ALBUM REVIEW: Hex – Another Now

Metalcore band ANOTHER NOW have just put out their newest album Hex. The five-piece from Eindhoven have been making waves in the rock community since the release of their debut album OMNI back in 2021 and a string of performances supporting the esteemed likes of BEARTOOTH, ICE NINE KILLS and even the legendary METALLICA. So, with all that, how does their second record hold up to expectations? In one word: incredible.

One of the most exciting movements in rock and metal is the incorporation of different genres to create music that just sounds incredible, and ANOTHER NOW are a prime example of how stunning these combinations can sound as they bring together metalcore and industrial rock with electronic dance music. Opening the record is Vision and the first things listeners hear are some dreamlike sound effects that leave you feeling calm at first. That is until the rough vocals come in alongside the quiet dream-pop sounds, and then the full band kicks in with a metalcore breakdown, sprinkling in those electronic elements. It’s certainly a strong first impression, and one that leaves you rightfully excited for what’s to come.

What’s most intriguing about Hex is how there’s always something new to enjoy in each song. Often it a combination of genres that shouldn’t work but do, with songs like Breathe that bring house music and hard rock together with some rough vocals added to the mix, or Doubt that has the same vibe as those early 00s nu-metal tracks that integrated rap and hip-hop. What’s also fun is how a few tracks can remind you of anime theme songs, specifically the ones used in Death Note or Attack On Titan that also brought in rock and metal to songs that are otherwise dramatic and melodic – we’re looking at you Hex and Horizons.

Each song stands out individually, even the two interlude tracks Leaving and 290332, and every song has you ready and excited to hear more. It would be easy to go through each track and break down everything they did and explain why it’s incredible, yet that would ruin the fun and your first listen. It should be something experienced for yourself. ANOTHER NOW are in a league of their own and are an exciting force to be reckoned with, and it easy to feel even more excited at the prospect of further releases. All in all, Hex is a stunning album.

Rating: 8/10

Hex is out now via self-release.

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