"Solve et coagula"—Latin for "dissolve and coagulate"—is an alchemical principle symbolizing the breakdown of something flawed to create something new and improved. If there’s ever been a band in need of this transformation, it’s Hexing Vex. Their latest effort struggles to find its footing, suffering from uninspired songwriting, uneven production, and a general lack of energy that leaves much to be desired.

The first half of the album is particularly lifeless, with generic riffs that lack bite, uninspired drum patterns that fail to drive the music forward, and vocals that sound oddly disconnected from the rest of the band. The production plays a major role in this—everything feels flat, dull, and devoid of the raw intensity you’d expect from a band trying to make a mark. Instead of gripping the listener, these tracks meander without purpose, never quite landing an impact.

Things do improve in the latter half, where the production is noticeably better, and there’s a greater sense of passion in the performances. However, the album still suffers from an identity crisis. Many of the songs feel like second-rate versions of larger bands, particularly Metallica, but instead of delivering a fresh take on classic influences, these tracks come across as derivative—more imitation than homage. The longer songs especially drag, weighed down by repetitive structures and unnecessary bloat. Strangely, the shorter tracks feel the most polished, as if the band is at its best when they trim the excess and focus on tighter songwriting.

At the end of the day, Hexing Vex has potential, but this album is in dire need of reinvention. A full solve et coagula moment—breaking down the old, rethinking their sound, and emerging with something truly their own—could be exactly what they need. Until then, this effort feels more like a rough draft than a finished product. Maybe next time, they’ll cast the right spell.