Review: Heksproces - A Danish Metal Odyssey
Published by The Clay Cohen on February 27, 2026
Heksproces, a Danish progressive metal band, captivates listeners with their debut album, 'Dejlig er Jorden', blending heavy riffs with intricate song structures. The album is a fiery blend of progressive metal, post-metal, and sludge metal, leaving a lasting impression on fans of Mastodon, Gojira, and Cult of Luna.
The album's strength lies in its ability to balance powerful, sludgy riffs with progressive song structures, reminiscent of Mastodon's 'Remission' era. Tracks like 'Lys Formørker' and 'Struber Messer' showcase massive rhythm sections that evoke the modern sound of 'March of the Fire Ants'. The deep, sustained guitar and bass tones transport listeners back to the days of 'Blood Mountain'.
The guitar duo of Mads Aspesgård Kofod and Claes Sørenson shines, employing harmonization and variations in musical themes, ensuring the album remains fresh and engaging. Their playing style, characterized by subtle vibrato, slight bends, and tremolo picking, adds personality and charisma to the music, making it sound like a live performance. The guitar solos, infused with emotion and soaring bends, pay homage to the spirit of Brent Hinds.
However, the album's vocal performance could benefit from more variation. Sørenson's growl, while monotonous, is somewhat hidden in the mix, especially in 'Struber Messer'. The band's musical immaturity is evident in certain sections, but they gracefully recover, showcasing their potential for growth.
'Dejlig er Jorden' is a surprising highlight of early 2026, with Heksproces carving out a unique musical voice while relying on their influences. The album's length of 45 minutes is well-crafted, avoiding musical bloat. It's a seamless blend of musical ideas, leaving a lasting impression. With this strong start, the band is poised to nurture their passion and captivate audiences worldwide.
Recommended Tracks: Lys Formørker, Struber Messer, Masker Glemmer
Similar Artists: Anciients, Dvne, Intronaut, Conjurer
Final Verdict: 8/10
Heksproces Members:
- Claes T. Sørenson (guitar and vocals)
- Mads Aspesgård Kofod (guitar)
- Sebastian Bech Westerdahl (drums)
- Thomas Langemark Trojahn (bass)
Guests:
- Jonas Lorentzen (throat singing on 'Struber Messer')
- William Frøland (flute on 'Masker Glemmer')
Label: Independent
Heksproces is a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene, and their debut album is a testament to their talent and passion.
