HEKZ – Tabula Rasa

Bedford is not a natural hotbed of rock ‘n’ roll but this could change with HeKz, a young and talented band from said town. This four piece consist of vocalist Matt Young, guitarists Tom Smith and Al Beveridge and drummer Kirk Brandham. They have John Mitchell (Arena/It Bites) helping out on mixing duties, who has the golden touch having worked with amongst others current Kerrang! darlings You Me At Six.

For their ages they sound like they have been playing together for years recalling bits of Dream Theater, Tea Party and Queensryche plus Matt Young’s vocals reminded me of Damian Wilson (Threshold). The album takes a few spins to gel but do persevere as songs like ‘Darkness Visible’ grow in stature after each play. The brooding, slow groove of ‘City Of Lost Children’ is an undoubted highlight – the band deftly combine harmonies on both vocals and guitars. ‘Vendetta’ and ‘Poison Pen’ both have the chance to be singles/airplay tracks.

Prog metal with a refreshing edge – none of the mainland Euro metal cliches you get on many albums – and it bodes very well indeed for this band’s future.

****

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)