UK alt metal band Vexed brings another slam fest of an album with their second release Negative Energy. This band brings serious power with huge riffs, killer production and super solid song crafting. I’m a particular fan of Jay Bacon’s guitar trickery with its hints of Vildhjarta and Berried Alive and is rooted in down tuned beauty. Megan Targett’s vocals are absolutely spot on, vacillating between powerful, guttural growls and screams and pristine cleans. Her phrasing is killer too; the rapid fire vocals over half time rhythms on Panic Attack is a great contrast and works perfectly. The entire album is loaded with stank-faced riffage, those moments when everything locks together will take things directly from 6 to midnight. There’s a few standout tracks on this record for me, but Trauma Euphoria is definitely at the top of my list. Looking forward to more from this band!!
8.5 out of 10
-John
#vexed #altmetal #ukmetal