HEXX — Wrath of the Reaper (review)

HEXX — Wrath of the Reaper album cover Album · 2017 · US Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Wrath Of The Reaper" is the 4th full-length studio album by US, San Francisco, California based metal act Hexx. The album was released through High Roller Records in September 2017. Hexx originally formed in 1983 and released three full-length studio albums before disbanding in 1995. They developed their sound greatly over the years, starting out playing US power/heavy metal and ending in technical death/thrash metal territory on "Morbid Reality" from 1991. So what does Hexx sound like 26 years down the line...

...well they sure didn´t continue the technical death/thrash metal sound of the predecessor, and "Wrath Of The Reaper" definitely have more in common with the first two US power/heavy metal releases by the band ("No Escape" from 1984 and "Under the Spell " from 1985), although "Wrath Of The Reaper" is generally a bit harder edged (even touching thrash metal territory once or twice). Stylistically this is more or less the epitome of the US power/heavy metal style and if I have to make a comparison that as many people as possible can relate to, it would be an act like Metal Church. At times this actually sounds so much like Metal Church that I´m doubt if it´s that band in disguise playing on "Wrath Of The Reaper" (it´s almost eeire at times how much lead vocalist Eddy Vega sounds like a slightly more pissed Mike Howe). So in that respect "Wrath Of The Reaper" isn´t the most original sounding album out there, but it has other qualities which still make it a high quality US power/heavy metal release.

Despite not being the most unique sounding material, the tracks are very well written. Powerful and memorable heavy metal tunes with heavy raw riffs, well played guitar solos, an energetic and solid playing rhythm section, and the above mentioned raw snarling vocals on top. Hexx are a skilled and well playing unit and they have crafted a potent release with "Wrath Of The Reaper". Fans of the style (and Metal Church in particular) are recommended to give this one a listen. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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