This album is a collaboration between the American Black-Metal and Experimental projects Sutekh Hexen (whom we already know well) and Hissing. The release comprises two lengthy tracks, originally performed live by the two bands—one in 2017 and the other in 2019. These recordings have now been reworked and refined to create “SH:HS”.

What you hear seems to be primarily the result of meticulous improvisation, shaped into a form that incorporates a wide range of influences. It starts out as Dark-Ambient, quickly evolves into pure Drone, and then transforms into a truly Cinematic passage that, in turn, shifts into something considerably noisier. Growling vocals also emerge, adding to the overall sense of darkness. The second track stands out for its boundless sound manipulation and myriad effects, eventually losing itself in a relentless—and, to my ears, somewhat grating—Hardcore rhythm.

“SH:HS” sounds like a musical crossroads where various genres seek an outlet, ultimately merging into a dark, cohesive whole. For me, however, it is the first track that really sticks with me. (Rating:6½).

Listen to “LAX”:

About Sutekh Hexen and Hissing

Sutekh Hexen is an American experimental black metal project based in Oakland, California, originally formed in San Francisco. The band has been active for over a decade, dating back to at least 2010, and started out anonymously with three limited demo tapes that combined atmospheric black metal with noise electronics and dark ambient. Over the years its recording and live line-up has drawn on a wide cast of musicians, including A.C. Way, Demian Johnston, Joshua Churchill, Kevin Yuen, Lee Camfield, Mackenzie Chami, Ryan Jencks, Samuel Torres and Scott Miller.

Sutekh Hexen’s release chronology includes the self-titled album “Sutekh Hexen” (2019, Cyclic Law), the collaborative album “P:R:I:S:M” with Funerary Call (2023, Cyclic Law/Sentient Ruin), and “Primeval” (2025, Cyclic Law/Breath Sun Bone Blood), an album built entirely from acoustic strings, percussion and wind instrumentation.

Hissing is a death/black metal band from Seattle, Washington, whose members include Joe O’Malley, Sam Pickel and Zach Wise. Its discography includes the albums “Permanent Destitution” (2018) and “Hypervirulence Architecture” (2022).

Sutekh Hexen and Hissing first shared a release with a split album on Flenser Records in 2017, the same year one of the two live performances reworked for “SH:HS” took place. The second performance dates from 2019. Both recordings have now been refined into the two tracks that make up “SH:HS”, released digitally and on CD via Cyclic Law.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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