Album Review: Hexenhause - A Tribute To Insanity

Hexenhaus - A Tribute To Insanity

Active Records - 1988

9/10

Sweden's Hexenhaus is one of those bands that would have popped up at the perfect time for the small blip of tech-thrash dominance in the late '80s, but never made the impact one would suspect. Perhaps its because of the region's death metal focus at the time, or maybe I'm just full of shit. Either way, their debut record A Tribute To Insanity has had me on a clutch for several years now, for very good reasons. It may just be that they manage such a brash sound without really feeling overly heavy, or I guess, without trying to be.

By that, I simply mean there's no reliance on the South American / German aura of fierce meanness or black/death leanings. The tones aren't overly crushing, and the riffs feel steady enough for the more technical aspects to shine beautifully, despite a fairly untouched production. Yet, the vocals come through with a comprehensive hue that gets its brashness from the echo-snarls that contrast the otherwise accessible energy, and I think that's why it feels so special. With that in mind, the more advanced rhythms and fret-happy solos simply act as a bonus, rather than the main sell. 

Moreover, Hexenhaus doesn't really feel the need to hide much, so you don't have to look too far beyond the surface to grasp their schtick. Simpler tracks like "Delirious" do such a splendid job in weaving together groovy thrash chops and vocals that don't feel overly ambitious, but just want to make a point. "Incubus" even features what feels like a breakdown carried by raw drum-patters near the end, and I love the speed metal frenzy that is "Memento Mori - The Dead Are Restless." At the same time, you get the ten minute centerfold "As Darkness Falls" which winds up pressing forth with more unsettling energy via drastic shifts, varying techniques for leads, and a terror-laced drive that nonetheless is packed with beefy melody.

It would likely be unfair to claim that A Tribute To Insanity got shafted, as there's definitely enough of a following around this record that isn't lost on me. But I also think that if it was released elsewhere, maybe it would have made a larger impact. The band would go on to do a few more records with similar degrees of attention, but if you're just going to listen to one, I'd say make it this one.