New review:
https://midlandsmetalheads.com/children-of-bodom-hexed/
3,5/5
" A re-recording of 2004’s hidden gem “Knuckleduster” pushes the guitars to the forefront at the expense of the keys and melodies, but lacks the abrasiveness that made the original work so well. The solo stays fairly true to its source, but little changes in phrasing here and there see it lose that special something that had made it one of Laiho’s greatest leads. I can’t say that much of the lead work on the album is that great to be honest, which is a disappointment as I thought, at the time of release,
I Worship Chaos had some of Laiho’s most inspired solos of the past decade or so. "
" At this point it’s compulsory to state that no, this is not in the same league as the first four records. Chances are no new Bodom album ever will be. With that out of the way,
Hexed does no disgrace to their catalogue. There are some weaker moments, but there are no bad songs, and the ones that are good, are seriously good. With a palpable enthusiasm and energy that runs through the album, along with some intriguing new territory covered,
Hexed is a statement both for now and for the future: Children of Bodom are alive, still kicking ass, and will be for some time to come. "