From their website, “Today, multi genre rockers BLACK MAP are excited to announce the release of their upcoming album “Hex,” out May 9th via Spinefarm marking their first album release under the label. Pivoting around a nimble balance of post-hardcore, alternative, and hard rock, the trio of vocalist and bassist Ben Flanagan, guitarist Mark Engles, and drummer Chris Robyn convene, congregate, and commune to power up BLACK MAP. Their union teems with emotion and electricity—which the musicians harness to craft immediate and raucous anthems underscored by unpredictable musicality and undeniable hooks.”

The album has nine songs, and “Disintegrate” is first. Although the entering riff is a little dissonant, smooth vocals harmonies follow. The contrast between the two isn’t very pleasing to listen to, however. “Badlands” thumps with the thwacking of bass guitar and the entering riff is both catchy and energetic. The vocals connect better this time as well. “Little Undead” is another song with a thumping bass line, and the energy of the riff reminds me of Punk Rock. Interestingly, the verses have more of the hooks than the chorus, which is usually reversed. “Burning Satellite” has an intriguing combination of dissonance and harmony, and this is something that the band does well.

“Tethered” has gentler and more emotional tones, and the kind of chorus that you can easily sing along with. This one is an undeniable winner. “Oblivion Season” has a heavier, crunchy riff with an injection of energy right into your blood. Undeniable hooks? Indeed, that is what I have found so far. “Price to Fix It” is unabashedly pretty, and the slow-moving song seems to gather emotional elements as it moves. “Fake Your Own Life” is the closing song, and it has both heavy and melodic tones. When you consider the album as a whole, what separates it from many others out there is the honest songwriting. I have the distinct idea that the band doesn’t care if you like their music or not, and that’s the right kind of attitude for their music.