HEXIVOID is a Nattskog project. If you've been living under a large slate of stone in a dim corner of a disused cemetery, Nattskog (Jørgen Sven Kirby) is a prolific Black Metal musician hailing from Norwich, England (although he also has roots in Lillehammer, Norway). Since 2008, he has spawned at least 13 music projects, plus various print and online publications, blogs and vlogs included. HEXIVOID commenced in 2019 and has two full-length albums under its belt, including "The Beckoning Of Celestial Tendrils," released on July 25, 2020.

Nattskog has commented that he is dedicated to the chaotic spirit of Metal. His projects, which span a plethora of styles, give witness to that purpose. HEXIVOID, in particular, is focused on Cosmic Black Metal which celebrates and explores cosmic horror and insignificance. This ethos and resultant mythos are often attributed to the writings of H.P. Lovecraft and his horde of acolytes, and at least one notable location from the mythos makes an appearance on the album, specifically Nithon, the fungi-covered, cloud-laden moon of Yuggoth.

The inventively titled "The Beckoning Of Celestial Tendrils" comprises six equally inventive titled tracks which span 28 minutes. If Nattskog ever gives up his musical ventures, he could make a living selling band names. I mean who wouldn't want to see "The Unreverberate Blackness Of The Abyss" live on stage or buy the uncollected demos of "Liquid Gulfs Of Infinity?" Just saying, cool titles.

Musically, I wouldn't describe the overall vibe of this album as evil so much as disquieting. The production values lean into the lo-fi and ashen side of the spectrum out of which only the more aggressive tonal assaults can take shape. So, we get a maelstrom of melodic, distorted riffs; galloping, muted drums; and screeching, bottom-of-the-well vocals inflected periodically with subdued, atmospheric synths.

Standout tracks for me are "The Luminescent Clouds Of Nithon" because of its multi-movement composition, "The Unreverberate Blackness Of The Abyss" for its hypnotic melody, and "Daughter Of The Cosmos" on account of its Doomish tuning and Frippian solo. Lyrically, I just don't know. And for people who say they can decipher the vocals, I have to call bullshit on that. Not saying they are bad, just saying they exist on a plane beyond the human ear's ability to decrypt without preternatural intervention.

I'm a great fan of Jørgen Sven Kirby who has an encyclopedic knowledge of underground metal and who does so much to promote the scene. HEXIVOID is a compelling project in the Nattskog portfolio. I try to imagine what he would say about it if he were to review it on his "10 Metal Bands You Haven't Heard But Should" video series. He'd talk about the eerie, cold atmosphere, he'd give a nod to the psychedelic cosmic jellyfish from hell which graces the cover, and he'd give a strong recommend to fans of Cosmic Black Metal. And who can argue with Nattskog? "The Beckoning Of Celestial Tendrils" is an intriguing entry to the Black Metal canon and deserves a listen.