Following on from their highly lauded debut, Vexed return with an even more aggressive successor in the form of Negative Energy.
Opening track “PTSD” immediately sets an ominous tone, spilling straight into the crushing “Anti-Fetish”, a chaotic and primal re-introduction to the Hertfordshire three-piece. The lead riff that runs throughout should be applauded as it really stands out.
“We Don’t Talk About” explores both childhood trauma and survivor’s guilt and, although difficult subjects, Vexed are able to articulate through vocalists Megan Targett’s delivery and the band’s own blend of crushing heaviness a style of storytelling that connects with the listener on a primal level.
Again, not to shy away from very real issues, follow up track “Panic Attack” centres on mental health issues. The band then collaborate with Alpha Wolf vocalist Lochie Keogh for one of the album’s most emotionally aggressive and unrelenting tracks, “Lay Down Your Flowers”.
Drawing inspiration from The Wizard of Oz, “There’s No Place Like Home” has some nu-metal soundscapes embedded in disturbing twists and turns, but once more not missing a beat on the intensity scale. The more I listen to the album this is the track I find myself coming back to again and again.
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Both “Extremist” and “Default” offer another dynamic, the pairing of flat out fury and a clean vocal style work well together but never lose sight of the album’s demanding nature.
If I had to pick a track that encapsulates the journey Vexed have been on, it would have to be “Trauma Euphoria”. It features some of the best musicianship on the album hands down. It is followed by “It’s Not The End”, a dedication to a loved one.
Instrumental interlude “DMT” features some lo-fi beats and gives the listener a moment of calming reflection before the final track “Nepotism” wraps the album up in a knot of rage, with drum and bass elements alongside searing riffs and vocals.
A glistening triumph.
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Negative Energy is out now
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