There are three reviews of rereleased HEXENHAUS albums in a row. The first paragraph is the same in all three of them, so of you had read one review already, just skip this bit. Mike Wead is a guitarist that is well known for his work with KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE. What a lot of propel don’t know is that he also was heavily involved in MEMENTO MORI and has collaborated with ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA, BIBLEBLACK and ESCAPE THE CULT. But the start of his career was even earlier than that, in 1987 to be exact, and the name of that band is HEXENHAUS. He was the only constant factor throughout the years, which resulted in four albums in total. The first three of those were recorded before their first stop in 1992 have now been rereleased by the RPM/Roar label. The only that has escaped this feat is “Dejavoodoo” from their second coming, and it was let loose on the world in 1997.

“The Edge Of Eternity” actually was the second album for the band. Originally released on 1 November 1990, while this one hit the streets on 16 may 2025. It houses a lot more Thrash influences than the debut album, making it just that tad less impressive for me. But the music that HEXENHAUS plays still is Progressive Metal with Thrash and (this time less) Heavy Metal parts to complete the sound. So, if you really dig the debut album “A Tribute To Insanity” you might want to give this a listen first before you decide to step in. For me it doesn’t matter, as I already know the album. I have had it in my collection for almost 35 years, and it is one that I get to play when the mood strikes me. I really dig the combination of the Progressive Metal with Thrash Metal rhythms and Heavy Metal atmosphere. It works as far as I could and can hear.

Again, not much has been done to the original recordings, except a good remastering. And that is fine by me, as it has prevented the original sound of “The Edge Of Eternity” being altered too much or even obliterated. The way it is now is exactly how this album should sound, and it is pure HEXENHAUS what you hear, as it should be. What also becomes clear is why someone like KING DIAMOND has asked Mike Wead to come and play with him in both his bands. His way of writing has something that will draw people in and have them listen intently. Let’s hope that these three rereleases of HEXENHAUS will draw in the Metal audience that didn’t see, hear or recognise them the first time around.