About Hekz
04-19-2009 Review - BedfordAlternativeMusic.co.uk
Named after Orpheus an operatic Greek Myth Orfeo is the title of the latest HeKz C.D. with a carved statuesque design on the cover, giving an epic feel, although looking quite dark as if a marble stone carving would have shown up better than a wood or bronze effect, interestingly the cover was designed by former guitarist Adam Billington.Two tracks are remastered versions from the much praised by fans Exodus C.D. which came out a few years ago.WHEN DARKNESS FALLS has been reviewed before from a previous C.D., now with the addition of Mr. Alistair Beveridge and Kirk Brandham as new band members on guitar and drums. They have a style and the amount of twiddley riffs you would expect from the metal quartet, with clear recording and no over complicated additions, instrumentation wise, it seems that nothing is over played, no one is fighting over the other with instruments to be heard, instead it all equals out and comes together really well; drums and guitars on the track come over more basic and forms a clearer version than the original.On to a new track next, BREAKOUT, the one with the middle gallop and combining vocal areas that sound deep within the chest along with operatic screams. Its good to hear the singers ability to sing both these at the same time via the mix of them played together on this C.D. Earlier in the year a sneaky sample of the song did indeed break out and I believe was a different version that was put out before the release of this C.D. I dont think other vocalists could give it the same quality as their singer does for the backing vocals included, in addition to the main vocals and seems only fitting that their one vocalist does the singing on them also. Its noticeably melodic and catchy, with the awesome romp galloping away in the middle section.DEAD OF NIGHT is the track with a couple of meaty guitar riff sections and the one often employed where a guitarist plays while being carried round the room, head and shoulders above the talent of guitarists of similar musical styles. With all the skill and song writing ability I cant think why HeKz feel the need to re tread previous songs over giving us brand spanking new ones? Dead Of Night however is really well done, with intelligent, subtle and hefty drumming adding a remarkable well played rhythm to the track and the backing vocals add that extra epic edge towards the end.For me, the exciting part of the C.D. is the new tracks and hearing DONT TURN BACK for the first time, starting mildly, utilising acoustic guitars and further demonstrating one of the best singers on the local scenes ability to take us through a full range on a well structured song, with vocal then guitar sections, it kind of blends an operatic orchestral epic sense, with a gallop of strength and very quickly takes you through the ten minutes with out realising its length, reaching a pinnacle of their musical strengths so far, with the style meter on full tilt making the sound seem a more seasoned and a prime level reached in their repertoire so far and further proof that a longer meandering song written by HeKz is in no means a chore to listen to! About serenading an unfrequented love, it sails through many swings and time changes adding a progressive edge to a fresher sound that is becoming much more self styled, as their material like a fine wine has matured with time.There is also a secret bonus track which you will have to buy the C.D. to find out. Bedford Alternative Music can reveal it has something to do with the number 25!Matt Young - Vocals Synths and BassDanny Young - GuitarsAl Beveridge - GuitarsKirk Brandham - Drumswww.hekz.co.ukwww.myspace.com/hekztheband Review by Keith www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk
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