HELLIXXIR: The Black Fortress (THRASH): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Hellixxir is a thrash metal formation which, even after upheavals, has never lost its appetite for conquest and power. The band released in 2018 a compilation ("A Dull Light Around") about which Music Waves had regretted the quality of some recordings and its lack of coherence. Today, it releases "The Black Fortress", a dark architecture populated by unhealthy figures.

From the very first moments of 'The Black Fortress', the warmth is intensified by the multiple, cavernous, piercing or snarling voice. The variations are numerous, between acceleration or appeasement, allowing expressive solo guitar interventions. Then the storm softens with gentle arpeggios that flee into the darkness. Energy is the centre of attraction of the work, dark and devouring like a black hole, it swallows down to the last light that surrounds it. 'By The Stars Be Deceived' unfolds the same darkness: dissonant riffs, six-sharp strings and aggressive voices. 'Pure Contingency' is a balance between heaviness, terror and horror, thanks to a voice worthy of modern death or deathcore (Carnifex, Spawn Of Possession).

The groove resounds in this holy cathedral, like when 'Parapraxis' slows down the tempo or when the riffs raise fine volutes of melodies to counterbalance the aggressiveness. There's also a doom-like groove ('Oxymoronic Way Of Life') adorned with strange melodies that pinch the heart and make you sweat cold thanks to corrupted harmonies. This strangeness resides everywhere: stripped chords, arabic melodies ('A Journey To The Ineffable'), hypnotic harmonies ('Tat Tvam Asi - The Cosmic Veil Of Illusion') or solitary interventions on the edge of shred ('Wolf Behind Bars').

"The Black Fortress" is a record born in the mud and then adorned with fine melodic illuminations that lighten it with a pale aura. After a somewhat bland compilation, Hellixxir offers an album that demonstrates its compositional qualities and musical skill. - Official website

HELLIXXIR

THE BLACK FORTRESS

MUSIC RECORDS

THRASH