There are releases that try to recreate the past, and then there are those that seem as if they have come straight out of a dark time capsule. From Hell, the debut EP by Hexbane, clearly belongs to the latter category. It is a release that has no interest in following the modern conventions of black metal, but consciously returns to the primitive, violent and occult roots of the genre.
And this is precisely where the essence of Hexbane lies. The band was formed with a clear purpose: to revive the spirit of early black metal, not as a sterile recreation of the past, but as a reminder of why this music was once so dangerous and unpredictable. The lineup features musicians with extensive experience in the scene, from The Magus and George Emmanuel to Tas Danazoglou and Faust, a fact that in itself creates high expectations.
“From Hell” opens the EP with a heavy, dark and aggressive sound. The guitars move between icy riffs, raw old-school passages and slower, imposing sections, while the drums alternate between mid-tempo rhythms and explosive blast beats. There is no intention of adding unnecessary frills. Hexbane go straight to the point, building an atmosphere that strongly recalls the first and second generations of black metal.
The vocals of The Magus fit perfectly into this setting. His performance is harsh, piercing and full of dark aggression, without ever losing its character. George Emmanuel’s guitars are perhaps the most important weapon of the track, as they combine the icy atmosphere with riffs that possess a very distinctive old-school identity.
“Nefarious Spells”, which has already been presented as the band’s first offering, moves in the same dark direction, but displays a slightly different dynamic. Here, Hexbane leave more room for atmosphere and the building of tension, without ever abandoning their aggression. The composition seems to stand on that fine balance between icy black metal and heavy, almost ritualistic extreme metal.
The band’s approach to the production is particularly interesting. Although the sound retains the required rawness, it is neither rough nor chaotic. The instruments sound powerful and clear, allowing the riffs and the rhythm section to have real weight. Modern production capabilities are used without destroying the old-school aesthetic. This is precisely what makes From Hell sound more like a modern band that understands its roots than a simple retro imitation.
And this is perhaps the most important element of the release. Hexbane themselves describe their music as pure proto-black metal, driven primarily by their love for the early days of the genre. However, From Hell does not sound like an exercise in nostalgia. There is enough personality, weight and musical experience for the result to acquire an identity of its own.
With only two tracks, From Hell is undoubtedly a short listen, but it works more as a statement of intent than as a complete presentation of everything the band is capable of. The two songs leave the feeling that Hexbane have only just opened the door and shown us a very small part of what they truly have to offer.
It is also worth noting that the special box edition will include a cover of Bathory’s “The Return of Darkness and Evil”, a song that fits perfectly with the band’s philosophy and the roots they seek to honor.
From Hell does not try to reinvent black metal. It does not need to. Hexbane know exactly what they want to do, and they do it with confidence, aggression and a deep knowledge of the genre’s tradition. If you love early black metal, proto-black, occult metal and that dark aesthetic where the riff comes above all else, then this EP deserves your attention.
Two songs, little running time, but enough darkness to leave its mark.
Spyros Tribos
