Hexed Messages
Like a thoroughbred, gallopingly wildly across the wide-open plains, “This Road” opens the latest Children Of Bodom record, one which I have been looking forward to immensely. Straight outta Finland (Hanoi Rocks, sorely missed, RIP Razzle, hail to the king Michael Monroe) this is the debut outing for guitarist Daniel Freyberg, and he has taken the whole writing and recording experience in his stride.
Everybody have your air guitars, air drums, air keyboards, and anything else you can thrash around with ready, as you are in for a treat. It’s time to throw caution to the wind, my friends, I declare the pit officially open, May God bless this holy metal pit, and all who participate in it, Amen.
“This road’s gonna kill me” screeches singer Alexi, and with that voice, you know what, I’ll accept anything he says happily.
The stunning symphony that is “Under Grass and Clover” continues down this melodic/death/extreme metal journey. They say people in “Glass Houses” shouldn’t throw stones- but my windows were busted long ago. You need to let this one in; through the back door and let it consume you, it needs to be done.
Let’s indulge in a little witchcraft next as we learn about “Hecate’s Nightmare” it’s a bit “Twinkle, Twinkle” at first and then the horrors descend on you, if that doesn’t give you a yowling and a scowling “Kick In a Spleen” then I don’t know what will. The brakes have been ripped out of this vehicle by that lunatic in the woods in “Platitudes and Barren Words” and I will not be blamed for the consequences. It is a far cry from the warm and cuddly Teddy Bears Picnic, just pure unadulterated madness, mayhem and murderous mischief. We have riff after explosive, infectious riff, it is a kaleidoscope of colours, lights and sounds, my friends. A little Brainstorm, a little 69 Eyes(new album please), this is a lesson in proficiency, ingenuity and tenacity.
Listening to “Hexed” you will most definitely “Relapse” as you don’t know the nature of my crime, furthermore you do not know the manner of my sin.
The three-pronged attack of “Say Never Look Back”, “Soon Departed” and “Knuckleduster” complete what has been a mesmerising outing.
“I’m gonna take your brains to another dimension. Pay close attention- RIP Keith Flint.
From the first note to the last, I love every second of this. Hexed? I am spellbound!