It is with 'Invicta' that I discover the English of 'HeKz' who already have 2 studio albums to their credit ('Tabula Rasa' here and 'Caerus' here). Like ‘Tomorrow's Eve’ (see here), they offer us a progressive metal of incredible variety and richness that draws its inspiration from a multitude of formations and from several generations of artists ranging from 'Queen' to 'Dream Theater'. First of all, after a first listen, we can not really say what style prevails so much they touch everything; of course, the first part of the album is metal oriented but after the title ‘Ultimatum', it's not so obvious anymore, because the mix of sounds and rhythms make even powerful and fast parts never aggressive. It should take one by one each title but I will limit myself to limit this chronicle to talk about the longest title of the album 'The Devil's Coin' which gathers all the atmospheres in one title: first, a powerful introduction which precedes the epic theme and very melodic to arrive at a first quiet part sung which gradually increases with the arrival of the electric instruments and then falls for an instrumental part reminiscent of the beginning of the progressive metal and which stretches exploring nooks and crannies; a few chords of bass and the following explodes in a fast and complex part where mixes keyboards and guitar and where the rhythm section plays a preponderant role and which ends in a heady sung part which leaves its place after a susurrée pause of the title to a final grandiose taking up the starting theme. It is certain that such a density can not tame in a single listening and that it is the kind of album which one must be appropriated little by little all especially since the richness of the arrangements (among others beautiful harmonies vocals) makes that you always discover new details. In summary, the English of 'HeKz' certainly release one of the albums of the year in progressive metal but 'Invicta' should not be limited only to the audience of this style but also touch the people open to a mix of genres in progressive music in general ...
for those who would be interested, this link gives more information on the theme of the album.
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