HeXeN - Being and Nothingness [2012]

The musicianship here is uncanny! 

It is always incredible to hear an album where you can clearly hear each members love for their musical instrument. If it takes these gents a little bit longer than the fans wanted to get this one out then so be it. If you find yourself thinking, "Man, I have been waiting forever for this bad mother to come out! It better be good!"; then fear not! Because these songs are VERY thought out and much time was spent with each and every one. 

What really sticks out about this undoubtedly the astounding musicianship. Things keep moving here and well, progressing into something more. A lot of the time whenever the word "progressive" is uttered, people shun and think "BOOOORING!", and that could not be further from the truth. It is as if the band has to move forward each time they play a riff. The evidence is clear in every song, but for example with the first song "Macrocosm", which starts out with a piano playing a minor chord progression (total prog move), you can take every phrase and find a little something different each time. And that applies to every song on this glorious bastard. 

There is one thing that must be noted. This album is very melodic. This is one thing that I actually tend to stay away from because to be frank, it isn't my thing; nothing against it. It is just not my thing. But for those who cannot get enough of melody in metal this is the perfect album for you! These guys did not skip a day of music class and clearly know what they are doing. 

This really is a great album and to be honest, this one will probably be the one that takes them to the top. They really deserve it for the time and effort that was put into this bad boy. This is album appeals to everyone but if you happen to be a guitar player... prepare to crap yourself, and then start touching yourself... in that order. Legends could take a lesson for these guitarists. For a band that spent this much time trying to make themselves as well as you happy with killer tunes; you should return the favor and pick this up. Well worth your money and more importantly it is worth your time. 

83%

Favorite Tracks: Defcon Rising, Stream Of Unconsciousness, Nocturne

Hemotoxin - Divinity in Torture Demo

Hemotoxin is a very promising young band!

Here is a promising young progressive deathrash outfit from Pittsburg, CA. They are most clearly influenced by Death, if you couldn't tell by the sub-genre title. This demo is their 3rd release and they get better with everyone. Having only heard this demo and the previous, "Biohazard", the band seems to get tighter with this release. Everyone catches a little heat for not having a billion dollar recording. Which is beyond idiotic, if the band releases a demo, don't expect a new Slayer album. It is actually preferable if it sounds worse. That way when they release a full length LP, they curb stomp the hell out of you!


Alas! The music sounds very much like their hero's, Death, and even throw a cover of "Lack of Comprehension" on there! Covers are another choice move on demos. It shows what sound you are going for. And that's what demos are all about. Concept. The guitar and drum work is complex and really drives the band . The vocals are going for the Chuck sound, but you could also say they are black as well.  The riffs are very cool here as well. The album does have a few samples that may be a little longer than needed. In the son "At the End of Eternity" you hear the music from the popular video game Halo! And if you don't know those are called Gregorian Chants.


Overall this Demo is pretty fucking boss! These guys have a bright Future ahead of them and we can surely expect to see them on more shows! Be sure to check them out on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/Hemotoxin

82%


Favorite Tracks: Autophagy, A Journey Through Dreams