Delightful Sharp Edges
Review Score: 9
Reviewed by: Georgina Strilakos
Hailing from Norway, Hex A.D. has recently announced its sixth studio album, “Delightful Sharp Edges,” available via Apollon Records. The album features 11 songs, which combine the band’s penchant for old-school metal and psychedelic textures, combined into a one-of-a-kind formula. The prevalent doom influences of some of the band’s previous work aren’t as predominant, as the group chose to focus on heavier, more ambitious progressive rock songs.
The album is powerful and immersive, combining soaring guitar parts with thunderous rhythm sections and iconic vocals that stand out. If you’re a fan of legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Saint Vitus, Trouble, and Pentagram, chances are you’ll love this album. But it’s not just a trip down memory lane – this band stands out for its charismatic personality. The surreal atmosphere and unforgettable melodies set them apart, and the retro instruments, like the Hammond organ, give the music a timeless quality with a hint of 70s flair.
Hex A.D. is quite well known for its unique blend of mind-bending sounds and heavy, distorted guitar riffs. This album is no exception, as it will accompany listeners on a journey through complex and otherworldly musical landscapes that still retain the instinctive attitude of true rock and roll. The lyrical themes also add another, deeper dimension to the album. This is, in fact, a concept album that deals with the overarching idea of genocide, a topic that is arguably quite difficult to tackle. The album deals with stories of WWII, as well as exploring other human tragedies, such as the ethnic cleansing in Rwanda that happened in the 1990s and the massacre of the Rohingya people of Myanmar.
The Norwegian band went to great lengths to create a dynamic, one-of-a-kind listening experience, which in a way, channels the long-form album experiences of the 70s when bands really cared about building the nuances of the whole record rather than focusing on singles.
In conclusion, Hex A.D. has done an exceptional job on “Delightful Sharp Edges,” as the combination of captivating riffs and grandiose progressive soundscapes is truly mesmerizing. It’s also admirable that the band has used their music to shed light on important historical events that should not be forgotten.
https://www.facebook.com/hex.a.d – FACEBOOK
https://open.spotify.com/artist/67j2yPJxr9dYT4JYr14P0K – SPOTIFY
https://www.instagram.com/hex_a.d/ – INSTAGRAM
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2JTaCblJdOh8Fx2ekAMLYQ – YOUTUBE