Dying Victims Productions, jewelcase, sticker, obi, Hailing from the trad-metal hotbed of Italy, HEXTAR were formed in November 2018 by the hands of Marco Scattolin (guitar), Emiliano Zinà (bass, then also backing vocals), and Andrea Feltrin (drums). Shortly after, Edoardo Loreggian joined and sang on the self-titled debut EP, released in April 2020 amidst the first Covid Lockdowns. Edoardo left during the summer of 2020 due to stylistic differences, and with Emiliano now on vocals, the band released the single “Keep Our Flame Alive” during February of 2021. The title would prove prescient, as HEXTAR the band kept working on writing their first full-length, the then-to-be-titled Doomsayer, which would begin production during September 2022. Shortly after the drum recordings, the band had to part ways with Andrea due to personal issues. They then decided to keep working on the album behind the scenes while looking for a replacement, which came in the form of Amedeo Paolini, who joined in March 2023. The production of the album finally came to a close in October 2023, when HEXTAR were also joined by a long-sought second guitarist, Niccolò Giacometti. At last here, Doomsayer is a big & boisterous blast of classic metal heroism. Ever since their inception, HEXTAR aimed at writing a style of power metal reminiscent of the genre’s early days. From early Helloween to likewise-early Blind Guardian, the inspirations can be heard aplenty across Doomsayer, but HEXTAR are nothing if not true heavy metal maniacs, and thus will one find plenty more traditional metal-oriented elements across the album. For those whose hearts similarly beat true, this debut album will tread some familiar territory, but territory that’s explored with power and personality, charisma and catchiness. Influences aside, which can’t be cataloged as easily as naming a couple foundational names of the genre, HEXTAR’s ultimate goal is to craft songs which can be simultaneously anthemic and laced with just enough complexity, pushing and pounding forward to song structures that are unexpected and varied but never nonsensical. Similarly, Zinà’s vocals display a wide range of note choices and timbres whilst remaining focused on heavy metal heroism; indeed, a great deal of the magic and machismo of Doomsayer comes down to his going-for-it throat. Nevertheless, HEXTAR are truly a full unit here, playing their hearts out together like a band of brothers, a brigade of warriors who wield fantastical guitar solos like dread swords. A veritable blast from the past that’s thankfully set to slay the present, HEXTAR arrive on a plume of dragon fire with Doomsayer!
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