From Bandcamp, "Anchored by the witchy spell of opener "Where the Seas Fall Silent," the rock-hardened groove of "Kill Switch," and the dimly lit power pop of "The Family," HOAXED upped the tempo, sawed the edges (Dimmick's raspy menace intimidates), and strengthened their ties to the golden gods of heavy metal. Indeed, cyclical riffs, dynamic rhythms, and bottom-heavy bass propel "Death Knocks" through its filmic, hard-nosed gloom, but Keo's sorcerous vocal hooks seal the deal. Often smartly paired with Dimmick's angels' n' demons, her performance effuses fragility and potency across the album's alluring expanse. HOAXED recorded "Death Knocks" at Falcon Recording Studios. In total, the group spent eight days in February and March tracking "Death Knocks." While most bands spend months ironing their metallic mettle, HOAXRF expeditious time at Falcon engendered a polished, big-sounding force befitting their larger-than-life songs."

"Where the Seas Fell Silent" is the first song, and it begins with a clap of thunder and falling rain. The mood is quite somber and the clean vocals are excellent, capping with harmonies at times. It's catchy and full of hooks. "Promised to Me" has a darker edge to it, and it's also a bit heavier. Even though the vocals are clean, you can feel the weight of them. It's like a giant rock on your back that you have to carry with you everywhere. "The Fallen" begins with what sounds like a scourge between two armies…horses neigh, infantry shout, and you can hear the clanging of metal. The vocal harmonies are delivered in a way that makes your heart ache. "Looking Glass" is a symphonic interlude of sorts, and you can feel a heavy lament. "Dead Ringer" is also heavy with strings in the intro and it segues to a crunchy guitar riff with catchy vocal harmonies.

"Wretched" opens with weighted bass notes and it makes a path deep in the ground. When they vocals roll around, the sound is catchy once more. There is still a measure of somberness which never goes away, however. It's like a stomach ache that noting will cure. The maniacal screams at the end will sure raise your blood pressure. "The Family" has a combination of clean and harsh vocals with an energetic riff. Families are complicated things, and that sentiment is reflected in the song. "Killing Stone" is the final song, and it is melancholy. Sometimes as it moves, harsh vocals enter for just a spell. For me, they serve as a reminder that no matter how hard you try, things are not going to work out the way you want them to.

"Death Knocks" is a beautiful, delicate flower in the full bloom of early spring, defying the cold air and nearly frozen ground, and you don't have to dig for the melancholy, catchy music. It feels like a journey to me, where you leave the present behind and visit…the past, or the future? In the past, you are reminded that you can't change things. In the future, you might glimpse at where your choices will lead. Either way, it's a sobering experience that gets under your skin and takes up residence, making sure you never forget it.