Artist: Hexorcist
Country: USA
Label: Angel Of Cemetery Records
Formats: Cassette Tape
Year: 2026
This is Hexorcist, the Death Metal band from the USA. They were formed back in 2019 and released a demo tape before properly entering the scene with their debut album, ‘Evil Reaping Death’ in 2021. The album has been released by no less than six different labels, a thing that happened with the demo as well (seven labels). So the band certainly hasn’t been short of attention from record labels, though I wouldn’t dare say whether that immediately translated into popularity or sales figures. But apart from two split releases (one with Putrid and one with Morbid Messiah), things have been quiet in the band’s camp for several years now.
The reasons for this are unknown to me, but it’s certain that there were personnel issues. The original vocalist has left and his shoes have been filled by none other than Gene Palubicki (Perdition Temple, Malefic Throne, Demonized, ex-Angelcorpse and ex-Impiety), although he hasn’t yet featured on a recording. This new release from Hexorcist is also without him. In fact, this is a rehearsal recording dating from 2019, made before the release of their first demo.
In fact, this recording dates back from the days the band was still called Devastator, but even that early on and still carrying an discarded band name, these guys showed they had something going on. Obviously ‘Heretical Evocations’ does sound as raw as, well, basically any other rehearsal tape, but the musical ideas are definitely there. The fact that they themselves were quite fond of these tracks can be concluded from the fact that the majority of them reappeared on the aforementioned debut album and first full-length. Fans of the band are therefore unlikely to discover much that is new, apart from an early and raw version of a number of tracks they are already familiar with. But it’s always interesting to hear how a particular band developed into the act we later came to know. Besides, if you’re into rudimentary recordings and relatively simple old-school Death Metal in the vein of Nunslaughter, early Morbid Angel, early Sepultura, and specifically Possessed and Sadistic Intent, then this demo is right up your lane.
Cassette tape enthusiasts can snap this up right away. These recordings are also expected to be released on CD later, and in a stripped-down version featuring just four of the tracks, on a 7″ EP as well. Something for everyone, then.
