Bloodstock Bound: HeKz
As Bloodstock gets closer, we delve deep into the line up to find out more about some of the bands playing the New Blood and EMP stages at this years event.
Today we chat with HeKz
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
Hekz: I’m Matt and I sing and play bass guitar. In the band we have Tolis Zavaliaris on guitar, Lucia La Rezza on violin and James Wise on drums.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your sound?
Hekz: The best description of our sound comes from Prog Magazine here in the UK, “Think Queen having a barney with Dream Theater as Rush and Iron Maiden duke it out on the sidelines!” Some folks might be a bit put off by the ‘prog’ label, expecting a bunch of demonstrative noodling, but that’s not HeKz. We’re a metal band at heart, and we like to be a bit adventurous sometimes, but there are also choruses you can shout along with and riffs you can headbang to without needing a maths degree. Plus, we have an electric violin. What’s not to love?
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
Hekz: Every year, I send an email to the powers that be, and 2025 was our lucky year! Huge shout out to Simon and the team for their trust and for giving us this wonderful opportunity.
The Razor's Edge: What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?
Hekz: Playing Bloodstock this year is incredibly meaningful. An early incarnation of HeKz performed on the New Blood Stage back in 2010. The band has changed a lot since then, and it has always been a dream of mine to return to BOA. The band is firing on all cylinders and is better than ever, by every metric. Now is the perfect time to show the Bloodstock faithful what we're all about.
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
Hekz: A HeKz show is an immersive experience. We’re not just going to hit you with a bunch of songs. We’re going to tell a story and take you on a journey with us. Some folks might be a bit put off by the ‘prog’ label, expecting a bunch of demonstrative noodling, but that’s not HeKz. We’re a metal band at heart, and we like to be a bit adventurous sometimes, but there are also choruses you can shout along with and riffs you can headbang to without needing a maths degree. Plus, we have an electric violin. What’s not to love?
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
Hekz: Saturday 9th August.
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
Hekz: Creeper is at the top of my wishlist!
The Razor's Edge: Playing the EMP Stage is just the first steppingstone in a bands journey. What’s next in your plans for world domination?
Hekz: We are working on our 5th studio album with John Mitchell (Outhouse Studios) in the producer’s chair. It’s our most ambitious and immersive work to date, and we can’t wait for people to hear it.
The Razor's Edge: Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?
Hekz: No camping for us this time, but we’ll be sticking around to enjoy the whole day.
The Razor's Edge: You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?
Hekz: Pre-gig, it’s water and ginger tea, but there will most certainly be a round of victory beers after the set. Hobgoblin or, better yet, a pint of Trooper!
The Razor's Edge: See you at Bloodstock in a few weeks!
Hekz: See you there!
