AN NCS PREMIERE: HAXEN — “HXN”

Roughly a decade ago, Haxen took shape as a solo project in the shadows of Providence, Rhode Island, eventually becoming a duo and then evolving into a full performing band with a line-up that has remained stable since 2011. After releasing a half-dozen demos over the years, Haxen has completed work on a self-titled debut album that will see release on April 1 via Eternal Death Records. But don’t be fooled by the release date — Haxen is no joke. You’ll figure that out very quickly as soon as you listen to the song we’re premiering.

“HXN” is part raw black metal chaos, part methodical bludgeoning, the song’s lashing riffs, thunderbolt drumming, ghastly shrieks, and ravenous roars assaulting the senses in an outpouring of rapacious savagery. Yet as the band slows the pace, it also casts a dark shadow of haunting gloom. With a somersaulting drum roll, the music ramps up again into one final paroxysm of ferocity, laced with an urgent yet venomous melody.

Nine more songs await on the album, delivering 40 minutes of pitch black immersion in soundscapes that are both barbaric and atmospheric. The album is available for pre-order from Eternal Death in both a limited edition bundle with a shirt (available HERE) and as a stand-alone LP (HERE). The track list is as follows:

SIDE A
1. Black Fire Suicide
2. Sleepwalking
3. HXN
4. Cryptic Fire
5. Curss

SIDE B
6. Abismo
7. Kvnnt
8. Apparitions
9. Ceremonial Wounds
10. Purgatoria

For fans in the Northeast, Haxen have also scheduled official record release shows as follows:

4/8/16 – Lucky 13 (Brooklyn, NY) with Throaat, One Master, and Dumal
4/9/16 – Dusk (Providence, RI) with One Master and Bog of the Infidel