HAWXX – Earth, Spit, Blood and Bones
Release Date: 3rd November 2023
Label: Self Released
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Genre: Modern Metal, Progressive Metal, Punk, Alternative.
FFO: Lake Malice, Wargasm, VUKOVI, Nova Twins, As Everything Unfolds.
Review By: Mark Waight
Multinational band HAWXX who hail from Greece, Italy, Wales and England, are united in their feminist sisterhood to change opinions on violence against women, oppressive beauty standards and mental health struggles. Using heavy riffs, progressive drums and four-part harmonies, Earth, Spit, Blood and Bones aims to change the landscape of Metal and Rock to create safe spaces for women, trans and non-binary people.
HAWXX have recently completed a tour supporting Mark Tremonti in the UK, Ireland and Netherlands as well as performing slots at Download, Radar Fest, Great Escape, Summer Breeze and Burn it Down festivals.
Having already heard and been very impressed by some of HAWXX previous singles, I was stoked to get the opportunity to review Earth, Spit, Blood and Bones as they are just so topically bang on point and totally in tune with this modern world, in which we live.
HAWXX is Anna Papadimitrou (vocal, guitars), Hannah Staphnill (guitars), Jessica Dann (drums) and Julia B. Cadau (bass).
We kick off with Death Makes Sisters of Us All, and its fierce, ear-bending riff and thunderous drums instantly grabs your attention and holds it for the duration. The worst Thing continues in the same vein, this time with a slightly defter touch and some superb rock vocals. Its clever structure and well-placed hooks will make sure you’ll be tapping your foot for its entirety, and a wicked guitar solo further adds to the enjoyment!
A combination of harmonious and wailing vocals give Reckless a much more contemporary and alternative sound with an added HAWXX twist. Banging tune!
Hard-hitting track Embrace the Ugly delivers a bit of punch and bite in terms of some in your face vocals, downtuned metallic guitars and a deep, guttural bass backdrop. Slow and beautifully gloomy song, Trust Your Rage, however, reaches right into your mind to dispel all those doubts that prevent you from accepting your darker thoughts and allowing you to release your anger.
If Not Now Then When is probably a question we have all asked at one time, but HAWXX do it magnificently with a song that drifts somewhere between dreamy and nightmarish at different points.
Filth is as black as a moonless night as it pulses around your brain with some very effective and distorted guitar work, giving the whole thing the feel of an unworldly experience. Bite does just that, as this short and ultra pacey tune nips in and out, delivering a short sharp shock with plenty of teeth!
Soulbreaking Machines raises the issues of how capitalism relates to the climate emergency, as we are told of the desperate need for wider political and social interventions to prevent the destruction of humanity and the end of our planet. We all need to stand up and listen before it is too late!
Closing track Fathertongue, with its pinpoint choral vocals and wailing guitars, is an absolutely spot on way to finish on a high with spirits well and truly lifted. Enjoy!
Earth, Spit, Blood and Bones has tackled some tough and controversial subjects in an exciting and thought-provoking way, with HAWXX using all of their musical prowess to vent their frustrations in a constructive and meaningful way. Hats off to HAWXX for raising some very heavy topics in Earth, Spit, Blood and Bones using modern metal as their medium of choice.
Earth, Spit, Blood and Bones by HAWXX will greatly appeal to any fans of modern and alternative metal along with those of similar genres who want political and environmental change. Earth, Spit, Blood and Bones by HAWXX is not for the feint hearted but comes recommended, so make sure you check it out when it drops!
(4 / 5)
