HEKZ

Hekz are a young up-and-coming band from Bedford. The line-up consists of vocalist and bassist Matt Young, the twin guitars of Tom Smith and Al Beveridge and drummer Kirk Brandham. The’ve been getting positive reviews for their live shows, including a slot at Bloodstock in 2010. This self-financed and self-produced debut begins with ‘Poison Pen’ which is really prog metal by numbers and is not one of the stronger tracks on this release. The lyrics, which to my mind would appear to be about journalists and journalism, are topical and well-constructed. Things take a turn for the better with the next track, 'Bring The Fire’ which is both catchy and melodic. Of the remaining songs, the band seem to be stronger on the cuts that have a more straightforward ‘metal’ approach, such as ‘As Rome Burns’, one of the highlights of the album, and ‘Seize The Day’ which is the shortest track, at three and a half minutes, and has echoes of classic NWOBHM about it. There is usually an exception to a rule and, despite contradicting what I’ve already said, probably the best track on this release is ‘City Of Lost Children’, which is a veritable prog tour de force. From the piano led intro and outro to the operatic delivery of Young and the myriad twists and turns during the song’s ten minute length, the cut ticks virtually every box in the list of what makes for a prog classic. It’s refreshing that a band so young are not frightened to attempt to create material of such complexity. All in all, the Hekz must be commended on this release. Sure, not every track hits the spot but, as mentioned before, it’s a self-financed and self-produced debut and, as such, shows immense promise and potential.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Self-released

Album

TABULA RASA

Review by Dave Uphill

RUNNING TIME:

61:00

RELEASE DATE:

3rd Sept 2012

TRACK LISTING

1) Poison Pen
2) Bring the Fire
3) Darkness Visible
4) As Rome Burns
5) City of Lost Children
6) Vendetta
7) Hashashiyyin
8) Seize the Day
9) A Pound of Flesh
10) Don't Turn Back

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"It’s refreshing that a band so young are not frightened to attempt to create material of such complexity."