Release
date: October 04th 2015. Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Holodeck
Session EP - Tracklisting
1.Astral
Perception (Intro) 04:35
2.Blazar
07:26
3.I|I
12:31
4.Augury
Of A Silent Mass 14:09
Band
Members:
D
– Bass, Vocals
J
– Drums
M
– Guitar, Vocals
Review:
Music
can be a lot of things. It can be the thunderous rally of an all-day
drinking session, it can be the encouraging metronome spurring you on
whilst you are balls deep in a significant other, it can be the
soundtrack that takes an average bus journey and transforms it into
an introspective drama or as in this case, it can be one heck of a
journey in itself. The Holodeck Session EP by Hexer not only demands
but deserves your undivided attention. Smoke em’ if you got em’,
close your eyes and dedicate some time to immersing yourself in this
recording. You won’t be sorry.
Track
1: Astral Perception. As the track title suggests, the EP begins
with an ethereal and haunting intro that lulls the mind into a state
necessary for the panoptic trip ahead. It is difficult to draw
external comparisons with something so unfeigned and autonomous, but
those who enjoy the more subtle moments of Sun O))) and Boris will
find much to appreciate right from the start.
Track
2: Blazar. The second track starts slow and heavy with the arduous
steps of a limping beast. A sparse vocal death rattle beckons you
into the blackness until you find yourself completely submerged,
floating defenceless through the void. In the distance you hear the
distant thump of a pulse which swells steadily until the beast is
upon you once more. A fine example of how subtlety and weight can be
used in conjunction to allow the listener to rise and fall with the
music as each wave builds and washes over you.
Track
3: III. This section leads with a deceptive, tom heavy drum intro
that gestures towards a looming shift in pace but instead throws you
head first into another well received heavy slope reminding you that
the trip is not over yet. Cymbals respire over the menacing howl of
guttural guitars and low, rumbling vibrations. Fans of Kongh, Moss
and YOB will savour this superb example of abject doom.
Track
4: Augury Of A Silent Mass. The previous track fades in a warm,
panning soundscape of pulsating resonance and bridges the gap as the
final track swells into lucid activity, relentlessly continuing the
lumbering pace of this crushing EP. Harrowing vocals conduct the
ceremony as solemn images form in swirling mists. The bedlam
subsides, the mists disperse and the world is still once more.
Delicate, subtle guitars then stir the atmosphere as delayed, spoken
vocals pour in as though carried on the wind to awaken the beast once
more. Be sure to put on your angriest face and crank the volume!
Whilst
I have broken the review down on a track-by-track basis, the band
stated that they intend for the EP to be listened to in its entirety
as a single concept. This is something that I personally feel is
often lacking these days, as it is easier to market a release by
having that one track intended to showcase the entire record. As a
result, ‘sincerity’ (I know, forgive me) is a word that tends to
be thrown around and misused a lot but I feel that The Holodeck
Session EP is incredibly sincere, displaying artistry of incredible
calibre and earnestness. It is always refreshing to listen to
something that takes you on a ride and this EP does exactly that. It
is a cordial invitation to be guided through Hexer’s bleak, emotive
world. All you have to do is take a seat and listen.
Words
by ThisHairyGuy
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