Album Review: Hexecutioner - Tornit
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
For those amongst us who like all things sludgy and doomy, with a bass sound that is as filthy as it comes, then you need to look no further than Seattle based duo Hexecutioner for your next fix. The four songs on “Tornit” are built around crushing melodies and an expressive vocal that leaves you wanting more.
The band consists of Erin Gravina on guitars, vocals and bass, and Bryce Hebner, who smacks the living crap out of the drums wherever possible. The sound they create is pulsating and opening track “Skookum” has one of those rhythms that you never get tired of hearing. You can’t help but move your body or shake your head or tap your fingers along as it’s a catchy earworm that you don’t won’t to disappear. The bass line throughout is deep and, dare I say it, filthy as fuck, and it thunders alongside the heavy cymbal work that is just about audible in certain sections.
They’ve set out their stall with that one, and on “Submission” they have another intriguing flickering sound in the background, before they rip you open with another huge riff. It’s a simple pattern, with the rhythm dominating but providing a platform for the song to come alive and flow with ease. The vocals from Gravina are interesting, as they border on eerie with sprinkles of spookiness throughout, but the musical composition is the emphatic partner here. If you are a fan of Goatsnake, YOB or OM, you are almost certainly going to approve and appreciate this offering.
If you’ve survived the relentless pounding then press on with “Bind My Foe” which lasts for just a shade over 11 minutes, but because of its quality, you don’t tire of listening to it. You will still get the same commanding drum sound from Hebner, and the weighty bass sound from Gravina, but this feels more hypnotic. The guitar riff has a bit more depth and sways around more, without losing that stoner or doom feel to the music, and yes, it’s long, but it really is worth persevering with.
The final track is called “Rogue” and begins with a mix of insect/cricket sounds, and a single guitar before their domineering, almost trademark sound returns with aplomb. The guitar has a different tone to it on this song but doesn’t detract from the imposing bass and masterly drum sound. They are asserting themselves authoritatively and announcing their band as one that wants to be recognised, and with songs as good as these densely spaced out four, they are well on their way to gaining notoriety on the heavy music scene. As the band say themselves, “take the plunge and lose yourself in the depths of Tornit” and believe me, you won’t be disappointed.
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