HeKz - Another Time EP Review
by Martin Stapleton
Following on from last years excellent "Exodus" EP, HeKz are back with 5 more slabs of magnificant metal mastery. After 2 years HeKz continue to be such an exciting live act, but can they capture it on disc? The answer is a resounding "Yes". This is a CD which should be listened to loud, on reflection make that very bloody loud!
The opening "Another Time" immediately captures the live spirit and the chin-stroking thought of "How does Matt effortlessly capture those extremely high notes?". The historical "Sword of Damocles" features an extremely eerie intro before flailing guitars and hammering drums take their full effect. "Where the Brave Dare Not Go" contains an almost spaghetti-westernish instrumental before it explodes into a thumping metal headbanging assault.
I'm loathe to criticize HeKz, but "The silver Touch" really is an uncomfortable listen. It's slightly poppy and commercial and (whisper it ever so quietly) a tiny bit funky! Plus, oh no, is there an old Cult riff in there somewhere?
"Terminator" is my undoubted favourite. It's HeKz back to basics. A superb end to the EP with Matt's mischievous laugh mid-way through. The message is loud and clear. Rock on, stay metal, Hekz will be back.
The mixing and recording of HeKz is succinctly captured by Justin Saban at Latent Lemon, while the sleeve is beautifully designed by Adam Billington.