Hexvessel - Dawnbearer (2011)

Hexvessel has turned out to be one of those weird bands that just sort of slithered its way into my life by accident. I guess in this case a friend simply posted a song to me and at the time I was having something of a flash of love for all things trippy and bizarre from the 60's and early 70's and perhaps it was just good timing, but I was instantly immersed in the strange world that is, 'Dawnbearer.' Hexvessel was formed in 2009 by Dødheimsgard and Code vocalist, Mat “Kvohst” McNerney after he moved to Finland and was joined by musicians from the bands Galacticka and Dark Buddha Rising. Musically a fusion of all things strange and weird from the 60's/70's with nature, pagan mysticism, folklore and the occult, Hexvessel's sound is a diverse selection of folky psychedelia unlike anything else I've heard before.

Hexvessel: David Tibet approved

'Invocation Summoning' has a distinctive 60's vibe to it with a ritualistic underscore, that's absolutely unique to my ears and coupled with incredible vocals it makes for quite an interesting start to this album. 'Heart Of The Mind World' is somewhat more lighthearted and straightforward, but retains that vivid psychedelia, whereas, 'Scarlet Cassocks' is just a simple instrumental with lightly plucked acoustics and violin. 'The Death Knell Tolls' has an almost playful vibe to it despite the grim lyrics, while 'I Am The Ritual' has some of the strongest ritualistic and creepy characteristics the album has to offer. Songs like, 'A Cabalist Under The Gallows' & 'Radiant Transcendent' seem to follow a very similar and calm nature based theme, though, 'Wayward Confessor' has these spooky traits that make it feel like the perfect campfire song. 'Solomon's Song' stands out with its odd sort of medieval balladry too. Throughout the albums fifteen songs it jumps all around though, but through strong and sometimes catchy song writing and generally fantastic vocals the whole album remains consistent and engaging.

'Dawnbearer' isn't going to hit home with everyone, but I think fans of both modern and vintage psychedelic folk and even neo folk will find something to love on this album. Its seems Mat has been busy recently too, having released the 'Vainolainen' EP back in the spring and more recently the second full length album, 'No Holier Temple.' I guess I've got some catching up to do.