The Devil's in the Details: Hexorcist's 'Crucificial Imprecations' and the Florida Death Metal Legacy
Florida, the land of alligators, retirees, and seemingly endless sunshine, also birthed a darker legacy: death metal. From the swamps and strip malls emerged a sound so brutal, so unrelenting, it could only be described as the soundtrack to the apocalypse. Hexorcist, a Miami quartet formed in 2019, steps into this formidable tradition with their sophomore album, Crucificial Imprecations. But in a scene that’s produced titans like Death and Morbid Angel, does Hexorcist cast more than a shadow? Or are they just another band lost in the miasma of blast beats and growls?
Reviving the Satanic Panic: A Nostalgic Trip to the 80s
One thing that immediately stands out is Hexorcist’s commitment to the old-school ethos of death metal. From the album’s symphonic opening—reminiscent of a horror movie score—to the relentless barrage of riffs, Crucificial Imprecations feels like a time capsule from the late 80s. Personally, I think this is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it’s refreshing to hear a band so unapologetically rooted in the genre’s origins. The slimy bass lines, the hammering snares, and Mors Ululatus’s demonic growls all scream Satanic Panic. It’s like they’re trying to summon the ghost of Tipper Gore.
But here’s the thing: nostalgia only takes you so far. What many people don’t realize is that the best old-school death metal albums weren’t just about brutality—they had variety, experimentation, and a sense of dynamics. Hexorcist, unfortunately, seems content to stay in one gear. The riffs are technical, the solos are frenetic, and the rhythm section is tighter than a drumhead, but it all starts to blend together after a while. If you take a step back and think about it, this album is like a 30-minute sprint with no breaks. It’s impressive, sure, but also exhausting.
The Florida Sound: A Double-Edged Sword
Hexorcist wears their Florida influences on their sleeve. The comparisons to Angelcorpse and Monstrosity are obvious, and that’s not a bad thing. The problem, though, is that they don’t do much to distinguish themselves from those predecessors. From my perspective, this is where the album falls short. The riffs are plentiful, the drumming is relentless, and the bass is thick enough to suffocate, but it all feels a bit too familiar.
What this really suggests is that Hexorcist is more of a tribute act than a band pushing boundaries. Don’t get me wrong—there’s a place for that in metal. But in a genre that thrives on innovation, Crucificial Imprecations feels like a missed opportunity. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the band uses samples from The Devil Rides Out in the final tracks. It’s a cool nod to horror cinema, but it also highlights the album’s lack of originality. They’re borrowing from the past instead of creating something new.
Intensity vs. Monotony: The Album’s Achilles’ Heel
Here’s where things get tricky. Hexorcist’s laser focus on intensity is both their greatest strength and their biggest flaw. Each track is a masterclass in aggression, but after four or five songs, it all starts to sound the same. The pacing, the drumlines, the vocal delivery—it’s like they’re stuck in a loop. Personally, I think this is where the album loses its impact. Even at just 30 minutes, Crucificial Imprecations feels longer than it should.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it contrasts with the band’s obvious talent. These guys can play—there’s no doubt about that. But talent alone isn’t enough. In my opinion, what’s missing is a sense of dynamics, a willingness to experiment, or even just a moment to catch your breath. The forebears of this style knew how to balance brutality with variety. Hexorcist, on the other hand, never lets off the gas.
A One-Trick Pony or a Reliable Workhorse?
So, where does that leave us? Crucificial Imprecations is far from a bad album. In fact, it’s a solid entry in the death metal canon. The riffs are catchy, the production is tight, and the energy is undeniable. I’ve found myself throwing it on while working or driving, and it’s a great soundtrack for mindless tasks. But here’s the kicker: I don’t see myself returning to it as a whole.
This raises a deeper question: What do we want from our metal albums? Do we want a collection of killer tracks, or a cohesive listening experience? For Hexorcist, it’s the former. Each song is a banger, but the album as a whole lacks identity. It’s like a greatest hits record without the hits.
Final Thoughts: A Shadow, But Not a Giant
Hexorcist’s Crucificial Imprecations is a testament to the enduring power of Florida death metal. It’s brutal, it’s technical, and it’s unapologetically old-school. But in a scene that’s always pushing boundaries, it feels a bit safe. Personally, I think they’ve got the chops to do something truly groundbreaking, but this album isn’t it.
If you’re a diehard fan of the genre, you’ll find plenty to love here. But if you’re looking for something that challenges the status quo, you might want to look elsewhere. Hexorcist has cast a shadow, but they’re not giants—not yet, anyway.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
Label: Invictus Productions
Release Date: July 31st, 2026
Bandcamp: Hexorcist - Crucificial Imprecations
Facebook: Hexorcist
What this album really suggests is that sometimes, staying true to your roots isn’t enough. To truly stand out, you’ve got to take risks. Hexorcist has the talent—now they just need the courage to use it.
