowing down, it drives everything to a deeper level and the tag-team vocals keep a lot of fluidity and movement within the song. “Cross Bearer” continues with the mid paced onslaught with powerful chugs and weird chord phrasings, they only add value and depth to the songs, and they don’t feel odd for the sake of being odd. “Extinct is Instinct” is easily one of the more up-paced tracks but still a healthy dose of caustic sludge, and even a metal solo that blares from out of nowhere! Now the final and also title track “Tunguska” is the perfect end song, blending a dark melodic beauty and powerful burdensome weight of some of the most perfect riffs. The end riff will kill you and carry your cold heartless carcass away into the unknown.

Though new to the scene, they are making a huge racket and gaining momentum month by month. They are raising the bar here in the South and setting a new standard. Good, we needed that.

“Tunguska” is available here



 Band info: facebook || bandcamp


RIYL: Molehill, Iron Monkey, Fistula, Wizard’s Beard