Review by Vladimir on April 7, 2023.

Hexakosioihexekontahexaphilia is a new solo project in the underground black metal scene which presents itself with a two-track demo titled Demo DCLXVI, set to be released via Caligari Records on May 4th, 2023. Although the band’s music is labeled as “black metal”, it isn’t a fair thing to strictly call it as such, and I will explain everything throughout this review.

The first track 'The Burning Of A Temple' is consisted of very interesting rock ‘n roll styled riffing with mid-tempo and double-bass drumming, with vocals that although mostly sing in harsh style, tend to change in some form of epic clean singing which is almost Viking/folk metal-like, somewhat similar to how Fenriz sings on "Isengard". The second track 'Always One Step Too Far' continues the same formula of mid-tempo drumming with the aforementioned varied vocal style, and some epic soloing as well that gives you somewhat of a Bathory – 'A Fine Day To Die' vibe to it. The reason why I am hesitant to call the music strictly “black metal” is because the vocals give a completely different layer of artistic expression which saves it from being mediocre and stereotypical black metal. Don’t get me wrong, the music is indeed black metal, quite a catchy one so to say, but in some ways it’s also a bit folkish if you pay close attention to the vocals and how you experience the entire thing. The songwriting is quite simple and on point, where the catchy riffing goes along nicely with the epic and harsh vocals work just right in my opinion. The demo is well produced with just a bit of rawness to the guitars, but it’s an overall cleaner sounding black metal release that doesn’t take away the necessary edge required for this subgenre.

This was an interesting but a bit short experience, although considering the fact that this is a demo after all, it does give a nice glimpse of what is to come, especially if there will be a full-length album in the future. Not gonna lie, the name Hexakosioihexekontahexaphilia is a mouthful in my opinion and whatever it means it just feels like the band is simply bound to forever remain in the bowels of the underground since no one will ever be able to pronounce it or write it down. Whatever you make of it, I am sure that you’ll like this demo and I hope I’ll hear more from this band somewhere in the near future.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Carl on December 28, 2023.

The split EP, a proud staple of underground bands all over the world. You get two (or sometimes more) bands for the same price. If they're both good, you've hit the jackpot, if one of 'em sucks, there's still one side to cherish, and if they both suck ass, ... I guess that's just too bad then.

Side A comes flying out of the gates with Deathhammer from Norway, a band that I also own a full length by, and apart from that I can't actually tell you all that much about 'em, really. I don't know how that came to be, and judging from their contribution here, I've been missing out, because this fucking rips!! Their two cuts (one short, the other a bit longer) delivered here charge at you with merciless power, showcasing a speedy concoction of rough croaking and shrieking vocals, ferocious speed/thrash guitar riffing and simple yet highly effective percussion. Reminding me of a gruff rendition of "Show No Mercy" era Slayer, early Destruction or Venom that had too much coffee, these tracks speed by with a barely controlled punk-fueled energy and reckless abandon. Dressed up in a suitable unrefined yet balanced soundmix, guitar, vocals and drums are at each other's throats constantly, giving the listener barely any room to breathe. Both "Deathbangerz" and "Blasphemy" are brimming with energy, and the simple but hook-filled choruses have you shouting along in no time. It's full-on headbanging galore 80's style, and this hits the mark with full force.

Up next comes Körgull The Exterminator, the reason for me obtaining this 7". Like Deathhammer, they are also operating in the old school black/thrash realms of metal, taking their cues from bands like Sodom, Black Shepherd, Vulcano, Razor and (of course) old Voivod, but delivered with a rougher punk edge in the vein of Discharge, Charged G.B.H. and Attak. Opener "The Flag of Hate Shall Rise Again" comes bulldozing out of the gate, delivering a blow of blackened thrash, where Lilith's acidic croaked vocals are underpinned by the Motörhead meets early Kreator riffing and no-nonsense battering percussion, creating a punk-fueled blast of rough 'n' gruff metal, coming at your face like an iron fist. The second offering, "The Never Ending Forest", speeds things up a notch, adding a vicious burst of Sarcofago and Vulcano style velocity to the metalpunk on steroids the band has on offer. Once again immersed in a fitting unrefined underground production, this side of the EP continues the headbanging, bone-shattering atmosphere that started on the A-side with Deathhammer.

This is a great split EP, with both bands delivering a more than solid blast of aggression and belligerence throughout. This is the kind of old school and utterly remorseless type of savage and filth-ridden metal that you can pull me out of bed for in the middle of the night. Energetic and powerful, absolutely merciless and certainly devoid of any good manners, this one comes highly recommended!

Rating: 9 out of 10