Frozen Beastmilk: A Deep Dive into Hexvessel’s Nocturne

Mat McNerney has carved a unique niche in the music world, traversing genres from post-punk and deathrock with Beastmilk and Grave Pleasures to the more extreme realms of black metal with code, Dødheimsgard, and The Deathtrip. Among his varied projects, Hexvessel stands out as a particularly intriguing endeavor. Initially rooted in psychedelic folk rock, Hexvessel has evolved into a sound that embodies atmospheric black metal, reminiscent of the classic Ulver style, with hints of doom woven throughout. This transformation began with the 2023 release of Polar Veil, which showcased a compelling new direction for the band. Now, two years later, Hexvessel returns with their seventh album, Nocturne.

The Opening Notes: A Piano-Centered Prelude

Nocturne opens with a delicate piano introduction that sets the stage for the first track, “Sapphire Zephyrs.” As the song unfolds, listeners are greeted with a shift toward a more atmospheric black metal vibe, particularly evident in the guitar work. The sound evokes early Ulver and even hints at Paysage D’Hiver. Mat’s vocal delivery is equally impressive, blending powerful screams with a clean style that recalls the epic tones of Bathory’s Blood on Ice. The addition of guest vocals from Saara Nevalainen enriches the album, providing a choral backdrop that enhances the overall atmosphere.

A Journey Through Soundscapes

The second track, “Inwards Landscapes,” begins with a captivating lead guitar intro. The juxtaposition of harsh black metal instrumentals with Mat’s vocals creates a fascinating dynamic. This unlikely combination works surprisingly well, showcasing Hexvessel’s ability to blend contrasting elements. The acoustic passages interspersed throughout the track add a layer of depth, culminating in a powerful finish enhanced by Saara’s contributions.

“A Dark & Graceful Wilderness” takes a different approach, incorporating spoken word alongside singing. This track highlights the band’s innovative use of synths, which contribute to an icy, atmospheric soundscape that captivates the listener.

Exploring Heavier Themes

As the album progresses, “Spirit Masked Wolf” introduces a heavier riff focus, showcasing Mat’s vocal versatility. The interplay between clean and harsh vocals is masterfully executed, and the guitar work shines brightly. Saara’s involvement near the track’s conclusion adds a brilliant touch, elevating the overall experience.

The mood shifts with “Nights Tender Reckoning,” which leans into a doomier aesthetic. The synths take center stage here, and the dual lead guitar sections create a fresh and invigorating sound. Following a serene snowy weather intro, “Mother Destroyer” unleashes a barrage of blast beats, propelling the album into a more intense territory.

A Calm Before the Storm

“Concealed Descent” offers a charming, mellow acoustic interlude, serving as a calm before the storm of the final two tracks. “Unworld” delves deeper into the band’s doom influences, featuring riffs that resonate with a heavier tone. The track also includes vocals from Vicotnik of Dødheimsgard, adding another layer of complexity.

Closing out Nocturne is “Phoebus,” which revisits themes from earlier tracks while introducing psychedelic elements. The backing screams from Juho Vanhanen of Oranssi Pazuzu provide a haunting finish, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of intrigue.

A New Direction for Hexvessel

Nocturne marks another significant chapter in Hexvessel’s evolution, venturing further into atmospheric black metal while retaining the psychedelic and folk influences that characterized earlier works. The album can be likened to a blend of early Ulver and Paysage D’Hiver, infused with the epic qualities of Bathory’s Blood on Ice and Hammerheart. The incorporation of synths and Saara’s contributions enriches the listening experience, although the album’s length may feel slightly excessive compared to Polar Veil, which had a more concise structure.

Nocturne is set to release on June 13 via Prophecy Productions, and it promises to be a captivating exploration of Hexvessel’s new sonic landscape.