Release Date April 3rd, 2026
Format 2CD/MC/Digital
Genre Progressive Metal
Origin United Kingdom
HeKz was formed in the United Kingdom in the late 2000s and has built their name around progressive metal that combines elaborate arrangements, heavy metal, classical instrumentation and concept driven songwriting. The band has released five studio albums, with “Qisma” marking another large scale chapter in their career. The lineup for this release features Matt Young on vocals, bass, keyboards, additional guitars and percussion, Tolis Zavaliaris on guitars, Lucia La Rezza on violin, cello and double bass, and Jerry Sadowski on drums. The album also includes guest appearances from John Mitchell, Adam Holzman, Mark Bogert and Moyano El Buffalo. HeKz has developed a sound where extended compositions and theatrical storytelling are central, with a strong connection between the musical and lyrical sides of their work.
“Qisma” is a double album built as one long conceptual work, using progressive metal as the main language while bringing in classical arrangements, keyboards, strings and several shifts in atmosphere. The music ranges from traditional heavy metal passages to elaborate progressive sections, with guitars, keyboards and violin frequently sharing the foreground. Matt Young's vocals move between melodic delivery and more dramatic performance, while the rhythm section handles the numerous changes across the material. John Mitchell's production, mixing and mastering give the album a detailed studio sound, allowing the many layers to remain separated during the longer compositions.
The lyrics and story follow themes of self discovery, conformity, control and personal freedom, giving the record a theatrical character that places as much importance on the storyline as on the music itself. Some compositions stretch far beyond the usual progressive metal format, including two tracks that pass the twenty minute mark, so this is clearly aimed at listeners comfortable with extended songwriting and large musical structures.
“Qisma” has ambition in abundance and offers a substantial amount of material to explore, although its scale can occasionally make the experience feel heavier than necessary. The combination of violin, keyboards, guitars and classical elements gives HeKz a distinctive character within progressive metal, while the concept remains central throughout the album. There is enough musical detail here to reward focused listening, with the record presenting a carefully assembled journey across its considerable running time.
|8.0
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