HEKZ: Caerus

KingsGene

God of Thunder
Apr 1, 2005
14,176
680
113
near KC
www.kingsofthenight.com
HEKZ RELEASE CAERUS ALBUM; PROMOTIONAL VIDEO STREAMING

Press release:
Prog metal is alive and well in the UK with HeKz's second release, titled Caerus. Drawing influences in equal parts from heavy metal legends and prog rock luminaries, HeKz seek to take the original progressive metal blueprint and rewrite it for themselves. As ever, the song is king, a trait which sets them apart from many of their peers.

HeKz's debut album, Tabula Rasa, laid a firm foundation, and now follow up effort Caerus sees the band striving to fuse the two contrasting elements of their sound to produce something truly unique. The familiar cornerstones of the band's style are still present; the commanding vocal delivery of Matt Young and the characteristic twin guitars of Al Beveridge and Tom Smith are this time augmented by the addition of James Messenger's swirling synths and chunky Hammond, all kept in line by the tasteful and precise drumming of Kirk Brandham.

Caerus is an album of firsts for the band, most notably it marks their debut as a five-piece, alongside a supporting cast of guest musicians including renowned cellist Audrey Riley. This sophomore album is also the first from HeKz to receive a label release, out on the band's own BMH Audio label via Cherry Red Records. Featuring nine new original tracks, Caerus will be supported with widespread touring by the band.

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Album sampler:

 
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This new disc sounds way better than their previous releases. Much of that was very generic, unimpressive heavy metal. As Glenn said, there's more of a Threshold vibe with this new stuff. Sounds good!
 
There are indeed some good musical moments on the disc, especially with the keys. However, I can't say that I enjoyed the vocal melodies that much overall after hearing the entire disc.
 
I just ran across this song on youtube...I think it sounds really solid. Granted it's one song. Definately going to check out more.

 
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Glenn- I think you need to revisit this. I am liking this disc more and more with each listen. Left Hand of God, especially is a killer track
 
Agree !!! This is a very good disc ........like Glenn, I do have a slight problem with some of the vocal melodies / arrangements ..... while this guy has a fantastic voice, he likes to use it in strange ways in contrast to the music, which threw me off a bit, especially on the first song......

Here is what I said on the PM Rising Board about it ......

http://www.pmrising.com/pm/viewtopic.php?t=9953


I'm really enjoying this disc, but I know lots of people are having trouble with it, and I'm wondering if the vocal arrangements are causing it, as the music is first rate. It's sort of a quirky version of Threshold to put it in short terms, but there is much more going on here for sure......

It is still streaming here:

http://www.progstreaming.com/_wb/pages/play-album.php?activeAlbum=00964 - Hekz - Caerus