This is the second album from up and coming UK based progressive metal band HeKz.
‘Caerus’ follows on from the self-released debut album ‘Tabula Rasa’ which was warmly received.
HeKz consists of Matt Young on bass guitar and vocals, Alastair Beveridge on electric and acoustic guitars, Tom Smith on electric guitars, James Messenger on keyboards and Kirk Brandham on drums.
There sound is modern, following in the path of say Dream Theater, Opeth and quite possibly Riverside while at the same time adding that little something to keep it different. All great prog music should be listened to on repeat for quite a few times until you finally get the whole picture, and this is where HeKz excel, with the blistering soundscapes, technical and complex arrangements, lush keyboards and beautiful contributions from guest musicians Audrey Riley on cello, Owen Hughes on violin and Abi Murray on flute all combine to make you do just that.
Matt has a clean singing vocal, however when he screams, it’s not a guttural noise, it is a well hung note, the type Ian Gillan excelled at while in Deep Purple.
‘Progress And Failure’ is a brooding seven minute prog masterpiece, yet so is the sub four minute take on modern society ‘Disconnect The World’. Very reminiscent of Rush in this way.
‘From Obscurity To Eternity’ is a another highlight with its abrupt change in direction during one passage, yet it is so well written, you soon forget about it.
The epic in length tracks like ‘The Black Hand’ and ‘Homo Ex Machina’ with its intricate guitar work, both work well, never boring the listener with repeated passages, instead always looking for a prog way out. You know what I mean, why write a closing passage that lasts three minutes, when one lasting five minutes works just as well.
There is no doubt that the powerful and individual sound of Matt Young’s vocal talent is a major driving force in the bands success, sometimes operatic, sometimes high pitched, but always a joy to listen to.
However, album closer ‘Journey’s End’ is this records outstanding piece of work, this takes everything you think you know about HeKz, and mixes it all up into one single 17 minute track.
A very impressive 2nd album, this is certainly worth buying if you enjoy well written constructed progressive metal.
Tracklisting
1- Progress & Failure (7:42)
2- Liberation (5:20)
3- Disconnect The World (3:46)
4- From Obscurity To Eternity (5:35)
5- The Black Hand (12:40)
6- Kingdom (7:42)
7- The Left Hand Of God (5:09)
8- Homo Ex Machina (11:53)
9- Journey’s End (17:31)
WEB LINKS
www.hekztheband.com
www.facebook.com/hekztheband
www.twitter.com/hekztheband