*. Jex Thoth *

Album: Blood Moon Rise (2013)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Stoner/Occult Rock/Doom)  /  USA

I have to admit that I'm a bit late to the party in regards to Jex Thoth. Even though I'd heard great things about her in the past, I just never got around to listening to any of her work. About a week ago; however, I chanced upon a promo video for the song "Keep Your Weeds" from this very album and instantly knew that I had heard something special. For the uninitiated, Jex and her band play a heavy style of psychedelic music that isn't too far removed from the female fronted occult rock that seems to be all of the rage these days. While one could be lazy and compare the band to The Devil's Blood, Jess & the Ancient Ones, or Blood Ceremony, this wouldn't be correct. You see, while Jex *is* similar in style, the music is heavier, resulting in what could only be at times described as doom. This of course, isn't always the case and there are in fact times when the band do stray into more poppy territory such as on "The Places You Walk". The majority of the time though, the group are definitely on the heavier end of the spectrum. While it's no secret that I am a HUGE fan of the current crop of female fronted occult rock bands, I do have to say that Blood Moon Rise stands head and shoulders above anything else released in the genre this year. The reason why is that the Jex and crew combine heaviness and melody so expertly that one has no choice but to press repeat and listen over again. In addition Jex's voice is able to convey a vast range of emotions, specifically melancholy, so believably that it's hard not to feel so oneself. For example the song "Ehja" is so achingly beautiful as to be beyond description. Is it occult rock or is it doom? Damned if I know, but one thing that's for sure is that this is so far, the best album I have heard in 2013. I will be listening to this release again and again throughout the year and fully expect for this one to be remembered as a classic! Review by "Curtis Dewar" (http://puregrainaudio.com).

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **FANTASTIC**

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