CDReviews

Hexvessel – All Tree

Label: Century Media      Release: 15. 2. 2019

Hexvessel, founded 2009 by Mat “Kvohst” McNerney in Finland, has created a very unique sound mixing British, Irish and Scandinavian Folklore. Mat has gained front man experience in his homeland via Punk- and Extreme-Metal  bands and in Norway with Black Metal bands – yet the sound here is quite peaceful. As a songwriter Mat cooperates with Andrew McIvor to create songs in the oral tradition of the old balladeers, weaving everyman stories and bringing alive a sense of shared purpose and spiritual history. This is why you cannot expect any camp fire romance here although the fourth Hexvessel album focuses on acoustic style. Sometimes a violin dominates, sometimes the songs carry an atmosphere as if recorded live by the whole band (which should describe the authenticity, not the sound quality).

As an Austrian I have to think of Ludwig Hirsch listening to those partly melancholic-sinster, partly mystical and then again so beautiful melodies and those sometimes sarcastic sounding lyrics. On an international level I would use Nick Cave, Lou Reed and Tom Waits as comparison – mainly because of the feeling those songs invoke, not because of the voice.

Some tracks could be used in a horror movie (e.g. the instrumental Visions of A.O.S.), some are so smooth (Sylvan Sign, Ancient Astronaut) or provide ear candy (Wilderness Spirit); Birthmark rather works as an evil rock ballad. All in all very archaic, primeval and visionary, as if being transported into a dreamy parallel universe.

HEXVESSEL Line-Up:
Mathew Kvohst McNerney – Vocals
Andrew McIvor – Acoustic guitars
Kimmo Helén – Piano, Keys, Viola, Bass guitar
Jukka Rämänen – Drums, Percussion, Bass guitar
Jesse Heikkinen – Lead guitar, Acoustic guitars & 12-string guitars
Antti Haapapuro – Sound effects, field recordings, master of
ceremonies
Marja Konttinen – Vocals, percussion
With:
Daniel Pioro – Violin
Dirk Campbell – Flutes, Duduk

  • 9/10
    Bewertung / rating - 9/10
9/10

Klaudia Weber

reckless and merciless dictator, so KNEEL! In other words, editor-in-chief, translator, website and ad admin, "Jane of all trades" - - - addicted to books (everything between Lord Of The Rings & quantum physics) and music, mainly Metal made in Finland. Furthermore, there's painting, drawing, movies, theater... so you can expect some variety on this website too. MA Master of Arts, English and American studies & Media communication = completed two full studies parallel within 5 years; very proud of my achievement - a bit later in life thanks to a scholarship - as a working class girl in a highlyconservative-romancatholic nation...