HAWXX are not holding back on their second album, “The World Splits Open”, due for release on the 26th of June.
HAWXX have always been proactive about their beliefs, while implementing the fundamental and original message of punk and metal. “The World Splits Open” demands your full attention throughout; this is noted in the first few seconds, as the album starts extremely political, as expected. A haunting and powerful voice-over can be heard while screaming and chanting ensue. The vocals are prominent and fueled by rage.
Twin guitars ring out fast-paced; drumming intensifies, and emotive vocals with lyrics that cleverly highlight injustices express their disgust at the world as they call out political and social corruption, while meaningful spoken word turns abruptly into full-throttle instrumentals.
Downward-sliding scales make us feel a sense of doom before sounds that become heightened with high-pitched guitar frequencies ring out; whispered layered vocals sound out hauntingly and poetically; they become harsh as screaming is introduced where needed.
Queer feminist rage-driven songs challenge the world’s flaws while HAWXX remain true to their authentic sound and cleverly deliver the duality of soft, meaningful bracing and strong advocacy, all perfectly delivered heartfeltly and determinedly.
Unique sounds with punk overtones revel in a sense of unity, and the sound does not back down while fluctuating in a feral and unrestful way. Gut-wrenching noises create prominent defiance, complemented by the musical weight, delivering a multitude of topics.
“The World Spits Open” is thought-provoking, fist-clenching, and gritted-teeth music that’s monumental for the change the world needs. Songs become spell-like and prayer-like, mimicking the band’s own way of worship, as they wail with devotion and resilience. You can feel the anger in the way they move their hands over instruments, as they ignite unexpected sacred sounds with progressive technical precision.
HAWXX are hugely talented and unapologetically expressing themselves, while each song is completely its own, with intricacies throughout the feral explosions of rage, the album becomes progressively heavier as it goes on, in sound and message.
Unexpected instrumentals propel us into the last track as we’ve been reminded of the power of speech, music, and creativity.
“The World Splits Open” is versatile and crafted with complete passion throughout, no matter the topic or theme, with each song all as relevant as the last, delivered with bravery in a world where musicians, artists, and creatives are increasingly finding their platforms and livelihoods at risk of being taken away from them.
HAWXX‘s fearlessness only fuels their mission to give a voice to the voiceless in the face of adversity. An album to mosh to, scream to, and rage to.