HEXORCIST - Evil Reaping Death (Review)

Written by: Blackie Skulless

While Conjureth took me by storm, being the best album released through Memento Mori this year, Hexorcist is another band that came out alongside it. In a similar OSDM vein, they hail from Miami, Florida, much like many of the style’s originators. The striking debut is entitled Evil Reaping Death, and it shows little interest in subtly. Rather, it stays as straightforward as it possibly can. Musically, think something very similar to the likes of Morbid Angel.

So it should go without saying that this effort consists of raw guitars resembling aggressive thrash acts, alongside pummeling and simplistic drumlines. All of the Azagthoth-like guitar tricks are there, including the screeching and wailing solos topped with harmonics to invoke panic and confusion. Fret-happy tapping and similar guitar tones? All checks out. Admittedly, this can feel a bit same-y, and obviously isn’t really anything original, but the brevity and incredible execution allows me to give this a pass.

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Vocally, Evil Reaping Death stands out not only because of the clear delivery, but because of how it’s mixed and produced, sitting above the music significantly. The growls ride on the deeper side without really being too guttural, letting in that classic authentic feel. For the most part, this is a pretty one sided ride, but there is superior writing in the progression and repetition placement in songs like “Denouncing The Immaculate.” I also thought the title track had some serious grooves in the bridge.
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Clearly, Hexorcist are aiming for a very clear audience, and that’s any fan of the death metal style that isn’t looking for anything overly intricate or off-the-cuff. Finding new or interesting ideas is always a plus, but there’s always room for some good old ideas brought to a modern age in a straightforward manner. No shortage of consistency here!

Hexorcist ​- Evil Reaping Death was released July 26, 2021. Find it on bandcamp here!

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Hexorcist can be found:
Bandcamp
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