Illinois occult rock trio Vexing Hex—comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Chris Cadaverus, bassist/backing vocalist Hastur, and drummer/backing vocalist Radament—made quite an introduction with 2018’s debut LP, Haunt. Aptly described by Sean Frasier of Wise Blood Records as “Ghost if they were fronted by Brian Wilson or California-era Mike Patton,” the band’s blend of saintly harmonies, exhilarating hooks, tight playing, and vibrantly peculiar production is as irresistible as it is impressive. Now, they’re gearing up to re-release Haunt on Wise Blood Records at the start of 2021 (which will be the first time it’s available physically); to celebrate, Vexing Hex are putting out a brand new single, “Red Harvest,” to whet your appetite until then.
“Red Harvest”— which was mastered by Magnus Lindberg (Cult of Luna, Tribulation’s Down Below, Lucifer’s III)—isn’t a part of Haunt, but it will be offered as a free download for anyone who orders it. The band explains:
“Red Harvest” is a song that’s been brewing for quite some time, and we’re humbled to have Magnus’ sonic sorcery elevate it to a higher plane. We feel it’s a timely release for it, both seasonally and with the comically grim state of things. It’s a venomous and sardonic critique on capitalism, the United States, and the way things are orchestrated to “work” here. We hope listeners can enjoy this song at face value, and also maybe ponder the themes just below the surface. We all live under the Grim Reaper shadow of the Red Harvest, after all, and if even one person takes something away from it, we are pleased. Please listen and let the autumn wind of “Red Harvest” chill you to your bones.
Considering that the trio was in a barbershop group together, it’s no surprise that the track is filled with such dense and engrossing singing. Beyond that, the acoustic guitar arpeggios instantly evoke the work of countless macabre metal icons, while the more ominous elements—seductively smooth verses, guttural bass lines, fiery electric guitarwork, quirky percussion, and even some violin screeches courtesy of guest Rachel Gonzalez—grab hold of you and never let go. It’s truly a cool and catchy conjuring of everything that makes the style so beloved, showcasing how primed Vexing Hex is to be your next great discovery.
Check out “Red Harvest," let us know what you think below, and maybe even purchase it for yourself! You can also pre-order Haunt (which comes out on January 8th, 2021) now; it’ll be available as a CD and cassette. For everything else related to Vexing Hex, click here!
