YIDHRA, playing Doom / Stoner Metal, an independent band, recently has released its new album "Hexed". As a part of Metal Temple's promotion plan for unsigned bands, here is the review of their release.

The first thing that pops up in this album after the first listen is the production. After tuning to several of Doom Metal albums lately, the engineering rate is immaculate. Following a few posts on the internet regarding this release, I found that it was recorded at Skull Seven Studios in North Hollywood, CA by legendary producer Bill Metoyer (SLAYER, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, TROUBLE, ARMORED SAINT, DARK ANGEL, SACRED REICH, CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, D.R.I.). Quite a name I might add. The album's sound is simply magnificent, crunchy and vivid for a dark for a slow tempo display of musicianship.

At times I resembled to myself SAINT VITUS, I believe that it should come as a compliment for these guys. "Oath Breaker", for instance, might not be your orindary traditional Doom Metal product, however the band's manic Stoner vibe mixed with it took it to higher levels, making it a classic. "Blood Is The Harvest"'s crunchy guitar sound reminded me of KYUSS, yes you read it correctly I wrote KYUSS, a stamp of approval for YIDHRA in my bill.

Overall a near masterpiece, it has been a while since listening to a worthy Doom / Stoner release, and I am glad that it fell to my desk.