Hexvessel – Polar Veil

Releasedate: 22 September 2023
Label: Svart Records

Finnish band Hexvessel is back with “Polar Veil”, out now via Svart Records. Holed up in a home-made studio in his log cabin during the winter of 2022, mainman Mat McNerney drew on all the fundamental elements of his music career as a shamanic shapeshifter, with only the isolation of nature’s solitude as inspiration for “Polar Veil”.

Polar Veil delivers us the darker and more doomy side of Hexvessel. In contrast to the uplifting and cheerful vibe in the previous record “All Tree“, “Polar Veil” is all about winter and going inwards. However, this change in “Polar Veil” is surely not a surprise to the fans as the band’s style knows no boundaries.

Nature, isolation and spirituality are the aspects prominent in “Polar Veil”, which also form the essence of Hexvessel’s style. These elements combined with the black, doom and post-metal sound make “Polar Veil” quite special. You especially gotta appreciate band’s tribute to the black metal legends of the 90s and its influence over the main sound in the record.

Having seen the band live recently, I can also say that this album is possibly more personal and emotional than the previous records. During the recent show in Helsinki, the band dedicated “Eternal Meadow” to the legendary Timo Ketola, who sadly passed away in 2020. Having experienced this song live, it became an instant favorite. In addition, Polar Veil features some special guest artists such as Nameless Void from Negative Plane (Ring) ,Okoi from Bølzer on guest vocals (Older than the Gods) and Ben Chisholm (Listen to the River).

“Polar Veil” is surely one of the best records of this year. Definitely recommended to the fans of black metal, but also fans of spiritual and doomy side of metal.

Line up:

• Ville Hakonen – bass
• Jukka Rämänen – drums
• Kimmo Helén – piano, keys, strings
• Mat Kvohst McNerney – Guitars, voice, keys

Tracklist

1. The Tundra is Awake
2. Older than the Gods
3. Listen to the River
4. A Cabin in Montana
5. Eternal Meadow
6. Crepuscular Creatures
7. Ring
8. Homeward Polar Spirit

Links:

Official
Bandcamp