The Hag don't follow the traditional metal music styles. Actually The Hag's music is something else than metal for a big part. A few guitar riffs are the metal thing on 'Depredations', but maybe something else, too. This is very progressive in my ears, but not in a way of prog metal bands.

The Hag are made of atmospheric music, which to me sounds futuristic, sci-fi, even though they sing about hallucinogenic mushroom of Mexico ('Of no Serendipity'), jazzy drumming, sound effects and bits of metal riffing. Some of this music has a soundtrackish feel to it for sure. Closest thing, and that's not close, to what I can compare this is Ulver's 'Themes From William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell' (1999). Something like less metal eras of Arcturus and In The Woods... might give some guidance. The Hag's material is strong compared to many artists trying to be different. It sounds like it comes naturally this way. 'Depredations' still has adventurous nature to it, even though most of these songs are really memorable and they have a red thread. The music offers a lot of things to be found for a many, many spins.

The Hag's sound is both human and machiney. Synths and sound effects are latter, guitars and vocals both and groovy drums sound human. Powerless production itself isn't very good, but every details can be heard. Vocals are really varying. There's sung (reminds me of Voivod's Snake), spoken (Mayhem's Maniac) and effected male vocals plus a few lines of female vocals. Much of the vocals are like narration or play, therefore strengthening the soundtrackish feel of 'Depredations'. Good lyrics project humanity from a different perspectives. Well, that's what I came up with! This is packed simply (at least with the lyrics), but effectively.

All the adventurous minds, try this. Just remember, that this is not weirdest music out there, but weird enough for me. These guys will be signed very soon, I believe.

Reviewed by Lane
11/16/2004 15:50