Bloodstock “New Blood” alumni HeKz are delighted to be raising the bar for progressive metal with the announcement of Qisma – their fifth studio album, set to redefine what’s possible in the genre.
Qisma – an evocative Arabic word meaning fate, destiny, or divine will – captures HeKz at their most fearless and inventive. Visionary bandleader and multi-instrumentalist Matt Young has created what he calls his “boldest artistic statement to date”, an album designed to captivate prog devotees and welcome newcomers alike into HeKz’s richly textured sonic landscape.
To mark the announcement of Qisma, HeKz has released the album’s first single, “The Future Is Here.” The track acts as the opening chapter of the wider Qisma narrative and sets the thematic and musical tone for what follows.
“The Future Is Here is the perfect introduction to Qisma,” says Young. “It sums up exactly what HeKz is about. Music and lyrics working together to tell a story, with no boundaries on where that story can go.”
He continues, “Qisma takes everything fans love about HeKz: soaring melodies, compelling storytelling, theatrical grandeur – and amplifies it beyond recognition. We’re exploring exciting new sounds and textures that even surprised us in the studio!”
Pre-order the album here.
HeKz have long been recognised for their unconventional, electrifying use of the violin. Qisma elevates this signature element to new heights. “We’ve never treated the violin as a backing instrument – it’s a lead voice in our music,” Young explains. “On this album, the interplay between violin and lead guitar is genuinely groundbreaking. We’re charting new territory.”
True to its name, Qisma weaves a gripping narrative thread throughout its 12 tracks. It’s a tale of self-discovery in a world that demands conformity, where modern systems prioritise control over creativity and compliance over courage. Yet the album’s message blazes with hope: with passion, belief, and unwavering commitment, we can forge our own destiny and illuminate the path for others.
“It’s an allegory for the moment we’re living through,” Young reflects. “With everything happening in our world right now, we must hold on to hope. We must find the light in the darkness. Don’t let anyone convince you there’s only one way forward – there isn’t!”
Presented as a double album, Qisma features guest contributions from prog rock royalty:
- Adam Holzman (Steven Wilson, Trifecta, Jane Getter) on keyboards
- Mark Bogert (Knight Area, Magoria) on guitar
- Moyano el Buffalo (King Lizard, Diamond Black) on percussion
- John Mitchell (Frost*, Asia, Lonely Robot, Arena) on vocals, co-production, mixing, and mastering
Qisma stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of independent artistry. HeKz have consistently resisted the gravitational pull of the mainstream industry, forging their own path with integrity and vision.
Young concludes with palpable pride, “This album is a celebration of the power of doing things your own way. There’s simply no chance we could have made an album like this as part of someone else’s system. We’ve made Qisma on our own terms, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world. Long may independent music thrive!”
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