As we find ourselves in an era where we’re met with just as many bands swear by the roots of any given style as we are met by those who defy any conventions with the will to find unexplored territories, it can often feel as though there are some bands out there that are different without any sense of ingeninuity as if they’re different just for the sake of being different rather than it being born out of passion. For years, we’ve seen the rise of exceptional names carving their own paths through the underground with unique approaches that always keep us coming back for more. Hexer has undoubtedly been one that many people have returned to time after time given their bold sound has always been something to behold for all that it is, and that proves to be no different with this as Hexer’s third full-length album.

While I am all but compelled to pin this creation as something that finds itself on the outskirts of what happens when doom and sludge metal are twisted into a vision that is not quite like much of anything that we would normally come to expect from a combination, “Abyssal” is anything but easy to pin. Much like Inter Arma, Hexer effortlessly dances around any sort of boundary that would place them firmly into any one or more sonic territories that would be easy for the mind to find its way around with the six haunting tracks at play here nothing short of a harrowing experience that takes you to the very edge of sanity should you let your boundaries down to truly enable Hexer to weave its magic upon your mind. A hypnotic spell right from the get-go without falling into any “conventional” sense of psychedelia, nobody is safe from the wonders and horrors that are to be found here as Hexer shows itself more than capable throwing down bounding riffage that goes together amazingly well with their delectable sense of heaviness that manages to tap into the different realms of doom and sludge while still managing to channel inspiration from death metal and even drone to make “Abyssal” far more than some half-heartedly attempt at intensity with an acoustic guitar that tries to pass off as being “different”. Rather, “Abyssal” is a creation that is wholly Hexer’s and Hexer’s alone.

The end result of a band that has been honing their precise craft for years now with it turning into a deadly experience that is one that any connoiseur of the underground should absolutely find themselves before, Hexer made waves with 2020’s “Realm of the Feathered Serpent”, and now they’re poised to make another significant impact with “Abyssal”. There are absolutely heavier and far more intense creations out there for us to lose ourselves in, but it’s with their unique presence and undeniable power that is brought to the table at every turn that Hexer takes this level far pass being considered intoxicating as it’s by the end you’ll come to release that “Abyssal” is utterly rapturing.

LISTEN to “Abyssal” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Hexer on Facebook here.