Crimson Veil
Hex – Reigning Phoenix Music
Prog music isn’t really, well, progressive any more if we’re to be honest. Most ‘prog’ is a stodgy follow the leader affair these days. Punk rock and hip hop is where it’s at for experimenting and pushing envelopes. Until that is Crimson Veil popped into existence. Those in the know will already be aware that this is essentially the major parts of Birdeatsbaby following a different path. It’s all very ethereal and soundscapes which you may think has been done before. This though is a new tack with harder more metal influences within the construct. There are some serious layers in each song too. And those songs are unusually long by modern standards. Hana Piranha is instrumental (literally) in making ‘Hex’ truly progressive. The incorporation of her violin, cello and harp add a seductive quality throughout. Then there’s the vocals which range from sirens call to black metal snarl, and are always measured impeccably. There’s something overtly ritualistic about this album, it conjures up images of bloody skulls and runes in your minds eye. It is truly a progressive work that also happens to be a bloody good listen too.
Review By Gary Trueman