Hexecutor | …Where Spirit Withers In Its Flesh Constraint | Dying Victims Productions

 Formed in Rennes, France, in 2011, Hexecutor began with a harsh and energetic mix of speed and early black/thrash metal. Their early material, especially the “Hangman Of Roazhon” EP, made clear their devotion to the raw and unfiltered aggression of underground metal’s early years. With their 2016 debut, “Poison, Lust And Damnation”, they added more structure and depth to their violence. But it was 2020’s “Beyond Any Human Conception Of Knowledge…” that pushed them to a new level—a longer, more narrative-driven album rooted in Breton folklore and told with conviction.

Now, in 2025, Hexecutor returns with their third full-length, “…Where Spirit Withers In Its Flesh Constraint.” It continues their path forward without abandoning the fury that defined their early work. The riffs are relentless, tight, and full of grim character. Drumming stays intense but never oversteps the guitar work, and the bass holds a strong presence beneath the chaos. Vocals are harsh, expressive, and well-matched to the dramatic tone of the album’s storytelling.

The album opens with “Beyond Any Human Conception Of Knowledge,” drawing a deliberate line between past and present. From there, the tracks balance traditional thrash elements with darker moods and shifting tempos. The songs feel longer but never aimless. There’s a sense of arc to the full release—not in a theatrical way, but in how the intensity rises and falls in thoughtful movements.

Musically, Hexecutor stays true to thrash but weaves in parts that nod to heavy metal’s more melodic roots and even a few progressive ideas. These moments do not soften the impact but rather give the songs shape. Breton legends remain the thematic core, though the music feels less tied to a strict concept this time. The tone is more open, less burdened, but just as serious.

The guitar interplay between Jey Deflagratör and new addition Ricky Malevolent strengthens the sound, bringing variation and more layered writing without clouding the direction. The rhythm section remains tight and direct, reinforcing the atmosphere while keeping the momentum.

“…Where Spirit Withers In Its Flesh Constraint” does not feel like a band retracing its steps. Instead, it sounds like a natural progression—grim, fiery, and distinct. In a landscape full of derivative releases, Hexecutor sound like themselves. An intense, thoughtful, and genuinely unique release in the modern thrash scene—steeped in its tradition, yet never stuck in it.

Score: 8/10