HeKz is a British progressive metal band founded in 2005 by frontman and bass player Matt Young.

HeKz
HeKz live in 2019
HeKz live in 2019
Background information
OriginEngland
GenresProgressive metal
Years active2005–present
Members
  • Matt Young
  • Mark Bogert
  • Pieter Beemsterboer
  • Moyano el Buffalo
Past members
  • Alastair "Al" Beveridge
  • Tom Smith
  • James Messenger
  • Danny Young
  • Kirk Brandham
Websitewww.hekztheband.com

History

edit

The band was formed in 2005 when Matt Young was still in middle school.[1][2] Seven years and after few lineup changes, their first albumTabula Rasa was released in 2012.[3]

Later that year, keyboardist James Messenger joined HeKz as a fifth member,[4][2] with the band then consisting of Matt Young on bass and vocals, Alastair Beveridge and Tom Smith on guitars, Messenger on keyboards and Kirk Brandham on drums. With this line-up, they released in 2014 their second album Caerus, featuring cellist Audrey Riley.[5] Four years later the band released Invicta in April 2018.[6]

In March 2021, after a lineup change, the frontman Matt Young announced HeKz's fourth album, Terra Nova, a conceptual effort released with the collaboration of guitarist Mark Bogert, keyboardist Pieter Beemsterboer, drummer Moyano el Buffalo and Ukrainian violinist Irina Markevich. The double album, which will be released in November 2023 will also feature guest performances by keyboardist Adam Holzman.[7][8][9]

Members

edit

Current members

edit
  • Matt Young – lead vocals, bass guitar (2005[2] – present)
  • Mark Bogert – guitar (2021–present)
  • Moyano el Buffalo – drums (2020–present)

Past members

edit
  • Alastair "Al" Beveridge – guitar (2008[2]-2021)
  • Tom Smith – guitar (2011[2]-2021)
  • James Messenger – keyboards (2012–2018)
  • Danny Young – guitar (2009-?)
  • Kirk Brandham – drums (2008[2]-2021)

Discography

edit

Studio albums

edit
  • Tabula Rasa (2011)
  • Caerus (2014)
  • Invicta (2018)
  • Terra Nova (2023)

References

edit
  1. ^ "Profile: Hekz". Beds, Herts & Bucks. BBC. 23 November 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Savva, Maria (20 August 2016). "Interview with Hekz". Real Rock And Roll. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Tabula Rasa by HeKz". Bandcamp. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  4. ^ "HEKZ Announce New Keyboardist; Release Two Tracks For Free Download". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  5. ^ "HEKZ Release Caerus Album; Promotional Video Streaming". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  6. ^ Martin (1 March 2018). "Rising UK Prog Metal Band HeKz Confirm Eagerly Awaited Third Album". Progradar. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  7. ^ Ewing, Jerry (25 January 2021). "HeKz revamp line-up for fourth album". Prog. Future plc. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  8. ^ Winch, Toby (3 March 2021). "HRH Prog XII Stars Hekz Look Forward to New Album in 2021". HRH Mag. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  9. ^ Wilson, Tony (27 January 2021). "HeKz announce new album and lead single". TotalRock. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
edit