UMUR
"Watery Graves" is an EP release by US thrash metal act Hexx. The EP was released through Wild Rags Records in 1990. Hexx existed from 1983 to 1995 and released three full-length studio albums in that period. They developed their sound greatly over the years, starting out playing power/thrash/heavy metal and ending in death/thrash metal territory.
Like the case was on the preceeding EP release "Quest for Sanity (1988)", this EP also finds them in a transition period between their US power/heavy metal past and their death metal future. The music is raw, fast played, and fiercely aggressive thrash metal with death/thrash leanings, but it´s not death metal. Clint Bower who took over the vocal duties in addition to playing guitar after "Under the Spell (1986)", is a raw and snarling aggressive type thrash metal vocalist and he spits out his venom in a convincing manner. Hexx is overall a tight playing unit and technically accomplished on their instruments. Fast-paced thrashy riffing, blistering solo work, and an aggressive rhythm section completes the soundscape. Stylistically "Watery Graves" is very similar to "Quest for Sanity (1988)" and if you enjoy one, you´re very likely to enjoy both.
The sound production on the 3 track, 11:23 minutes long EP is raw, organic, and powerful. A suiting sound for the energetic and raw music. So "Watery Graves" is another quality release by Hexx, which showcase that they were not only a great US power/heavy metal act, but also a very convincing thrash metal ditto. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.