From Lifeforce Records, “HERTA is a progressive groove metal band, formed in 2022, located in Athens, Greece. Heavily inspired by the great bands of the genre and influenced by the atmosphere of fantasy novels, they departed on a journey to articulate their ideas in the best possible way and explore new sounds and riffs. "Crossing the Illusion" is their first album and Lifeforce Records debut, created after three years of hard work, dedication and sacrifices. The main theme is an esoteric and agnostic voyage with the purpose of exploring ones' self. Heavy riffs, epic choruses, sick grooves, mind-bending poly-rhythms and bottomless atmospheres, in combination with dark poetic lyrics and aggressive vocals, define the album’s identity.”

“Control” is first, and it’s a heavy, groove laden offering with mostly harsh vocals, but some melody is present as well. Another thing that the listener will notice is the band’s strong technical sense. “Monolith” has darker elements and the music seems to be coming together nicely. There is a balance struck between straight up aggression and groove, with some melody sprinkled in as well. They remind me a bit of FALLUJAH. “Labyrinth” features another groove heavy sound with a riff that attacks. Check out those glittering melodies in the chorus…they are very well done, and the clean vocals add another dimension to the music. “River to the Abyss” is another winner. Dark skies begin to form in the background, as light falls, and tension is high. The clean vocals are somber and the band is able to build some great atmosphere, and emotion.

“Incarnation” has some more feeling to it, and blended with the aggression, they really come out strong. “The Snake Devours the Wolf” has steady, contentious tones, and well as some meter shifting and subtle guitar effects. Despite the fact that the album has a clear identity, the band is able to shift from song to song so that you can hear the differences in each. Listen to that massive breakdown at the end! “Beyond the Dead” has a distinct angrier sound, not only in the incensed vocals, but also in the music. But melody is not an afterthought…indeed, it is woven like a fabric through the many dark passages of the song. The final track is called “My Demise,” and its clean but dark tones are the perfect ending to the album. Clean vocal harmonies that are laden with loss, and regret, carry the sound here.

This was a fantastic album from start to finish. It had enough weight for hardened Metalheads, but also plenty of groove for those with expanded tastes. The Progressive elements and melody were also there, but they did not detract from its inherent aggressiveness. Instead, they complimented it beautifully.