CD Review: Hexz - Exodus
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
Since coming to my attention at the tail-end of 2005, Hexz are a band I have always looked forward to seeing. This local four piece, consisting of Matt Young (bass/vocals), Dan Young (guitar), Adam Billington (guitar) and Niko Bryant (drums) have taken venues and audiences by storm during these last 18 months. Considering their tender years, the confidence and playing ability they display is truly amazing and they have been the 'must see' local band of 2006. So, the million dollar question is, can they transfer a sweat drenched evening on stage surrounded by their army of fans relentlessly moshing away to the confines a studio producing a hard slab of plastic? Of course they could - this is an EP to turn up very loud any annoy your Mum/Dad/Neighbours with. However, if you have very cool parents they will probably join you headbanging away - Hexz's Iron Maiden influenced sound really is that infectious.
From the opening salvo of 'When Darkness Falls' Matt's distinctive vocal range must stretch every sinew of his vocal cord muscle but the absolute epithet of Hexz's music and the glorious anthems they roll out is that it is not just loud for the sake of it. 'Dead of Night' has a timeless quality as the songs builds a picture in your mind whilst live favourite 'Flight of the Harpies' is the musical equivalent to two mighty dark thunder clouds meeting head on in the sky. Final song 'Exodus' recalls the story from the Old Testament, that of the Israelites going from Egypt. It's brooding, atmospheric opening gives way to the trademark Hexz guitar exocet while Matt tells the tale;
'I see my people, I see them suffer, Let my people go, Let them go, You will see the hand of God yourself'
Heavy stuff, but it fully encapsulates Hexz. The lyrics are thoughtprovoking whilst the music is simply mindblowing.
This EP is a credit to the lads and is excellently produced by Justin Saben at Latent Lemon Studios. This is the culmination of the hard work the band have put in during 2006 and it's going to be fascinating to see how 2007 unfolds for Hexz.