Review
Sutekh Hexen
Become

Throughout their relatively short tenure, Sutekh Hexen has produced several thought provoking releases that intrigue from both a sonic and an aesthetic perspective; and Become is no different than that description as well as it seemingly marks a turning point for the (at times) shadowy outfit as it is purportedly the first recording to not feature one of the founding duo behind its aural creation, but that change does not seemingly affect the quality of the recording (which for this release is in it of itself the result of an interesting set of circumstances) while signaling a definite shift in sound for the project.

Before diving into what Become actually sounds like, we must first frame the overall reference point to the recording:Become

…was dubbed onto recycled vintage reels of ¼" tape. Each reel has been hand-selected from a stockpile filled almost exclusively with an assortment of antique radio programs, muddied classical orchestrations and doomsday sermons about the book of Revelations. The level of audio decay is entirely dependent on the previous life of each tape reel, varying between typical tape characteristics to extreme degradation where the source material is nearly unintelligible.

(this snippet is taken in part from the Auris Apothecary website). Now take that and imagine listening to such a document while viewing the dark beyond the tea candle lit window built into the box via the instructions included in the Reel box, and you have some idea of the experience that Sutekh Hexen is intent on listeners receiving.

Become is the product of two long ruminations that certainly are rooted in the blackened noise that Sutekh Hexen is known for administering to the masses, but both of these tracks seem to be a bit different in a way that I cannot just put my finger on exactly what and in a completely good way too because the whole idea behind the release from the music to the packaging (at least the original reel to reel) definitely sets a mood. “Five Faces Of Decay” is a violent and non stop evisceration of the senses given the very immersion that seems to be intended by this recording (to be perfectly honest, if I close my eyes it reminds me of my tinnitus at times), and again, there seems to be a great deal of sound coyly playing out under the tumultuous wash of blistering noise that has me straining my ears to catch an aural glimpse of everything; “The Voice : The Void” seems less an overt assault on the senses and more of the resolution to the aural holocaust of its partner because one can more clearly hear individual musical voices lifting their musings into the ether making for a powerful event.

Do not allow my exaltations of one version of Become to dissuade interested parties from exploring the others because this release is every bit as entrancing on my beloved vinyl format (which has an excellent cover and package design courtesy of Kevin Gan Yuen) as the reel experience and possibly a bit more consistent listening experience as vinyl does not decay nearly as quickly as these reels (that were admittedly already in less than amazing condition on transfer), and ultimately, I believe that this speaks to actual potential of exactly what Sutekh Hexen has created with Become.