There is no doubt that black metal and thrash go together splendidly, bands like Aura Noir have proved that already. So it is always nice when you suddenly come across an act such as Hexer. Hailing from Philadelphia and including members of other great bands such as Nachzehrer, One Master, Mutilation Rites and Unholy Goatfucker the band was formed back in 2009 and since then has released one demo and two cassette EPs. Gilead Media fortunately is releasing a vinyl, with remastered versions of the tracks found of both EPs in order to spread Hexer’s black thrash mayhem to the extreme music fans.
What is so intriguing about the band is how they are able to bring together the sound of both scenes in a very interesting manner. Somehow they are able to retain both the thrash metal aggressive feeling and the eerie black metal sentiment. It is quite impressive when you hear the album actually, because in some twisted way you find yourself ready to start a mosh pit when thrash anthems such as “I:III” appear, and the very next moment you are left out in the bitter frost environment that Hexer is so magnificently crafting, for instance in the beginning of “I:I”.
And it is the way that Hexer can lead you from the one point to the next that really hits the spot. As the black metal vibe of “I:I” leads to an all out attack of hellish thrash metal riffs while the vocals are piercing your ears with their high pitched fury, you are left with just a notion of the extremes that this band can travel to. And then there are times when Hexer take things a bit slower. Hard to picture that for a black/thrash band, but their mid tempo parts are just a sheer display of power. The thunderous mid tempo opening part of “I:II” can even be described as epic, and the destructive beginning of the closing track of the album “II:III” builds up anticipation for what will soon follow. In any occasion usually what follows is a tempest of thrash metal, either in the form of mosh pit starting riffs or paranoid parts with the lead guitars entering a feast of schizophrenia.
And then there is of course there are the black metal moments that the band can so masterfully create. Aided also by the old school production that makes the album even more interesting, transforming it into a sonic storm that is set to destroy your ears. That is the case with “II:II” which sounds like it jumped out of the second wave of black metal. The complete and utter annihilation is the only purpose of Hexer, with the eerie riffing giving place to the 80s Bay Area thrash metal leads. But what is more remarkable is that Hexer do not just use the aggressive side of the 90s black metal and it is quite obvious that they are also influenced by the claustrophobic and desolate ambiance of the scene. That much becomes apparent for instance in “II:I” with the ice-cold riffs coming out making you feel more unease and uncomfortable about this listen. The same idea is applied in a number of other places, in an extraordinary way about three minutes in “I:II” and about four minutes in the closing track of the album.
With their two cassette EPs Hexer have really shown their teeth. Now you can get the band’s great outlook on both the thrash metal and black metal scene in vinyl (which is always better). If you are fan of the old school sound of extreme metal then this release is definitely for you.
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