Crimson Veil’s debut album, “Hex”, offers a dark and heavy journey through black metal and doom, blending occult themes with crushing instrumentals. The band, still relatively new but rising in the underground scene, delivers a record that is intense and atmospheric, drawing listeners into a world filled with mysticism and dread. The album opens with the self titled track that sets the mood for the rest of the record. Slow, heavy riffs kick things off, gradually building into faster, more chaotic sections. The band moves seamlessly between slower, doom-laden moments and the faster, more aggressive black metal elements. The guitars are thick and powerful, the drums drive the energy of the songs, adding to the intensity. Yet there are also eerie, melodic undertones that give the songs a haunting quality, making the music feel both brutal and beautiful. Vocally, “Hex” is raw and harsh. The growls and screams are relentless, filled with emotion and anger. This fits perfectly with the album’s themes of the occult, rituals and darkness. The lyrics are dark, mysterious, and at times cryptic, giving the album a deeper sense of meaning. Even if you don’t catch every word, the vocals add a layer of intensity to the overall atmosphere. There are a lot of standout tracks on “Hex” that start off slow and haunting, with clean guitar melodies, before exploding into a heavier, more chaotic sound. The shifts in tempo and dynamics give the album a lot of variety, making it more interesting to listen to. This balance of slow, brooding sections with faster, more aggressive parts keeps the album engaging from start to finish. The production also plays a role here, keeping the sound raw enough to maintain that underground black metal feel, but clear enough so you can appreciate the melodies and musicianship. Another strength of “Hex” is its pacing. The album flows smoothly from track to track, without feeling repetitive or dragging on. Each song feels like it serves a purpose, contributing to the dark, ritualistic atmosphere that the band creates. The occasional slower tracks give the listener a brief moment to breathe before the intensity kicks back in. This balance of mood and tempo adds to the album’s impact. In conclusion, this debut album is a solid release from Crimson Veil that should appeal to fans of black metal, doom and occult inspired music. It’s heavy, dark and full of atmosphere, with enough variety and depth to keep listeners coming back for more. With “Hex” Crimson Veil has shown they’re a band worth keeping an eye on in the metal scene.
♦ 7/10
Christina X
